Paris, the capital of France. The romantic City of Light, whispering stories as you wander its streets. A city everyone knows. A classic in the incentive world — and yet, Paris always manages to surprise. Did you know you can reach Paris Gare du Nord in just 1h20 from Brussels-South?
For the past five months, I’ve had the privilege of calling myself a Travel Designer at FAME. And now, I can proudly say I’ve completed my first incentive project in Paris. Read on to discover my experiences and how to make the most of Paris in just two days.
The project came in last-minute, with no fewer than 100 participants. But at FAME, we always go the extra mile to make the impossible happen. That’s one of our greatest strengths! I jumped at the opportunity and managed to turn it into a spectacular incentive experience. The program revolved around four key pillars: exploring iconic Parisian landmarks, enjoying a French culinary experience, discovering the city’s grandeur and prestige, and experiencing the Seine as the beating heart of Paris.
Explore Iconic Parisian Landmarks
Say “Paris” and people immediately think of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. My job was to find a way to showcase these landmarks efficiently and memorably. The solution? A ride through Paris in a vintage Deux Chevaux (2CV) with a driver — a wonderfully French way to cover a lot in little time.
Anecdote: I ran — in what felt like slow motion — after one of the cars in a narrow alley because they almost drove off with my backpack. The people around had a good laugh!
Enjoy a French Culinary Experience
In France, dining is much more than just eating. It’s a ritual. A proper French meal includes: apéritif – starter – main course – cheese – dessert, possibly followed by a digestif.
Fun fact: Since 2010, the French gastronomic meal has been listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
My task was to research over 45,000 restaurants in Paris and compare them based on location, price-quality ratio, capacity, and atmosphere. For lunch, we landed in a charming French brasserie — fully privatized for our group. For dinner, in collaboration with our client, we had the unique opportunity to dine inside the Musée Grévin: a dinner surrounded by celebrities (well, wax ones). An unforgettable moment where everyone felt like a star.
Discover the City’s Grandeur and Prestige
Paris oozes elegance and prestige — from its stately façades to its refined side streets. With limited time, we needed to create a strong impression. So we took the group to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a district known for its intellect, elegance, and culture. Together with a passionate guide, participants explored the area’s rich history, culinary gems, and boutique charm.
Highlight: guests tasted a kouignette — a buttery, flaky pastry — at one of Paris’s best bakeries. A small treat that made a big impression.
Experience the Seine as the Beating Heart of the City
One key element couldn’t be left out: a private boat tour on the Seine. On a sunny spring day, the group enjoyed a walking lunch onboard. As we cruised past the city’s iconic riverside views, everyone took a final moment to soak in the charm of Paris. The atmosphere was relaxed, the conversations lively. I saw many smiling faces — proof of how special this experience was.
Paris may be a classic, but it taught me a lot.
Designing a compelling program for 100 people — some visiting for the first time, others for the tenth — requires creativity and adaptability. My goal was to create a fresh, memorable experience for everyone, and I’m proud to say: I did.
I look back on this first project with pride — and I’m more than ready for the next adventure.
Let’s bring it on!
