France - North - Paris
Proven Paris & Northern France Destination Management Company: DMC and
Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
 |
METROPOLIS INCENTIVES
|
 |
|
|
COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
Company
METROPOLIS is a full service DMC created in 1986. As group specialists,
we are experienced, innovative and committed and we understand your needs. Our flexibility
and imagination in planning have enabled us to successfully operate numerous demanding
incentive programs and a variety of special interest groups.
Furthermore, we show our commitment with staff that put the customer first and anticipate
your every need. Our highly skilled executives bring seasoned expertise and a hands-on
approach to each new project. Our knowledgeable management team will personally
plan and supervise your program to ensure its total success. And, our well-trained
tour directors will guide your group and cater for the needs of your individual
guests. Our expertise is your greatest benefit!
Our flair is reflected in our constant search for dynamic, new incentive ideas and
our imaginative ways to market FRANCE.
As specialists in incentive travel to FRANCE, we guarantee innovative, imaginative
and unique arrangements. Your clients custom designed programmes will be planned
in close liaison with you at all stages. It will further be enhanced by our attention
to detail and our high standards of service.
- Conference
- Special events
- Team buildings
- Product launches
- Hospitality desk
- Planning and destination advice
- Luxury coach service
- Site inspections
- Limousine transfers
- Farewell dinners with unusual entertainment
- Advance promotional materials
- Sightseeing tours
- Spouses programmes
Let us be the planner for your next meeting or event.
Destinations
Paris: With 36.3 millions visitors per year to Paris and its region,
Paris is THE destination for incoming and incentives events.
Paris is consolidating its position as the worlds most visited city with the renovation
of its palaces such as the George V Four Seasons, the Meurice and monuments such
as the Opéra Garnier and new hotels as Hilton Arc de Triomphe, and Park Hyatt Vendôme.
With world renowned chefs and restaurants, its incomparable and original venues,
its deluxe shopping with the world famous Couturiers and Jewellers, the city is
offering tremendous potential to make your stay unforgettable.
Paris is still the first choice for UK organisers looking for a short-haul destination
and the French capital has managed to stay at the top of a mix of new and refurbished
venues. Paris still has the cachet that not many European towns can provide.
SOUTH WEST
The Southwest is farming France, a green and peaceful land nurturing crops from
sunflowers to fois gras. There are several lakes, kilometres of dunes between the
ocean breakers and the aromatic Landes forest, picturesque fishing ports, and charming
seaside resorts. This areas has excellent facilities for all type of sport-oriented
incentives and offers plenty of scope for cultural and leisure activities.
Bordeaux: the capital, is the world’s largest fine wine region
and for red wines, certainly the most familiar outside France.
Biarritz: while maintaining all its tradition of luxury, the city
has kept pace with the times - International class hotels, gastronomic restaurants,
an 18 hole golf course right in the heart of town, elegant boutiques, a world famous
casino, France's leading ocean-water fitness centre- plus, of course, the always-
appealing beaches.
NORMANDY
Boasting one of France's most prestigious coastal locations, Deauville resort will
be pleased to welcome your guests for a prestigious experience.
Normandy is more than an address, it is a way of life, an image of comfort, luxury
and fun, a flash of colours made famous by the Impressionists: a hundred and thirty
years of tradition, elegance charm.
Deauville: the most international of all Norman cities. One of
the greatest places in the world for horse breeding and racing. Deauville is also
one of Europe's finest golf courses, a world famous American Film Festival and the
celebrated "boards" running along the seafront. This is the town to discover, not
to describe.
CHAMPAGNE
The champagne vineyards follow the Montagne de Reims, approach Chateau Thierry,
run along the Cote des Blancs, cover the valleys of the Marne, the Vesle and the
Ardre and then, in a odd way, reappear between Bar sur Seine and Bar sur Aube.
Reims: is the city of coronations since Bishop Remi Baptized Clovis,
then King of the Franks, placed the French Monarchy, from its earliest days under
the sign of divine will. Since that time, not fewer than 24 kings came to Reims
to be crowned. Visit the interior of the 12th century Gothic Cathedral where the
kings of France were crowned over a period of 600 years.
