France's capital city is the perfect destination for a spring weekend
There is so much to see and do in Paris, it's difficult to know where to start. Apart from all the sights, be sure to factor in people-watching time in one of the city's numerous cafes.
Sights and Culture
Remember the tragic story of the hunchback of Notre Dame? Well, here's a chance to see where the story all started. The church of Notre Dame has an incredible history - built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest buildings in Paris and sits on the banks of the River Seine. It's the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon before strolling over the bridge to while away the hours in a cosy café.
A trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without experiencing the city's most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. An impressive 1,051m high, take a lift to the top for a truly wondrous view of the city. But be sure to take a jacket or shawl with you - it can get pretty breezy at the top of the tower!
Music fans will want to visit Pere Lachaise, the cemetery where famed rock star Jim Morrison was laid to rest. You can hire a buggy to take you up to his shrine which is often overrun with Doors fans.
Shopping
Galeries Lafayette is a brilliant department store with everything from designer labels to their own very reasonably priced and trendy labels all under one roof. But when in France, the thing you really want to look for is lingerie - there's a fantastic range here you will want to snap up. Plus check out the mouthwatering cosmetics section.
Nightlife
If clubbing is your thing, Paris is packed with super cool places to go. But be warned, it's not cheap. Les Bains is still the city's most famous hotspot where models and fashionistas all go to hang out. If you want to get past the snooty guys on the door, make sure you dress to impress.
Eating
As you'd expect from the country where gastronomy was born, there's a wealth of places to eat and drink in Paris. I've visited the city many times and taken pot luck and it's almost impossible to have a bad dining experience - unless you happen to be vegan. Take a stroll around Forum des Halles, a pedestrian-only area crammed full of interesting boutiques. Take your pick of cafes and restaurants for a truly French experience. Choose an outside table, sit back and pretend you're in a movie. You can sit for hours with a chocolat chaud or beer in most places and you won't be hassled by the waiters.
