Paris

The city of light — fashion, art, cuisine and the most iconic skyline on earth.

Paris needs no introduction, yet it always manages to exceed expectations. The French capital sits on the River Seine in northern France and has shaped art, fashion, cuisine and romantic culture for centuries. Its iconic skyline — punctuated by the Eiffel Tower, the dome of Sacré-Cœur and the spire of Notre-Dame — is instantly recognisable even to those who have never visited. Beyond the postcard images lies a city of extraordinary depth. World-class museums like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou are the obvious starting points, but Paris rewards wanderers who follow cobblestone streets into hidden courtyards, browse weekend flea markets at Saint-Ouen or cycle along the Canal Saint-Martin. Each arrondissement has its own mood: the Marais mixes medieval history with vibrant LGBTQ+ life; Montmartre retains a village feel on its hilltop perch; Saint-Germain-des-Prés exudes literary sophistication. Food and drink are non-negotiable rituals here. From the corner boulangerie to three-Michelin-star temples of gastronomy, eating well is simply part of daily life. April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant weather and manageable crowds.