La Défense, Paris: a complete guide for business travel

Welcome to La Défense, the bustling business hub of Paris! Whether you’re here for meetings, conferences, or simply to get some work done in a vibrant environment, this guide will help you make the most of your stay. From travel tips to dining options, coworking spaces, and fantastic places to stay, we’ve got you covered.

1. Why stay in La Défense
2. Getting to La Défense
3. Things to do in La Défense
4. Places to eat
5. Coworking spaces
6. Places to stay
7. Final tips
8. FAQs

Why stay in La Défense?

Staying in La Défense offers numerous benefits for business travellers:

• Proximity to major corporations: La Défense is home to many multinational companies and financial institutions, making it convenient for meetings and networking.
• Excellent transport links: The area is well-connected by public transport, providing easy access to the rest of Paris.
• Modern amenities: La Défense boasts modern infrastructure, shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment options, ensuring you have everything you need close at hand.
• Vibrant atmosphere: With its sleek skyscrapers, contemporary art installations, and lively vibe, La Défense offers a dynamic environment for business professionals.

Getting to La Défense

Getting to La Défense is a breeze thanks to its excellent transport connections. Here are the best ways to reach this dynamic district from various points of arrival in Paris.

By air: Paris is served by two main airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). Both offer convenient options to reach La Défense:

• Charles de Gaulle: Take the RER B train to Châtelet-Les Halles, then switch to the RER A train to La Défense. Alternatively, a taxi or an airport shuttle can take you directly to La Défense in about 40 minutes.
• Orly: Take the Orlyval light rail to Antony station, then transfer to the RER B train to Châtelet-Les Halles, and finally the RER A train to La Défense. A taxi ride takes around 30 minutes.

By train: If you’re arriving by train, the Eurostar and other international services will bring you to Gare du Nord. From there, take the RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles and transfer to the RER A to La Défense.

By metro/RER: La Défense is well-connected by the Paris Metro Line 1 and the RER A. These lines make it easy to reach from various parts of the city.

Things to do in La Défense

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore! La Défense offers a range of activities and sights to see, ensuring that you can enjoy your downtime while on your business trip.

1. Grande Arche: Visit the iconic Grande Arche de la Défense. You can go to the rooftop for stunning views of Paris.
2. Les 4 Temps: This large shopping centre offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a cinema. Perfect for a bit of retail therapy or a relaxed evening.
3. Modern art: Explore the modern art installations scattered throughout La Défense, providing an outdoor gallery experience.
4. Parks and gardens: Take a break in the Parc André Malraux for a breath of fresh air.

Places to eat

Finding great places to eat is essential for any trip. La Défense boasts a variety of dining options, from quick bites to leisurely meals, ensuring you’ll always find something to satisfy your palate.

1. Vapiano: For a more relaxed atmosphere, try Vapiano, which serves delicious Italian food made fresh to order.
2. Le Bistrot à Vin: Enjoy a glass of wine and some traditional French dishes at this charming bistro.
3. Le Bistro d’Edouard: A charming bistro offering traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. The elegant setting and attentive service make it ideal for impressing clients.

Coworking spaces

If you need a productive space to work, La Défense has several excellent coworking spaces that cater to business professionals. These spots provide a conducive environment to get your tasks done efficiently.

1. WeWork – La Défense: A modern coworking space with all the amenities you need, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and communal areas.
2. Regus – Tour Ariane: Provides professional coworking options, with excellent support services and facilities.

Places to stay

Comfortable and convenient accommodation is crucial for a successful business trip. Here are some top picks for serviced apartments and aparthotels in La Défense, all available through Situ.

1. Harmonie Apartments: Modern apartments with excellent amenities, perfect for longer stays.
2. La Défense Business District Apartments: Offers studio and one-bedroom apartments. Workspaces are available in-apartment, and there are business facilities on-site.
3. La Défense Esplanade Apartments: Well-equipped apartments in a prime location, making it easy to balance work and leisure.
4. La Défense Courbevoie Apartments: Stylish apartments with a range of services, ensuring a comfortable and productive stay.

We have many more options for serviced accommodation in La Défense and the wider Paris area. Check them out or get in touch with a member of the Situ team and discover how we can make you stay booking brilliant!

Final tips

To wrap things up, here are some final tips to help you navigate your business trip smoothly and make the most of your time in La Défense.

• Transport: Consider getting a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel on public transport. Reliable taxi services and ride-sharing apps like Uber are widely available.
• Language: While many people speak English, learning a few basic French phrases can be very helpful. Always greet with ‘Bonjour’ (Good day) before starting a conversation.
• Currency: The Euro (€) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller purchases.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Paris can be rainy, so an umbrella is always a good idea.
• Wi-Fi and connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes and public areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better mobile connectivity.
• Emergency numbers: Police: 17, Medical Emergencies: 15, Fire Brigade: 18, and the general European emergency number is 112.

We hope you have a productive and enjoyable business trip to La Défense! If you need any assistance booking accommodation in La Défense for your stay, get in touch with a member of the Situ team. Bon voyage!