At the Sofitel Paris le Faubourg, concierge Jerome Guy guides visitors on what to do and where to dine in France’s capital of government, culture and commerce. Here he offers advice for business travelers.
What should business travelers pack when heading to Paris?
Something to soothe your stomach after dining excesses!
What are your top restaurant recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?
In the summertime, lunch on the terrace of Restaurant Laurent (41 Avenue Gabriel; Ph: +33 (0)1 42 25 00 39) near the Champs Elysées. It’s the perfect combination of excellent food and beautiful decoration in a building that began as a hunting lodge, became a dance hall and emerged as a restaurant in the 1860s. For dinner, Lasserre (17 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt; Ph: + 33 (0)1 43 59 53 43) offers traditional French cuisine mixed with modernity. The restaurant can open its roof, so you can dine under the stars.
What’s one thing that always surprises guests about your hotel?
Guests are always amazed at how quiet our hotel is, even though we are only a short walk from the busy La Place de la Concorde. Access to our street (Rue Boissy d’Anglas) is controlled by the police because the U.S. embassy is in the same block. That reduces street traffic and noise.
If business travelers only have a few hours for leisure, what must they see in your city?
Stroll along the Seine in the First Arrondissement, then visit a nearby museum of your choice—the Musée de l’Orangerie if you have less time and the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay (across the river) if you have more time. Make sure to snap a selfie on the scenic Pont des Arts bridge.
What’s the best option for outdoor exercise in your city?
A walk or run through the city’s most famous park, Les Jardins des Tuileries, and the surrounding area takes you past many beautiful and famous monuments—the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, the Orsay museum, La Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and more.
Business know-how
Concierge Jerome Guy’s top tips for getting business right in Paris:
Tip 1: Arrive to meetings on time, but don’t be surprised if locals you are meeting are a few minutes late.
Tip 2: Be prepared for long lunches with colleagues or clients; that’s where business is conducted in Paris.
Tip 3: Know the dress code for the restaurant where you will have lunch or dinner; many require business attire or better.
