Paris is one of the world’s most important business centres and is home to some of the largest European companies. In addition to being a significant financial hub, Paris is a leading city for fashion, culture, art, education and more. It’s a major tourist destination, and renowned for its museums, monuments, parks, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal city for business owners.
Home to a wide range of businesses, some of the largest firms based in Paris include BNP Paribas, Total, L’Oréal, Société Générale and AXA. Additionally, there are many smaller businesses in Paris covering a variety of industries from fashion to media and technology. The economy here is strong and diverse, thanks to the finance, technology, retail, hospitality and media sectors.
Paris has a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship, helping a number of startups to succeed and contributing to the vibrant city it is today. It also houses numerous business incubators and start-ups, making it a great place to launch a new business or product.
Overall, Paris is an excellent place for small and large businesses to establish themselves, from start-ups to multinational corporations. With its vibrant culture, excellent infrastructure, and a plethora of business opportunities, it’s no surprise that it remains one of the world’s most important business hubs. Its combination of history and modernity makes it a great choice for any business looking to expand or relocate.
The top business areas in Paris
Paris is divided into 20 districts called arrondissements, each with different advantages when running a business. Some of the top business areas in Paris include:
La Defense
Europe’s largest purpose-built district, La Defense is based just west of Paris and is home to some of the largest companies in Europe, such as the Total Group, American Express, and Allianz. As well as some of the world’s largest corporations, Les Quatres Temps shopping centre and Grande Arch building are also situated here.
The La Defense district is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport, through the Metro, RER and Transillien rail, making it an ideal location for businesses looking to expand their operations.
If you’re looking to surround yourself with other well-known companies and looking for great travel connections, La Defense could be the perfect location for your office. Enjoy the view from your Ariane Tower workspace, the world-famous business district in CB21 Tower or KPMG France’s former headquarters building, in the north part of Puteaux.
1st arrondissement
One of Paris’s smallest districts, the 1st arrondissement is a historical and more luxurious part of Paris. It’s home to the Louvre Museum and Tuileries Gardens, as well as a selection of international and high-end brands. This area is particularly popular with business services and administration.
Well connected to the rest of Paris, the 1st arrondissement is easily accessible via metro, train, and bus, with many Parisian attractions within walking distance. You can also enjoy a central Parisian office space here, within sight of the Louvre - or at 27 Avenue de l'Opéra- a prime Paris location.
Champs-Elysées - 8th arrondissement
Situated on the right bank of the Seine river, this area is one of the world’s most iconic boulevards. The famous Champs-Élysées is located here and the area is also home to many luxury retailers and upmarket restaurants. Numerous headquarters and offices are based here, making it a lucrative place for businesses to set up office space. Notable landmarks in the 8th arrondissement include the President’s Residence, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Place de la Concorde.
Consider the 8th arrondissement for your Paris office if you’re looking to be well-connected, in a trendy, upmarket area, within the vicinity of large international corporations such as Air China and HSBC France.
The Opéra District - 9th arrondissement
This area is best known for its fashion boutiques but is also home to many other businesses, such as insurance, wealth management, media, and finance. The area is brimming with cultural attractions and amenities and is an attractive workplace for all businesses with BNP Paribas and Danone headquarters situated here.
Well served by the metro, train, and buses, The Opéra District gets its name from the Palais Garnier, an opera house built in 1861. Look no further than the 9th arrondissement if you’re looking for a district where culture meets business for your office space in Paris.
Gare de Lyon - 12th arrondissement
Another highly sought-after location when it comes to Paris office rentals is the 12th arrondissement. This is especially the case for organisations with a presence across other parts of Europe, as Gare de Lyon is convenient for businesses with clients or other offices across the southeast of France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Spain thanks to the rail connections.
Many public sector organisations, such as the Ministry of Finance and the RATP group are located in this district.
Consider Gare de Lyon for your office space if you’re looking for a well-connected location, both domestically and internationally, with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants for socialising with clients and colleagues.
Montparnasse – 14th arrondissement
Another well-connected district is Montparnasse, the 14th arrondissement, thanks to Gare Montparnasse central railway station. Connecting the southwest and west of France, including Tours, Bordeaux, Nantes, and Rennes, makes it a prevalent choice for businesses. As well as the station, Montparnasse is home to many shops and restaurants, making it an attractive area for businesses.
The area is known for being a cultural hub and is home to many theatres, music venues, and art galleries. The nearby Rue de la Gaite has a large selection of cinemas, and nightclubs, perfect for evening entertainment after work. It’s also home to one of the most iconic French skyscrapers, Tour Montparnasse; standing at 210 metres high, it is the tallest skyscraper in Paris.
Choose Montparnasse for your new office rental if you’re looking for easy connections to the southwest of France, as well as culture and evening entertainment.
