GENERAL

Paris is a city of unrivalled romance, classic beauty and joie de vivre. A stroll along the banks of the Seine at dusk will all but confirm this. In art, culture, history, fashion and of course, food, Paris has an embarrassment of riches. All these ingredients and more culminate in a dazzling, unforgettable city: The City of Lights.

...and at around an hour's flight from London, for families, friends and lovers, Paris city breaks are the ultimate weekend escape.

The Eiffel Tower...

Towering imperiously over the city, the Eiffel Tower is Paris' most iconic landmark. Building was completed in 1889 and the reception was less than enthusiastic by the Parisian locals. Over time, however, it not only captured the hearts of Parisians but every visitor to the city. If this is your first time on a city break in Paris, taking the lift to the 1,000ft summit is a must - the panoramic views are spectacular.

Le Louvre & art in Paris...

Paris has always had an insatiable appetite for art. Many of Europe's celebrated masters have called the city their home. Le Lourve is the most famous and houses some of the world's best loved artwork including da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the ancient Greek sculpture Venus de Milo. Other world-class galleries include the Picasso Museum, the Rodin Museum and the Unesco-listed Orsay Museum, home to a magnificent collection of impressionist paintings. For contemporary art, head to the Pompidou Centre or the Palais de Tokyo.

Notre Dame...

In a city of beautiful churches, the medieval masterwork of Notre Dame Cathedral stands above all others. Essential viewing for any Paris holiday, Notre Dame was built in the 12th century and remains one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The best time to visit it at sunset, when the retiring sun bathes the cathedral in a radiant glow.

Champs-Elysées & the Arch de Triumphe...

After enjoying some of the major sightseeing opportunities, take a stroll down the famous, tree-lined Champs-Elysées. Stop at the chic clothing stores, cafés and bars before reaching the symbolic Arch de Triumphe: a Unesco World Heritage site commissioned by Napoleon to honour French military victories.

Eating out...

The virtues of French cuisine hardly need praising. This is the gastronomic capital of Europe, if not the world; home to more Michelin-star restaurants than anywhere else. Not that you have to splash out to eat well in Paris, in fact it's difficult to eat badly. The beautiful Latin Quarter is a good place to start your culinary journey, although the entire city is packed with exquisite bistros and brasseries. It's important to take your time over lunch in Paris, as the locals do. At least several hours, and as many courses as possible. When in Rome after all...

Fashion...

Paris is almost a byword for style and the city is home to some of the most fashionable shops in the world. If you've come to Paris looking for stylish French-designer boutiques, you'll find them in abundance. The best place to start is the famous 'Golden Triangle' formed by the Champs-Elysées, avenue Marceau and avenue Montaigne.

Nightlife & the Moulin Rouge...

The nightlife is as exciting as any city in the world. From theatres to cocktail bars and opera houses to superclubs, Paris' nightlife is cosmopolitan and diverse. The liveliest districts are Oberkampf, Bastille and the bustling streets of Menilmontant and Gambetta. Oh, and if you fancy cabaret, the (in)famous Moulin Rouge is located in Montmartre.

If you like the sound of Paris...

...take a look at city breaks in Amsterdam here, Madrid holidays here and Venice city breaks here.