2017: 10 New Reasons to Come to Paris!

1. Take advantage of the winter and summer sales to go on a shopping spree at La Villette

Situated in the 4th bay of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Vill’Up is a new modern and trendy 30,000 m² shopping centre with shops and entertainment! At the heart of the lively La Villette canal basin (10 million visitors per year), the centre houses some forty or so shops (fashion, beauty, home decor, culture …). For fashionistas, there are cutting edge and creative labels, from the most in vogue streets of eastern Paris, like Karl Marc John, Nina Mendoza, or Petit Pan, not-to-be-missed brands like Cultura, and a shopping gallery that sells items that are both ethical and ecological and created by independent designers (fine food, jewellery, leatherwear goods …). On the food scene, discover 10 great food concepts, from traditional Italian cooking to the healthy menu at Yellow’s, not forgetting the delicious burgers at Memphis Burger. Above the atrium is a 16-screen Pathé cinema. And for an adrenaline rush, don’t miss the 14-metre-high glass tube, a free-fall simulator, in the middle of the shopping centre!

2. Enjoy the romance of Paris with a magical gastronomic experience

When you come to Paris, don’t forget to call in at the magnificent Palace of Versailles. The newly-renovated Pavillon Dufour is home to Ore, the gastronomic restaurant of starred chef Alain Ducasse. Sample the cuisine of this world-renowned chef in a prestigious setting, throughout the day. This unique place, a delightful contemporary cafe in the daytime and an exceptional restaurant in the evening, is a perfect showcase for French art de vivre with a breathtaking view of the Royal Courtyard. The venue is available for partial or full private hire, for up to 124 people. An unforgettable experience.

3. Plan an event at the heart of the first eco-responsible parisian space

The Fondation GoodPlanet - Domaine de Longchamp, an impressive eco-responsible event venue working in partnership with the Noctis Group, consists of a 2,400 m² chateau (450 people) comprising two pavilions (400 m² and 800 m²) and a medieval tower. Situated in the middle of the Bois de Boulogne, it is dedicated to tackling ecological challenges and the challenges of living together in a better way. Awareness of these issues is raised through a programme of art events, educational and country itineraries, as well as accessible food (cooking schools, food trucks).

The chateau has a large room (506 m²) on the ground floor that can accommodate up to 900 people, with an adjoining terrace (200 m²). The first and second floors have large galleries presenting numerous works of art. On the first floor, a 80-seat auditorium is available for your conferences. Around the venue is a wooded 3.5 acre park, surrounded by a water course. There is also a fully-modular outdoor space (1,000 m²) for your events. What’s more, on sunny days, the Clairière (a huge green space that can accomodate 1600 people) provides a ‘rustic’ lounge space, an area with a bar/food trucks, and a stage area with sound and lighting.

4.Treat yourself to a complete change of scene in spring, in harmony with nature

A place to reconnect with nature and others whilst enjoying all the attractions of Paris and its region. Villages Nature, which will open in spring 2017, is quite simply a new way of life. From apartments to cottages, in the village or by the lake, this new accommodation concept offers 3 ranges of accommodation: Cocoon VIP, Country Premium and Clan Comfort. Your stay includes free and unlimited access to five worlds: Aqualagon (a huge 9,000 m² water park), BelleVie Farm, the Extraordinary Gardens (devoted to Earth, Fire, Air and Water), the Forest of Legends with outdoor games and treehouses, and the Lakeside Promenade with its hanging gardens and pleasant areas to stroll, have something to eat or do some shopping. An ideal place for a family weekend just minutes away from Disneyland Paris!

5. Celebrate 25 years of Disneyland Paris during a corporate or family event

The Disneyland Paris theme park is celebrating its 25th anniversary! A dream opportunity to discover or rediscover the Park. Plan your event at the brand new 7,200 m² Disney Events Arena (by Disney Business Solutions Paris), entirely redesigned to adapt to all types of configurations (up to 6,000 people for a cocktail reception). For your next team building event, let ‘the force be with you’ by attending the new night-time Star Wars show ‘A Galactic Celebration’, or a private show during the private hire of the Park. For a totally immersive experience, your private evening becomes a veritable journey into a far-off galaxy. Take advantage of a galactic cocktail party or dinner with a DJ from outer space and the presence of iconic characters. Note that from 28 March to 1 April 2017, the Park welcomes the 100th edition of the M & I Forum, the essential rendezvous for events professionals and business travellers.

