From Castles to Royal Palaces - a Search for European Elegance

In 2017 when our global trading and investment client reached out to us to help them create an elegant reception for their European high net-worth clients, we jumped at the chance. Having worked with this Asian client for a number of years, supporting their strategic objectives and placing the highest of value to their own client relationships is an area we have a deep tacit knowledge of.

Locating the ideal city that could offer not only the right cultural appeal, but finding a venue with a rich history that was relevant to the client, embedded within its walls was absolutely key. With the help of our DMC partners, we reviewed some exquisite palaces, castles and majestic venues across both Germany and France before selecting Hotel d'Evreux in Place Vend?me, Paris.

Chic, understated and brimming with elegance, Hotel d'Evreux is home to fine Parisian caterer and events company, Potel et Chabot, whom we partnered with on this occasion. In this case, bringing together our thorough understanding of the clients requirements having worked with them for a number of years, and combining with the caterers expertise of applying only the finest of catering and service within their managed venue was a great match.

For an autumn VIP reception, this venue proved to be perfect. As Raconteur quoted in their article when reviewing the location:

"There can hardly be a more glamorous and glittering address than the Place Vend?me in Paris, a square teeming with world-class jewellers, security guards and celebrity visitors".

Starting with red carpet for the arrivals, a team of polished hosts and hostesses set the tone for the evening. Our clients visiting CEO from Japan, the UK MD and the Parisian senior teams all acted as perfectly tuned hosts in welcoming their new EMEA clients and reacquainting with existing partners.

Utilising several areas within the facility enabled a carefully curated early VIP drinks reception set within the elegant Louis XIV style first floor Salons, followed by the main reception held in the main event space of the Salle des Tirages (room of the prints), home to the original French Lottery.

Giving a nod to Japanese heritage, the central bar was decorated with a traditional Acer Japonica tree, complemented with autumnal toned florals, the venue required very little further decoration as the main focus was based around service levels. Getting the correct balance of the highest level of attention without being over-powering was absolutely key from guest arrival through to the waiting staff, hosts and final departure.

With remote planning, site visits to Paris to align with the venue, local suppliers and the client, to ensure everyone stayed on track with the brief was key. The project resulted in the highly successful delivery of the VIP pre-event and main event with key client relationships reinforced with the organisation's representatives for this prestigious event.

Venues in headline image: Top row L to R: Petit Palais, Petit Palais, Castle Nymphenburg. Bottom row L to R: Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, The Ritz, Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Event photography: Angus Thomas