10 reasons to set up in Paris La Défense
Choosing to set up in Paris La Défense means joining an ecosystem of companies of all sizes, operating in diverse and complementary sectors, while benefiting from direct access to your clients, suppliers, and future talents.
But those aren’t the only reasons that make the district exceptional: discover 10 reasons to choose your offices in Europe’s largest business district!
1. One of the largest transport hubs in the world
6 million people have direct public transport access to La Défense. This unrivaled connection gives the district exceptional accessibility and centrality within Greater Paris and Europe. The hub includes 6 high-capacity rail lines (RER A, RER E, Metro Line 1, Train lines L and U, Tramway T2), along with numerous bus and coach lines. By 2031, it will be further strengthened with 2 new stations on the Grand Paris Express Line 15 West.
This unique accessibility allows 85% of employees to use public transport daily. La Défense is just 5 minutes from the Champs-Elysées, 7 minutes from Gare Saint-Lazare, and 10 minutes from Gare du Nord.
2. An unmatched and affordable real estate offering
With breathtaking views of Paris, bold architecture, and unique services, La Défense’s buildings offer exceptional office spaces within Greater Paris. With 4 million square meters of office space, La Défense provides a wide range of real estate products suitable for all businesses: from large or small spaces, to premium or mid-range offices.
This diversity attracts companies of all sizes and sectors: large corporations, SMEs, luxury brands, banks, and service companies…
The quality, centrality, and flexibility of La Défense offices meet the highest standards often at costs up to 50% lower than in central Paris for equivalent services.
3. Unique business support services
3. Unique business support services
Paris La Défense offers a dedicated team and services specifically designed for companies seeking to establish themselves or already present in the area.
This personalized and unique support in Greater Paris allows for tailor-made assistance. The Paris La Défense Welcome Pack was created to simplify business setup and daily operations.
Paris La Défense Welcome Pack:
- Access to relevant resources and key contacts
- Publicizing and promoting the arrival of new companies, while providing onboarding support for their employees.
- Networking opportunities with local companies, schools, institutions, and associations
4. A committed and sustainable territory
Paris La Défense has launched a comprehensive plan to become the world’s first post-carbon business district. Its action plan aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and create a more resilient, inclusive territory adapted to climate challenges.
Driven by the public authority, this strategy relies on collective action: property owners, building managers, local companies and associations are actively contributing to the district’s sustainable transformation.
5. A district undergoing major transformation
Since its creation, the business district has continuously reinvented itself, maintaining its identity as an urban and architectural laboratory. In addition to modernizing and restructuring its buildings, Paris La Défense is investing heavily in transforming public spaces.
The district is becoming greener and more modern, with projects like “The Park,” which will convert 5 hectares of mineral surfaces into a true urban park. Greening initiatives, new urban connections, and the development of soft mobility solutions are all part of the strategy to prepare the district for future environmental challenges.
6. The beating heart of the french economy
Paris La Défense is the international gateway to Greater Paris. With 2,800 companies -including 600 large corporations, 600 mid-sized businesses and 1,600 SMEs - the district welcomes 200,000 employees daily. This extraordinary concentration makes it a major economic engine for France and a showcase of its dynamism.
In recent years, many French and international companies from diverse sectors have set up in the district: luxury and consumer goods (Christian Dior Couture, Kering, Pandora, Afflelou, Sephora), healthcare (AstraZeneca, Biogen, Merck, Viatris, Sanofi), industries and manufacturing (Arkema, Cromology, Saipem)… enriching a local economy historically driven by energy, consulting, finance, banking, and insurance.
7. A leading cultural and tourist destination
Ranked as the world’s 4th most attractive business district in the world, Paris La Défense has become a lively, vibrant neighborhood hosting numerous events year-round. It also offers top-tier hotels, dining, and leisure options.
From the La Défense Jazz Festival and Garden Parvis (summer festival) to the Very Food Trip (street food festival) and the largest Christmas market in the Paris region, the district hosts a year-round calendar of events.
Since 2017, the Paris La Défense Arena—Europe’s largest indoor arena (45,000 seats) - hosts international artists and major events (Rolex Masters, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Dua Lipa, Gims…), making the district a true cultural and entertainment hub in Greater Paris.
8. A leading retail and service hub
Paris La Défense is one of Europe’s largest shopping destinations, anchored by two flagship shopping centers: Westfield Les 4 Temps and Westfield CNIT. From fashion, home, and beauty to sports and leisure, these shopping centers have become essential for employees and international tourists alike.
The district also boasts an XXL dining scene with over 200 restaurants and food outlets. Rooftop bars, casual dining, food trucks, and quick bites… the variety caters to every taste.
9. A district appreciated by companies and their employees
Who better to speak about the district than its employees? Exceptional public transport services, tailored shops and amenities, a transforming urban landscape… satisfaction levels have never been higher.
According to the 2024 employee satisfaction survey by Viavoice for Paris La Défense:
- 91% of employees are satisfied overall with the district
- 95% are satisfied with shopping options, and 92% with local services
- 92% feel safe in La Défense
- 92% are satisfied with the diversity of public transport options
- 87% say they are proud to work in the district
10. An open-air campus
In just a few years, the district has become a true campus. Today, 70,000 students across 50+ schools and Paris Nanterre University frequent the area daily.
This growth is driven by the exceptional concentration of companies eager to build strong relationships with schools, and by the availability of real estate tailored to their needs.
Business and management schools, digital, engineering, IT, banking-accounting-insurance, agriculture… the wide range of schools reflects the diversity of companies present in the district.
To support this student population, housing solutions have expanded: Paris La Défense now offers nearly 15 student residences.
2025 Business Guide
A practical guide for companies considering moving to the neighborhood, preparing to settle in, or who have recently joined us! You will learn everything you need to know about transportation, venues for organizing your professional events, administrative procedures, clubs, and even CSR initiatives in the neighborhood... A comprehensive overview!
To explore the subject and learn everything there is to know about Paris La Défense: its architectural heritage, its mobility hub and green spaces, its business and higher education center, the elements that make it a vibrant neighborhood, its strategic development plan and projects, and its public institution.