La Défense is a major business district located in the metropolitan area of Paris. It is the largest business district of Europe built for this specific purpose, and a recognized tourist spot due to the presence of the large arch and Plaza Parvis at its Centre, in addition to some of the highest skyscrapers in Paris.

the name La Défense is a tribute to the iconic statue La Défense de Paris, erected in 1883 and dedicated to the soldiers who defended the city during the franco-Prussian War.