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This neighborhood at the gates of Paris will soon be transformed

undefined undefined 25 mars 2026 undefined 08h30

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The Editor

© MDP Paris La Défense

It has been years now that the La Défense district has been set for a massive transformation. While an initial project for monumental towers was announced back in 2009 (doesn’t seem that long ago, does it?), it was ultimately abandoned and replaced by a new concept, one that’s greener and more accessible: Rives Défense.

Nearly 8 hectares of terraces right on the Seine, that's the totally wild new project that is set to soon reshape the neighborhood of Paris La Défense. A massive transformation that will redefine the image of the route connecting the business district to the capital in just a few years.


A transformation full of twists and turns

Two twin towers over 300 meters high. That's the completely crazy project announced by developer Hermitage since 2009 to transform this iconic business district at the gates of the capital. A pharaonic complex intended to house offices, shops, a hotel, and luxurious housing. However, the financial and legal problems have been piling up from the very start regarding this reconfiguration.

The decision is to be made in 2025 to completely abandon the project. But it was just to better reinvent the neighborhood through another project that, honestly, excites us a bit more: Rives Défense.


Nature at the Heart of La Défense

The architectural agency RSHP, with the support of Atelier SOIL as co-urban planner and landscaper Altitude 35, aims to completely redefine the face of this 8-hectare space by envisioning a gigantic park overlooking the Seine. A green walkway to open up the business district to the river and highlight gentle mobility options. The hotel and leisure offerings in this area of Grand Paris should also be developed.  These improvements will be made without disrupting the existing architecture in the neighborhood and will not exclude the addition of new constructions. This transformation is progressing joyfully!

ssive should promote the circular economy and the reuse of materials, aiming to position Rives Défense on a urban trajectory that is more sustainable and respectful of the environment, mindful of resources and the climate. A colossal project, which has not yet been announced, but is expected to be completed by 2035!