What to do in Nanterre

Activities, attractions and tours

Nanterre
Photo by Kelly Clarke
Photo by Kelly Clarke
Photo "Nanterre" by Jules Sanson (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Nanterre" by Artvill (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Artvill (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Nanterre" by Artvill (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Artvill (CC BY-SA)

Places to Visit in Nanterre

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Nanterre, Paris while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Nanterre attractions from NZ$13, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Nanterre tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 424 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Nanterre. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Eiffel Tower

It may seem hard to believe now, but the 10,000 tonnes of the Eiffel Tower's ironwork, Paris' most recognisable landmark, were earmarked for a dismantling in 1909. Built in 1889 to mark the World Fair, which was held in Paris on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Tower only had a 20-year licence. Now it is hard to imagine Paris without it. Not that many were keen to imagine Paris with it, back at the time of its construction. Three hundred prominent Parisian artists and writers signed a petition against it, saying it was “a giddy, ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black smokestack.”
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Eiffel Tower showing modern architecture and a garden

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the few museums in the world that can say it started with 'people power'. Literally. One of the first decrees of the new National Assembly, after the French Revolution, was that this former palace of the King be turned into a national museum, for all of France to enjoy. Much of its initial exhibition, in 1793, came from church and royal property 'liberated for the people' during the revolution. That tradition of being the natural home for France's national treasures continues to this day.
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Paris City Centre which includes a fountain, street scenes and heritage architecture

3. Arc de Triomphe

Triumph is what Napoleon asked for, and triumph is what he got. The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental slab of architecture, commissioned by the Emperor in 1806 to glorify his victories. But it has since taken on a life of its own. While this grand arch was to be a marker of Napoleon's battlefield successes, in the 200 years since its foundations were laid, it has been a monument to peace, defeat and personal loss, as well as victory. Leaders, enemies and armies of four French Republics have paraded underneath (or around) its 49-metre high arch.
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Arc de Triomphe viewed up the Champs Elysees and a large french flag flying under the arch

4. Notre-Dame

Notre Dame didn't just spring from the Seine fully-formed. But as a supremely-balanced icon of Gothic architectural perfection – and spiritual anchor to all of Paris' many-faced glories – it's hard to imagine something this sublime being the work of mere mortals. The blocks, buttresses, gargoyles and windows of Notre-Dame de Paris are, however, most certainly mortal handiwork. One-hundred and eighty-two years of masonry, sculpting and leading, to be precise. The result is an artistic and religious treasure that has bought visitors to this island on the Seine for seven centuries.
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Notre Dame Cathedral featuring religious aspects, a city and a church or cathedral

5. Champs-Élysées

You can't get more prime-retail than the Champs-Élysées. Once a lush gathering of meadows and market gardens north-west of Paris, it is now a glittering avenue into its heart, that's paved with retail gold. But although it is thick with designer stores, elite purveyors of French luxury and flashy brand-name outlets, it manages to maintain a formal, grand elegance. This is Paris, after all. Elegance was penned into its genes from the moment it was marked out as the Grand Cours in the 17th-century.
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Paris. Champs Elysees

Recommended things to do in Nanterre

Number of things to do
424
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Luxembourg Gardens Self-Guided Audio Tour: NZ$13
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Nanterre

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nanterre

Disneyland® Paris

Disneyland® Paris

Dreams come true with a trip to this beloved theme park. Find all the magic, excitement, thrills and joy you could ever wish for.

Disneyland® Paris
Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

From the ground looking up, or from its lofty heights looking down, the Eiffel Tower is the best view in town.

Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is where the Mona Lisa shines her enigmatic half-smile for visitors – and where 34,999 other fabulous attractions await your attention.

Louvre Museum
Arc de Triomphe showing night scenes, a city and street scenes

Arc de Triomphe

This towering arch is where France comes to celebrate its victories, remember its dead, and enjoy spectacular views down the Champs-Élysées.

Arc de Triomphe
Notre Dame Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Notre-Dame

This iconic cathedral soars over the Ile de la Cité in the Seine, its features blending into a building that is half-architectural glory, half-spiritual sustenance.

Notre-Dame
Champs Elysees featuring heritage architecture, a city and signage

Champs-Élysées

Possibly the most famous promenade in France, if not the world, this premier Parisian avenue marries exquisite shopping experiences and high-class culture.

Champs-Élysées
Paris showing heritage elements, street scenes and a city

Palais Garnier

Attend a performance, browse museum exhibits and marvel at the opulent design of one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses.

Palais Garnier
La Defense which includes modern architecture, a city and cbd

La Défense

The place where business is done, the sky is scraped, statues loom – and where Paris was once saved.

La Défense
Stade de France

Stade de France

Catch an event at Stade de France during your trip to Saint-Denis. Discover the fascinating museums and churches in this vibrant area.

Stade de France

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Nanterre

Courbevoie

Courbevoie

Photo by Rob L

Suresnes

La Defense which includes a square or plaza and a city as well as a small group of people

Puteaux

Paris

Paris

Frequently asked questions

Is Nanterre worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Nanterre. Be sure to enjoy the area's mix of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Nanterre?
Eiffel Tower and Place du Trocadéro are two great places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Nanterre while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nanterre?
Don't leave without checking out Eiffel Tower, rated the top tourist attraction in Nanterre.
Is three days enough to stay in Nanterre?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Place du Trocadéro with a three-day break in Nanterre. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Paris.
Is Nanterre a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Nanterre. Several attractions, including Malmaison Castle and Jardin d'Acclimatation, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Nanterre's neighbourhoods, Quartier de la Muette is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Porte-Dauphine is 5 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Nanterre with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Nanterre with kids.

What to do in Nanterre for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Nanterre, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Clos Montmartre or Champs-Élysées.
Are there free things to do in Nanterre?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Nanterre is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Place du Trocadéro is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.