Paris Holidays

Traditional French cuisine has an international reputation for being some of the best in the world. Walking around the streets, you will be spoilt for choice - finding everything from cosy little street cafés, to patisseries that make cakes that look too pretty to eat, and Michelin starred restaurants. Head for the less touristy areas for a cheaper, more traditional meal. Popular lunches include soups with fresh French bread and mussels with chips.

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The French are very proud of their history and heritage and you will find a museum or gallery at almost every corner of central Paris. A must-see is the world famous Louvre gallery that houses the Mona Lisa. For something modern visit the Pompidou centre, the exhibition space famous for its inside-out approach. The Musee Rodin houses some of the best sculptures in Paris, or for something a bit different vist the Moulin Rouge - one of the world's most famous caberets.

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One of the most famous shopping spots in the city is the Champs-Elyseès - dubbed as the equivalent of Bond Street in London, you will find everything from Louis Vuitton and Armani to H&M and Marks and Spencer. For everything under one roof, you must visit Le Bon Marche for department store heaven.

For outlet shopping head for the Rue d'Alesia or for the opposite end of the spectrum the Avenue Montaigne is home to some of the most famour designers.

For antiques and furniture the Place des Vogues on the right bank of the Seine, or the Carre Rive Guache on the left bank are the best places for finding hidden treasures.

Paris is also famous for its many bookshops - if you love food and cooking the the Librairie Gourmande in la Rue Monmatre is a must. For books in English you have a few options - The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore and Tea & Tattered Pages are very popular.

If you want to take some edible goodies home with you, first check your luggage allowance, and then head for Poilane, where you can pick up one of its famous baked loaves or cakes.

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Aside from the famous Louvre gallery, you must see the Musée d’Orsay. This remarkable museum was made in the site of the original Orsay railway station for The Great Exhibition of 1900. So the building itself is something to see as well as their great collection of Imppressionist art. Paris also has a wide selection of smaller galleries and museums scattered all over the city showing everything from historical artifacts to contemporary fashion.

Other highlights include the Musee d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris where there are examples of every kind of art from the last century - found on the Avenue du President Wilson.

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French cuisine will be available on every street for you to enjoy and nearly every restaurant will serve the well-known L’Escargots dish - if you can stomach it, snails are definitely worth a try!

Although you will have a vast range of food on offer, eating out will probably be one of your biggest expenditures. However it doesn’t have to be so expensive if you have your biggest meal at lunch, when most prices in restaurants are lower than in the evening.

Foods that the French are most famous for include cheese, meats and their parings with fine wine!

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The easiest way of getting a taste of French history is to walk around the streets of Paris because much of the original architecture and structures are still standing.

A stroll in the Marais area is a great place for a nostalgic atmosphere. You should also visit the Notre Dame cathedral and walk around the surrounding area with its winding streets and gothic architecture. The Sacre Coeur church os the ultimate in French history.

The revolution is obviously one of the biggest events in Paris' history and if you visit over Bastille Day (14th July) there are dances on the night of the 13th, that are sponsored by the firefighters - Bals des Sapeurs-Pompiers, and on the morning of 14th there is a parade along the Champs-Elysees including an aircraft fly-past and fireworks in the evening.

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Paris is world renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world - it has the stunning architecture and views, the food and wine, and even the horse and carriage rides.

By day, you can also take a stroll in one of Paris’ many green spaces or arty plant-lined Promenade Plantée. Romantic river cruises are available along the river Seine as well as the outdoor Lac Inferieur boat cruises.

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Apart from the many relaxed bars on offer, an evening of live entertainment at the Moulin Rouge is an enjoyable experience of cabaret and light burlesque. Or you also have the world famous Lido shows that take place from the afternoon matinees through to late night.

In true French splendour, there are definitely elegant hotels for a romantic trip away. A popular luxury choice is the Hyatt Regency Madeleine, offering elegant interiors and open rooms. Located close to the posh shopping district of Rue de Faubourg St. Honore and main attractions like the Louvre, you are well situated for an enriching Paris experience.

Another great hotel for a romantic escape is the Royal Elysees, that is just off the Champs Elysees, one of the most popular areas in the city. It is home to some of the best shopping and restaurants in Paris and is perfect for exploring.

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