Fun things to do in La Defense: 13 fun attractions and activities

Definitely worth a short visit to see the newer and more modern "downtown" area of Paris. The defense plaza has a lot of great shops, mall, restaurants and other things to do while you hang out downtown. I decided not to go up in the observation deck but just enjoying a relaxing morning loitering around the area and sightseeing the building architecture and designs. Thankful that it's a clear sunshiny day because it lends to better pictures with the right angle. Recommended to plan for 1 to 2 hours walking around the downtown area.

The Grand Arch in La Defense district is truly a marvel to behold. It is relatively new and therefore does not come to mind for many people travelling to Paris. If you have the time however, I would highly recommend visiting the arch as it does stand out as one of the most awe-inspiring architectural marvels I have ever come across.

The Grande Arche de la Défense is not just an architectural wonder—it is Paris’s modern face, a striking counterpoint to its historic landmarks. Visiting it provides a refreshing perspective on the city: a balance between heritage and innovation, tradition and progress.

A modern architectural masterpiece located in the business district of La Défense, west of Paris. Completed in 1989, it was designed by Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen as a 20th-century reinterpretation of the Arc de Triomphe, symbolizing peace and humanitarian ideals rather than military victory. The Grande Arche stands 110 meters high and is perfectly aligned with the historical axis of Paris, connecting the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Visitors can take an elevator to the rooftop terrace for one of the best panoramic views of Paris. A fascinating detail: the building’s structure is slightly tilted forward by about 6 degrees a deliberate choice to create a sense of openness toward the world.

A modern version of the Arc de Triomphe straight down the Av. Charles de Gaulle at the La Défense metro station. I didn’t realise just how large this was going to be and I’m so glad it had recently become lit up for the evenings so you could really appreciate the scale, the night after we visited the lights were off again. Definitely worth a visit to see the more modern part of down town Paris. All glass and metal in comparison to stone.

Crowed and noisy, la Defence is a great place to get robbed. Never relax there, I grabbed a cup of coffee, and my phone was stollen in no time. The other time, in a pity attempt to find a metro station I had to walk the exotic streets of the district, shortly to learn that actually I was at level -7 and then at -1 through a parking and more creepy corners I managed to find the stairs to get to the main square. The metro is a separate story. If you like escape games, feel free to try to find the right train at Grande Arche. Oh, and if the trains will work, because in 2 weeks I had 3 situations, when they were canceled and I had to take the alternatives, that are much longer.

This is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen in my life the size of it is breathtaking every time I see it plus there are 2 shopping malls and a easy connection to the centre of Paris. Also you can see straight into the centre of the city if you can go up the stairs My friend loved it sooo much that we went there twice

Great place! Easy transportation, easy access to the seats, clean toilets in sufficient quantity, enough snack bars etc scattered around the arena, and the seats were comfortable with a killer air conditioner, what can I say? I'd be happy to return to another G-dragon concert there

First time at the Arena. The sound was good and the vibe at 'grand national tour' energy floor was great. The organization could do better during security checks. I almost had throw away my external battery, but then i was able to store it. The retrieval from consignee was faster than i initially expected. Overall, an amazing concert!

The artist was great, but the venue organization was not! Terrible organization, from security check, to merch line, to food and drink. I also got hit by one of the security guy! There was no sign about where to go, and when asked, the staff members seem really rude, with some not speaking English at all. There was a huge line waiting to get merch, and the staff tried to organize us in a snake-like line, but there was no tape or bar to help guide the line. We were told that there was a merch line inside the hall and there were less people there, so we went in to queue there. But the line moved extremely slow!! We weren’t far from the stand, but we stood there for over an hour and the line only moved three times. It was as if there wasn’t even any staff there, or people were taking a crazy amount of time trying to buy a light stick but I doubt was the case. And don’t even mention the food line. There was only ONE bar opened for the entire floor. I don’t know about the upper floors, because we weren’t allowed to go up or down. So yes, one bar, for the entire floor, and so the line stretched all the way till the end of the stage. I remember the bars outside were closed too when we were there. In the end, they closed both the merch and food stand abruptly to prepare for the performance, leaving people thirsty and hungry. And when they tried to hurry people to their seats, one of the security guy smack my arm. It was not accidental, because he then told me to go to my seat. I mean, you could just speak to us, why do you need to hit people?! This was my second time to this arena. The first time was for Taylor Swift concert, and everything went smoothly then. I don’t remember it being this bad. This was very unfortunate because I enjoyed GD’s performance very much…

