Learning beyond the classroom:
MSc in Real Estate students explore Paris, Cannes and Monaco

From Paris to Monaco, exploring the ecosystems shaping Europe’s real estate landscape

As part of ESCP Business School’s commitment to experiential learning, students from the MSc in Real Estate programme recently took part in an international field trip across Paris, Cannes and Monaco—three key hubs shaping the European real estate landscape. Over five days, the cohort engaged directly with industry leaders, explored landmark developments and gained first-hand insight into investment strategies, asset management and emerging market trends. This immersive experience is a core component of the programme, designed to bridge academic theory with real-world application.

Paris: strategic insights and corporate real estate in action

The field trip began in Paris, where students attended expert-led sessions at ESCP’s Montparnasse campus and participated in external visits to major real estate assets.

Among the highlights were sessions with leading professionals including François Trausch, CEO of PIMCO Prime Real Estate, and Emile Daher, Partner at PJT Partners, who shared perspectives on global investment strategies and market transformation.

Students also explored corporate real estate and development through a visit to Deloitte’s EMEA University, gaining insight into large-scale project development and the strategic role of real estate in organisational growth.

A further visit to the Créteil Soleil shopping centre provided a practical understanding of retail asset management, leasing strategies and customer experience in a rapidly evolving sector.

Cannes: global exposure at MIPIM

The experience continued in Cannes, where students attended MIPIM, the world’s leading real estate event. Bringing together investors, developers, policymakers and innovators from across the globe, MIPIM offered a unique platform for students to engage with the latest trends shaping the industry.

Through conferences, networking sessions and the MIPIM Challengers programme—dedicated to emerging talent—students explored topics such as AI in real estate, data-driven investment and sustainable urban development. Participation in MIPIM provided a unique opportunity to engage with international stakeholders and gain exposure to the trends shaping the future of the industry.

Monaco: high-level perspectives on development and investment

The field trip concluded in Monaco, a strategic destination within the programme and home to ESCP’s Real Estate Tech Innovation Professorship, developed in collaboration with the Principality of Monaco.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation in real estate and strengthening links between academia, industry and public institutions.

During their visit, students gained exclusive insights into high-end development and international markets through sessions with industry leaders such as Íñigo López de la Osa, Executive Chairman of López de la Osa & Franco, and Jean-Marc Pastor, Managing Partner at Heritage Construction.

They also visited Mareterra, Monaco’s landmark land extension project, offering a concrete example of large-scale, forward-thinking urban development in a highly constrained environment.

A defining element of the MSc in Real Estate experience

Field trips such as this are a cornerstone of the MSc in Real Estate at ESCP, reflecting the School’s belief that learning extends far beyond the classroom. By combining academic rigour with direct industry engagement, students gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics across geographies, interact with senior professionals and decision-makers, and develop a truly global perspective on real estate investment and development. These experiences also play a key role in strengthening their professional networks—an essential asset as they prepare to launch their careers in an increasingly competitive and international industry.