Business destinations

After a brief spell in finance, Alain Gilles became a designer, creating furniture and objects that quickly became classics, such as the Big Table and the Nomad lamp. For him, Brussels is an engine of creativity, a motley city full of imperfections that you want to transform.

Following in the footsteps of the trendy Rue Dansaert, considered to be the "laboratory of Belgian fashion", a new urban and creative space is emerging: the Canal district.

Nahla el Mernissi, Imad Mouakkat and Augustin Nourrissier present their success stories, from the collection of waste oil by Enprobel to urban agriculture by Skyfarms.

After decades of anarchic construction, the European Quarter is regaining its unity and integrating once again into the Brussels urban landscape. Here we look at the balance between institutional and urban life.

Moving from a traditional industry to a creative one, rehabilitating old factories or motorways to turn them into centres of innovation, moving towards a circular economy: these are just some of the strategies that are driving the Belgian capital's strength.

As the violence and protests continue in Hong Kong, what is the best way to stay informed and react during a business trip to the financial metropolis? Here are a few tips on the information you can gather before travelling to Hong Kong and, more importantly, during your stay...

From Avenida Paulista to Morumbi and Vila Olimpia, Sao Paulo lives up to its reputation as a busy, modern and cosmopolitan destination. Yet between the two business districts lies a real quality of life.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to the municipal market, from "unique" hotels to the more conventional comforts of a business establishment: a few good places to note for a business trip to Sao Paulo.

Going green in the Parque Ibirapuera, or admiring the street art frescoes in Vila Madalena, not forgetting visiting one of the city's many museums: these are just a few of the many options available to business travellers for a break from the hustle and bustle.

Stéphane Engelhard is Vice-Chairman of the France-Brazil Chamber of Commerce and General Secretary of Carrefour Brazil. He shares with Voyages d'Affaires his views on Sao Paulo as a business destination.

Business or boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, flight connections, a getaway to Cascais: the essentials for preparing a trip to Lisbon.

Born in Paris in 1971, Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos works on the theme of femininity, but also on the reappropriation of everyday objects and Portuguese traditions. She regularly exhibits at the Venice Biennale and was a guest at the Château de Versailles in 2012 (www.joanavasconcelos.com).

From large MICE hotels to confidential boutique hotels, from ultra-modern glass cubes to old-fashioned palaces, Lisbon offers a wide range of possibilities.

Meetings, incentives, conventions: less than three hours from Paris and nine other French cities, Lisbon is a resort capital with a lot to offer business tourists.

They are in their thirties and have decided to move to the Portuguese capital to enjoy a better quality of life and set up their own businesses. We take a look at these French people who have become convinced Lisboners.

After a harsh period of crisis, Lisbon is rebounding thanks to innovation and a fresh look at entrepreneurship. It is also taking the opportunity to beautify itself, without losing its legendary charm.

Italy's decision to become the first member of the G7 and the 124th country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the New Silk Road, opens up new opportunities for Genoa and especially Trieste to become major European economic centres.

From the big business hotels that target the meetings & events market, to the small boutique hotels that appeal to individual business travellers, not forgetting the best restaurants for a lunch with colleagues: here is a non-exhaustive selection of the best places to stay when travelling to Athens.

Culture, wellbeing, shopping and gastronomy: Athens is clearly one of the most attractive bleisure destinations in Europe, and far beyond. Here are a few ideas and addresses for making the most of a trip to the Greek capital.

Stéphane Perchenet, who is responsible for Greece and Deputy Director of Business France's Eastern Mediterranean Region, looks at the development of Athens and its business centres, and the many projects that are transforming the destination.