It blew like a breath of revolution, on October 8, at Voyages d’exception. In the figurative sense, because the tour operator invited about a hundred people – suppliers, partners, guides, employees – to inaugurate its new Paris offices, located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine.
For the occasion, its founder and chief Lionel Rabiet (also president of Entreprises du Voyage Ile-de-France) asked everyone to dress in white and blue and, upon arrival, to wear a cockade and, for the bolder, a Phrygian cap!
In the literal sense as well, since just a stone’s throw away, on the Place de la Bastille, high school students and police clashed in a cloud of tear gas, preventing some guests from reaching their destination…
For the occasion, its founder and chief Lionel Rabiet (also president of Entreprises du Voyage Ile-de-France) asked everyone to dress in white and blue and, upon arrival, to wear a cockade and, for the bolder, a Phrygian cap!
In the literal sense as well, since just a stone’s throw away, on the Place de la Bastille, high school students and police clashed in a cloud of tear gas, preventing some guests from reaching their destination…
A single workspace to boost efficiency
« Revolution is a word I quite like. It represents both a sudden change and the idea of taking a step back on oneself and returning to the starting point, like the revolution of a planet. Change and continuity, in a way, similar to Voyages d’exception » joked Lionel Rabiet – never short of a parable – during a brief speech.
The leader sees in this move the symbol of four revolutions, or at least four major changes in the history of the young company, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2027.
First, the chance to think bigger and gain efficiency by bringing his team together on a single workspace, whereas until now it had been spread across two floors.
The leader sees in this move the symbol of four revolutions, or at least four major changes in the history of the young company, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2027.
First, the chance to think bigger and gain efficiency by bringing his team together on a single workspace, whereas until now it had been spread across two floors.
The development of tailor-made travel offerings
Nestled at the back of an elegant tree-lined courtyard, on the second floor, the new 160 m2 offices — which Voyages d’exception bought while it was still renting the previous premises — bring together about thirty employees: reservations, production, transport services, marketing, accounting…
Additionally, a reception area has been created, capable of welcoming the public. This marks the second “revolution”; previously specialized in GIR group trips with lecturers (notably cruises and train journeys…), Voyages d’exception now aims to develop tailor-made travel.
For the occasion, two people will be tasked with accompanying clients, around an offer set up by Pascal Bouchet. “It is the tourism segment that is experiencing the strongest growth” justifies Lionel Rabiet.
Additionally, a reception area has been created, capable of welcoming the public. This marks the second “revolution”; previously specialized in GIR group trips with lecturers (notably cruises and train journeys…), Voyages d’exception now aims to develop tailor-made travel.
For the occasion, two people will be tasked with accompanying clients, around an offer set up by Pascal Bouchet. “It is the tourism segment that is experiencing the strongest growth” justifies Lionel Rabiet.
Explorator, a winning acquisition?
The third “revolution” was sealed a few weeks ago, with the acquisition of tour operator Explorator, a specialist in small-group travel, which had been placed under judicial administration.
“It was a revolutionary company of its own kind when it was created in 1971, with a pioneering, trailblazing approach,” adds the leader.
The brand and positioning will be preserved and the four employees taken over should allow Voyages d’exception to develop an offer of cultural circuits off the beaten track, by leveraging commercial, marketing and technological synergies.
Also read : Voyages d’exception accelerates its diversification for its 15th anniversary
“It was a revolutionary company of its own kind when it was created in 1971, with a pioneering, trailblazing approach,” adds the leader.
The brand and positioning will be preserved and the four employees taken over should allow Voyages d’exception to develop an offer of cultural circuits off the beaten track, by leveraging commercial, marketing and technological synergies.
Also read : Voyages d’exception accelerates its diversification for its 15th anniversary
A slightly declining activity in 2026
Finally, technology constitutes the fourth revolution, especially artificial intelligence. “It changes the way we work, makes us more productive, and helps us integrate Explorator. It is invisible to the client but essential for the company.”
Voyages d’exception is expected to generate a turnover between €15 and €16 million in 2026 (fiscal year ending December 31), down by about 10% compared with the previous year (constant scope), due to the geopolitical turbulence of the spring.
Add to that around €3 million achieved by Explorator. In the end, “the year will be solid, with profits still in the green,” concludes Lionel Rabiet.
Voyages d’exception is expected to generate a turnover between €15 and €16 million in 2026 (fiscal year ending December 31), down by about 10% compared with the previous year (constant scope), due to the geopolitical turbulence of the spring.
Add to that around €3 million achieved by Explorator. In the end, “the year will be solid, with profits still in the green,” concludes Lionel Rabiet.
