Paris Business Travel: Things To Know
Outside of its fashion roots, Paris is becoming increasingly well-known for its advanced technology and modernity. Home to the 4th largest business district in the world, La Défense, the city is welcoming an increasing number of SME’s from Europe as they move to take advantage of the many startup incubators, accelerators and coworking spaces cropping up around the city.
For those looking to visit the city for business purposes, there are a wide range of accommodation options to choose from while in the area, with plenty of upper-class restaurants and coworking spaces available for those hosting events in the region.
Transport & Accommodation
Getting Around the City
Paris has two primary airports – the Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. Conveniently located just outside of the CBD, both airports serve as international business hubs for the region and are equipped with businesses lounges and transport connectivity to ensure the city is easily accessible once you land.
Once you’ve landed, you’ll find a range of transport options to choose from to help you get around the city while staying – taxis, shuttle buses, Uber and the RER B train are all viable options to help you get around if you don’t have a car while staying, and are a particularly cost-effective way to navigate. However, there are also a range of hire car options available to give you more freedom and flexibility to move about the city as you wish, and your Travel Agent can organise this for you.
Best Places To Stay In Paris
La Défense is currently the largest Business District in Paris, so it makes sense to stay here when conducting business – and there are over 3000 hotel rooms to choose from, so travellers have plenty of options to suit all budgets and Travel Policy requirements. A few of the most popular options when staying in the region are:
- Pullman Paris La Défense
Centrally located with easy access to transport and shopping. The hotel also offers a range of meeting rooms and an in-house restaurant, alongside valet parking, laundry service and baggage storage with 24-hour express check-in and check-out.
- Hotel 37 Bis
An Art Deco hotel connected to the convention centre in Neuilly-sur-Seine, offering High-Speed WiFi, baggage storage and laundry service.
- Hotel Mercure Paris Suresnes Longchamp
An upmarket and eco-friendly property in the centre of the La Défense Business District. The property offers a full laundry service, buffet breakfast and access to meeting rooms with High-Speed WiFi suitable for corporate events.
- The Social Hub Paris La Défense
Just a short walk from the La Défense Business Centre, this property is ideal for those looking for comfortable and more affordable accommodation. The property features a gym, laundry service and parking available.
- ibis Styles Puteaux Paris La Défense
A comfortable, eco-certified hotel under 10 minutes’ walk from La Défense, with a bar, free Wi-Fi and accessible access throughout the property.
Dining & Business
Best Restaurants to Visit For Meetings
If Paris is known for anything outside of fashion and culture, its food, wine and exceptional coffee. While the chances are the majority of restaurants will be suitable for hosting businesses meals or meetings, there are a few that come highly recommended:
- Lóuseau Blanc at the Peninsula Hotel – 16th Arrondissement
Located on the roof of the hotel, diners can enjoy a majestic view of the Eiffel Tower will dining here. As a Michelin-Starred restaurant, it’s recommended to visit during dinner. Ensure you wear black tie.
- L’Ambroisie, Place Des Vosges – 4th Arrondissement
The very best of French gastronomy in terms of cuisine, creation and execution, this 3-star restaurant can only be described as ‘remarkable’. Having been awarded 3 Michelin Stars since 1988, it’s a must-visit while in the area.
- Le Jules Verne, The Eiffel Tower – 7th Arrondissement
This restaurant is known for its privacy and unique setting, set within the Eiffel Tower and offering both incredible food and incredible views of the inner workings of the Iron Lady. Guests are also only likely to have 4 – 8 fellow diners around at any one time, making it the perfect place for smaller, more private dinners.
- Le Restaurant Guy Savoy, Quai De Conti – 6th Arrondissement
Voted the world’s best restaurant for the 6th year running last year, a trip to Paris isn’t complete without a visit to this restaurant. Boasting views over the Siene and the Institut de France, alongside the opportunity to hire out the dining spaces privately, Le Restaurant Guy Savoy is the perfect place to visit when needing to impress and close a deal.