Paris Nanterre University

Paris Nanterre University is a French higher education institution west of Paris, combining teaching and research in humanities, social sciences and law. The site spreads across a large area with several blocks, housing lecture halls, laboratories, sports facilities and residences for thousands of students.

The institution was created in October 1964 as an offshoot of the University of Paris to meet rising demand for student places. It became independent in 1970, and received its current name in 2016 during a restructuring of Paris universities.

The name recalls the western suburb of Paris where the institution took shape. Students today use the many libraries and cafés spread across the broad campus grounds, moving between buildings throughout the day.

The grounds can be reached through several entrances along Avenue de la République and other surrounding streets. Orientation becomes easier if you remember the main paths leading to central buildings, as the campus is large and laid out over a wide area.

The grounds lie so close to La Défense that you can see the towers of the business district on the horizon from the campus. This contrast between university life and office blocks shapes the surrounding landscape and reminds you how near the academic world and commerce sit together.

Inception: October 20, 1964

Industry: higher education

Website: https://parisnanterre.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.90391,2.21345

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42