Paris La Défense is breathing new life into its green spaces
In Paris La Défense, green spaces are on the rise! Today, the area boasts 37 hectares of green spaces, but in the future, project by project, this momentum will continue to bring even more freshness and vitality to the neighborhood. Beyond major greening projects, existing green spaces are not being overlooked and are also undergoing redevelopment to make them even more enjoyable places to spend time.
Far from the clichés, the La Défense district is not just a concrete slab topped with office towers. In fact, it is one of the greenest neighborhoods in Paris, with 37 hectares of green spaces, 11 of which have been certified as EcoJardin. And there’s more to come with the completion of major projects such as Le Parc and the Delta Vert!
Greening the area plays a key role in the public agency’s strategic plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the business district by 50% by 2030. The development of nature in the city plays a vital role in helping the area adapt to climate change while providing pleasant living spaces for its residents. The goal is therefore not only to create new green spaces, but also to transform, maintain, and promote the neighborhood’s existing green spaces.
Redesigned green spaces
In order to meet users’ expectations, combat heat islands, and improve the neighborhood’s image, Paris La Défense is carrying out an annual program to revitalize existing green spaces. Areas in urgent need of attention are identified, and work is carried out throughout the year.
The choices regarding interventions serve several objectives:
- to focus efforts where people congregate to reduce problem areas, which are usually the result of aging, neglected plantings that are harder to manage than young, vigorous ones;
- to distribute actions among neighborhoods as equitably as possible;
- undertake the simplest interventions first, and take the time to study more complex situations. On this basis, an annual roadmap aligned with allocated budgets is developed, combining more structural actions—such as tree planting, which has a long-term impact—with short-term actions, such as flower planting, which contribute to the quality of the living environment.
Since 2024, a floral display strategy has also been launched to meet expectations and improve the neighborhood’s image. It is based on three pillars: flowering perennials, spring bulbs for early and long-lasting blooms, and annual flowers at certain sites during the summer.
Between 2024 and 2025, some fifteen green spaces were thus given a facelift.
Spotlight on three redeveloped areas
Among the areas that have been redeveloped are: the Valettes, Turpin, and Paradis squares, as well as the terrace of the Jardin des 5 Continents and the Jardin des Collines, the area surrounding the Résidence de La Défense, the area around the fountain in the Square des Corolles, the neighborhood entrance on Boulevard Devedjian in Courbevoie, the area surrounding the Westfield Les 4 Temps shopping center, the taxi stand at Place Carpeaux, the Renaissance staircase, Place Jean Miller, and the patio and entrance to the 13th Reflets neighborhood.
Celebrating Nature
In addition to its commitment to greening the neighborhood, Paris La Défense brings the area to life with nature-themed events.
In the coming weeks, the public institution will be involved in initiatives designed to promote nature throughout France and even Europe.
Following its participation in the Fête de la Nature, Paris La Défense will take part in “Rendez-vous aux jardins.” For this 23rd edition, which will take place on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, 2026, Paris La Défense is organizing guided tours through some of the neighborhood’s green spaces. This is an opportunity to discover some of the business district’s parks and gardens—some iconic, others unexpected.
Learn more about Rendez-vous aux jardins
On a more regular basis—once or twice a month—activities and workshops are held in the community gardens of Paris La Défense. Organized by Les Jardins de Gally, these workshops focus on gardening and the upkeep of the Jardin des Reflets, the Jardin des 5 Continents, and the Jardin Suspendu, allowing local residents to come together while recharging their batteries through contact with nature.
Toward a carbon-free future
As part of its “Purpose,” Paris La Défense is committed to promoting nature in the city. Since 2021, the public agency has adopted a clear mission and goal: to become the world’s first post-carbon business district by halving the area’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To achieve this, the organization is developing initiatives to combat heat islands and continue its efforts to green a densely built-up area that is perceived as too concrete-heavy.
Learn more about Raison d’être
Since 2019, 10,600 square meters of green space have been created within the business district. Today, the district comprises 35% green pedestrian areas, as well as 11 parks, 4 community gardens (three of which are open to the public), and nearly 4,000 trees of 113 different species, making La Défense one of the greenest neighborhoods in the capital. The Parc and Delta Vert projects, currently under construction, will add 5 and 15 hectares of green space to the area, respectively.
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