Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Nanterre, France

Situated to the west of Paris, Nanterre serves as a residential suburb that intersects with the ultra-modern business district of La Défense.

Paris-Nanterre University stands out as a notable institution in the area, recognized as one of the leading universities in France.

From Nanterre, one can embark on short drives or train rides to a variety of intriguing destinations, whether it be the contemporary architecture of La Défense, historical 19th-century forts, or magnificent royal châteaux.

Moreover, Paris is exceptionally accessible via the RER Line A and the Transilien suburban rail network.

While residing in the western suburbs, visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience attractions that often escape the attention of most tourists in Paris.

Let’s explore the top attractions in Nanterre:

1. Grande Arche

As an avant-garde emblem of La Défense, the Grande Arche was constructed in the 1980s during the development of this district.

Designed by Danish architect Johann Otto von Spreckelsen and engineer Erike Reitzel, it emerged from a design competition initiated by President François Mitterrand.

This impressive 110-meter-high hollow cube marks the western terminus of the Axe Historique, a straight line of monuments and squares extending from La Défense to the Louvre.

Visitors will relish the experience of standing beneath the Grande Arche and viewing the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.

2. Esplanade de La Défense

This expansive plaza is an ideal location to orient yourself within La Défense, resembling scenes from a retro-futuristic science fiction movie.

Within a few hundred meters, one can encounter numerous monuments and contemporary street art pieces that merit contemplation.

The journey began with the establishment of the Centre of New Industries and Technologies (CNIT) in 1958, which now operates as a convention center and includes a branch of the retailer fnac.

Notable features include Le Pouce by César Baldaccini, a striking 12-meter bronze thumb, and “Fontaine” by Yaacov Agam, a massive 57 by 26-meter fountain adorned with multicolored enamel and illuminations.

3. Parc André-Malraux

Today, Parc André-Malraux stands in stark contrast to its earlier days, as until the 1970s, this area was characterized by slum conditions and abandoned gypsum quarries.

Developed approximately 40 years ago during the evolution of La Défense, the park features gently rolling lawns, flower gardens, and a large pond, attracting office workers during their lunch breaks on sunny days.

In the distance, the unique skyline of La Défense rises above the tree line to the north.

4. Fort Mont-Valérien

Situated atop the highest hill in the western suburbs, Fort Mont-Valérien was constructed in 1841 as part of a ring of fortifications designed to protect Paris from potential invasions.

During the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, the fort proved its resilience by enduring months of artillery bombardment.

Tragically, during the Second World War, more than a thousand prisoners, predominantly Resistance fighters, were executed at this site.

Following the war, it emerged as a significant monument dedicated to French fighters in World War II.

5. Parc de Bagatelle

Located within the Bois de Boulogne, Parc de Bagatelle is one of four botanical gardens in Paris.

This park is centered around an 18th-century château, which was constructed in just 64 days in 1775 as a whimsical retreat during hunting excursions in the Bois de Boulogne.

A tapestry of gardens adorns the property, featuring an English country garden accessible via a winding path and more formal flowerbeds featuring irises, roses, and water lilies, all bordered by conical topiaries and pergolas.

Enhancing its aristocratic charm, the park houses statues, stone vases, peacocks, and an attractive 19th-century Chinese pagoda.

6. Château de Malmaison

In only ten minutes, one can arrive at the highly esteemed Château de Malmaison, formerly owned by Napoleon and Empress Joséphine.

Following their divorce, Joséphine continued to reside there until her death in 1814. The estate serves as a historical snapshot of a significant era in French history and was even a seat of the French government in the early 19th century.

The interior is now a National Napoleonic Museum, showcasing personal artifacts such as games and porcelain musical instruments belonging to the couple.

7. Bois-Préau

Once part of the expansive grounds surrounding Château de Malmaison, Bois-Préau was integrated into the estate by Joséphine in the early 19th century.

Originally owned by a neighbor who resisted selling to Joséphine until she was mysteriously found drowned in her own fountain, the park now serves as an elegant space for leisure, featuring 17 hectares of English gardens interwoven with winding paths that navigate through mature woodland.

Visitors can also view the memorial statue of Joséphine created by Vital Gabriel Dubray. The current château on the property, constructed in the mid-19th century in the Louis XV Revival style, typically hosts a museum pertaining to Napoleon’s second exile, although it was closed in 2017 for renovations.

8. Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul

Conclude your visit to Rueil-Malmaison with a stop at this Renaissance church, built at the turn of the 17th century.

The interior boasts intricate decorations, particularly the gilded bronze bas-relief in the choir representing the Descent of the Cross.

The church’s imperial heritage constitutes its primary allure, housing the tomb of Joséphine de Beauharnais, which was completed just over a decade after her interment in 1814. Additionally, her son Napoleon III commissioned a beautiful mausoleum honoring Hortense, located within the church.

9. Fondation Louis Vuitton

A contemporary addition to the Parisian cultural landscape, the Fondation Louis Vuitton exhibits a striking design by Frank Gehry, reminiscent of a futuristic vessel or mechanical creation.

The museum primarily showcases temporary exhibitions of contemporary and modern art curated around specific artists, themes, and movements.

Some installations, such as Daniel Buren’s color panels on the exterior canopies from 2016 and 2017, dramatically transform the space.

A permanent exhibition detailing the creation process of Gehry’s architectural project is also presented for those captivated by the design.

10. Jardin d’Acclimatation

Established by Napoleon III in 1852, this amusement park situated in the Bois de Boulogne continues to delight children over 160 years later with its nostalgic charm.

The range of entertainment includes pantomimes, carousels, miniature trains, puppet shows, pony rides, and boat trips on a scenic “enchanted river.” Additionally, a small zoo is home to alpacas, goats, sheep, deer, and pigs.

Parents will appreciate the creatively designed gardens and the 19th-century architecture, while children can cool off in the park’s fountains during the summer months.

11. Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The western suburbs of Paris feature numerous royal residences, including one that can be reached within 15 minutes via the RER from Nanterre.

This château served as the residence for French Kings, beginning with Louis VI in the 12th century, with each subsequent monarch contributing to its evolution.

For instance, Louis IX commissioned the construction of the Saint-Chapelle, which shares resemblance to a structure of the same name on Île de la Cité, designed by the same architect.

Today, the château hosts the National Archaeology Museum, displaying artifacts that span from prehistory to late antiquity.

Significant items include the remarkably lifelike Venus of Brassempouy, a 25,000-year-old ivory figure of a woman.

12. Grande Terrasse de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Historical remnants of two châteaux existed in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the other being the Château Neuf, which was demolished in the 1770s.

The impressive terrace crafted by the renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century still exists.

This 2.4-kilometer walkway perches on a promontory above the Seine, offering stunning panoramic views of western Paris.

Visitors can gaze upon the forest of skyscrapers in La Défense as well as iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse.

13. Paris Sights

The Arc de Triomphe is the nearest iconic monument to Nanterre, located just over 10 minutes away via the RER. This renowned tribute to the Napoleonic Wars can serve as a starting point before delving deeper into the Parisian landscape.

This journey will cover essential landmarks that no first-time visitor can overlook.

Among these are the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur, and remarkable medieval structures on Île de la Cité, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The Seine River, artistic Montmartre, the historic Le Marais district, the infamous Pigalle, and the charming Latin Quarter on the left bank are also noteworthy attractions.

Further along lies the Jardin du Luxembourg, adorned with exquisite Renaissance features including the Medici Fountain, dating back to 1620.

14. Paris Art Museums

For cultural enthusiasts visiting Paris, ample time is necessary, as the city is replete with outstanding museums.

The Louvre serves as an obvious focal point, capable of occupying an entire day.

However, it is just one of numerous options: for those enamored with Impressionist art, the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Musée Marmottan Monet are undoubtedly the premier institutions for this movement globally.

Additionally, for applied arts and artifacts from various eras, the Musée Rodin, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Musée Jacquemart-André, Petit Palais, and Musée National du Moyen Age all present remarkable collections.

15. Paris Curiosities

Beyond iconic landmarks, numerous unique experiences and subtle moments create lasting impressions.

This includes the Coulée Verte, a park developed on a former elevated railway line, and many graceful covered shopping galleries established during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Passage du Grand Cerf, Passage Jouffroy, Passage Vivienne, Passage des Panormas, and Galerie Choiseuil are all conveniently located within close proximity in the 2nd Arrondissement.

Although it may sound macabre, exploring the resting places of celebrated figures at Père Lachaise and Montmartre can be a thought-provoking experience, as can wandering through the eerie Catacombs amid countless anonymous bones.