Spotlight on Paris

Business practice tips
Before any business trip, there are a few etiquette tips you should know. As a general rule whether doing formal or informal business it's always polite to address people by Madame, Monsieur etc. unless requested otherwise. Small talk is a major part of doing business, so it may be wise to brush up on French politics, culture and current affairs. Standard business hours are generally Monday to Friday 08.30/09.00 to 18.00/19.00. Lunch lasts for two hours so it's best when scheduling meetings to arrange them at 11.00 or 15.00 hours. Something to remember is that when having a breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings, the person who arranges the meeting should settle the bill.

Getting there and getting around
In today's modern world you can cross the channel from London in around 2½ hours on Eurostar. Whether you're going for the day or longer, they offer a punctual flexible service that takes you to the heart of the capital. With short check in times and an excellent business package it's a must for the business traveller – I can certainly recommend it, having personally used the service to book travel for colleagues.

For those of you who feel a trip isn't a trip without getting on a plane, Air France is the major provider serving the two major airports—Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly. However both airports are 10-15 miles outside the capital, so you will need to add at least 40 minutes on to travelling times.

Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries and Condor Ferries all offer cross-channel services to ports such as Calais, Le Harve and Cherbourg. This isn't the most practical solution for business travellers - more of a favourite for holiday makers and school trips. For those who are looking for that extra buzz, why not try HoverSpeed's Dover to Calais hovercraft.

So, you've arrived...
At just 10km by 11km, Paris can be crossed via the metro system in just 40 minutes. The metro runs from 5.30am to 12.30am, but travellers new to the system are best avoiding the rush hour of 8.00 — 9.00am and 18.00 — 19.00 in the evening. Besides walking, this is by far the cheapest and quickest way to get around. Word of warning for all those keen walkers out there - be very wary of cars, especially at pedestrian crossings, as they very rarely stop!

Alternative travel is the local buses, or the Noctambus which runs through the night and the early hours of the morning. Rail and Taxi are two other options however they can be on the pricey side; expect to pay a higher rate for taxis at night and some will charge you an extra fee per piece of luggage.

Travel advice
Like all major cities, crime can be an issue in Paris and visitors should be extra alert around the main tourist spots and train stations. Les Halles is a particular area to watch out for, and visitors unfamiliar with it are recommended to steer clear.

Eating out
Food is one of the great French passions, and Paris hosts many divine restaurants. Here's a quick run down of the extravagant and the affordable.

Extravagant:
L'Ambroise is pure perfection. Situated in an intimate and stunning square it serves the best in classic French cuisine. Expect to pay around €200 for a meal plus exceptional wines starting at €100.

L'Arpege caters for those after a jet set lifetyle. Exceptional seasonal food from lobster to caviar makes anyone feel like a celebrity. Expect to pay around €300.

Affordable:
La Gare is a pleasant set in a former railway station. It is a reasonably priced, yet fashionable hang out, so booking in advance is recommended.

Cheap and cheerful:
Mimosa, is located in the heart of the city and is an excellent spot in the summer. Low prices of around €14 per dish don't reflect the energetic menu and excellent setting.

Conference venue assistance
Paris Convention and Visitor Bureau
Will assist in finding conference and convention venues
info@paris-touristoffice.com

Office equipment hire
Vernon Location
Computer equipment for hire, including laptops, printers, scanners and projectors.
info@vernonlocation.fr

Translation services
International Corporate Communication
Specialists in simultaneous translation and financial/corporate documentation.
Tel: (01) 4387 2929