Paris is a global business hub, and the heart of European commerce and financial activity. As a top destination for international conferences, meetings and corporate events, and the fourth most-populated city in the European Union, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why if you’re traveling for business, it’s a good idea to get organized to avoid hustling.
This Paris travel guide is tailored specifically for the modern business traveler who wants to organize and strategize before their trip. This way you can be sure to make the most of your trip.
Getting to Paris and around
The most centrally located airports for business travelers are Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly.
Orly is just 13 KM south of the city center, making it a great airport to fly into if you’re going to be staying around the south. It is also a hub for low cost airlines, meaning that if you’re flying EasyJet or Vueling, you may find more convenient flights to this airport.
If you’re flying into CDG, the fastest and quickest option to get to the city center is with the RER B train, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes and costs €13. Taxis offer a fixed rate to the Right Bank €55 or €62 to the Left Bank. Other options for airport transfers are taxis, Uber, or private shuttles. Once in the city, you can move around by bus, ride-sharing, e-scooters or metro.
Where to stay: Business-friendly hotels
When it comes to choosing where to stay, consider the 1st and 2nd arrondissements for proximity to business districts. La Défense is a great area for business district hotels with great amenities. When you’re choosing where to stay, look out for High-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, 24-hour concierge and breakfast included. It’s a great way to save time and not have to rush around in the morning prior to your meetings.
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Dining & networking
When choosing a power lunch business meeting spot in Paris, choose a spot that’s centrally located and accessible. Good examples are the 1st and 2nd Arrondisements (Louvre, Opera, Bourse), which are at the heart of the financial and business districts, near the old stock exchange, Palais Brongniart. La Defense is another main business district of Paris, home to many multinational headquarters.
The 8th Arrondissement (Champs-Élysées, Madeleine) is home to embassies, luxury offices and high-end retails, this is a sophisticated and high-end place for those dealing with VIP clients. The 9th Arrondissement is popular among the tech-forward companies. You could check out Boco o Le Pantruche or L’Office.
Tips for understanding Parisian dining etiquette
1. Don’t be shy to say “Non”
“Non, merci” is perfectly acceptable to say as French culture is very respectful of boundaries. Full or don’t want any more wine? Don’t be shy to say “non.”
2. Tipping
Tipping a few euros or rounding up the bill is appreciated, but not essential. Service will often be included, but the French will usually add in a little something else.
3. Wait for your invitation to start
Generally it’s a good idea until the person hosting your lunch or dinner says “Bon Appetit” before starting. And waiting to eat until everyone has their dish is also recommended.
4. Cheese will come at the end of the meal
In many cultures a cheese plate is served as an appetizer, but in France it’s a dessert. Normally there will be an excellent selection of homemade desserts (the French go wild for good desserts) and among them is a selection of cheeses.
5. Try to eat things as they come
The French are very proud of their cuisine for which it is recommended not to ask for substitutions or changes to dishes unless you have a good allergy or intolerance.
6. Observe European etiquette
One of the pillars of European table manners is to keep your hands visible on the table at all times, resting your wrists instead of your elbows. When possible, avoid using your hands (unless you have to break off a piece of bread), and cut everything with a fork and knife, even sandwiches and cheese.
7. Take your time
Take your time to engage in polite small talk before going straight into business. It’s always a good idea to avoid politics in your small talk. Once you have been served starters or main dishes it’s okay to bring up business, unless the host brings it up first.
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8. Start with formal greetings
Greet people with a firm handshake unless you already know the colleague or business partner, then you can approach them with two kisses (starting left, then moving to the right). Usually it’s a good idea to wait for the host to tell you where to sit or to introduce you.
Bleisure activities
If there is any city where you might want to tack on more time to your business trip, it’s Paris. With tons of evening entertainment from Opera, to jazz bars, Seine sunset cruises, to wandering the narrow streets of Montmartre and having a glass of rose wine. You can get lost in the Louvre art galleries, wander around the Marais (the neighborhood where you’ll also find the Picasso museum and the Pompidou).
With a wealth of cultural activities, art galleries, and simply just taking the time to wander around the city and get lost in its magic, making adding on some bleisure time a must.
Need more tips? Check out our bleisure guide.
Paris: a perfect blend of business and culture
Make sure to explore the city post-meetings, even if you don’t have time to add in some bleisure time. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, let this Paris travel guide be your go-to for balancing business with the best of the City of Light.
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