- History and visit La Defense
- Discover the surroundings of La Défense
- Private van from La Défense to Charles de Gaulle Airport
History and visit La Defense in Paris
Defence holds the first rank among the business districts in Europe. This business center is located in the Hauts-de-Seine, specifically the territories of Nanterre, Courbevoie and Puteaux. This district is composed of splendid skyscrapers and its branches in full Paris region. The Louvre, the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe are well-known places that stand near La Défense. It is a mixed sector where we can find 600,000 m2 housing, a shopping center Ember, and majestic giant buildings consist mainly of office (for a total area of 3,000,000 m2).
Important trade region Île-de-France
Built in 1960, it became an important trade region Île-de-France. It has an average of 20,000 people scattered in 71 towers and 180,000 employees in 2,500 companies. The area is sheltered inside and outside a circular boulevard and was divided into 4 sectors in 2011 :
- Esplanade North,
- South Esplanade,
- North Arch and South Arch.
Hanging gardens and pools ornament the public space of the slab, where you can also admire some sixty works of art describing the area of Defence outdoor museum.
Business district
Slab business district has a vast public space (30 ha) reserved for exclusive circulation of emergency vehicles and pedestrians. The service sector dominates especially Defense, but despite the dynamism of the business center, investors find it difficult to fully engage. A renovation was launched to consolidate financial centers in Paris. It was entrusted to the State and managed by Defalco, a public industrial and commercial since 2009 to ensure the promotion and facilitation of Defense. The name of the neighborhood took its origin from a statue called “The Defense of Paris” erected in honor of the soldiers who defended the city during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870.
Discover the surroundings of La Défense
Located to the west of central Paris, La Défense is Europe’s largest purpose-built business district, offering a striking contrast to the historic charm of the city. Dominated by futuristic skyscrapers and modernist architecture, this bustling area is home to major corporate headquarters and is also a destination worth exploring. The most iconic landmark here is the Grande Arche de la Défense, a massive cube-shaped structure that aligns with the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre along the historic Axe Historique. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views over Paris.
A short walk from the Grande Arche brings you to Les Quatre Temps, one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, packed with international brands, restaurants, and entertainment options. Art lovers will enjoy discovering over 60 contemporary sculptures scattered throughout the district, turning the streets into an open-air museum.
Access to La Défense is simple and fast, especially when using a direct shuttle to Orly. Whether for business or leisure, La Défense provides a unique and dynamic side of Paris, combining cutting-edge urban design with green spaces and cultural surprises. For those wanting to explore beyond traditional tourist paths, this area reveals a vibrant and modern Parisian experience.
Private van from La Défense to Charles de Gaulle Airport
La Défense, near Pont de Neuilly, offers direct metro access to central Paris and is ideal for both business and leisure. When arranging transport to Charles de Gaulle Airport, balancing comfort and practicality is key. Taxis provide direct service but can be expensive and unreliable. Public transportation may be cheaper, yet it’s less suited for those carrying heavy luggage or arriving after long flights.
To avoid delays and discomfort, many travelers opt for a CDG airport shuttle offering door-to-door service. This solution ensures luggage accommodation, consistent timing, and ease of booking. For those arriving via Orly, a shuttle from Orly is also available. Travelers extending their visit to Versailles can rely on a Versailles transfer service for a smooth connection.