The caves in Champagne
In Hautvilliers in the 17th century, a monk named Dom Pérignon and his bubbles made
the region famous the world over. Most of the famous champagne houses are situated
in Reims (Pommery, Taittinger, Mumm, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, etc.) and Epernay
(Möet & Chandon, Mercier, De Venoge, De Castellane, etc.)
Whereas you spend a few days or just a day (from Paris) in Champagne, the region
and its " treasures " will ravish your guests and the wine " connoisseurs ". Enjoy
this trip In Orient Express
BURGUNDY
Burgundy's natural riches and colourful history have marked the region with some
of the finest heritage of European art and architecture. It is a beautiful and fertile
land whose wealth is nurtured by farmers, Wine growers and foresters applying skills
that have been refined here for over a thousand years - the reputation of the local
cuisine has travelled the world over, while Burgundy's wines are a byword for the
very best. There is a variety of delightful towns and villages with history as rich
as their cuisine, a wide range of cultural and leisure activities throughout the
year, and the openness and goodwill of the people make this region a pleasure to
come back to: Burgundians have transformed hospitality into an art de vivre...
This gastronomical and wine region- can now be reached in one hour from Paris by
TGV (rapid train). Stop at a wine cellar where you can taste 12 different kinds
of wine.
The two main towns of Bourgogne are:
Dijon
The centre of Dijon, a warren of little streets to explore, is noted for its architectural
splendour - a legacy from the Dukes of Burgundy. Wealthy parliament members also
had elegant hotels particulars built in the 17th-18th centuries. The capital of
Burgundy, Dijon, today has a rich cultural life and a renowned university. The city's
great art treasures are housed in the Palais des Ducs. Dijon is also famous for
its mustard and pain d'épices (gingerbread), a reminder of the town's position on
the spice route. l
Beaune is in the heart of the Burgundian vineyards but also one
of the most beautiful places in Burgundy. Beaune possesses incomparable art treasures
displayed in the old hospital (Hotel-Dieu), the museums and the church. Visit to
the Hotel-Dieu.
LOIRE VALLEY CHATEAUX
A tour to the "Garden of France" in which the Kings of France built many royal mansions
to enjoy the pleasures of life, leading to the region's becoming known as "The Châteaux
Country". Visit the outmost Châteaux such as Chenonceau, Chambord, Cheverny, Amboise,
Azay-Le-Rideau, Villandry....
This region is also well known from the wine and you could enjoy some tasting in
the Anjou Wine Road. Not to forget the activities of the region such as Hot Air
Balloon, Ball trap, riffle shooting, Archery, etc.
Famous accommodation Châteaux and refined restaurants will also contribute to offer
you a pleasant stay in the above mentioned regions.
France is offering high standard hotels in each region with a wide range
of conference and banqueting opportunities for any incentive events.
Example Programmes
PARIS
DAY ONE - FRIDAY
Welcome of clients at the airport with bilingual guide.
Transfer to hotel by deluxe coach. Luggage van provided.
Check-in assistance at the hotel by Metropolis hostess
Welcome drink: wine and cheese on arrival.
Afternoon visit of modern Paris, including
New Bastille Opera, George Pompidou Centre, Pyramid of the Louvre, the Defence district
with its Arc de Triomphe.
Evening "Belle Epoque" transfer by vintage coach (30's) with champagne served on
board.
Personalised dinner on "Bateau Ivre", an authentic yacht with Belle Epoque decor,
one of the most beautiful boats sailing along the Seine River. The famous chef from
Maxim's restaurant has masterminded the onboard dining. Boarding is at the foot
of the Eiffel Tower!
DAY TWO - SATURDAY
After a full breakfast a great, fun way to discover Paris is by a Metro or Bus Rally
ending in a fun Bistro for lunch.
Afternoon at Leisure.
Evening - transfer with vintage coaches to a dinner in an elegant restaurant followed
by a show at the Moulin Rouge.
DAY THREE - SUNDAY
Discover Paris through a treasure hunt in Montmartre, visiting areas not
covered on the previous days with lunch in a Kronenburg Cafe followed by a visit
to the Wine Museum for the presentation of the prizes for the mornings winners.
