France · Region
Nanterre
Nanterre sits just west of Paris, prefecture of the Hauts-de-Seine department and home to one of France's largest university campuses alongside a slice of the glass-towered La Défense business district. It is a place where Gallic-era history, high-rise commerce and student life sit side by side rather than a conventional sightseeing stop.
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Where to stay in Nanterre
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Frequently asked questions about Nanterre
How do I get to Nanterre?
Nanterre has no airport of its own, so travellers typically fly into Paris and connect via RER A, which serves Nanterre-Université, Nanterre-Préfecture and Nanterre-Ville directly from central Paris stations like Auber and Charles de Gaulle-Étoile. The town's newest rail link, Nanterre-La Folie, opened in 2024 as the western terminus of RER E, giving a second fast route in from the city centre.
How many days should I spend in Nanterre?
Most visitors cover Nanterre's university quarter, La Défense fringe and historic centre comfortably in a single day trip from Paris, with ~1-2 days allowing time for museums and parks without rushing.
What is Nanterre known for?
Nanterre sits just west of Paris, prefecture of the Hauts-de-Seine department and home to one of France's largest university campuses alongside a slice of the glass-towered La Défense business district. It is a place where Gallic-era history, high-rise commerce and student life sit side by side rather than a conventional sightseeing stop.