Nanterre

Nanterre is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France. It is the prefecture of the Hauts-de-Seine department and the seat of the arrondissement of Nanterre in the Île-de-France region. The city lies about 11 kilometers west of central Paris and forms part of the Paris metropolitan area. It borders Puteaux, Courbevoie, La Garenne-Colombes, and Suresnes, and is adjacent to the La Défense business district.

Historically, Nanterre has roots dating back to the Gallo-Roman era and developed through the Middle Ages as a parish town and market center. Urbanization and industrial growth accelerated in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1964 the public university Université Paris X, now Université Paris Nanterre, was established on a large campus within the city and became notable in the 1968 student movements, which had a significant impact on French social history.

As of recent estimates, Nanterre has around 96,000 residents. The city hosts important administrative functions for the department and maintains close ties with La Défense, located at its western edge. The local economy blends services, administration, and education, with a substantial student population linked to the university. Transport is centered on the RER A line, which serves Nanterre-Préfecture and Nanterre-Université stations, providing direct access to central Paris and La Défense. Nanterre is connected to major road networks and features multiple primary and secondary schools, along with cultural facilities servicing residents.