Can I go play poker at the Palais des Congrès anytime?

No. The venue only operates as a poker room during specific scheduled festivals (usually in February for the EPT). The rest of the year, it hosts congresses and concerts.

Do I need a passport to enter?

Yes. France has strict gaming regulations. You must present a valid passport or national ID card to register. Driver’s licenses are often not accepted as a primary form of ID for gambling entry.

Is there a dress code?

During poker festivals at the Palais, the dress code is generally casual . Sportswear (hoodies, sneakers) is widely accepted and common due to the long hours of play. Sunglasses and hats are allowed at the tables.

What currency is used?

ll games are in Euros (€) . Currency exchange is usually available on-site, but buy-ins can often be paid via casino membership cards or online poker accounts (depending on the specific festival rules).

Where are the poker tournaments located within the Palais des Congrès?

Tournaments take place in the venue’s massive, modular exhibition halls and conference rooms. For the EPT Paris, the center typically utilizes several large-capacity rooms to accommodate over 130 tables, ensuring space for both flagship events and side tournaments.

What is the best way to get to the venue via public transport?

The Palais des Congrès is highly accessible: Metro: Line 1 to Porte Maillot Station (direct access from Gare de Lyon and Châtelet). RER: Lines C and E to Neuilly – Porte Maillot Station . Bus: Lines 43, 73, 82, 244 , and the PC stop directly at the Palais des Congrès.

Palais des Congrès de Paris: EPT Paris Tournament Venue

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Originally from the UK’s Lake District, Callum Jury has carved out a niche as a premier live reporter across the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, he has delivered high-level coverage for major brands like the APT, PokerStars, and the WSOP, blending a background in business with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. As a key member of the Somuchpoker team, Callum uses his sharp eye for photography and media to bridge the gap between technical hand histories and the raw human drama of a high-stakes deep run.

Updated: 2026.02.19

Le Palais des Congrès de Paris is a premier international convention center and the cornerstone of major poker festivals in the French capital . Located at Porte Maillot in the 17th arrondissement, this iconic venue has redefined the scale of European poker, serving as the high-capacity home for the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris. The venue is celebrated for its modern, modular infrastructure, providing the massive floor space necessary to host thousands of players in a single world-class arena.

Why Palais des Congrès de Paris?

Season-Opening Powerhouse: The venue hosts the prestigious EPT Paris, traditionally kicking off the EPT season with a massive 12-day festival of high-stakes action.
Massive Capacity: After outgrowing previous venues, the Palais des Congrès now accommodates record-breaking fields, with over 130 tables and the capacity for Main Events to exceed 1,700 entries.
Strategic Urban Hub: Perfectly situated with direct links to major airports and walking distance from the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.

♠️
PRIMARY FOCUS
Elite Tournaments

💰
BUY-INS
€550 to €100,000

🚇
ACCESS
Porte Maillot (Line 1)

The EPT Paris Experience

The poker action at the Palais des Congrès is almost exclusively tournament-driven, centering on the flagship EPT Paris festival held annually in late February. The venue transforms into a professional arena with dozens of events spanning a 10-day period, including the €1,650 PokerStars Open, the €5,300 EPT Main Event, and the prestigious €100,000 Super High Roller. The atmosphere is electric, blending the prestige of the PokerStars brand with the fervent passion of the French poker community.

The facility is designed for comfort and efficiency, featuring professional RFID feature tables for global streaming and a floor staff trained to international standards. While cash games are not a permanent fixture, the venue provides a unique live Spin & Go championship and serves as the hub for the French poker scene throughout the festival. Players also benefit from a dedicated shuttle service connecting the Palais des Congrès to the nearby Club Barrière Paris for additional gaming options.

Venue Logistics

📍 Location: 2 Place de la Porte Maillot, 75017 Paris. The center is integrated into a larger complex with high-end shopping and services.

🏨 Accommodations: The venue is directly adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile and surrounded by numerous luxury and business hotels.

📝 Entry & Requirements: All players must be 18+ and present a valid government-issued passport or ID. Membership in the Club Barrière Paris is mandatory to enter the tournament room and can be created on-site.

♠️ Official Event Updates

Stay connected for the latest EPT schedules, satellite information, and results.

EPT Schedule
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