The French government has formally classified today’s inaugural “Choose France – Édition France” summit at the Maison de la Chimie as a “grand événement”. A decree published in the Journal Officiel over the weekend activates the so-called ‘grand-event’ toolbox created after Euro 2016, allowing the Interior Ministry and the Préfecture de Police to reinforce identity checks, deploy fast-track lanes at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly for accredited delegates, and establish temporary security perimeters around the 7th arrondissement venue.
Although the “grand événement” status is usually reserved for sporting mega-events such as the Rugby World Cup, it can be applied to high-level business gatherings judged to be of “strategic interest”. The designation unlocks extra policing resources, streamlined diplomatic-visa issuance for late-invited foreign executives, and the right for airlines to request priority runway slots for aircraft carrying official delegations.
![Paris designates 17 Nov “Choose France” summit as a “Grand Event”, triggering special border and security protocols]()
For mobility managers the practical impact is two-fold. First, corporate travellers invited to “Choose France” benefit from an accelerated Schengen visa channel that the Quai d’Orsay set up at 15 embassies and consulates, cutting normal processing to 48 hours. Second, commuters around Invalides and Assemblée Nationale face perimeter closures and redirected bus routes until 23:00 tonight; remote working is advised.
In the bigger picture, Paris is keen to showcase friction-free access for investors ahead of the 2026 Olympic influx. The Interior Ministry confirmed that data gathered from today’s temporary border checks will feed a post-event evaluation to fine-tune procedures for next summer’s Games. Companies planning board meetings or product launches in France between now and August 2026 should expect similar ‘grand-event’ regimes, and should factor extra lead-time for staff mobility and freight clearance.
Travel-risk specialists recommend that visitors carry hard copies of accreditation letters and arrive at CDG Terminal 2 at least 30 minutes earlier than usual, as random Schengen-exit checks were reinstated overnight. Ride-hailing pick-up zones on Quai Anatole-France have also been suspended, with dedicated shuttles operating from Gare Montparnasse every 20 minutes.
Although the “grand événement” status is usually reserved for sporting mega-events such as the Rugby World Cup, it can be applied to high-level business gatherings judged to be of “strategic interest”. The designation unlocks extra policing resources, streamlined diplomatic-visa issuance for late-invited foreign executives, and the right for airlines to request priority runway slots for aircraft carrying official delegations.
For mobility managers the practical impact is two-fold. First, corporate travellers invited to “Choose France” benefit from an accelerated Schengen visa channel that the Quai d’Orsay set up at 15 embassies and consulates, cutting normal processing to 48 hours. Second, commuters around Invalides and Assemblée Nationale face perimeter closures and redirected bus routes until 23:00 tonight; remote working is advised.
In the bigger picture, Paris is keen to showcase friction-free access for investors ahead of the 2026 Olympic influx. The Interior Ministry confirmed that data gathered from today’s temporary border checks will feed a post-event evaluation to fine-tune procedures for next summer’s Games. Companies planning board meetings or product launches in France between now and August 2026 should expect similar ‘grand-event’ regimes, and should factor extra lead-time for staff mobility and freight clearance.
Travel-risk specialists recommend that visitors carry hard copies of accreditation letters and arrive at CDG Terminal 2 at least 30 minutes earlier than usual, as random Schengen-exit checks were reinstated overnight. Ride-hailing pick-up zones on Quai Anatole-France have also been suspended, with dedicated shuttles operating from Gare Montparnasse every 20 minutes.
