Discover your perfect stay in Nanterre.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Nanterre
Find the perfect place to stay in Nanterre









Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Nanterre
For business travelers, Hotel de la Poste is highly recommended. Located near the Mairie de Nanterre and Haute-Savoie Regional Council, it offers modern meeting rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a central location with easy access to Paris via the Line 13 Metro. Its elegant French design and convenient proximity to restaurants make it ideal for professional stays.
The northern green belt district of Nanterre is perfect for families, close to Château de la Malmaison Park and offering safe, tree-lined streets. Stay at ibis Styles Nanterre, which features interconnecting rooms and child-friendly amenities like play areas. Nearby, family farms and nature trails provide engaging outdoor experiences for kids.
Don’t miss visiting the Cité de la Muette Museum, once the presidential residence, now showcasing French history from the 19th to 20th century. Each summer, the Nanterre Open-Air Theater Festival transforms the Place de Nanterre into a stage for classical performances under the stars, blending architecture, art, and French tradition in a unique immersive experience.
Must-try dishes include Tarte Tatin (caramelized apple tart) and Bouchons Lyonnais—savory meat dumplings—available at the Marché de Nanterre market stalls. At Le Petit Bistrot, savor slow-cooked beef stew with red wine sauce, paired with regional wines, offering an authentic taste of Hauts-de-Seine culinary heritage.
The most convenient station is Nanterre-Université on Paris Metro Line 13, connecting directly to central Paris and surrounding business districts. Just a 5-minute walk from the Nanterre University Campus and Nanterre Shopping Center, this hub offers frequent service and extended operating hours, making it ideal for both tourists and commuters.
Couples will love Hôtel Le Pavillon des Arts, a boutique art hotel nestled along the Nanterre Riverwalk. With rooms decorated in modern art and French romance, guests can enjoy private rooftop terraces with views of the Pont de la Liberté bridge. Stroll by the river at dusk or share a bottle of champagne under the stars for a truly intimate getaway.
Nightlife lovers should visit La Gare du Nord, a cultural venue hosting indie concerts, improv comedy, and art exhibitions. Every weekend, Les Jardins de la Ville features a light show combining projection art and music, transforming public spaces into dynamic visual experiences—perfect for evening outings with friends or partners.
The best time to visit Nanterre is during spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Spring brings blooming flowers and cherry blossoms; autumn hosts vibrant festivals like Nanterre en Fête, featuring street art, craft markets, and live music throughout the city.
Yes, Nanterre’s public transit system is very tourist-friendly. RATP and Transilien operate buses and regional trains across the city, and visitors can use the Paris Visite Pass or Navigo Easy card for seamless travel. All stations feature English signage and audio announcements, ensuring smooth navigation for international travelers.
Top photo spots include the Baroque façade of Mairie de Nanterre, the historic ruins of Château de la Malmaison Park, and the panoramic view from Pont de la Liberté bridge at sunset. The illuminated fountains and stained-glass windows at Place de la Libération also create striking backdrops for photography enthusiasts seeking classic French urban charm.
Nanterre, located in Hauts-de-Seine department, is a key suburb 10km west of Paris. As home to Paris Nanterre University, it blends academic energy with urban dynamism. Its prime attraction lies in the strategic proximity to central Paris while maintaining tranquil residential areas. Modern architecture and post-war reconstruction heritage create a unique skyline, with La Défense's skyscrapers forming an iconic backdrop.
Top sights include Paris Nanterre University campus, its Brutalist buildings embodying 1968 student revolt history. André Malraux Cultural Center hosts year-round exhibitions, while Nanterre Cathedral stuns with modernist stained glass. Don't miss the Saturday market (Place Nelson Mandela) for local flavors. At dusk, stroll along the Seine River banks for breathtaking views of La Défense's light shows.
Nanterre inherits Parisian gastronomy - Marché de Nanterre offers authentic charcuterie and cheeses. Try Croque-monsieur with local craft beer, or Brittany-style galettes at Crêperie de la Gare. Algerian influences bring North African flavors; Le Tipaza serves exceptional tagines and couscous. For coffee breaks, café-tabacs along Avenue de la République provide classic Parisian atmosphere.
Excellent connectivity:
Ideal visiting period is April-June when cherry blossoms adorn the university (15-22°C). July-August sees local shop closures but offers Paris Plages riverside events. Christmas markets here feel more authentic than touristy Paris spots. Avoid May exam season due to potential student protests disrupting transit.
Language: French dominant, basic English in tourist areas. All public signs bilingual
Internet: Free WiFi near city hall (Nanterre_WiFi). Prepaid SIMs from Free/Orange recommended
Payments: 90%+ credit card acceptance (Visa/Mastercard). Cash needed for market stalls (keep small euros)
Healthcare: Centre Hospitalier de Nanterre offers 24/7 ER (EHIC card holders welcome). Green cross marks pharmacies
Power: Type E sockets (two round pins), 230V voltage
Safety: Generally safer than inner Paris, but watch for pickpockets at RER stations. Use station lockers for luggage