OR an out of town visit to the Domaine de Chantilly with lunch at the Capitainerie,
located in the Château de Chantilly, under the ancestral and imposing vaulted ceilings
of the former kitchens. Transfer to the Airport for the flight home.
BORDEAUX
Accommodation - Relais de Margaux
The Relais de Margaux situated in the heart of the Medoc vineyard, just 30 minutes
from the airport and the centre of Bordeaux, welcomes you in its 55-hectare park.
The hotel has 58 renovated bedrooms and 6 suites; its banqueting suites can accommodate
10 to 400 people, and also be individually adapted for all types of events. With
its lofty philosophy of " the art of living ", the Relais de Margaux is the accomplished
blend of a prestigious past and all modern facilities of a top class hotel. The
Relais de Margaux honours both guest and hosts alike. For the organisation of highly
efficient seminars and for gastronomic banquets, the quality of the environment,
the discreet efficiency of the staff and the refined cuisine inspired by local products
will give you an unforgettable moment.
DAY 1
Arrive in Bordeaux airport and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2
Full day visit and tasting in the Vineyards region of Bordeaux Departure by private
deluxe coach for a visit of the most famous vineyards of France: Médoc, Saint Emilion,
Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint Estephe...
Wine tasting and visit of some famous caves were you will be introduced to the secrets
of Bordeaux wines.
In the afternoon you will proceed to the renowned Château Mouton Rothschild.
Dinner at Le Chapon fin restaurant Bordeaux’s oldest restaurant - gourmet cuisine
and original decoration or at la Tupina, one of Bordeaux's most talented chefs runs
this cosy spot with a summer terrace near Quai de la Monnaie. It's been called "a
tribute to country kitchens ad the grandmothers who cooked in them.
DAY 3
Morning at leisure in Margaux.
Lunch at the hotel
Bordeaux City tour with guide: The first thing that strikes visitors
to Bordeaux is the elegant architecture, reflecting the city's rich, 18th century
heritage. Aristocratic squares and avenues lined with fine stone mansions and luxury
shops give a feeling of unhurried spaciousness. Then it's fun to explore the narrower
streets in the Old City, full of interesting boutiques, superb restaurants, relaxing
cafés and traditional markets. A stroll along the river front reminds visitors of
the days when the Garonne was the lifeblood of the city, full of proud sailing ships
bringing in tropical wood and spices and sending fine wines all over the world.
Farewell dinner in a Chateau nearby.
NORMANDY AND DEAUVILLE
Accommodation - Hotel Normandy
An Anglo-Norman style manor situated right on the seafront with 286 guest
rooms and 27 suites.
Pastel green timbered facades, pinnacle turrets and interior chequered stone courtyards
make this hotel of singular charm. The hotel is sited at the very centre of the
resort and directly linked to the casino's rooms by an enclosed gallery.
DAY 1
Arrival at Paris Airport. Transfer by coach.
Stop at Giverny, to see Monet's House (according to the season)
75 kilometres Northwest of Paris, along the Normandy highway leading to Giverny,
a charming country village. From 1883 until his death in 1926, Monet lived and worked
in these sublime surroundings, a setting he created largely by and for himself.
Giverny provided the light, the multifaceted landscape and the meandering Seine
that the painter so loved. But Monet himself submersed himself in the study of his
garden. His property inaugurated in 1980 following a large-scale restoration, has
become a museum.
Arrive in Deauville late in the afternoon Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2
Visit Honfleur a major defensive port in the 15th century, Honfleur
has blossomed into one of Normandy's most appealing harbours. At its heart is the
Vieux Bassin (Old Dock). Constructed in the late 17th century, it is bordered on
the western quayside by houses six or seven storeys tall.
Honfleur became a centre of artistic activity in the 19th century. Eugène Boudin,
the painter of stirring seascapes was born here in 1824. Artists Courbet, Sisley,
Pissaro, Renoir, and Cézanne all visited Honfleur, often meeting at the Ferme St
Siméon, which is now a luxury hotel.
