Paris holidays

If you fancy seeking out some bargains, head to Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen – a permanent flea market made up of a whopping 3,000 vendors. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing to souvenirs on offer here. There are indoor areas, too, so it’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

The city’s most famous shopping street – the Champs-Élysées – has its fair share of designer stores. And, it’s home to plenty of high street classics too, like Zara, Nike and Foot Locker. Of course, there’s a bunch of restaurants and cafés in the mix, as well, to break up your shopping spree.

Place Vendôme is one of Paris’ top shopping streets. It’s well known for its line-up of jewellers and watchmakers, and it’s home to big-name brands like Cartier and Louis Vuitton. So, if you fancy splashing some cash, or just doing a spot of window shopping, it’s a great place to start.

If a meal and a quiet drink sounds just the ticket, start off with a trip to one of Paris’ cocktail bars during happy hour to grab yourself a deal. Then, after dinner, make a beeline for the terrace bar of the Les Ombres restaurant – it serves up unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower.

When you fancy a livelier evening, you can kick things off with a trip to the Moulin Rouge to watch an all-singing-all-dancing show. Then, head to one of the city’s clubs for drinking and dancing. Some along the Champs-Élysées stay open until as late as 6am.

No trip to France would be complete without a buttery, flaky croissant. Paris is brimming with bakeries, so you won’t have to look far to find one. Some offer filled versions, too – opt for sweet Nutella or go for a savoury ham and cheese variety.

Macarons are one of the most popular sweet treats on offer in Paris. They consist of a creamy filling, sandwiched between two mini circular meringues. Flavour-wise, you’ll find everything from strawberry to coffee variations up for grabs.

If you fancy some classic French bistro fare that’s both tasty and filling, steak frites will be right up your street. As the name suggests, the dish is simply steak and fries, and you’ll find it on the menu in pretty much every French restaurant.

This hot ham-and-cheese sandwich is a staple in France. It’s usually eaten as a quick snack, and most cafés in Paris will feature it on the menu. If you fancy the same thing with an egg on top – sunny side up – then order the croque madame, instead.

Cheese lovers will be spoilt for choice in Paris’ eateries. One of the most popular picks is camembert. Order a whole baked one to share – there’s nothing better than dipping sliced crusty bread into the gooey cheese.