How to Make the Most of Your Paris Business Trip

Teeming with old world elegance, Le Marais is spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris. Meet up with your colleagues and wander its beautiful streets before stopping for a caffeine hit and to people-watch at one of the many quaint cafés lining the streets.

If you’re here in the evening, visit one of the area’s excellent bistros and, for a bit of fun, hit up one of the night clubs, which are found in abundance here. Alternatively, visit the Marché couvert des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest market, for a little afternoon shopping before getting back to business.

Once a bohemian hotspot, the Latin Quarter exudes an air of importance that is undeniable. The Quarter is bisected by Boulevard Saint-Germain and Boulevard Saint-Michel and is made up of quaint, crooked streets and leafy pathways that lead onto each other, making it perfect for a lunchtime stroll between meetings.

Start at either boulevard and explore the area, eventually heading toward the Seine River, making sure to pass by Place Saint-Michel. Then, walk along the river towards the breath-taking Notre-Dame Cathedral. If you’ve time to spare, check out one of the many renowned bookshops in the area, or pay a visit to the stunning Jardin des Plantes botanical garden.

Place de l’Opéra is a square found in the 9th arrondissement and is home to the famous opera house. The area around this square is an oasis of majestic boulevards, popular art-nouveau entertainments and refined bistros, bars and restaurants. The architecture here is astounding, so be sure to stop to take a photo.

Alongside the classically-styled Opera Garnier is the Café de la Paix, which has brought Parisian opulence to life since it opened in 1862. Other excellent lunch options include the Art Deco inspired Drouant, the Michelin-starred L’Ardoise and upscale bistro La Bourse et La Vie.

The Porte-Saint-Denis Quarter is home to a string of cool cocktail bars, which come alive from 5 pm onwards. The bulk of this liveliness is concentrated along Rue de Faubourg Saint-Denis, mainly on the Porte-Saint-Denis side of this long street.

The vibrantly retro Chez Jeannette has become one of Paris’ hippest spots for the after-work apéro crowd, boasting a convivial feel in an old-style Parisian setting. Le Syndicat serves up French ingredients and hip-hop, while CopperBay is a gastrobar that boasts fine craft beers and innovative cocktails.

A gorgeous restaurant and bar located on the top floor of Musée du Quai Branly, Les Ombres is the place to go if you want to impress your clients. On the rooftop terrace, let the enchanting views of the Eiffel Tower boost your business deals. Describing itself as a 'Parisian oasis', you’ll love the Mediterranean vibes in the décor and in the food.

Start with delicious signature cocktails like the blackberry-based Bramora or the virgin Encanta Té with melon, matcha and lime flavors. For lunch, we recommend the monkfish with kimchi and wild garlic or the grilled asparagus with black lemon and chilli. Finish off an incredible meal with lightly smoked chocolate with wild black rice and sake.

Modest but chic Frenchie Restaurant can be found in the 2nd arrondissement of the city. When it opened in 2009, the intimate restaurant became so coveted that tables were often impossible to book. It might be a small place, but its reputation is huge thanks to its sensational French dishes fused with global influences.

All the meals offered by this Michelin-starred eatery are excellent, but the most raved about is their tasting menu. Impress your clients with dishes such as smoked trout tartare, pork shoulder with a sea salt crust or poached quince with ice cream. The accompanying wines are carefully curated, so rest assured you and your clients will be in for a sensational evening.

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon is in the affluent neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you’ll find strings of stylish galleries and boutique shops. The restaurant offers French haute cuisine and has been awarded 2 Michelin stars for its remarkable cooking. Decorated in warm hues of red and gold, the restaurant oozes class, with just a touch of casual.

Pop open a bottle of the finest champagne and indulge in flavourful dishes like chanterelle macaroni or pigeon with foie gras. It’s the ideal place to celebrate with colleagues during a successful trip.

Rue des Martyrs is just down the hill from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, in the beautiful area of Montmartre. This small street bustles with locally owned shops selling a diverse range of products including fruits, chocolate, cheese, baguettes, toys, jewellery, art and, most importantly, souvenirs.

It’s an ideal place to spend a few hours in a vibrant and scenic environment and pick up gifts for friends and family back home. Why not purchase some authentic French cheese or tea from the world-famous Palais des Thés?

The Eiffel Tower is, without a doubt, one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world and a cultural icon of France. As the tallest structure in Paris, the views from the top are spectacular at any time of day. The tower is open until late, so can easily be visited between meetings or at the last minute if you’ve time to spare before a flight.

Climb to the top and take in the sparkling lights of the city, it’s a sight that’s sure to enchant you. You can dine in any of the Tower’s restaurants or grab a tasty sandwich to go and enjoy it in the surrounding gardens.

If you have time to spare during your business trip to Paris, consider visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, an awe-inspiring Roman Catholic church. With its bright white domes and turrets, it’s truly a spectacle to behold. What’s more, the structure also boasts stunning views of Paris so come here during sunset to watch the Eiffel Tower and the city of Paris painted gold and red.

Step inside and explore the basilica itself, admiring its intricate architecture and the stunning The Triumph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus mosaic. Take a Dome Tour to see the basilica’s roof up close, after climbing 280 steps, that is. We promise the view is worth the exertion.