The Gargoyles of Notre-Dame looking out over Paris

During the spring Paris boasts temperatures of up to 20 degrees, the perfect weather, to venture around and see what this picturesque city has to offer

Activities
Of course Paris would not be Paris without its various historic buildings. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc du Triomphe, Notre-Dame and Sacré Cœur, are just a few that should definitely be on your ‘must-see list’. Accessible throughout the year, each of these attractions is popular with tourists so it is advisable to plan your trip so that you don’t visit them at peak times.

On a short weekend trip, of course, you cannot expect to see everything but you should spend time taking in some French culture by visiting one of its many museums. The most famous museum is probably The Louvre, with art works from Raphael, Monet and Rodin. The Louvre is also home to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, which proves to be very popular with tourists. As a result, there are often crowds of people gathering around the painting so it can take a while before visitors are able to get a proper view. The admission fee to each museum varies, with discounts for students and concessions. There is also a Museum Pass available which can gain you entry to over 70 museums located in the city for a set price. As a bonus, the pass also enables you to enter museums without queuing.

Food
From croissants to frog’s legs, Paris is also renowned for its delicious cuisine. However, with the correct guide book in hand, you don’t have to spend a fortune to taste the city’s delicacies, as Paris is also famous for its back street bistros and corner cafes that serve tasty food at an affordable price.

Shopping
Avenue Montaigne, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais are the definitely the streets to search for if shopping is on your mind. With a mix of international and French stores, you will find it hard to not splash the cash here. For those who want to ensure that they get to view all of the shopping areas, Paris also offers a sightseeing tour that will ensure that all the best bits are captured.

Entertainment
Similar to London and New York, Paris is one of those cities that come alive at night. Whether it’s clubbing, theatres or concerts that you are looking for, this city has it all. Marais and Oberkampf are particular hot spots for the younger generation who prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.

As the sun sets, a visit up the Eiffel Tower or Sacré Cœur is also recommended during your stay. As the lights switch on, the view from either of these locations is unforgettable.

For more information visit www.parisinfo.com

By Nora Stankewitz