Lunch en route
Go back to the hotel and free visit of Deauville (shopping, " Les Planches ", etc...)
GALA DINNER
- VILLA STRASSBURGER
The American billionaire Peter Strassburger gave his name to this extravagant Villa
that dominates a magnificent park. A magical place for sumptuous private receptions.
or
- LA FERME SAINT-SIMEON
This charming RELAIS ET CHATEAUX is a superb Norman house with exquisite furnishings.
Rustic decor of the dinner room with handsome furnishings and the view of the estuary.
This gastronomic restaurant has to be considered as a reference in the region.
After your dinner... Enjoy the rest of your evening at the Casino...
Casino
Deauville Casino, a white dazzling palace with majestic decor, is quite simply Europe’s
finest.
Located close to the hotel and linked directly to the hotel NORMANDY and the International
Conference centre by galleries, this centre of elegance, entertainment and chic
reception offers a setting of unparalleled charm for conventions, special events
and gala evenings.
DAY 3
Discover of the world of horses: By small groups of 25, assist at the training at
the famous Hippodrome de La Touques-Deauville. Transfer to the Haras de Meautry,
private visit of this stud farm owned by the Baron de Rothschild.
Return to the Deauville Hippodrome for lunch.
Return in coaches to Paris airport.
Suggested Sightseeing
The "city of light", described by Ernest Hemingway as a moveable feast" is truly
the "Capital of Capitals". Paris, a city of distinct and fascinating neighbourhoods,
is the home of great writers, artists and philosophers. She enchants her guests
with her many gastronomical, cultural, architectural and historic delights.
From the Palace of Versailles to the Louvre Museum, from the Eiffel Tower to a Seine
River Cruise, this fashion capital of the world is bright and beautiful and waiting
to welcome your guests.
Other areas to discover from Paris:-
OISE - North of Paris (50 kms from Paris)
Domaine de Chantilly
Marvellous site of 19,500 acres, the Domaine of Chantilly includes the Castle with
the Condé Museum (first ancient painting collection in France after the Louvre,
furniture, library), the park, unique because of the diversity of its historical
gardens and its varieties of trees, the hippodrome, the 15,750 acres of forests,
the agricultural grounds....
Accommodation: Château Hôtel de Mont Royal. This magnificent castle
of XVIII Century (100 rooms and suites) is located is the heart of the Chantilly
forest .
YVELINES - West of Paris (30 kms from Paris)
Versailles - The castle of Versailles
Originally, Château de Versailles was Louis XIII hunting lodge. Louis XIV decided
to embellish it and asked Le Nôtre, Le Vaux and Le Brun to do the work. Until 1789
it was the King's principal residence.
During two centuries, Versailles was the political centre and the privileged place
of art. At the XIX century, Louis Philippe made it a museum. Nowadays, Château de
Versailles shows the exceptional vitality of French art of XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries
through architecture and garden decor.
Accommodation: Trianon Palace hotel (67 luxury rooms and 25 suites).
Located in Versailles, 45 kms from Charles de Gaulle airport, set in sumptuous natural
surroundings on the edge of Louis XIV's Royal Domain, this Hotel perpetuates the
tradition of refinement and service in keeping with image of real luxury. The Trianon
Palace has been the prestigious setting for major historical events. In 1919, the
Peace treaty of Versailles was drawn up in its famous salon Clémenceau.
BURGUNDY (300 kms from Paris)
Burgundy's natural riches and colourful history have marked the region
with some of the finest heritage of European art and architecture. It is a beautiful
and fertile land whose wealth is nurtured by farmers, Winegrowers and foresters
applying skills that have been refined here for over a thousand years - the reputation
of the local cuisine has travelled the world over, while Burgundy's wines are a
byword for the very best.
This gastronomical and wine region- can now be reached in one hour from Paris by
TGV (rapid train). Stop at a wine cellar where you can taste 12 different kinds
of wine.
Accommodation: Château de Chailly. In the heart of Burgundy discover
the pleasures of living in a Chateau. The Chateau de Chailly is located at 30 minutes
from Dijon, 30 minutes from Beaune and 2 hours from Lyon.
