Not only does Paris have something new to offer congress planners each year, the City of Light is also steadily becoming more and more green conscious…
2007 was a key year for Paris. The city issued its local Agenda 21 (a set of programmes that aim for sustainable economic, social and environmental development) and passed its Plan Climat de Paris to combat greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling and water treatment are two concrete examples of actions stemming from these initiatives.

Eco-friendly Paris

Sustainable Paris also favours so-called ‘soft’ (non-polluting) transportation as a way of improving the environment for everyone living in, or visiting, the city. The Vélib rent-a-bike system was launched in July 2007 for both residents and visitors alike. The tram received a boost in 2008, when a public consultation was launched regarding the possible extension of the tram to the East. The latest new initiative, inaugurated in June 2008, is Voguéo − a ‘Metro on the water’ boat-shuttle − providing innovative, clean and economic transport for Parisians and sightseers.

Welcoming Paris

Paris is one of the most welcoming and exciting destinations of the moment. In addition to being a meeting and incentive destination par excellence, Paris is also the world congress leader. For example, the International Congress of Applied Psychology, the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, and the EADV Congress will be held in Paris this year.

The city continues to focus its strategy on its main assets − culture, fashion and gastronomy − but dynamic and attractive Paris is also developing as a future-oriented economic hub. Culture enthusiasts can take advantage of some 300 artistic events programmed in the French capital every day. Or single out one of the major events, like Nuit Blanche, Nuit des Musées, La Fête de la Musique, and PartParis. And now, as the city gives priority to non-polluting transportation, sustainable development and eco-friendly projects such as the Cité de la Mode et du Design, demand is only growing for the city’s environmental trips.

And the latest development − ViParis.

The Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris's venues are linking up with those owned by the Unibail-Rodamco group, bringing the 9 main exhibition, congress and event facilities in the Paris region under one banner: the ‘Venues in Paris’ group ... ViParis! Dedicated to stimulating the development of Paris as a key destination for the meetings and incentive market, ViParis is putting excellence at the heart of its ambitions. The emphasis will be on quality service for the benefit of all organisers, exhibitors and visitors, both French and international.

°°° A table for 500?

As respect for the environment increasingly becomes a determining factor in a meeting planner’s selection of venue, Paris is greening its spaces for larger conferences too. Here are some excellent venues for gatherings of 500+ delegates or for gala dinners.