16th arrondissement
Located a little further out of the main city centre, the 16th arrondissement is one of the most exclusive districts in Paris and home to several law firms, international embassies, and multi-national company headquarters. You’ll also find many stunning historical buildings in the area, as well as parks, museums, and sporting venues.
If you regularly receive visitors, such as clients and colleagues that are from the area or overseas, the 16th arrondissement is a great place to explore, shop, eat, and attend cultural events. The area is also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Paris, with spas, fitness centres, and gourmet restaurants. With its upscale shops and trendy boutiques, this district is one of the most fashionable in the city.
If you’re looking for an office space with a luxury postcode, stunning surroundings, and excellent connections, consider the 16th arrondissement for your Parisian office.
Business travel in Paris
Paris has excellent transport infrastructure. The city has three airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport and Beauvais Airport, a reliable public transport system, and an extensive network of roads, tunnels, and bridges.
There are also many efficient public transport options within the city, including a network of buses, trams, metro lines, taxis, and the Vélib bike-sharing system. Paris is well-connected to the rest of Europe and beyond, making it an ideal place for international businesses or those looking to expand.
The city is served by high-speed trains such as the TGV and Eurostar, making it easy to travel outside of Paris and get around France or Europe quickly. Numerous car rental companies and ferry services are also available to help get you around.
With its excellent transport links, Paris is the perfect base for businesses looking to expand their operations and set up office space. It’s easy to travel around the city and the rest of Europe from here, making it an ideal choice for any business looking to grow.
Paris’ entertainment and cultural activities
Paris is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. From its world-famous restaurants to its eclectic nightlife, there’s something for everyone here.
The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and parks to explore. If you’re thinking about entertaining clients, then there’s the nightlife: from bars, clubs and live music venues to cabaret shows, dinner cruises and opera performances.
The city also hosts various festivals and events, such as Paris Fashion Week, the Summer Solstice Festival and Bastille Day celebrations. These are great opportunities to network and build relationships with other companies in this world business hub.
Overall, Paris is an excellent place for businesses; with its vibrant entertainment scene, excellent transport links and world-class attractions, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular cities for companies worldwide.
How much is it to rent office space in Paris?
The cost of renting office space in Paris can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the property. However, the table below will give you a rough idea of the costs of offices in Paris.
Area |
Price range for office rent (per person each month) |
From €459 |
|
From €529 |
|
From €315 |
|
From €405 |
|
From €379 |
|
From €515 |
|
From €445 |
|
From €375 |
|
From €295 |
|
From €379 |
|
From €319 |
|
From €565 |
How to find an office space in Paris
Whether you’re looking for meeting rooms to hire, to rent a desk in a flexible coworking space or a private office, there are plenty of choices for organisations of every size. No matter if you’re a solo entrepreneur or a large international corporation, what should you consider when choosing the perfect office in Paris?
Transport systems
Depending on your needs and how often you plan to be in the office, you may wish to consider your commute when picking a location to establish your company. For example, if you frequently travel internationally or to the rest of France, you may want an easy connection from Gare de Lyon. Alternatively, if you’re going to be in the office every day, you might want to secure as short a commute as possible.
Local amenities and services
Of course, Paris is famous for its chic cafes and stylish wine bars. Would you prefer to be in an area with lots of places to eat and drink? Do you frequently entertain clients and international colleagues, so prefer to be situated in a lively area? Or do you like to escape to parks for some fresh air or a mid-morning workout? Consider what’s available in your local vicinity when picking a location.
Networking opportunities
Do you enjoy connecting with other business owners? Do you regularly attend networking events in your industry? Perhaps a serviced office where networking is promoted could offer the perfect opportunity for connection and collaboration.
Opportunity for expansion
What does your business plan look like over the next three and five years? You may be a solo entrepreneur now, but in three years, you may plan to be a team of 30. Consider your business goals and growth when looking at offices and choose something that is flexible and can expand with you.
Interesting facts about Paris
If you need more convincing about the benefits of office space in Paris, here are some interesting facts about Paris!
- Paris has the highest concentration of headquarters of the 500 largest international companies in Europe.
- In 2019, the Greater Paris region counted 17 million overnight stays for business purposes, highlighting the main advantage of Paris - its location for travelling to/from European capitals.
- There are more than 4,000 start-ups in Paris, and in the Paris metropolitan area there are three times as many - 12,000.
Why you should rent an office in Paris
Thanks to the excellent connections with Paris and its relation to other major European cities, it’s an ideal location for companies looking to expand their markets and operations across Europe quickly and cost-effectively. Additionally, Paris offers a great talent pool, with several renowned universities and research centres.
Paris is an attractive location for businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to established corporations, with its vibrant culture, excellent infrastructure, and international appeal. If you’re ready to find the ideal office space in Paris for your business, choose Regus and work your way.