On this page you’ll find more information about the Paris trip, such as practical information, locations and a detailed program overview. In between the working sessions, we’ve planned several social events. However, there’s also plenty of time to explore the city.
UvA Business School Study Trip 2026
Paris, July 5-11
Welcome to Paris!
Contact on-site
Jesse Falk
T +31 6 5200 5655
E jesse@cognicum.com
From the UvA ABS, crew members during this trip will be Chaima Elachkar and Nana Kwarteng. They are reachable through MBA-gm@uva.nl. Program-related questions can also be directed at joining professor Jonathan Sitruk j.m.c.sitruk@uva.nl
Getting started
Assuming you’ll be arriving at Paris Gare du Nord, it takes about 30 minutes to the hotel by public transport or 20 minutes by taxi (approx. €20). If you’re arrving by plane, the rate for a taxi/Uber will be higher.
Here’s a link to navigate and the address of the chosen accommodation: the Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Google Maps
40 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte, 75014 Paris
A few tips
✔️ Dresscode: Business/smart casual (make sure to prepare for Paris’ high temperatures in July).
✔️ Be sure to take enough sun protection/SPF.
✔️ Make sure stay hydrated through-out the trip.
Program overview
Below, you’ll find the most recent version of the program overview for Paris. Note that this overview is being optimized along the way to the trip, with updates to the program.
Before 15:00
Arrival in Paris
From 15:00
Welcome and check-in at the Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Evening
At own arrangement
07:00-08:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Breakfast
09:15-09:45
Travel time to École des Mines
10:00-10:45 | École des Mines Paris
Kick-off session, part 1
Speaker: Representative of the Dutch Embassy in Paris
10:45-11:00 | École des Mines Paris
Short break
11:00 – 12:00 | École des Mines Paris
Kick-off session, part 2
12:15-13:30
Lunch at own arrangement
13:30-16:00 | École des Mines Paris
Project work
16:00-17:30
Free time
17:30-18:00
Travel time to the pick-up location for the opening drinks
18:30-21:00
Opening drinks & bites along the Seine
07:00-08:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Breakfast
09:30-12:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Session hosted by Deep Tech incubator HelloTomorrow
12:00-13:45
Lunch at own arrangement
14:00-14:30 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Debrief of the session by HelloTomorrow
14:30-17:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Project work
Evening
At own arrangement
07:00 – 08:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Breakfast
08:30 – 09:00
Travel time to cultural visit
10:00 – 12:00
Cultural visit: French Craftmanship
Afternoon
Lunch on own arrangement
Rest of the day
Free time to explore Paris
08:00-09:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Breakfast
09:15-09:45
Travel time to Station F
10:00-12:00 | Station F
Session and tour, followed by a short debrief
12:00-13:30 | Station F
Lunch @ Station F (on own arrangement)
13:30 – 17:00 | Station F
Project work
Evening
At own arrangement
08:00 – 09:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Breakfast
09:30 – 10:00
Travel time to WILCO
10:00 – 11:30
External session at startup accelerator
11:30 – 12:30
Wrap-up of the program
12:30 – 17:30
Free time
18:15 – 22:00 | Location: TBA
Closing dinner
07:00 – 08:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Breakfast
Before 12:00 | Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Check-out
Various times
Departure from Paris
Key locations
Transportation
Paris is a large city, and getting from A to B generally takes up more time than in Amsterdam. We will put Google Maps links in the program overview, on moments that feature travel time. Additionally, you will find a few tips regarding transportation below:
Public transport: Week pass
Paris has a very comprehensive public transport network often faster than travelling by car. Tip: Take week-pass (approx. €32), that gives you complete access to metro, train and bus. You can acquire the pass (and other options) through Navigo.
Taxi/Uber
Another option is to get by using cabs and/or Uber/Bolt etc. Because the inner city of Paris is practically a 24/7 traffic jam, we recommend checking Google Maps before choosing your preferred means of transportation.
Micro mobility
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you could opt for grabbing one of the many rentable bikes through apps like Dott or Lime.
Accommodation
Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV
Your home base for the week, the Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse TGV, is aimed at keeping your busy week running smoothly. Located next to a major train and metro hub, you can easily get across the city for site visits as well as highlights. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and quiet workspaces, making it easy to check in with the office or collaborate on group projects between scheduled activities.
Address & link
Google Maps
40 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte, 75014 Paris
Check-in/check-out times
Check-in: From 15:00 onwards (Sunday July 5th)
Check-out: Before 12:00 (Saturday July 11th)
Kick-off location
École des Mines Paris
On Monday, we will kick-off our program at the École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris (Mines Paris – PSL), one of France’s oldest and most prestigious engineering schools, founded in 1783 and now part of Université PSL.
It offers elite training in engineering, applied sciences, and management, with strong ties to industry and government. The school is highly selective, known for producing top-level civil servants, researchers, and business leaders. Located in central Paris, it is renowned for its cutting-edge research and distinguished alumni, including Nobel laureates and influential CEOs.
FAQ
Typically, you’ll find Jesse and/or UvA professors at the lobby of the hotel, or travelling along on one of the many activities within the program. Alternatively, the best way to reach him is via WhatsApp or simply by giving him a call via +31 6 5200 5655.