Porte Maillot: new international hub made in Paris

The business tourism capital of Paris

Over the decades, Porte Maillot grew into a true crossroads for events in western Paris, pulsating to the rhythm of the Palais des Congrès de Paris, inaugurated in 1974. This temple of entertainment, as well as major national and international gatherings, attracts more than 600,000 visitors, conventioneers and spectators each year. No fewer than 170 events, including 56 conferences, 36 shows, 66 corporate events and 13 exhibitions, were organised there last year.

"Porte Maillot represents a strategic hub for business tourism, where the synergy between the Palais des Congrès de Paris, optimal accessibility thanks to recent transport improvements, and the concentration of high-end hotels creates an environment leading to the success of professional events and the maximisation of their impact," says Fabrice Sarlange, Director of the Palais des Congrès de Paris.

By hosting conferences such as IMCAS, exhibitions like the Paris Audio Video Show, and serving as the Olympic Main Press Center in 2024, the Palais des Congrès has cemented its position as a strategic junction of professional and cultural activity, enriched by a commercial offering that meets the needs of a diverse clientele.

"The Palais des Congrès is a major economic and cultural hub. It attracts thousands of visitors each year for professional events, exhibitions and shows. It also plays a structuring role in the district's identity by energising local life and ensuring a strong connection between Paris and the international scene," says Geoffroy Boulard, Mayor of Paris's 17th arrondissement.

An ultra-connected transport hub

Porte Maillot has risen to become one of the capital's most significant transport hubs, thanks in particular to the arrival of the RER E as part of the EOLE project. This colossal undertaking costing more than €5 billion reinforces an already comprehensive public transport network, comprising the RER C, Metro Line 1 and the T3b tram. This provides a way to travel that is more gentle, practical and environmentally friendly, with occurrences of up to one train every 4 minutes for the RER E.

"Porte Maillot has been leveraging the benefits of the new RER line for a year now! SNCF Réseau, by building a new underground infrastructure at Porte Maillot and a new station, Neuilly – Porte Maillot, allowed for the RER E, a new way of transportation, to knock on its doors. This station, with its exceptional architecture, bathed in natural light despite being  more than 30 metres underground, was designed to completely fit into its entirely renovated urban environment. Its pedestrian glass roof, extending over 100 metres long, helps to make the forecourt of the Palais des Congrès a genuine living space. The arrival of this new train line gave the opportunity for a transport hub to form around Porte Maillot, featuring key interconnections with other means of transportation, easier connections and direct access to the Palais des Congrès. RER E therefore enables us to build more bridges across the whole of Paris region, but also internationally," says Armelle Lagrange, Director of Institutional Relations & Communications for Eole at SNCF Réseau.

As a matter of fact, for travellers who prefer rail, Gare du Nord is now directly accessible via the RER E in no longer than 15 minutes. Porte Maillot is also connected almost directly to the main airports, with only one connection needed to access Roissy-Charles de Gaulle or Orly by public transport. This service will continue expanding, as the "CDG Express" project will be able to connect the centre of Paris to CDG airport in 20 minutes or less by 2027.

A high-end hotel offering: Sky is the limit

Porte Maillot, located between Paris's 16th and 17th arrondissements, is a strategic district experiencing a major renewal and is now an essential hub for business tourism. Hotels located in this area can take full advantage of the destination's accessibility and touristic vantage point. High-end establishments offer services tailored to the needs of event organisers, as well as their participants.

With nearly 2,000 rooms spread between two flagship establishments, the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile and Le Méridien Étoile, the Porte Maillot destination presents a hotel capacity unmatched in the capital.

On one side, The Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, with its 995 rooms spread over 34 floors, and its signature Windo Skybar offering a breathtaking view of Paris, is a key player in local dynamism. 

"Similarly to Porte Maillot, we constantly seek to innovate, experiment and adapt our services to offer a memorable experience to our guests. The Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel benefits from a strategic location in the heart of Paris, a European and global capital of international tourism. Directly tethered to the Palais des Congrès de Paris and easily accessible, it meets the expectations of both business travellers and leisure clients. Only a few steps away from the Champs-Élysées and emblematic cultural sites, Porte Maillot marks a turning point towards the Paris of tomorrow," shares Alice Mafaity, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile.

On the other side, Le Méridien Étoile has 1,025 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Paris capacity-wise. It is particularly renowned for its emblematic Jazz Club Étoile and exclusive amenities such as a spa and a wellness club. 

"Our hotel actively participates in this transformation of the district by offering a unique experience in the immediate vicinity of the main tourist and business venues. As a member of the Le Méridien brand, we value the art of living and hospitality. Our lively lobby and outdoor patio allow our guests to enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in an oasis of greenery in the heart of Porte Maillot," emphasises Léa Perrin, Marketing Manager of Le Méridien Étoile.

A destination enhanced by a variety of services

Around the Palais des Congrès de Paris, the commercial spaces continue to grow to meet the needs of a varied clientele, so that the event space can be a true living area. Shops and businesses coexist with one of the largest parapharmacies in Paris, a supermarket and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a high-end gym: nearly forty brands within walking distance offer the most complete shopping experience.

The final piece added to the area's attractiveness are the facilities inherited from Paris 2024, which have contributed to the recent metamorphosis of the district. Widened pavements, audio signage and infrastructure adapted for people with reduced mobility. The goal was to improve the daily life of every single one of Porte Maillot’s visitors, making it increasingly accessible and inclusive.

These improvements have brought numerous benefits for all users.

"Public spaces have been redesigned and vegetated, creating a more pleasant and welcoming living environment. These transformations strengthen the identity of the district, which is becoming a truly more harmonious living space," adds Geoffroy Boulard.

It is these competitive advantages and this constantly evolving transformation that make Porte Maillot such a key location for business tourism, for both organisers and participants. Today, Porte Maillot is more than just a place to pass through or a simple urban intersection; it is a destination in its own right.

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