Paris for Business Travelers: Transport, Coworking, and Networking Tips
Paris is one of Europe’s most important business cities, and its infrastructure for business travelers has improved dramatically in recent years.
Getting to Paris: Airport Transport Options
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, handles most international and long-haul flights. The RER B train provides the most economical connection to central Paris (approximately 35 minutes to Gare du Nord, €11.80). Taxis from CDG cost €55–65 (fixed price) to the Right Bank and €65–75 to the Left Bank.
Orly Airport (ORY), 14 kilometers south of Paris, serves many European and domestic routes. The Orlyval light rail connects Orly to the RER B at Antony station.
Getting Around Paris
For most business travelers, a combination of Métro, taxi, and walking is the most efficient approach. The Métro runs from 5:30am to 1:15am weekdays (2:15am on Friday and Saturday nights). The Navigo mobile pass allows contactless payment on all Paris public transport.
Paris’s Best Coworking Spaces
Wojo, with locations throughout central Paris including in major hotels, offers professional meeting rooms and desk space bookable by the day. Morning Coworking, with several Left Bank locations, is popular with startups and creative professionals. Soho House Paris in the 9th arrondissement offers meeting rooms and a strong creative industry community.
Business Networking in Paris
The American Chamber of Commerce in France (AmCham) and the British Chamber of Commerce hold regular events. The Station F startup campus in the 13th arrondissement hosts regular events connecting the international startup community.
French Business Culture: Essential Tips
Formality is important in initial meetings — address counterparts as “Monsieur” or “Madame” until invited to use first names. Meals are taken seriously; a business lunch is a genuine social occasion. Speaking even a few words of French is invariably well-received and sets a positive tone for any professional interaction.
