We’ve made a list of Paris’ hidden treasures to spark your imagination during this lockdown.
Written by: Ivana Rzehak Popovic
The event industry is a sector that is in constant evolution. This unforeseen health crisis that is keeping half of the world in quarantine will only be a strong catalyst for an even more intense change. Despite the short-term hit upon the industry, its greatest strength is untouched because it lies in making magic happen by bringing people together. Although we can connect digitally which will result in further rise of online and hybrid events, it’s not the same. Beautiful places await us when all of this is over.
“The industry's greatest strength is untouched because it lies in making magic happen by bringing people together.”
Paris is home to some of the world’s most beautiful venues. Whether you want to organize a unique corporate event, an unforgettable wedding or just find an impressive event spot, we’ve made a list of Paris’ hidden treasures to spark your imagination during this lockdown.
Hidden Paris Venues
Maison de la Mutualité
Located at Paris’ 5th arrondissement, the Latin District, with 3,400 sqm of event space, this is as perfect as a Parisian event spot can get. It is almost like a movie set as Maison de la Mutualité can be transformed into literally anything. It has been recently remodeled to fit the technical needs of the 21st century but the site has preserved its historic DNA.
First, there is the theatre. Then there is the Espace Maubert on the third floor that is composed of 780 sqm divided into 3 parts. In the middle, there is the largest salon Jussieu covering 340 sqm in purest art-deco style. One on side is the Salon Monge of 220 sqm with bay windows and its own access considering it used to be a stage for the orchestra playing at large banquets. And across is the salon St Germain of 220m2 that can be entirely personalized to suit your needs, also surrounded by bay windows overlooking Paris. And there are two adjoining lounges, Salon Odéon and Salon Saint-Victor, of 95 sqm and 140 sqm respectively. On the fifth floor, you have 9 modular lounges, Les Salons Rive Gauche that have the capacity to host 9 to 120 people. And here is something you don’t see every day in the event industry- they are all also bathing in natural light. And anyone who has loved Disney’s Aristocats will be over the Moon by its rooftop overlooking Paris.
Le Cercle le Brun
This 18th century hotel disposes with a majestic courtyard and a sumptuous French garden. It is nothing short of an exceptional location due to its refined décor.
It can be used for a cocktail of up to 420 people but also to host meetings for 20 to 110 people. But don’t be fooled, as there are 3 entirely different designs on each floor. Whether you want a cozy atmosphere for team building, an elegant product presentation or a romantic surrounding, Le Cercle has you covered.
Cercle D’Aumale
The same company is privileged to also own an ancient private music club that has hosted some of the most famous French artists. And besides a projection hall, diverse space, it also has a chic garden that simply inspires creativity and unforgettable moments.
It can host cocktails for up to 350 people with a business meeting capacity of 20-150 people.
3 Mazarine
This is perhaps the most well-hidden jewel of Group Paris Society, considering it is newly opened for events and even many Parisians are unaware of it. Just a 3 min walk from the bridge Pont des Arts, in a picturesque 6th arrondissement, this unique location is a combination of contemporary design and historic walls. It is actually located on the spot that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palace complex to which it belongs to houses the Institute de France and they even share a courtyard – which unfortunately means that there can be no loud music or dancing. But this doesn’t affect the beauty of this contemporary architectural gem by a winning architect Marc Barani whose 3 Mazarine modern creation has blended harmoniously into a historic heritage. And if you don’t know what The Institute de France is, this elite institution dates back from 1795 and is composed of five academies whose mission is to protect the Arts, Literature, Science and of course, the French language. Even Napoleon Bonaparte was its esteemed member and it is also home to Paris’ most ancient library which is one of the most beautiful buildings and libraries you’ll ever see.
“This is perhaps the most well-hidden jewel of Group Paris Society, considering it is newly opened for events and even many Parisians are unaware of it.”
3 Mazarine’s modern and technologically equipped auditorium with microphones assigned to each seat even counts on natural lighting with a capacity to seat 350 people, 340 when it comes to a seated dinner and there are also 5 meeting halls. It is a place where contemporary design, four centuries old-age history and prestige meet.
Here they are, the best secret hidden gem venues in Paris. This is by no means an exhaustive list as Paris is among the most beautiful cities in the world for a reason. And all of its picturesque venues are patiently waiting for the new generation of events that will be born out of this once-in-a-lifetime situation that has put the entire world on hold. But the power of events lies in evoking unique emotions in its participants and the beauty of these venues is so immense it can be almost said they can do the job on their own. Their ability to transport us through time and space cannot be diminished by any virus- the only thing COVID-19 can do is make us appreciate the beauty we are privileged to observe in this lifetime even more!
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Sources:
https://www.kactus.com/salles/le-cercle-daumale
https://www.lesitedelevenementiel.com/privatisation-le-cercle-lebrun-5-eme/
https://groupcorner.com/hotel/maison-de-la-mutualite