A Weekend in Paris.

In terms of visitor numbers, Paris is the world's most popular city, but its unique charm remains; cafes dominate the tree-lined avenues, great architecture, both modern and ancient can be found on every street, the Seine cuts the city in half while world class fashion, style, art and cuisine meet with the unique character of the Parisians themselves. The French capital is undoubtedly one of the world's great cities.

Day 1

Morning

Almost as much as a part of the Paris skyline as the Eiffel Tower, is the Basilique du Sacré Coeur overlooking the city. The area is jammed with tourists, souvenir stalls and artists working on the street. The views from the top of the church, or the grounds that surround it, show Paris, and all its major sights, stretching into the distance and is a great introduction to the city.

Just a short hop on the subway is the Pere-Lachaise cemetery, resting place (and sight of countless graffiti) of Jim Morrison, and other great foreigners including Chopin and Oscar Wilde and many of France's great artists, thinkers and leaders.

Afternoon

Driving in Paris is a sight in itself (as is the parking at the weekend when every conceivable car-sized space is parked on, regardless of traffic laws).

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, not only is there a great view, the madness of the roads and roundabout in Paris can be seen as motorists jostle for position on this mass junction.

Once you have enjoyed the traffic and the small artefacts in the Arc, the tree lined Champs Elysee stretches to the Grand Palais, the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde; site of the revolution in the past, and now home of the Obelisque de Luxor; given to Charles X by Egypt, it is the oldest monument in Paris.

The Louvre, is also just a short walk away.

Evening

If you want another view over the city; the largest building in Paris offers one of the best. The monolith of Montparnasse looms over this area of shops, cinemas, restaurants and the red light districts a few blocks away.

A huge range of restaurants serving a range of cuisines including traditional French, (although the more modern alternative of fries and steak dominate most menus) and dozens of bars and cafes offer a relaxing evening. The resting place of some rich and famous Parisians, including Jean-Paul Sartre, is also in this area; in the Montparnasse cemetery.

If you're in Paris on a Friday night have a lookout for the Paris-roller group; hundreds meet close to Montparnasse for a 25km route round the city on Roller blades, skates or by bike. A beginners' route is also held on Sunday mornings to give you the opportunity to see the city in a unique way.

Day2

Morning

The Ile St Lois is a small island in the middle of the Seine; old buildings with small cafes overlooking the river are the perfect place to get some breakfast. Just a few minutes walk will take you to the Ile de le Cite and the Notre Dame cathedral; much smaller than many would expect but none the less impressive.

The Grande Magazin, one of the most popular shopping areas in Paris, and the Pompidou Centre are just across the river.

Afternoon

The banks of the Seine are occupied by book sellers, artists, buskers and small market stalls; during the summer a small artificial beach is also created for Parisians to sun themselves. Walking the banks of the seine, or taking on of the many boat tours (starting and finishing on the Ile St Lois) is a great way of seeing the city on a sunny day.

Perhaps one of the most pleasant activities in the city is to just walk around its cobbled back streets or large avenues and spend some time in one of the hundreds of cafes that line the streets; to enjoy the atmosphere and soak up the culture that comes from this great city. In a city this old you never know what you might find round the next corner.

Evening

During the day the queues to the top of the Eiffel Tower stretch for hours. By night you are practically alone; sunset over the city can be one of the most memorable sights from the top of Paris' most famous landmark. A small park and great fountains surround the tower and the first Statue of Liberty (a small model of its more famous twin) is just down the banks of the river.

For ten minutes on every hour a light display is held at the Eiffel tower; pick a spot with a good view of the landmark to see it lit up like a Christmas tree.

A few more nights?

It is impossible to appreciate Paris in just two days so if you're staying on longer you can enjoy much more of this city: the excellent museums (museums have free entry on the first Sunday of the month) with the Louvre being one of the best, the great city parks (the Jardin de Luxembourg being one of the finest in Europe) and the great buildings and architecture. Or if you're not a culture vulture there are also the countless cafes, bars, clubs and shows.

Euro Disney and Park Asterix is less than an hours from Paris, as is the Palace of Versailles. Those quaint French towns and great small cities are also very accessible from Paris and the wine areas are a great place to stop on your way to the next city.

About the author:

Matt Scott has been writing travel guides and working as a tour guide for almost a decade. He currently lives in Paris where he works a guide - offering daily walking tours of the City of Lights.

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