We understand that choosing the right destination is essential to the success of any meeting, incentive, or event. Our Destination Champions series shines a spotlight on standout cities around the world, offering first-hand insights from our well-travelled team. From accessibility and infrastructure to delegate experiences and sustainability, our goal is to help you discover what makes each destination event-ready.
This time, we’re heading to the iconic city of Paris, and it’s Laura who takes the lead as our latest Destination Champion.
Why Paris?
“Paris is a city that has always fascinated me, not just for its beauty and culture, but for the depth of its history. Every corner has a story. It’s a city that truly embodies the phrase liberté, égalité, fraternité. From the birthplace of the French Revolution in 1789, to the coronation of Napoleon at Notre Dame in 1804, and the bravery of the WWII resistance networks like the Musée de l’Homme, Paris is more than a pretty backdrop, it’s a city that has shaped history.”
And in the present day, it’s also one of Europe’s top meeting and event destinations. Here’s why …
A capital with credentials
Paris consistently ranks among the top ten cities in Europe for meetings and events, and in 2024 it was named one of the top 20 most sustainable global destinations by the Global Destination Sustainability Index. The city boasts:
- Over 97,000 hotel rooms
- 1,547 hotels
- 2 convention centres
- 143 museums and 2,230 historic monuments
This impressive infrastructure supports events of all scales, from intimate board meetings to international congresses.
Getting there
Paris is easily accessible via Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport, both with international connections, including direct flights across North America and Europe.
Ground transport is straightforward with high-speed rail links and a Metro system currently undergoing significant expansion as part of the Grand Paris Express project.
While accessibility is still improving, the city is taking meaningful steps ahead of future international events.
Where to meet
Some of Paris’s most notable venues include:
- Paris Expo Porte de Versailles – 221,235sqm of customisable space with 8 pavilions, 2 auditoriums, and outdoor exhibition areas.
- Le Palais des Congrès de Paris – 32,000sqm of flexible space connected to major hotels, with 4 auditoriums and 85 meeting rooms.
- Pullman Paris Montparnasse, Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, and Le Méridien Etoile – each with hundreds of guest rooms and expansive meeting facilities.
Though Paris is considered one of the pricier European cities (average hotel rate approx. €300), its infrastructure, scale, and reputation for excellence offer strong return on investment for event organisers.
Experience Paris
When it comes to social programmes, team-building and incentives, Paris offers endless inspiration. Food lovers can enjoy les classiques. onion soup, steak frites, macarons, café gourmand, and gâteau St. Honoré, a true celebration of la gastronomie française.
The city’s café culture is legendary, Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots once served as hubs for French Enlightenment thinkers and creatives like Sartre and Picasso. “Here, it’s perfectly normal to linger over a café crème and watch the world go by, la vie parisienne at its finest.”
The art scene is equally rich, from the world-renowned Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to contemporary gems like the Fondation Louis Vuitton and Georges Pompidou Centre.
Shopping is world-class, particularly in the Triangle d’Or, the glamorous area around the Champs Elysées, Avenue George V, and Avenue Montaigne, where haute couture meets l’art de vivre.
Sustainability in focus
Paris is not only culturally rich but also forward-thinking. Many hotels are certified by Green Key, LEED, or BREEAM, and major groups like Hilton, Accor, Marriott, and Radisson are embedding sustainability into operations, from water and energy reduction to eliminating single-use plastics. The city’s inclusion in the top 20 of the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index is a reflection of its commitment to responsible tourism.
Final thoughts from Laura
For me, what sets Paris apart is the way history and innovation live side by side. You can walk past Roman ruins on your way to a modern convention centre, or enjoy a fine dining experience in a building that’s stood for centuries. It’s a place where stories are everywhere, chaque rue raconte une histoire, which makes it such a compelling and enriching place to bring people together. Tout commence à Paris – everything begins in Paris
If Paris is on your radar for your next event, our team can help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your brief. Get in touch to find out more.