Paris
Business in Paris, France
Paris, the capital and largest city of France, is the major driver of the country’s economy. It is the sixth-largest GDP in the world, after the urban areas of Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and London. Paris is both the political and the business centre of France, as well as home to twelve of the Fortune 500 companies.
In addition to its considerable tourist industry, Paris has a very diverse economy that extends across the service industry, with business and financial services generating nearly half of the Paris region's GDP. Paris remains one of the manufacturing powerhouses of Europe and functions as a popular destination for business travellers the world over.
Flights from South Africa to Paris, France
Business travellers from South Africa are most likely to land at Charles De Gaulle Airport 25km northeast of downtown Paris. However, travellers who have booked a flight to Paris with a stopover may land at Paris Orly Airport instead.
Charles De Gaulle Airport offers passengers a world-class airport experience with high-tech entertainment areas, stylish restaurants and fashion boutiques in all terminals. Taxis are easy to come by but are quite pricey. More affordable options include the RoissyBus, or the Super Shuttle, which requires booking 24 hours in advance. There is also a good train service with the RER B line that serves the airport with connections to the city centre and the Metro station.
Accommodation in Paris, France
Most business takes place in La Défense, an urban area that is home to over 1 500 corporate head offices, including 15 of the top 50 companies in the world. There are several hotels, restaurants, and boutiques in the district. However, La Défense is located approximately 30 minutes from the city centre which may be considered an inconvenience to some. Business travellers wanting to stay closer to downtown Paris have a range of accommodation options available. As with most large European cities, Paris has vast numbers of hotels that range from small economy rooms to luxury suites and modern chain properties.
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