Paris Corporate Traveller Guide

Paris, France

A global fashion capital, Paris joins London, Milan and New York to form the Big Four of world-leading fashion powerhouses. Not only formidable on the catwalk but influential in industry, the French capital is a sought-after business destination for local start-ups and international corporations alike. With strongholds in art, architecture and automotive production, Paris is a dynamic economic centre with an impressive business climate.

A skyline bursting with globally renowned monuments, the architectural treasure of Paris is impossible to miss. You may know the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre, and Sacré-Cœur that epitomise this Seine-side city, but what about everything else you need to know as a corporate traveller? Read on for our guide to get to grips with the basics.

Paris Key Information

Weather in Paris

With a continental, temperate climate, weather in Paris can have a mind of its own. Rainy and windy one minute, bright and sunny the next, make sure your wardrobe is equipped for every eventuality. Summer highs of 20°C and consistent winter freezes, expect textbook Western European seasons similar to that of Britain. 

Currency in Paris

France, Euro (EUR)

The Euro is the currency here. You’ll be able to pay using both cash and card throughout the majority of Paris, although there may be a minimum spend for card and places like antique markets often only accept cash. Tipping is discretionary, but a modest 5-10% is common. 

Health & Well-being in Paris

As with most things in Paris, you should only exercise if it makes you feel good. Unlike other fast-paced cities where high intensity bootcamp-style workouts are popular, Parisians tend to prefer to walk, cycle, ski, and swim. The mild climate lends itself to gentle, scenic, outdoor exercise, and yoga or Pilates is the go-to indoor workout choice.  

Data in Paris

Getting around a new city can be a struggle without your smartphone – ordering a taxi, getting directions or contacting a colleague is a near impossible task. With apps like Whatsapp you can communicate without changing your number, so if you’re only visiting a data-only SIM might be your best bet. For relocating assignees, buying a SIM is beneficial and can be purchased from mobile stores such as Orange, Lycamobile or SFR.

Plug Shape: Types C and E.

Cuisine in Paris

With many French classics being adopted into cuisines – and loving stereotypes – across the world, most are familiar with baguettes, croissants, frog’s legs and snails that form the eclectic French palate. Other national favourites include French onion soup for starter, boeuf Bourguignon, ratatouille or salade Niçoise for main, soufflé, crème brûlée or crepes for dessert, and a glass of champagne to go with it. 

Regional Accommodation Norms in Paris

As standard, serviced apartments in Paris come with Wi-Fi, all utilities (utility caps may apply) and weekly housekeeping. Terms and policies (such as cancellation and early termination) vary depending on length of stay, but payments for accommodation in Paris are typically expected on arrival or within 30 days of check-in date.

High season: June – mid September & mid-to-late December.

Low season: January – March & August tends to see lower demand despite being during the summer high season as locals leave the city for their own holidays.

Regional events that impact availability in Paris:

- Prix d’Amérique in January.
- Paris Fashion Week in March and September.
- The Paris Marathon in April.
- Tour de France and Bastille Day in July.
- Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.

Recommended areas in Paris to stay for corporate travellers:

- Champs-Élysées
- Le Marais
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Montmartre
- Pigalle - SoPi
- Canal Saint-Martin
- Oberkampf

Language in Paris

France is an example of a country where speaking the language is pretty vital. Whilst you will hear a diverse mix of languages spoken amongst visitors in Paris, it’s widely understood that if you move to France you need to be willing to learn French. In tourist spots you will be able to get by speaking English and knowing a few French phrases. However, if you’re preparing to relocate to Paris we recommend getting to grips with the language.

Have a go at these basic phrases to get started:

Bonjour monsieur/madame:  hello sir/madam

Salut:  hi

Au revoir:  goodbye

S’il vous plait:  please

Merci:  thank you

Parlez-vous anglais?:  do you speak English?

Je m’appelle…:  my name is…

Enchanté:  pleased to meet you

Comment allez-vous?:  how are you?

Où est…:  where is…

Transport in Paris

The public transport system in Paris is convenient, cheap and efficient. Citymapper is the best way to plan your routes, receive live travel alerts and find stations for the train, metro and bus.  

A single ticket (t+) costs €1.90 and grants access to use major transportation lines for up to 90 minutes. The Paris Visite travel card is a preloaded card allowing unlimited travel for 1-5 days, and the Passe Navigo can be topped up for selected zones for weekly or monthly periods.

The Paris Metro consists of 16 lines and runs an extensive network beneath the city. Following a similar format to the London Underground or New York Subway, the Paris Metro may look daunting but it’s easy once you know how. Trains start at 5:30am and run until 1am (2am on Friday and Saturday).

The RER is the overground train system and consists of five lines: RER A, RER B, RER C, RER D, and RER E. Trains on the same line/route can either be normal or express, the latter don’t stop at every station so make sure you check the route before boarding. Key lines to note for frequent fliers: RER B runs to Charles de Gaulle Airport and RER C runs to Orly Airport.

Buses are a convenient way to get around the city with a view as you go. Times depend on route but day buses usually start at 7am and run as late as midnight, while night buses run the remaining hours through the night. While best avoided at rush hour, Paris buses are sometimes known to be quicker than the Metro or RER.

Paris Map

Now that you’re armed with all the necessary knowledge for relocating to Paris, browse our selection of Paris serviced apartments and get in touch to book today.

SilverDoor offers a large and varied portfolio of serviced apartments in Paris. From our top serviced apartments in Paris, to five impressive things to do and see on an evening in Paris, you’ll have a full itinerary for your stay the French capital.