Huge concert and sports event hall. Access was fast, there is a place to store larger baggage during events (a big plus). The pain point was that not all the food and drinks prints inside the hall were open, so there were quite big cues forming. Also toilets seem not to be sufficient.

Massive! Puts on a great show.... The only issue I can suggest is that the stage was really low, compared to the floor. So, view was mostly of the screens, rather than the band itself.

Came here to watch Rolex Masters and I was impressed. It’s a great place, well organized. Toilets are clean, staff speaks English and is helpful, many points to buy some food and drinks (a bit overpriced but that’s the usual).

Visited for Rolex Paris Masters. All staff were good. My only disappointment was the lack of choice in food outlets. Only cheeseburger, hotdog and fries.

Amazing game!! Los banditos a must do! Specially Liroy was amazing and made the experience so sweet and memorable!

It was a very good expérience. We did the los Bandidos one and it was very cool to find different clues. Chandler was very helpful and guided us well.He was patient and answered any questions we had. I would definitely revisit.

Decent experience, staff is nice but hosting could be better. We played the LOST game, very nice idea and some interesting enigmas. But many things were not intuitive at all and felt impossible to guess if it was not clearly said to us. The game could use more guidance ( we are usually good at escape games but this was honestly bad design)

Thank you for a wonderful experience of escape game in the dinasour world. Thanks to agent RED for the wonderful guide and experience. Highly recommended!

Super cool experience We had the pleasure of Corporal Snake, who made the evening magical. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Definitely worth a try. We will come back! See you later Corporal Snake 🐍🤩

We did not enjoy our experience. We were wrongly informed about the age requirements and the necessary conditions for the game we booked (philosophers stone). On the day itself, the place was clearly overbooked. Nobody was available to explain to our group of children how the game works, the equipment was very poor and not clean, and we felt the whole thing was mostly focused on making money. Our group of Kids was quite disappointed and we felt we wasted a lot of money. There are other escape games in Paris where also younger clients are treated very respectfully but not here. Thanks for your answer: still not at all convinced……

Great decoration and atmosphere. We played the haunted room which was said intermediate but was in fact easy (we finished 20 min..before the end). Nice but maybe too short

My recent visit to Illucity Paris for the VR Escape Room was an unforgettable experience! We chose the Notre Dame Brûle escape experience, and it was loads of fun. The immersive VR technology made us feel like we were truly there, right in the heart of the action. The details and realism of the virtual environment were impressive, and the puzzles were both challenging and engaging. The experience was incredibly well-designed, and we had a blast working together to solve the puzzles and complete the mission. Illucity Paris exceeded our expectations with their fantastic VR escape room. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and thrilling adventure. We can't wait to return and try out the other experiences they offer!

Decent Virtual Reality Experience but Could be Better If you're looking for an immersive virtual reality experience in Paris, Illucity La Défense is worth a visit. The technology used in the games is impressive and the visuals are stunning. However, the experience could have been better if there were more diverse gameplays available. While the service was attentive, it lacked interest in our needs. We had to inquire about the games available, and the staff seemed unenthusiastic about providing recommendations. Despite this, the ambiance was enjoyable, and the equipment was comfortable to use. The quality of the products and services offered was impressive, but it would be great if they could offer more varied game options to cater to a wider range of visitors. Illucity La Défense's unique feature is their virtual reality games, which offer a thrilling experience. But the games on offer could be more diverse, and the service could be more enthusiastic in catering to the visitors' needs. For these reasons, we are rating Illucity La Défense 3 stars out of 5. We recommend it for anyone looking for a unique virtual reality experience, but with the caveat that they might want to research the games available before visiting. We appreciate the effort the staff and management have put into making the experience enjoyable, and we hope to see more diverse game options in the future.

