Hauts-de-Seine is a department located in the
Île-de-France region of France, situated to the west of the French capital, Paris. Known for its affluent reputation, Hauts-de-Seine is regarded as the wealthiest department in France and one of the wealthiest in Europe. It is a constituent of Grand Paris, a grouping that includes the inner suburbs of Paris that are situated beyond the city limits. The department shares borders with several other departments, including Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne to the east, Val-d'Oise to the north, Yvelines to the west, and Essonne to the south. With a population of 1,65 as of 2022, Hauts-de-Seine is the fifth most populous department in France. It covers an area of 176 square kilometres and is the second most densely populated department in the country, after
Paris. The prefecture of Hauts-de-Seine is Nanterre, while Boulogne-Billancourt and Antony are its two
subprefectures, with the former boasting a larger population.
La Défense: A Thriving Economic Hub
One of the most popular attractions in Hauts-de-Seine is
La Défense, a modern commercial complex that houses offices, cinemas, and shopping centres. It is one of the main economic hubs of Grand Paris and is regarded as a significant business district in Europe. As of 2020, Hauts-de-Seine had the highest GDP per capita in France, estimated to be €107,800, making it one of the most prosperous regions in Europe.
Key Information about Hauts de Seine
- Main City/Prefecture: Nanterre
- Nearest Airport: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Population: Around 1.65 million (as of the latest census)
- Area: 176 sq. kilometres and 68 sq. miles
- Landmark: La Défense, Europe’s largest business district, featuring the iconic Grande Arche.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 4 million, visiting for its modern architecture, shopping centres and cultural sites.