The region's hotels and restaurants are all just minutes from your head office. And when you want to welcome a prestigious guest or an important foreign client, or convene your provincial sales network, you will find the establishments you need at a price you can afford. Whether in the bright lights of the city, or in the great outdoors, whether for a public reception or a strictly private meeting, you will find no shortage of venues.

A conference in a sports complex? The Centre des Pyramides is right next door. A product launch in one of the region's chateaux? No problem, they're expecting you. A reception for your works council? Why not hire the Le Pecq community hall? And if, for a change, you want to get your managers together for some fresh air, try the club house at one of the numerous local golf links!

The local authorities don't lag behind: they have made receptiveness their guiding principle. A specialist company relations department is there to guide you through the subsidy labyrinth, help you to recruit, and generally make your life easier. Do many towns offer this kind of structure?

It is even rumoured that the CEO Club has regular breakfasts with the Mayor – a Senator – and selected guests, to raise issues close to their hearts, but don't let on – it's a secret.