Paris

The cultural season runs from September to June. In July and August, many Parisians go on holiday and the city slows down, so you may find many of the best restaurants and shops are closed. September sees a burst of energy with major exhibitions and fashion shows.  

Christmas has a lively buzz, with many places staying open during the festivities. May and June are ideal for making the most of the outdoor café terraces. 

The main Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport, 27km north of the city, is served by RER trains to central Paris, which take about 45 minutes (generally quicker than a taxi); there are also buses to Opéra and minibus hotel shuttle services.  

The smaller Paris Orly airport is easily reached by Orlybus from place Denfert-Rochereau, and taxis are a feasible option as it’s just 14km south of the city. Eurostar trains from London arrive at Gare du Nord. 

Paris has an efficient, comprehensive public transport system of buses, metro and RER trains. Taxis are also reasonably priced, but can be hard to find. It’s also an excellent city to explore on foot as many of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. 

Vélib is a highly successful municipal bike hire scheme with docking stations all over the city. However, traffic can be scary despite a growing number of bike lanes. 

Try and stay in the centre if you can – you’ll be able to make the most of the city’s unique ambience and heritage, and walk to the major sights. St-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre and the Marais are all good central choices, combining historic character with ample shopping and eating opportunities.  

The Opéra and Champs-Elysées districts have plenty of hotels too, but are more business-oriented and therefore quieter at weekends. In the north of the city, villagey Montmartre is wonderfully picturesque but a long way from the major museums and galleries. 

Unsurprisingly, many of the fanciest haute cuisine restaurants are near the Champs-Elysées. The new generation of neo-bistros, where many locals actually eat, are scattered all across town, although you’ll find hotspots in the 7th and 11th arrondissements.

Paris lives up to its reputation as the world’s fashion capital with a mind-boggling choice, from the legendary haute couture names on avenue Montaigne producing handcrafted clothes for the happy few, to one-off atelier boutiques, mass chains and rising young labels.  

Prime fashion districts include rue St-Honoré, the northern Marais and St-Germain-des-Prés, with a concentration of fabulous shoe shops on rue de Grenelle. If it’s antiques and designer furniture you’re after, head to Faubourg-St-Germain.