Paris City Guide

Paris really is one, if not the most beautiful city in the world. Day or night, rain or sun, just wandering the streets of Paris and getting lost can easily be one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you could ever have. With 45-million visitors every year, Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world. And it's easy to see why. It's just so grand! Of course, everyone knows the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and The Louvre - and we've all seen the photos hundreds of times before. But once you actually see them towering over you, your jaw will drop - guaranteed.

Although, Paris itself has only a population of just over two million, the larger metropolitan area swells over 11 million - making it one of the most populated cities in Europe.

In summertime the city has this magical quality about it. And there's nothing better to do on any given afternoon than to take a cute little boat ride down the Seine. Café culture is rife here - and the second greatest summertime activity is finding a little perch outside a café and doing a bit of people watching. Paris has some of the most colourful characters you'll ever see - and hear.

But lazy Seine cruises and café-chilling aside, what sets Paris apart from other cities is its rich history. Some of the best Museums in the world can be found here. The three top Musées would be –

The Louvre -http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en

This is one of the world's largest and the most visited art museum. The history of the building itself is fascinating- but the collections in here are outstanding. From ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian collection to history's finest painters - there's nothing else like it.

Musee National d'Art Moderne -http://www.centrepompidou.fr/

The National Museum for Modern Art for France holds the second largest collection of modern art in the world after MOMA in New York.

The Orsay Museum – http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html

This is an amazing museum which fills in the blanks between the top two museums. If you manage to do all three in your trip you're brain will be chuffed.

After you've fed your mind, you're going to need to feed your belly. And if there's one thing Paris does better than anywhere else in the world - then that is sweet treats. Here's a selection of spots to find some of the yummiest things you're tummy has ever had to occupy.

Fouchon –http://www.fauchon.com/en/en/

From cakes and cookies to truffles and Foies Gras - you'll find the most over extravagant of food here.

Laduree – http://www.laduree.fr/v1/index.htm

With a history dating back to 1862 - what started as a simple bakery at 16 Rue Royale has now become a global phenomenon. Famous for their Macaroons - which were conceived here - they are seriously one of the tastiest treats the world has ever known.

Water Bar @ Collette – http://www.colette.fr/#/a/581/now/185/water-bar/popup=true

Colette is one of the hippest shops in all of Paris. As well as all the designer goods you could hope for, it also has some other neat additions.

Being one of those - the Water Bar has amazing food and a selection of over 80 different types of water from all over the world.

It must be noted some of the world's coolest musicians and artists have come from Paris. No other is more legendary and awesome than Serge Gainsbourg. He was a singer, songwriter, actor, director and utter womanizer - and as many may tell you – also a drunkard. I've always been a big Serge fan. He was as famous for his musical output in France as he was for his very public spiral out–of-control behaviour which would often see him drunk on talk shows, tell obscene stories on stage, and generally be mischievous.

His death in 1991 was a sad day not just for France but for the world of music. You can find out more about Serge in the Serge biopic which was released recently. But in the meantime here are three of my favourite Serge moments.

His amazing collaboration with Jane Birkin 'Je T'aime Moi Non Plus'

And with Bridgette Bardot with 'Bonnie & Clyde'