Doing the business in Paris

Wining and dining is an integral part of Parisian business etiquette. Lengthy, often boozy, working lunches, dinners and breakfasts are commonplace so don’t be surprised if you make more headway around the dinner table than in the office. Whoever arranges the meeting is expected to settle the bill.

18th-century refinement - Lapérouse
This seductive riverside dining room, dressed in 18th-century finery, offers a modern take on traditional French cuisine. Its elegant private rooms are perfect for discreet business negotiations.
Website: laperouse.fr

Shadow of the Eiffel Tower - Les Ombres
Impress and be impressed by the panorama at the Branly Museum’s quirky rooftop restaurant, where Jean Nouvel’s interior design reflects the shadow cast by the Eiffel Tower.
Website: lesombres-restaurant.com

Glitzy business – Restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
Unrelenting glamour - the ceiling drips with 10,000 crystals - and Michelin-starred cuisine have made this a coveted address for politicians, celebrities and business folk alike. Book two months ahead.
Website: alain-ducasse.com


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From boutique hotels to stately palaces and reliable chains, Paris has a vast array of accommodation. The business sector is well covered with hotels offering extensive services, including wifi, meeting rooms and catering. The city is busy all year round, but expect to pay more during convention seasons (Apr-Jun and Sep-Nov).

Western business quarters - Hôtel Auteuil Tour Eiffel
Near two convention centres and La Défense business district, this Neo-Art-Deco style hotel has 24-hour room service, meeting rooms and wifi. Read your morning paper on the breakfast terrace.
Website: auteuil-tour-eiffel.com

Heart of the business district - Hilton Paris La Défense Hotel
This functional address is like a village unto itself with indispensable business facilities, including 13 conference rooms, shops, a hairdresser and even a florist.
Website: hilton.co.uk/parisladefense

Touch of Class - Hôtel Le Royal Monceau
Build in time for shopping when you stay at this prestigious palace hotel near the Champs Elysées. Wind down in the luxurious spa.
Website: royalmonceau.com


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In addition to the Porte de Versailles and CNIT exhibition venues, Paris abounds with state-of-the-art meeting rooms, from private salons in posh hotels to no-frills conference centres.

Anachronistic charm - Le Salon des Miroirs
Set inside a 19th-century covered passage this former Belle-Epoque hall of mirrors is a decadent venue. Wifi and office facilities are available on request.
Website: salon-miroirs.com

Trendy image - Le Showcase
For a unique business meeting, a wild PR event or a VIP celebration, this converted hangar under the Alexandre III bridge has street-cred, atmosphere and space for over 1000 people.
Website: showcase.fr

No nonsense in great locations - Regus
Hire one of 24 conference rooms across the city-centre and La Défense. All come equipped with the essentials; wifi, screens and flipcharts.
Website: regus.com


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Central Paris is a walkable city and the Métro is cheap, fast and reliable.

Taxis can be hard to find in Paris – maybe ask at your hotel for the nearest rank.

For a super-green business trip, zip around the city like a Parisian – check out Vélib, the public bike hire service.

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