Welcome to France: The Epitome of Elegance, Culture, and Innovation 

France is synonymous with elegance, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene that spans from the bustling streets of Paris to the sun-soaked beaches of the French Riviera. With its diverse landscapes, world-class cuisine, and exceptional hospitality, France is an extraordinary destination for corporate meetings, events, and incentive programs. This guide will explore all that France has to offer—from local expertise and diverse activities to luxurious accommodations and unique venues—across some of the country’s most captivating cities and regions. 

Local Expertise: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences in France 

Discover Local Expertise: Navigating France’s Iconic Destinations with Flair 

Lafayette DMC, a Hosts Global Member, brings unparalleled local knowledge and expertise to your events in France. Our team has a deep understanding of this captivating country, allowing us to craft seamless event experiences that reflect France’s unique spirit. Whether you are planning a sophisticated event in Paris, a wine-tasting tour in Bordeaux, or a seaside gala in Cannes, we ensure every detail of your event is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. 

Our strong relationships with France’s top vendors, suppliers, and venues provide exclusive access to some of the most sought-after locations in the country. From hosting a corporate gala at a historic château in the Loire Valley to organizing a private boat cruise along the Seine River, our local connections and expertise allow us to deliver exceptional experiences tailored to your vision. Our partnerships with ALHI properties and other luxury accommodations further enhance the quality and exclusivity of your event. 

Tailored Experiences for Corporate Events and Incentives 

France’s rich cultural heritage and diverse regions offer the perfect backdrop for corporate events and incentive programs that are both engaging and memorable. Imagine hosting a high-profile meeting in a luxurious Parisian hotel, followed by a private tour of the Louvre Museum after hours. Or consider a team-building retreat in Provence, where attendees can enjoy wine tastings, cooking classes, and outdoor activities in the stunning French countryside. 

Lafayette DMC is dedicated to creating bespoke experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From the moment your guests arrive, welcomed by the charm and sophistication of France, to the final farewell, our team ensures every aspect of your event is seamlessly managed, allowing you and your attendees to focus on building connections and creating lasting memories. 

Infusing Your Event with French Elegance and Creativity 

In France, every event is an opportunity to embrace the country’s elegance and creativity. Whether it is a gala dinner in a historic mansion in Paris, a vineyard tour and tasting in Champagne, or a beachside soirée in Cannes, Lafayette DMC ensures each event is infused with the distinctive charm of France. 

By choosing Lafayette DMC, you are partnering with a team that is passionate about highlighting the best of France. Let us guide you through this remarkable country, where every destination offers a new adventure, and every experience is crafted to leave a lasting impression. 

Beyond the Eiffel Tower: Unveiling France’s Diversity 

While Paris is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, France offers so much more than its famous capital. The country is a tapestry of diverse regions, each with its own unique culture, cuisine, and history, making it an ideal destination for event planners looking to offer their attendees a rich and varied experience. 

Take your attendees on a journey through France’s enchanting regions. In Bordeaux, explore the world-famous vineyards and enjoy wine tastings at prestigious châteaux. In Normandy, visit the historic D-Day landing beaches and the stunning Mont-Saint-Michel. The French Riviera, with cities like Nice and Cannes, offers luxury and glamour, perfect for high-end corporate events and incentive trips. 

For a taste of France’s cultural heritage, consider a trip to Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France, where guests can enjoy cooking classes and dine in Michelin-starred restaurants. The Loire Valley, with its fairytale castles and lush landscapes, provides a romantic setting for any event, while Strasbourg, with its blend of French and German influences, offers a unique cultural experience in the heart of Europe. 

France’s culinary scene is another highlight, offering a range of experiences from traditional French bistros to avant-garde cuisine. Organize a culinary tour through Paris’s diverse neighborhoods or arrange a private cooking class where attendees can learn to make classic French dishes like coq au vin or crème brulé. The diversity of experiences available in France makes it an ideal destination for planners looking to create a well-rounded and memorable event. 

Elevating Experiences in France 

Exciting Activities: Creating Unforgettable Moments in France 

France offers a wide array of activities that can elevate any corporate event, transforming it into an unforgettable experience. Here are some exciting options to consider for your next event: 

Private Tours of Iconic Landmarks 

Treat your attendees to private, guided tours of France’s most famous landmarks. In Paris, explore the Louvre Museum with an art historian, or enjoy an exclusive evening at the Palace of Versailles with a private viewing of the Hall of Mirrors and gardens. In Normandy, arrange a guided tour of the D-Day beaches, providing a moving and educational experience that honors the region’s history. 

Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours 

France is synonymous with wine, and a visit to one of its renowned wine regions is a must for any event. Organize a vineyard tour and tasting in Bordeaux or Champagne, where attendees can learn about winemaking from local experts and sample some of the world’s finest wines. For a more interactive experience, arrange a wine blending workshop, allowing guests to create their own unique blends. 

