Top 10 Things to do in Paris

Paris makes an ideal weekend city break, with landmark buildings, culture and world-class cuisine. Travel to France is both quick and easy with Eurostar, which has regular departures from the UK. The city’s innumerable sights and attractions mean a ‘to do’ list is essential, so from the famous to the lesser-known here’s our guide to the top ten:

Dix: The Sorbonne and Latin Quarter: Founded in the 13^th century, the Sorbonne is one of the world’s oldest universities, and alumni include Descartes, Satre and Simone de Beauvoir. Feeling inspired by these philosophical greats? Browse the many bookstores and head to a coffee shop in the twisting streets around.

Neuf: Centre Pompidou: Follow historic sites with the contemporary at Paris’s foremost modern art gallery, worth a visit for its unique architecture alone. In addition to the permanent collection, frequently-changing exhibitions are hosted here.

Huit: Botanical Gardens: Take a breather from the city streets at Jardin des Plantes. Admire blooms from across the world and visit the glasshouses across this 26 hectare site.

Sept: Notre Dame Cathedral: It may be a tourist trap, but this spectacular building is a prime example of gothic architecture not to be missed. When visiting the cathedral, climb the north tower for views over the city.

Six: Sunset Seine Cruise: See Paris by night from the waters of the river Seine. A number of tour companies offer boat trips in the twilight hours, passing all the major city landmarks. Thinking of whisking away a loved one to Paris? Cruises offering candlelit dinners are also available.

Cinq: Musee d’Orsay: You could easily spend a whole day in the galleries of this extensive art museum, so check out which areas or paintings you are interested in before your visit. Masterpieces by the likes of Monet, Renoir and Van Gough should be on any itinerary.

Quatre: Marche St.Quentin: Away from the tourist trail, this covered food market is a Parisian favourite. Sights and smells fill the air, and you won’t be able to resist the ripe cheeses, delicate pastries and freshly prepared crepes. Our advice? Arrive hungry!

Trois: Visit a Wine Bar: Created in vineyards across the country, wine is an integral part of any Paris break. Many wine bars also offer light bites, though forget pork scratchings and onion rings with your drink: oysters and terrines are more in vogue here.

Deux: Eiffel Tower: We could hardly skip the most iconic of Parisian buildings. Constructed in 1889, the iron building is visited by around 6 million people a year, meaning entrance queues can be long. To avoid the crowds schedule a visit early in your itinerary.

Un: Paris from the Air: Perhaps the one thing that beats Eiffel Tower views are those from a hot air balloon. Head to Parc André Citroën, where you can take a majestic trip 150 metres above the city in the world’s largest hot air balloon!

Both on and off the tourist map, be sure to visit these Top Ten and complete your holiday with an unforgettable balloon trip.

Disclosure: Content brought to you by EuroStar.