Paris

Colonnaded squares, picture-perfect leafy boulevards, patisseries piled high with delectable treats and effortless style - Paris is everything it promises to be and is as enjoyable and delightful on your umpteenth visit as it is on your first.

The origins of Paris lie at the very heart of the city, on appealing Ile de la Cité where the original Parisii settled. Today they would probably happily choose the same spot - the island and neighbouring Ile St Louis are some of Paris' most coveted abodes, with tranquil streets that hide away a treasure trove of boutiques and bistros. It's also hard to ignore the gorgeously gothic Notre Dame.

Divided by the Seine, bourgeois and bohemian Parisians have kept to their traditional locations. The cultural left bank, with Rue Jacob and Saint Michel offers independent clothes labels, book stalls, art galleries and exquisite decorative arts shops.

The Latin Quarter is young, buzzy, and full of history and anecdotes. For a taste of local Parisian life, head to Paris' oldest street market, on Rue Mouffetard - a narrow, inclined street lined with stalls selling cheeses, olives and pâte - where bistros serve fresh steaks and strong coffee.

For the well-heeled, Rue St Honoré on the right bank stands out for its glitz with fashion houses, perfumeries, jewellers are all heavily represented. Any money left over can be spent on a meal on the nearby Champs Elyseé - making for a classically French experience. The Marais area is also distinctive for its 16th century architecture.

The enduring image of the Eiffel Tower is a testament to the French desire to update, upscale and challenge. Placing a glass pyramid in the 17th century courtyard of the Louvre fifteen years ago was a statement that Paris still had an edge on modernity, and other capitals duly followed suit. The same robust spirit built La Défense, a megalithic white cube, and placed it opposite the Arc de Triomphe.

Travel tip: At cafes and bars, your drinks will cost less if you stand at the bar instead of sitting at a table.