Why?
The City of Light is synonymous with fine art, architecture, culture, food, wine, fashion, film, music and romance. Why wouldn't you want to visit?
How?
The Eurostar from London Saint Pancras gets you to the heart of the French capital in as little as 2 hours and 16 minutes. With a check in time of just 40 minutes let the train take the strain.
When?
The sooner the better if you don't want to miss the awesome Charlotte Perriand retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuiton which runs until February 2020. It is packed full of her life's work alongside fabulous pieces by Calder, Picasso, Le Corbusier, Léger, Miro and Braque.
Background reading?
'Down and Out in Paris and London' by George Orwell.
'Madeleine' by Ludwig Belemans
'A Moveable Feast' by Ernest Hemingway.
'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo.
Get Around?
On foot, by Métro or by 'Velib' bicycle.
Stay?
The 'Hotel Panache' in the heart of Montmartre lives up to its name: https://hotelpanache.com
If you're in a mood to blow the budget the George V is the stuff of legends: https://www.fourseasons.com/paris/
Food and Drink?
'Vantre' at 19 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, has a wonderfully short menu of fabulous seasonal dishes and a wonderfully long wine list at very reasonable prices.
'Bonne Aventure' out near the Marché aux Puces Dauphine in Saint-Ouen has a relaxed neighbourhood feel and great wines at low mark ups.
Celebrated seafood brasserie Terminus Nord conveniently located opposite the Gard du Nord is the ideal place to enjoy some fruits de mer before catching the train home.
La Tour d'Argent at 15 quai de la Tournelle is worth saving up for however long it takes.
Don't Miss
The magnificent Musée Bourdelle the lesser-known and free museum dedicated to Rodin's protégée.
Le Corbusier's studio apartment out by the Parc des Princes at 24 rue Nungesset & Coli.
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont the superb aerial walkway created in 1988 by Philippe Mathieux and Jacques Vergely – the precursor to New York's 'Highline'.
The Musée d'Art Moderne and Palais de Tokyo for a feast of modern art.
Avoid
Pickpockets on the Métro and horrendous queues at the Eiffel tower.
Take Home
Cheese, wine, charcuterie, scent, brilliant broaches from Macon & Lesquoy and specs and sunglasses from Izzipizzi but above all memories. 'We'll always have Paris!'
