A Mecca of art and fashion with a reputation as one of Europe’s most sophisticated urban centres, Paris is an excellent destination for a weekend break or other short-stay trip. Its closeness and short-haul flight durations make the French capital an accessible and convenient spot, served by an abundance of cheap direct flights from airports throughout the UK. With attractions to suit all visitors – whether couples, families, or single travellers – and a wealth of landmarks and cultural institutions, a city break in Paris is a popular and enjoyable choice.
Given the City of Lights’ status as a capital of romance, elegant Paris has long been a favourite among those seeking Valentine’s Day breaks or anniversary trips. Riverboat cruises on the Seine, a candlelit dinner at a fine French restaurant, a stroll along the Left Bank and gazing out across the Parisian skyline at sunset from the top of the Eiffel Tower are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed on such an occasion.
As well as the famed tower, sightseers in Paris flock to the likes of stunning Notre Dame Cathedral in the historic Fourth Arrondisement, the Arc de Triomphe in Place Charles de Gaulle, and the Basilica of Sacre Coer in charming hilly Montmartre. Whether as an art lover or to appreciate its stunning architecture, a visit to the Louvre is also a must. Housed in the beautiful Louvre Palace, which dates back to the 12th century, the museum is one of the world’s largest and boasts around 35,000 exhibited items. The Centre Pompidou, Jacquemart-André Museum and the Orsay Museum are also sure to delight those on cultural city breaks in Paris.
The city’s retail offerings are also very impressive. Those on a Paris shopping break will relish browsing the items on sale at massive department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on Haussmann Boulevard as well as the chic designer outlets of the Saint-Honoré fashion district and unique boutiques of the Marais area.
Family breaks in Paris benefit from the presence of Disneyland Paris, one of the city’s prime attractions for children. The popular resort is located in Marne-la-Vallée in the city’s eastern suburbs and contains two theme parks and a dining and entertainment area as well as numerous retail and accommodation options. In Plailly to the north, meanwhile, Asterix Park offers family fun themed around a quintessentially Gallic set of characters and stories.