Great experience in discovery ancient Egypt . We were in 4. Virtual reality team game , well designed old égyptien setting that bring you inside the experience of getting the secrets to move to the next door or floor .

Excellent experience. High quality games and environment. The staff was very helpful to book an event for 10 people. The value is excellent. We all had an excellent time and I would recommend to anyone. The games and instructions are available in French and in English.

They should charge extra time when we cannot finish the mission, or at least pay attention when we require some help. It was the first time playing and they did not help much. The idea is to have a good experience but without any help it's impossible.

Nice staff. Great for older kids and adults. The experience for kids under 8 is not fully functional. A lot of glitches.

Trade centre of Europe and all skyscrapers..in this area very beautiful place in Paris to roam around..must visit if you are in paris

Cool to see a Calder sculpture in La Defense. I want to see it again without the fence around it.

Calder is fantastic. Since 1976!

(Translated by Google) Spectacular sculpture by Calder. It's a shame it's not cleaner and better maintained. (Original) Espectacular escultura de Calder. Es una pena que no esté más limpia y mejor conservada.

(Translated by Google) It is an imposing steel sculpture. Measuring 15 meters high, it weighs 75 tonnes! It evokes a work by the same artist, Flamingo, located in Chicago. This sculpture was installed in 1976, the year of the artist's death, he himself chose its location on Place de la Défense. It is visible from afar and is a landmark on the defense slab. There is a police station just a stone's throw away. Easy to get there. (Original) C'est une imposante sculpture en acier. Faisant 15 mètres de haut, elle pèse 75 tonnes ! Elle évoque une œuvre du même artiste, Flamingo, située à Chicago. Cette sculpture fut installée en 1976, l'année de la mort de l'artiste, ui en choisit lui même l'emplacement sur la place de la Défense. Elle est visible de loin et est un repère sur la dalle de la défense. Il y a un poste de police à deux pas. Facile de s'y rendre.

(Translated by Google) Steel tattoo important for its size. But in La Défense, then it is high time to maintain all its monuments. (Original) Tatue en acier importante de par sa taille. Mais à la Défense, alors il serait grand temps d'entretenir tout ses monuments.

(Translated by Google) The Calderón statue represents a red spider and is located on the La Défense square. It is a very good landmark and meeting point. It is next to the carousel and very easy to see from a distance. (Original) La statue Calderón représente une araignée rouge et se trouve sur le parvis de la Défense. C'est un très bon repére et point de rendez-vous. Elle est à côté du carrousel et très facile à voir de loin.

(Translated by Google) A very beautiful work by Calder called the red spider or the red stabile. very close to the cnit and the old defense riding school not far from the defense police station. one has the impression that she is going towards the great arch to climb it. Calder compressions offer us a splendid work worthy of the defense district I am a fan (Original) Une tres belle oeuvre de calder nommee l araignee rouge ou le stabile rouge .tout pres du cnit et du vieux manege de la defense non loin du commisariat de la defense .on a l impression qu elle va vers la grande arche pour la gravir .a pres les compressions calder nous offre une oeuvre splendide digne du quartier de la defense je suis fan

It could be more fun if safety is improved, on the day of our visit atleast 2 kids were hurt, the welcoming staff is friendly and the manager is friendly and nice, but the food section took us more than 30 minutes of wait for a food that can be relaeased in less than 10 minutes. It was amazing but in my opinion there is a lot of improvements with regards to safety of the kids.

Attended a birthday party. It's a good place for kids to have fun for a couple of hours. Adults can enjoy a coffee and discussion with some games for them too

Nice for kids during this winter. Kids will enjoy nicely and little crowded and little smell due to indoor and more people playing.

