La Défense Tours and Activities

La Defense which includes modern architecture, a city and cbd
La Défense
La Défense
La Défense
La Défense


La Defence is an exclusive urban development popular with business travellers, fashion lovers and visitors seeking a more contemporary Parisian experience.

Situated on the western outskirts of the city, La Defense is Europe's largest business district with over 3 million square metres of office and shopping space. This bustling premier site is located just outside the city’s 20 arrondissements, about 30 minutes on the Metro from the centre of Paris.

The area spans 31-hectares and comprises sleek, contemporary design, manicured green spaces and avant garde landmarks. The enormous Grande Arche de la Défense sits at the heart of the district. The arch was commissioned by the French president François Mitterrand as a 20th century homage to the Arc de Triomphe. This enormous structure stands 109-metres tall and is 107-metres wide and can be seen from the Arc de Triomphe’s viewing platform. It resembles a cube rather than an arch, with office space in the sides of the structure, and a viewing platform at the top which has been closed to the public since 2010.

Fashion lovers are drawn to the enormous Les Quatre Temps shopping centre – the largest in continental Europe. Les Quatre Temps features dozens of stores, boutiques, and a UGC multiplex cinema. There is a plentiful indoor foot court as well as - Le Dome – an outdoor terrace where visitors can enjoy lunch before returning inside for more retail therapy. Les Quatre Temps is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Sundays when it opens between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Wander around the district and marvel at the numerous artistic structures. The bronze La Defense de Paris that gives the district its name was sculpted by Louis Ernest Barrias and erected in 1883 in commemoration of the soldiers who fought in the 1870 Franco-Prussian War. More contemporary pieces include Calder’s extraordinary Le Grand Stabile Rouge (The Red Spider) by Calder and Cesar’s gargantuan Le Pouce (The Thumb). While shopping, look out for Miro’s Deux Personnages Fantastiques (Two Fantastic Characters) located outside Les Quatre Temps.

La Defense can be accessed by public transport or takes around 30 minutes to get to from the city centre by car. As it’s away from the congestion of the centre of Paris there’s plenty of street parking available.

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Top La Défense Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense

Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense

5 out of 5
6 Boulevard De Neuilly, Courbevoie, Hauts-de-Seine
Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense
OKKO Hotels Paris la Défense

OKKO Hotels Paris la Défense

4 out of 5
2261 Boulevard de la Défense, Nanterre
OKKO Hotels Paris la Défense
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

4 out of 5
3, Place du Général Kœnig, Paris, Paris
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe

Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe

4 out of 5
81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-cyr, Paris, Paris
Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
14 Rue Du Theatre, Paris, Paris
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
61 Quai De Grenelle, Paris, Paris
Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Hôtel Saint Cyr Etoile

Hôtel Saint Cyr Etoile

3 out of 5
101 Avenue des Ternes, Paris, Ile de France
Hôtel Saint Cyr Etoile
Hôtel Palais De Chaillot

Hôtel Palais De Chaillot

3 out of 5
35 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, Paris, Ile de France
Hôtel Palais De Chaillot
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near La Défense

La Défense boasts an array of activities for visitors, including guided tours showcasing its modern architecture and vibrant public art. Shopping enthusiasts can explore the extensive malls and boutiques, while art lovers can enjoy the outdoor sculptures and exhibitions. With its unique blend of culture and commerce, La Défense offers an exciting experience for all travellers looking to immerse themselves in this dynamic district of France.

Shopping

In La Défense, you can enjoy shopping at Galeries Lafayette, only 6.4km away, offering a mix of business and family vibes. Le Bon Marché and the vibrant Saint-Ouen Flea Market, both 8.0km away, are perfect for unique finds and city experiences.

Recreation

Explore the Roland Garros Stadium for a thrilling sports experience, only 4.8km from La Défense. Enjoy the romantic ambiance of La Machine du Moulin Rouge, 6.4km away, for a night filled with dance and culture. Don't miss the Paris Olympia for an unforgettable music concert, also 6.4km distant.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling skiLift at the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum, a mile from La Défense, where adventure and skiing vibes await. Dive into fun at Aquaboulevard, a waterpark 6.4km away, perfect for families. Take a scenic ride on the Montmartre Funicular, 8.0km from La Défense, for outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Experience La Défense's vibrant nightlife with a visit to the iconic Moulin Rouge, just 6.4km away, offering a blend of culture and romance. For a lively atmosphere, head to Palais de Tokyo, 4.8km from La Défense, or enjoy the thrills at Caroussel Jules Verne, only 161m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near La Défense

La Défense, Hauts-de-Seine, offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including urban parks, museums, and lively streets, perfect for culture lovers and families alike. Be sure to explore the iconic Paris La Défense Arena and consider local hotels for your stay. This area promises a dynamic urban experience filled with unique points of interest that will enhance your holiday in France.

  • Eiffel Tower: A true symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. Immerse yourself in the culture and history as you ascend this iconic iron lattice structure, which stands as a testament to French artistry and engineering.
  • Champs-Élysées: Stroll down the renowned Champs-Élysées, a vibrant avenue lined with shops, cafes, and theatres. Experience the lively atmosphere, where the buzz of city life meets elegant architecture, making it a perfect spot for people-watching or indulging in some retail therapy.
  • Arc de Triomphe: This monumental arch honours those who fought for France, standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Explore its intricate sculptures and learn about its historical significance, while enjoying panoramic views from the top.

Best time to go to La Défense

The best time to visit La Défense is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for La Défense

To save money during your visit to La Défense, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February and August. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance or snagging last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Saturdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Take advantage of public transport to explore, as it's both economical and efficient. Also, look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for extra savings on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around La Défense are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around La Défense about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around La Défense is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around La Défense is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay in La Défense with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.