Paris Fair 2025: Overseas Territories Score Points at the Paris Fair

Since Wednesday, April 30, one of the largest Parisian events has taken over the Porte de Versailles for two weeks of exhibitions, events, and, of course, inventions.

Held during the warmer months, the Paris Fair delights visitors looking for interior and exterior design solutions (kitchens, bathrooms, gardens, swimming pools, spas, etc.), renovations (roofing, insulation, etc.), electronic gadgets, and even local and international crafts and gastronomy.

Twelve days of shopping and entertainment, including the Festival des Tropiques, which offers more than 60 free shows with concerts, parades, carnival parades, and many other festive and convivial activities inspired by the traditions of Africa and overseas territories.

Among the exhibitors, several hundred came from overseas territories to showcase their expertise.

One of the challenges for exhibitors is making their stands profitable. All Mayotte exhibitors assure us that they are fortunate to benefit from support from their Chamber of Trades or their department.

Polynesian exhibitors have formed an association to share the costs.

While the Paris Fair, with its 3,500 brands and 1,250 exhibitors spread across six halls, is the French people’s favorite shopping and craft and culinary discovery event, it is also a festive and convivial event with more than 1,000 activities including concerts, workshops, parades, and shows.

This 2025 Festival des Tropiques will offer a true cultural and tourist journey, highlighting overseas destinations and inviting visitors to travel through overseas cultures during dedicated days. One day will be dedicated to the culture of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana. There will also be a « moment » dedicated to Saint-Martin, the Indian Ocean « moment, » and the Polynesian « moment, » where musical performances by groups and artists from these territories will be highlighted.

The Caribbean will be in the spotlight every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on May 10. The program includes carnival, entertainment, concerts, parades, and more than 60 shows throughout the fair.

Finally, the highlight of the festivities: the Paris Fair’s late-night event, on Saturday, May 10, until 10 p.m. An evening featuring several DJ sets, a giant open-air dance hall, concerts, and spaces dedicated to all musical styles: K-pop, 60s, electro, there will be something for everyone.

A mini-car show, called « Auto Mobil Paris, » will be held from April 30th to May 11th at the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles.

Alongside the big names that drive these different sectors, as well as smaller players and traditional vendors, automakers such as Renault Group with its Dacia, Mobilize, and Renault brands, as well as BYD and Xpeng, will now be included.

A 5,000 square meter showroom (up 25% compared to 2024) – both indoors and outdoors – is dedicated to automobiles and new mobility. The event allows you to « discover, test drive, and buy your future vehicle. »

8 entrepreneurs from Saint-Martin participate in the Paris Fair, a national event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Through their expertise, products, and careers, they showcase the wealth, diversity, and economic potential of the community. »

This collective presence, the result of joint efforts between the Collectivité, the CCISM, and the Tourist Office, illustrates a strong commitment: to make Saint Martin a land of opportunity for its talents.

On Wednesday, May 1st, Labor Day, Martinique was in the spotlight.

The day, packed with activities, provided an opportunity to discover the history, heritage, dances, crafts, gastronomy, flowers, cultural diversity, and beverages of the flower island.

The Martinique Tourism Committee (CTM) and Cap Antilles joined forces to attract visitors to the Foire de Paris, which runs until May 11th at the Porte de Versailles.

Over a 200 square meter space, some twenty well-stocked booths allowed visitors to Stroll, taste, shop, and chat with friendly artisans, happy to share their expertise. Martinican and Creole music filled the aisles, creating a friendly atmosphere.

The « Tropiques en fête » stage hosted a highlight of the day: a performance by the Grand Ballet de Martinique. The dancers amazed the audience with the quality of their choreography, the precision of their movements, the beauty of their costumes, and the energy of the show.

The evening continued with a variety of artistic performances presented by Laura Beaudi: jazz, Caribbean music, traditional dances, Afro Caribbean Groove with a DJ, a show by JMAX, and, most importantly, a performance by singer Lynnsha. The highlight was the band Maé-Rey Live Héritage, who performed the greatest hits from the 1980s to the 2000s, transforming the « World in Paris » space into a veritable giant discotheque.

Guyana is the Golden Booth

The show organizers praised the layout of the space dedicated to Guyana.

The public was able to discover or rediscover Guyana and its tourist attractions, immerse themselves through videos, explore the world of space, and appreciate the richness of the indigenous culture.

Each year, the competition recognizes the efforts made in staging and attractiveness of each booth. Each entry is judged on its decoration, exhibitor attire, hospitality, and entertainment. It must also be appropriate for the territory represented.

Guyana was awarded for the second time, after winning first prize for the Golden Stand in 2022.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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Gabriel MIHAI

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