A Few of our Paris Nights Out
MOULIN ROUGE NEW SHOW - FEERIE
Superb show including the well known Can-Can. Open all year round
19.00 PM: dinner show with half a bottle of Champagne
21.00 PM: show only with half a bottle of Champagne
LE LIDO NEW SHOW - BONHEUR
The Lido is acclaimed as the best entertainment in the world and features the Bluebell
girls.
A Few Extra Touches
SPECIAL SERVICES FOR SPECIAL GROUPS SUCH AS:
A product launch for a pharmaceutical company
- Meeting at the Medical University of Paris
- Welcoming by an internationally known professor researcher
- Visit and cocktail at the Pasteur Institute
HI FI Manufacturers Convention
- Meeting at the conference Centre of the City of Science at "La Villette".
- Farewell dinner at the "Conservatoir des Arts et Metiers", the National Technical
Museum.
- Wine tasting with a wine expert
- Street Parties
- Market Tours - with a specialist
-The Paris passages
- A fun half day bus and metro Rally through Paris.
TEAM BUILDING
Treasure hunt on sea or on earth
Hot Air balloon
Karting
Olympiads
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Casino Evening / James Bond
Can be organised within a theme dinner or lunch at the Hotel or in a private venue.
Each guests receives, before the opening of the games, a plate of 1000 unities.
The guests are invited to approach the authentic tables of roulette, boule, black-jack
and chuck-a-luck where professional croupiers will explain the essential rules of
the different games.
The casino will be opened during approximately 2 hours during which your guests
will live unforgettable moments. At the end of the evening, a sale by auction permits
to the most lucky players to win some prizes.
Other ideas with James Bond theme:
James Bond or Moonracker's double to appear during the evening
Posters of James Bond movies for decoration
Diffusion of James Bond movie's scenes on a screen during dinner
XVIIIth Century
Can be organised within a theme dinner or lunch at the Hotel or in a private venue.
We will bring the refinement of French 18th century back to life... The costumes
are magnificent and the guests can admire and participate in the following attractions.
* Description of the entertainments of 18th century :
The music Lounge - "La Sonade" Accompanied on the harpsichord or by the
Sonade, a soprano sings short baroque pieces by Lully, Haendël or Gluck, ranging
from court airs to lyric tragedies.
The Games Lounge - Playing cards. The games lounge re-creates the feverish atmosphere
of night-long game parties, where one can make a fortune or lose one's last hope.
The Exquisite Moments: - The Exquisite Moments are entertainment with a gallant
tone and reserve a lot of surprises to your guests.
* Others upon request:
The fashion Parade: - The fashion parade is an one-hour show which introduces the
audience to the art of costume of the 18th century.
The Ballroom: - The Ball Room acquaints the audience with the rituals of 18th century
balls, full both of majesty and liveliness.
French Cancan
Can be organised within a theme dinner or lunch at the Hotel or in a private venue.
15 minutes show in typical costumes (8 people)
Medieval Entertainment
Your guests will be welcome by impressive gargoyles on stilts, and a "Charivari"
of acrobats, minstrels, fire-eaters and medieval musicians. During lunch or dinner,
the actors will entertain around the tables: crossbowmen (shooting on a human target),
contortionist, Esmeralda and Quasimodo, magician miracle worker who will astonish
you with his various tricks amongst the tables Medieval musicians: drums, singers.
It is also possible to organise a Medieval Horse Tournament inside the Conciergerie
which is really spectacular.
Welcome Gifts
- Little box with Macarons (18/20 pieces) from Ladurée
- Bernadeau little candlelight Paris theme
- Little figurines with scenes of Paris (little houses or shops or street detail etc)
- Limoge object ( ashtray or little box )
- Eiffel Tower key ring
- Eiffel Tower Chocolates from Debauve et Gallet
- Fruit Basket in the room
- Bottle of Armagnac with personalized label
- 2 Bottles of Bordeaux wine from the famous caves Taillevent
- Assortment of fine small French pâtés
- Assortment of cheeses in a wood box
- Baguette shaped knife ( typical French bread )
- Book of photographs of Paris
- Baccarat articles
- Hermès tie