An Insider’s Guide To… Paris

Paris may be one of the cliché destinations for a weekend break but it is with good reason, as the French capital is one of the most magical spots in the world in which to lose yourself for a few days. Whether you are a fan of sticking firmly to the tourist trail or prefer to venture off the beaten track in search of some hidden gems, Paris has got you covered, but our advice is to mix the two for an eclectic and educational holiday. In our humble opinion, the best thing about Paris is the city itself so take a few minutes to enjoy a coffee near the Place de la Bastille and a wander through the nearby food markets. If it's your first time, it really is worth taking the requisite bus tour to see the city in all its glory and, because the €31 ticket hop-on-hop-off ticket covers most areas, it also serves as a handy source of transport. What to do You definitely won't be stuck for culture in this city, with the Louvre,  Musée d'Orsay, Le Centre Pompidou and Musée de l'Orangerie all offering a wealth of art to feast your eyes, and if churches are your thing, check out the St Sulpice, which figures heavily in The Da Vinci Code, and the amazing stained glass windows at the Sainte Chappelle. Get into the Left Bank vibe with a visit to the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, which originally doubled as a library, publisher and boarding house for aspiring writers and was featured in Ernest Hemingway's memoir, A Moveable Feast. The store closed during World War II and was reopened in its current incarnation in 1951. To get a feel for the real Paris, head to Montmartre but wander past the tourist schtick to the back streets for a more authentic experience. While you are here, check out the iconic Moulin Rouge and the beautiful Elysees Montmartre Theatre, which is said to be the oldest can-can dance theatre in the city. Seeing the Eiffel Tower is a rite of passage for visitors to Paris but try a new angle by heading to the farmers market at Avenue de Saxe on a Saturday morning. The market is overlooked by the famous monument and allows you to stock up on fresh vegetables, regional cheeses, meat and fish and poultry, as well as home-made bread and pastries, alongside the natives. Where to eat For the classic French brasserie experience, try Le Stella in the 16th Arrondissement for a feed of onion soup, sole meunière and roast lamb and other Gallic standards. If that's a little pricey, give Les Dingues a go. This mid-range bistro serves great food and has great character. Remember, most restaurants in Paris serve a prix fixe lunchtime menu that is a lot more affordable than the evening alternative so this can be a great way to sample the fare of top restaurants without breaking the bank. Word of warning, do not come to Paris on a health kick because it will be nigh on impossible to resist the smorgasboard of tasty treats at your every turn. If, like us, your favourite food groups include bread, cheese and chocolate, then start your culinary odyssey at Fromagerie Laurent Dubois and let the cheesemongers guide you through their amazing selection. Then head to Boulangerie Joctuer des Invalides for some traditional French bread and finish with something sweet from Patrick Roger’s five Paris outposts, which sell powdered truffles, 40 different single-origin bars from around the world, and ganaches including basil and lime, oat infusion, Guinness, and Sichuan pepper. Where to shop If strolling around browsing the likes of Chanel, Dior and Gucci is your idea of a good time, then head to the Triangle D'Or. This is the area around Avenue Montaigne, Ave George V and Rue Francois 1e and showcases the finest of haute couture fashion. Those with champagne tastes and lemonade budgets should check out some of the city's consignment and discount stores such as Reciproque or Catherine Max. Paris is not short of department stores and stunning boutiques so try Boulevard Haussmann, Rue Tronchet and Place de la Madeleine, as well as Boulevard Saint Germain, Bon Marché and Rue du Bac for some great finds. Beauty junkies will love the Sephora store on the Champs-Élysées. Where to sleep For chic indulgence, we love Les Jardins du Marais in the Bastille district. This four-star hotel has a gorgeous courtyard and some seriously cosy rooms in a great location. Alternatively, the BLC Design Hotel takes modern to a new level, with a crisp white interior creating a calming atmosphere. How to get there Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Swiss Air, Lufthansa and Air France all fly direct from Dublin to Paris. Be careful when booking your trip though as these airlines serve three different airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais. Of these, Charles de Gaulle is the city's main international airport and has better transport options but links are in place from Orly and Beauvais to the city centre also. Flights can range in price from €100 to €300 depending on time of year and special offers so check out skyscanner.ie to see all your options before you book.   For great Paris hotel deals check our HerHotels.ie