Puteaux is a business-forward district on the banks of the Seine. The neighbourhood has a unique architectural heritage, with futuristic skyscrapers standing alongside centuries-old churches. Stroll under a monumental arch built to mark the French Revolution bicentenary, sip café au lait at sidewalk bistros and enjoy a picnic on a picturesque island.
Things to do in Puteaux
Grande Arche La Défense soars over Puteaux and is a Parisian landmark. It’s 110 metres high and features a sleek façade built with glass, steel, concrete and granite. The arch was built to celebrate the French Revolution bicentenary and lines up with the Arc de Triomphe.
Stroll along Parvis de la Défense and admire larger-than-life outdoor art installations. The enormous square links a pair of shopping malls and is one of the biggest outdoor urban spaces in Paris. You’ll find more contemporary sculptures dotted across Puteaux and La Défense, including a 15-metre-tall steel spider designed by iconic American sculptor, Alexander Calder.
Église Notre-Dame de Pitié. The church was consecrated in the 1500s and features original stained-glass windows. Cafes and bistros line the cobbled streets that surround the church, and the area is a great place to enjoy coffee and croissants.
Escape the crowds on Île de Puteaux, a tree-covered island marooned in the Seine. The Parisian-style park is beautifully landscaped. Relax on the emerald-green lawns and stroll through the formal rose garden. Watch bees buzzing around the urban aviary and walk through the sun-drenched butterfly meadow. The family-friendly Palais des Sports de Puteaux sports complex dominates the centre of the island and features indoor and outdoor pools.
Getting around Puteaux
Puteaux is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Access the district via Puteaux Train Station and Esplanade de La Défense subway station. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 45-minute drive away.