Culinary Experiences 

France’s culinary heritage is as rich and diverse as its landscapes. Organize a market tour and cooking class in Provence, where attendees can shop for fresh ingredients and learn to prepare traditional French dishes. For a unique dining experience, consider a private dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a gourmet picnic in the gardens of a Loire Valley château. 

Adventure and Outdoor Activities 

France offers a wealth of outdoor activities that can add excitement to your event. Arrange a day of hiking in the vineyards of Alsace, a hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, sailing along the Côte d’Azur, or a cycling tour through the lavender fields of Provence. These activities not only provide adventure but also offer a chance for attendees to connect with France’s natural beauty. 

By incorporating these activities into your event program, you not only enhance the overall experience for your attendees but also highlight France’s diverse offerings. From private tours of iconic landmarks to culinary adventures and outdoor excursions, these activities provide the perfect blend of entertainment, education, and engagement, ensuring your event is a resounding success. 

Luxurious Accommodations: Where French Hospitality Meets Elegance 

France offers a variety of luxurious accommodations that blend comfort, elegance, and the country’s renowned hospitality. Whether you are planning a corporate meeting, an incentive trip, or a grand event, France’s top hotels provide the perfect setting with impeccable service and modern amenities. 

Plaza Athénée 

Experience the epitome of Parisian elegance at the Plaza Athénée, where timeless luxury meets modern sophistication. Located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, this iconic hotel offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, exquisite dining by Michelin-starred chefs, and unparalleled service. Whether you are indulging in the haute couture ambiance or relaxing in the serene courtyard, the Plaza Athénée promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Paris. 

Hotel Meurice 

Experience the epitome of Parisian luxury at Hôtel Meurice, a five-star haven nestled between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Immerse yourself in opulent rooms, world-class dining by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, and impeccable service that has hosted royalty and artists alike. Whether for a romantic getaway or a refined business stay, Hôtel Meurice offers timeless elegance in the heart of Paris. 

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes 

Perched on the tip of Cap d’Antibes, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is a legendary property known for its glamour and exclusivity. The hotel features luxurious accommodations, a private beach, and stunning gardens, making it perfect for both business meetings and social events. Its location along the French Riviera provides a breathtaking backdrop for any event. 

Intercontinental Lyon 

Discover the timeless elegance of Hotel Intercontinental Lyon, nestled in the heart of the city within the iconic Hôtel-Dieu. Blending rich history with modern luxury, our hotel offers breathtaking views of the Rhône River, refined accommodations, and world-class dining. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, enjoy impeccable service, a serene spa, and easy access to Lyon’s cultural gems. Experience French sophistication at its finest at Hotel Intercontinental Lyon. 

Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes 

The Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes offers a blend of elegance and glamour on the French Riviera. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms, a private beach, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities, making it an ideal choice for corporate meetings and social events. Its location on the Croissette provides a stunning backdrop for any gathering. 

Carlton Cannes 

Experience luxury at its finest at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, a symbol of timeless elegance on the French Riviera. With stunning views of the Mediterranean, world-class dining, and exceptional service, this historic hotel offers an unforgettable stay. Whether you are here for the Cannes Film Festival or a serene getaway, the Carlton promises sophistication and style in the heart of Cannes.

L’Hotel du Collectionneur, an ALHI Member 

By choosing one of these distinguished properties for your event, you ensure that your attendees experience the absolute best of French hospitality. Whether in a grand hotel with historic charm or a modern boutique property, each accommodation offers an inspiring and luxurious environment for hosting a memorable corporate event. 

Unique Venues and Entertainment Options in France 

France’s array of unique venues provides a distinctive setting for any gathering. From historic châteaux to contemporary spaces designed with French flair, the country offers venues that cater to a wide range of tastes and styles. Whether you are hosting a corporate meeting, a gala dinner, or an incentive trip, France’s venues provide an unforgettable backdrop that captures the country’s dynamic spirit. 

Historic Venues and Modern Spaces: 

Palais Garnier, Paris 

This iconic opera house, with its stunning architecture and opulent interiors, offers a dramatic backdrop for corporate events that require a touch of grandeur. The Palais Garnier is perfect for gala dinners, private concerts, and receptions, providing a memorable experience that blends history with sophistication. 

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 

Located on the French Riviera, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a breathtaking venue surrounded by exquisite gardens and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The villa’s elegant salons and terraces are ideal for hosting receptions, dinners, and private events, offering a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. 

Cultural Venues and Museums: 

The Louvre Museum, Paris 

For an event infused with art and culture, consider hosting at The Louvre Museum. The museum offers a variety of event spaces surrounded by some of the world’s most famous artworks. Guests can enjoy a cocktail reception beneath the glass pyramid or a seated dinner in the Richelieu Wing, providing a sophisticated setting that inspires creativity and conversation. 

