Espace Grande Arche — Attraction in Arrondissement of Nanterre

Overall, a great experience which I would do again.

Pro:

1. The visual effects are amazing and none like I have ever experienced with virtual reality before.
2. Exhibition with information about the reconstruction including a movie.

Cons:

1)You will have to stand and wait in line, don't expect to get into the experience quickly. I had a 1 pm ticket and entered the experience at 1:40. 2) There is audio to be heard. There are no headphones so with everyone talking it can be hard to hear. Which for me made it hard to follow the experience this was the main reason for giving these four stars. 3) During virtual reality, you will see other avatars this is to show you where other people are, so you can avoid them. I found in some scenes many others were located at the same spot which made to hard to go to the next scene as at times there was not gap for me to walk through. This was only the case for two scenes.

Something else worth mentioning.

1)There is a scene in virtual reality where you are on a platform, and you are taking up very high. For those scared of heights, this is something to be mindful of. 2)You are required to wear a computer modem on your back due to the high volume of data required for the experience. I didn't find this heavy however did note one lady mentioning it was a little heavy for her.

I would certainly do this again and hope in the future they consider headphones to increase the...

My experiences with this place have been very mixed over time - initially when it was possible to go up onto the arch using the glass lifts, and the whole exhibition space was filled with exhibits, the space was truly worth a visit. During more recent visits I found the glass lifts out of service, with entry now via some internal office lift, and the exhibition space only sparsely filled with items, and only part of the area. Was still able to visit the rooftop, but the novelty wears off and I probably won't go there or recommend it again. It's a shame as it used to be so much better. I usually just sit on the big white stairs under the arch now with a drink and a croissant, watching the activity in La Défense...

I'm not going to say it's not a worth a visit just for the sheer size of it, but it looks almost better from the distance.

What actually sells the experience is standing on one of the vantages of La Défense and looking at the Arch of Triumph then back at this.

Without that context it's kind of a head scratcher. A altair to brutalism, but what for? The district is already filled with giant scryscrapers. They could have made the exterior a little more ornamental. Perhaps commemorate the French soldiers who died...