A meeting at La Défense, a meeting in the CBD of SydneyHow about a business lunch on Avenida Paulista? The charm of the business districts is not always easy to grasp during a short business trip. You might as well save time by identifying the best addresses in the area at a glance: hotels, restaurantsspaces coworking and other escapades bleisure. (see more)
The days of business districts devoted solely to offices are over: they are diversifying, and seeking to mix local clientele with visiting businessmen. Reports, interviews and address books for the top business destinations on every continent, as well as in the world's most populous countries. business cities who are looking to win the loyalty of frequent travellers.
Special report - Sao Paulo - Business tropism on the Paulista
True to its reputation as the economic powerhouse of Brazil and even South America, Sao Paulo is not resting on its laurels. Avenida Paulista, the business artery of 'Sampa', is no longer enough to contain the growth of companies pushing westwards as far as Morumbi.
So close to Rio, yet so far from the Carioca state of mind - and generally from the Auriverde cliché of beach and samba - Sao Paulo has not sacrificed a quality of life that is the envy of many other Brazilian destinations. The people of Sao Paulo, one of the most cosmopolitan on the continent, are proud of their city and relatively optimistic. Especially as the future of 'Sampa' is paved with good intentions, between smart city and sustainable development.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Dossier - Athens: crisis and recovery
After several difficult years, the Greek economy is back in the black. Athens and its many projects are once again attracting foreign investment and business travellers.
From the banks of Syntagma to the port of Piraeus, not forgetting the inevitable contemplative stop at the foot of the Acropolis, we take a look at the business and leisure centres of the Greek capital.
Special report - Nantes: a trip to the business centre
Capitalising on its international appeal, Nantes is developing new business parks.
Business districts such as Euronantes are springing up, housing a particularly dynamic ecosystem of start-ups.
Montréal: a source of creative energy
Montréal has taken advantage of its 375th anniversary to launch a new dynamic. Start-ups are flourishing in the business district, especially in the creative sector, for which Montreal is now a key business destination.
Dossier - Astana: a promising adolescence
As it celebrates its twentieth spring, Astana has already established itself as a major business destination in Central Asia. Aided by Kazakhstan's energy resources, the country's new capital is basing its appeal on an ultra-modern business district.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - Beirut: the energy of a business renaissance
In Beirut, major works have begun to strengthen the Lebanese capital's position in the Middle East and beyond. In the city centre, the business district is attracting more and more travellers.
But "Downtown" is also being supplemented by new business hubs such as the Beirut Digital District.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Dossier - Madrid - AZCA: the Castellana's North Star
The headquarters of Madrid's major companies are located in the AZCA district, on either side of La Castellana, the prestigious avenue that runs from the city's historic centre northwards. A well-established business district that is now in the process of reinventing itself.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - San Francisco: SoMa, Silicon Valley in the city centre
San Francisco is reclaiming South of Market Street - or SoMa - a former industrial district where start-ups are now jostling for position. Still in the process of completing its gentrification, SoMa has already established itself as Frisco's new business hub.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - Bordeaux: a high-speed renaissance
Bordeaux has embarked on a profound transformation in recent years. The Aquitaine metropolis is benefiting from a real dynamic that the new high-speed line should further accelerate.
The frenetic pace of construction dedicated to travellers and business tourists contrasts with the quiet charm of a city that is improving with time.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - Mexico city - Reforma: the new golden age
Airlines, hotels and trendy restaurants are all in a flurry in Mexico City. Here's a report from the Mexican capital's business district: Reforma.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - Strasbourg: a European link
In Strasbourg, European integration is no empty word. Major works have begun, with the Alsatian metropolis stepping up investment to integrate EU institutions into its urban fabric. A certain idea of "living together" that draws a link between the international and the local.
Special report - Rotterdam: archi-design home port
Boldness, dynamism and a healthy dose of pride have pushed Rotterdam to the forefront of the tourist scene. This urban landscape in perpetual motion is being enriched by new trendy spaces and alternative business centres. "R'dam is daring, and it's paying off.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - Seoul Gangnam: business with style
Size, population, economic power: everything about Seoul inspires excess. Gangnam, the "South Bank", embodies a certain idea of Korean success. Without blushing, the district assumes its status as a business hub with worldwide influence.
Dossier - Sydney CBD: The theory of evolution
Sydney's Central Business District embodies a certain idea of Australian business, with a business community that pays particular attention to quality of life. The ambition of the country's economic capital can be measured today by the many projects that are set to make Sydney a major hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Special report - Geneva: luxury, calm and efficiency
At the heart of Europe, Geneva attracts bankers, diplomats and trade show visitors all year round... An international metropolis on a human scale.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - Brussels: opening up Europe
With parliamentarians galore and almost as many lobbyists as in Washington, the European quarter of Brussels is the institutional crossroads of an entire continent.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Dossier - Baku: oil and ideas
As Azerbaijan asserts itself on the economic stage, Baku is changing at a breathtaking pace. The Azeri capital now attracts companies from all over the world, as well as the major hotel chains. In ultra-modern infrastructures.
Report and photo: Florian Guillemin
Special report - Frankfurt: Business as an art of living
Frankfurt's small size contrasts with the international influence of its business district. Long overshadowed by its status as a business and financial capital, Goethe's city is striving to reconcile business with quality of life.
Report and photos by Florian Guillemin
Special report - Casablanca: the highly ambitious "White House
A key hub on a booming continent, Casablanca, the "White House", presides over Morocco's economic destiny, shaping a promising future.
Special report - Tel Aviv-Herzliya: high technology, big ambitions
Buildings and the seaside north of Tel Aviv: discover one of Israel's main business districts, the 'start-up nation'.
Düsseldorf - Medienhafen: Rhine gold with a contemporary twist
An insight into the future of a city ranked among the top ten European destinations for French business travellers.
Special report - Doha West Bay: behind the corniche
Qatar: everyone talks about it, but what does this emirate-confetti look like to a business traveller? The answer lies among the buildings in the Bay of Doha.
Report and photos by Georges Ainscough
Special report - Marseille - La Joliette: a brand new old port
It's not just London, Buenos Aires and Hamburg that are renovating their old docks. In Marseilles too, they're being revisited in a very contemporary spirit. Take a tour of a business district restored to its former glory.
Report and photos George Ainscough
Special report - Melbourne: business on the other side of the world
With its heritage of Victorian elegance and the multicultural vibrancy of a business metropolis, Melbourne has a down under business style.
Report and photos Luc Citrinot