6. Admire a new cultural space: the Grand Musée du Parfum

A true symbol of French art de vivre, and the former couture house of Christian Lacroix, the Grand Musée du Parfum opened in December 2016 within a 1,400 m² Parisian hôtel particulier, in the 8th arrondissement. This new cultural institution offers an innovative visit that is both educational fun and immersive to learn all about the mysteries of the world of perfume. Whether you are a novice or fascinated by fragrances, the visit will help you to better decipher the perfume making process. The Museum also has numerous spaces available for private hire: the ‘Suite’ space can host 12 people for a sit-down meal and 20 people for a cocktail reception. The 3rd floor, with 2 meeting rooms and a gallery, accommodates 50 people. The White Club can host 50 people for a sit-down meal and 80 people for a cocktail reception. It is possible to privately hire the entire Museum and the garden for an outdoor event.

7. Discover one of the capital’s most emblematic professional trade shows

The Parc des Expositions Paris Le Bourget welcomes the Salon de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace (SIAE), also known as the Paris International Air Show, one of the world’s greatest events in the aeronautical and space industry. From 19 to 25 June 2017, all of the global industry players are present with the latest technological innovations. The first 4 days are for professionals in the sector, followed by 3 days for the general public. Some 300,000 visitors and more than 2,000 exhibitors are expected to attend. Don't miss the latest in aeronautics!

8. Applaud the world's top stars in the world of music and sport

The recently renovated AccorHotels Arena (formerly Bercy), a show and sporting venue, has an exciting programme of events lined up for you in 2017! Look out for the pop/R & B concert phenomenon The Weekend (28 February 2017), the return of Phil Collins to the stage (from 18 to 23 June 2017) and a one-off concert by Elton John, in Paris (1 December 2017). On the sporting scene, enjoy the World Handball Championship (from 11 to 29 January 2017) or the World Ice Hockey Championship (from 5 to 21 May 2017). Wrestling competitors will be competing in the World Championship (from 21 to 26 August 2017). You’ll be delighted with the new 2,000 m² lobby and large spaces given over to catering and entertainment. The 8 spaces available for private hire can host between 20 and 450 people for your conferences, cocktail parties and business seminars.

9. Marvel at the works of Vermeer

‘The Sphinx of Delft’, a reference to Vermeer, conveys an enigmatic and solitary image of the artist. From 22 February to 22 May 2017, the Louvre Museum(the largest in the capital) is devoting an exhibition to the artist to whom we owe the famous paintings Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid. You will learn how Vermeer and his contemporaries admired and took inspiration from one another between 1650 and 1675. The museum has spaces available for private hire for your events: cocktail receptions, gala evenings, prize givings, talks … It also offers private visits of the permanent collections, (which cover 73,000 m²), for a privileged experience!

10.Travelling serenely with new transit facilities at the airport

In transit at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport? Go to Hall L of Terminal 2E to enjoy a rest for a few hours or overnight. The Instant Paris (YOTELAIR) 4,500 m² space provides places to relax/sleep without having to leave the airport thanks to its air-side hotel with 80 ‘cabin’ rooms boasting modern and functional design. Travellers in transit, for at least 3 hours, can also benefit from the 4,500 m² Instant Paris facilities: a dining area offering fair-trade and organic culinary flavours from around the world; a lounge area with a giant screen to keep up to date with the latest news, major sporting events and short films about Paris. Recreational spaces include an area to play Kapla. Plus, there is a library with more than 300 international books, and comfy chairs to relax in and enjoy a coffee whilst reading the national and international press on self-service tablets. With automatic registration terminals, hi-tech walls, automatic light system and high-speed Wi-Fi … You’ll find everything for a comfortable stop-over!