Recommendations

• Paris has no shortage of tempting shops, from independent clothing boutiques to sprawling department stores. Don't miss the opportunity to browse the bouquinistes, open-air booksellers on the banks of the Seine, or indulge at the Galeries Lafayette, the luxurious French department store.

• Head to Paris' Marais quarter for indie boutiques and some of the city's coolest bars.

• Spend an afternoon relaxing by a fountain on the public chairs in one of Paris' many parks – the Jardin du Luxembourg is particularly peaceful.