The Cité du Vin, Bordeaux 

Known as the world’s leading wine museum, The Cité du Vin offers a unique venue for events in the heart of Bordeaux. The venue’s modern design and extensive exhibits on wine culture provide an engaging backdrop for corporate meetings, receptions, and private tastings, making it an ideal choice for wine lovers. 

Entertainment Options: 

Live Music and Performances 

France’s vibrant cultural scene offers a range of entertainment options to enhance any event. Whether it is a classical music concert in a historic church, a jazz band for a lively cocktail hour, or a cabaret show in a Parisian theater, live music can bring local flavor and sophistication to your event. 

Gala Dinners and Themed Events 

Transform your event with a themed dinner in one of France’s historic venues. Host a masquerade ball in a Loire Valley château, a Provençal feast in a rustic farmhouse, or a glamorous soirée in a Parisian palace. These themed events provide a unique and memorable experience for your attendees, combining French elegance with creative flair. 

Giving Back to Our Communities 

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Workshops: 

• Sorting clothes, trinkets, books, and CDs on behalf of a solidarity store 

• Repainting a workshop for an association that had just taken possession of it 

• Cleaning and tidying up the premises of a building that was to be upgraded for an association, 

• Cleaning the exteriors on behalf of the environmental association which oversaw the maintenance of the outdoor and green spaces. 

Hackathon for an association: 

This event is a training program with a social impact. Participants will be invited to work in teams to recommend solutions to an association’s real problem. As an example, a Hackathon was organized for the association Mom’artre, who contributes to unleash children’s talents and to develop the potential in each child.  Within 6 companies of the CAC 40, 40 talents were selected to develop the design of a digital tool that will facilitate parents’ access and monitoring to the association’s activities. Distributed in 5 mixed teams and from different companies, each group had to produce an innovative and digital idea! At the end of two intensive days, the “M.m’App” application was selected to be developed and deployed in the coming months… 

 

Teambuilding:  

Work for Good is a tailored CSR program composed of toy and music instruments building workshops, Gift wrapping stations and Digital scavenger-hunt type challenges. 

We offer 5/6 different classes from building a toy (Baby mobiles), building an instrument (Ukulele, Shaker) to decorating an instrument (Samba drums, Claves) which will be given at the end to an association, and include a questionnaire with questions about social responsibility. 

Sustainable Efforts 

We intend to respect and conserve environmental resources, creating a safe and supportive work environment for all our employees, adhering to well-defined corporate values, and encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are continuously innovating, progressing, and deepening our dialogue to ensure we have a positive impact on the people and world around us. 

We aim to leave behind a better environmental legacy by: 

• Minimizing our waste footprint and tending towards zero plastic. 

• Reducing harmful emissions where possible – particularly, we contract local staff, to avoid long journeys. 

• Reducing consumption of materials and promoting recycling, with special attention to decoration items. 

• Sourcing local produce and ensuring an ethical supply chain. In addition, when possible, we donate products to local charitable causes. 

• Managing energy and water usage wisely. 

Reducing impacts is an on-going process of improvement, with resource and budget constraints that necessitate a pragmatic approach and prioritization. 

Our involvement has led us to join the Paris Program for Sustainable Tourism. 

We are also engaged in the program TraveLife and hope to become partners shortly. 

In addition, a « Sustainable Meeting Event Protocol » has been created to take specific steps in everyday planning tasks. 

Some of our actions: 

• Since 2018, we sort the office’s waste thanks to Les Joyeux Recycleurs. 

• At the end of the “Nutanix” program, all electronic equipment was donated to an association. 

• The decoration elements created for the IBA event were all recycled. 

• The internal CSR team is meeting monthly, and currently working on the TraveLife program.  

 

Meet Lafayette DMC, A Hosts Global Member 

Lafayette DMC is the leading French DMC with agencies based in Paris, Cannes, Bordeaux, and Monaco.

Our primary activities are the organization, operation and logistics of special events, conferences, meetings, congresses, incentive programs, and board meetings in France.

With our in-depth knowledge of the field, our long expertise in organizing programs, and our creativity, the key word when working with our experienced team is “customized.”  

We cover all services from transportation to catering, venue finding to accommodation, deluxe visits to incentive activities, gala dinners to entertainment.  We are involved in projects from conception through production and operations and cover the gamut of services in between.  We are truly the only “one-stop shopping” DMC thanks to our extensive experience in organizing programs and events for groups of any size and profile. 

As you explore the possibilities of France, use this guide as your roadmap to crafting events that reflect the country’s elegance, culture, and innovation. Discover, engage, and create moments that highlight the unique charm of France. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and exceptional hospitality, France is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Let Lafayette DMC, a Hosts Global Member, help you bring your vision to life with an event that is as unforgettable as the destination itself.