Really good for kids, one of the members of staff told us that the best time to go is early afternoon on Fridays as it is basically empty and you have the place to yourself.

Horrible dirty place. No access for strollers or wheelchairs

Not at all secure, doors open everywhere. At one point a guy left by an emergency exit and left the door open! I think most of the positive reviews here are based on little experience of soft play (as they are very rare in France). Any soft play in UK is 100 times safer than this place. Not a barrier in sight to stop kids getting out. There is even a back corridor that can circumvent passing the front desk (that has no barrier anyway).

They take bank cards and have a smart card system so you pay all in one go at the end of the visit for any refreshments and the cost of entry. Only complaint was the state of the toilets. Never the less I would take my child back as she had a great time for two hours and the visit was good value.

My son and I went to this laser gamer with a group of strangers for the unlimited session after 8pm... It was so fun! At first he was a little afraid because of the dark but he was quick to catch on The staff are really chill. We can bring our own food and eat during a break. I will definitely come back with him!!

We celebrated couple birthdays it was good and the manager gave us extra time

Great if you want to feel superior to kids ;)

Top !

Excellent laser game

Cool

Excellent

Great big space with lots of colorful paintings, it’s quite big so expect a visit of around 1:30h. At the end there is a small bar to eat something if you need and a pop-up store to buy some art or some clothes. It’s really nice!

Pretty nice exhibition of street art, perfect for knowing many local artists

Great place you need to rush there.

If you love streetart, you are here absolut right! Big area with many selfie spot!

Such a great exhibition! Very talented artists

A collection of street art and graffiti for urban art explorers without the need to search the street. Conveniently located outside the La Defense station. 4 floors of street art.

Super expo street art !

Very nice arcade in La Defance. Many VR experiences, the kids had lots of fun

The arcade in this mall is a lot of fun, and my friends and I really enjoyed the games and atmosphere. The employees inside were friendly and welcoming, and it’s definitely a place I’d like to visit again. However, I had some uncomfortable experiences with the mall’s security staff. On multiple occasions, a security guard approached us unnecessarily and was overly strict. He did not believe that we could not speak French and treated us as if we had done something wrong, even though the employees inside had no issue with our presence. The next day, he continued trying to get our attention despite our efforts to ignore him, and I also saw him intervene unnecessarily with other visitors, like telling a child to adjust their hat. I hope the arcade continues to provide its fun, family-friendly environment, and I encourage management to review the security approach so that visitors can fully enjoy their experience without feeling singled out.

Perfect place to spent with your love ones … 💕 had a great day !!!

so good，i like the real cs shooting

Machines already have broken buttons. Spend 5 tickets to play and then the buttons that you press and hold don't work. They act as if you have released the button and end the game.

Really sweet they open at ladefance new place with thier lovely games 💗

Great experience!!

Price is expensive but they have good pitches that are quite new! Parking is OK, showers OK too. You can reach the location via public transports. The center is almost always full, it’s difficult to book a slot... PS4 is available to play. Only 1 pitch has a camera, the rest of the pitches is not equipped.

Good place for indoor soccer. Not easy to find: need to go down the stairs through Forest Hill then down another flight of stairs

I was really desapointed by the extreme low level of services for the price. In peak our for a price between 100€ to 130€ per field per hour you will have access to A field, a ball and some dirty Jersey : ok Then: *Do not think about WATER FOUNTAIN arround the fields, *DIRTY FIELDS. you will find a cimetery of empty plastics bottle everywhere around the fields. People are dirty ok shame but can't UrbanSoccer clean isn't part of the price ? *NO ACCESS TO COLD WATER ON PURPOSE. Do not think about cold water in the toilets. Paris tap water is excellent but UrbanSoccer only gives access to hot water in the sink. Cheap so that you'll have to buy a water bottle at the bar. *NO SHAMPOO in the showers. *NO POSSIBILITY OF EVEN RENTING A TOWEL. You can't bring your shower material, you get back dirty. *NO HAIRDRYER, I didn't find any, which in winter can be nice when you have to go back in the rain or cold. Cherry on the cake: before 10pm you have to go through a forest hill to get to the UrbanSoccer. Forest hill closes before UrbanSoccer. As a result after 10pm you will have to get out from an exit in the middle of an industrial area and add 10 min in your walking trip. UrbanSoccer You can do better.

