The CIOmove@Brussels & Paris Companions Program offers a curated journey alongside the main conference experience, combining cultural discovery, local atmosphere, and shared moments across two iconic European capitals. At the same time, companions are of course also welcome to join the official CIOmove program at any point, allowing for an individual balance between the dedicated companions activities and the wider event experience. From the historic center of Brussels to the elegance and energy of Paris, the program is designed to create memorable experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
On Friday, the Companions Program begins in Brussels with an exclusive city tour departing from Hotel Amigo, ideally situated in the historic heart of the Belgian capital. The morning combines cultural discovery with local flavor, as companions explore some of Brussels’ most iconic sights while enjoying traditional waffle and chocolate tastings along the way. Around midday, the group travels together to Paris, making the transition between the two host cities part of the shared experience. Upon arrival, the program continues with a special boat trip along Canal Saint-Martin. With its charming locks, iron footbridges, and quieter waterways, the canal reveals a more intimate side of Paris and offers a calm, elegant contrast to the city’s grand boulevards. The day concludes with the evening program in Paris after check-in at the hotel.
Saturday invites companions to experience a more reflective and atmospheric side of the French capital. After the group visit around the Louvre, there is time to enjoy the refined surroundings of Palais Royal and the nearby Tuileries, whether through a short stroll, a quiet coffee, or simply a moment to take in the distinctly Parisian setting. The program then continues with a guided visit to the Fondation Cartier, offering a deliberate shift in perspective from the historical weight of the Louvre to a more contemporary view of the world. Here, art becomes a lens through which to reflect on identity, inclusion, and the human condition. Lunch in Le Marais adds another memorable chapter to the day, with one of Paris’ most vibrant neighborhoods providing the setting for conversation, discovery, and local charm. Time for strolling, shopping, or a visit to the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the city’s oldest covered market, completes the afternoon before companions rejoin the evening program.
Sunday is designed as a relaxed and memorable farewell, bringing the Companions Program to a distinctly Parisian close. The morning begins with optional activities, including a yoga session at the hotel or a running session through the city, before the group gathers for breakfast and prepares for check-out. From there, companions set off on a special experience through Paris, with three different ways to explore the city:
- a ride in a classic vintage 2CV
- the active “Tour de CIO’s” by bike or e-bike
- or a more leisurely tuk-tuk tour.
Each option offers its own pace and perspective, yet all routes lead to Les Invalides, where the group comes together once more. There, the final program element unfolds in a relaxed and characteristically French setting, with pétanque in the park followed by a picnic-style lunch outdoors. Social, light-hearted, and unmistakably local, the closing day offers a fitting finale to a program shaped by culture, connection, and shared experience.
Fruther details can be found in the official Companions Agenda 2026.