Palais des congrès de Paris

The Palais des congrès de Paris is a multi-purpose building in the 17th arrondissement near Porte Maillot, combining convention halls, a shopping center, and several performance venues under one roof. Its multiple floors rise above a transport hub, with lower levels connecting to metro and regional train platforms while upper sections house auditoriums and meeting rooms.

Guillaume Gillet designed the structure, which opened on February 28, 1974 to provide western Paris with a modern space for large gatherings and international meetings. Its construction reflected efforts to expand the city's capacity for business tourism and cultural performances beyond the historic center.

Its role shifts between business gatherings during weekdays and entertainment on evenings when families arrive for theater or music performances. The open layout invites visitors to cross through its shopping arcades whether they attend an event or simply pass through from the metro below.

Porte Maillot links metro line 1, RER line C, and several bus routes directly to the building's lower floors, making arrival from central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport straightforward. Interior signage guides visitors toward specific auditoriums or retail areas, helping navigation through the large complex.

In addition to performance halls, the building houses a working television studio used regularly for program recordings. Two smaller amphitheaters complement the main auditorium, allowing multiple events to run side by side within the same structure.