Great experience. But a bit expensive. I like how you can watch your game

Great welcome from everyone there.

A good place to play football. But when we pay to play we expect the ground to be fine not filled with patches and holes!!

The place is well organized and has good equipment.

Top

Super !

Super moment

Super

(Translated by Google) The welcome was pleasant, and the staff were both attentive and caring. My son, who is an atypical child, benefited from adapted and attentive advice. They were able to understand his specific needs and help him evolve in this environment. I would like to thank the entire team for their involvement and their kindness... Thank you again (Original) L'accueil a été agréable, et le personnel s'est montré à la fois à l'écoute et bienveillant. Mon fils, qui est un enfant atypique, a bénéficié de conseil adapté et attentif. Ils ont su comprendre ses besoins spécifiques et l'aider à évoluer dans cet environnement. Je tiens à remercier toute l'équipe pour leur implication et leur bienveillance... Merci encore

(Translated by Google) Superb climbing gym for children and parents. A big thank you to Kevin for his welcome and support. We had a great time. Climbing possible from 4 years old. The place is friendly and quite large. There you will find lockers for your personal belongings. Climbing is done with your own shoes so be sure to bring a good pair. There are also snack areas as well as a point of sale for a gourmet moment. Very good place for a family activity. Possibility of celebrating your birthday there in fun. There are also formulas or packs. I highly recommend. See you soon (Original) Superbe salle d'escalade pour les enfants et les parents. Un grand merci à Kevin pour son accueil et son accompagnement. Nous avons passé un très bon moment. Escalade possible à partir de 4 ans. Le lieu est convivial et assez grand. Vous y trouverez des casiers pour vos effets personnels. L'escalade se fait avec vos propres chaussures donc veillez à apporter une bonne paire. Il y aussi des espaces collations ainsi qu'un point de vente pour un moment gourmands. Très bon lieu pour une activité en famille. Possibilite d'y feter son anniversaire dans le fun. Il existe aussi des formules ou packs. Je recommande fortement. A très vite

(Translated by Google) Good climbing gym, great for children's birthday parties with their snack and drink packages. A little more cautious for experienced climbers, although the difficult challenges aren't for everyone. (Original) Bonne salle d'escalade, sympathique pour les anniversaires d'enfants avec leurs forfaits goûter boissons Un peu plus septique pour les escaladeurs expérimentés bien que les défis difficiles ne soit pas à la porter de tout le monde.

This place does not even have water to offer (free or paid) to all those kids taking football courses (each course is minimum 1 and a half hour). They only sell soft drinks and very expensively. Shame on this commercial approach. We need clubs who actually think of our children’s health first!

4 stars just because the playing grass was not that nice. But overall great place to meet and play with friends

So shocking!! A soccer place for children with no water available, only soft drinks. Its a place where water fountains are supposed to be available and children should access for free. I am surprised the ministry of health allows it.

It's ok. They have everything you need, equipments are in good condition, referees are nice. They are a bit understaffed I think but you get what you want if you're patient. They have showers, interior and exterior soccer fields and exterior tennis courts. You can eat junk food and drink beer there.

Outdoor field ! Everything is clean, and after your match(s) you call appreciate a drink outside with your teammates, which is really nice. I put 4/5 since there are building (with private apartments) around the fields causing that the UrbanSoccer owner/staff will ask you to keep quiet often.

The worst website and apps in the world. Code can be send to email but why only in the telephone number??? I never received any code in my numbers. Just ridiculous and nonsense!

Great footballing facilities - 4 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts. The only downside was the apparent lack of female changing rooms, which in this day and age seemed a little strange.