Top destinations in Paris: In its 120 years of existence, the Moulin Rouge has seen showbiz stars, musicians, actors and stately names pass through its doors. And, tourists aside, this cabaret venue is also iconic for Parisians, who go more for the club scene at The Machine and rooftop Bar a Bulles that lie within. On stage, 60 can-can dancers cavort with faultless synchronisation for two hours in the ‘Feerie’ show. Costumes are flamboyant, legs kick higher than you’d think possible and the ‘half-time’ acts are funny. It’s the ultimate French night out. Just add champagne.

Paris restaurant pick : After working with Alain Passard and Marc Veyrat, Toutain first wowed Paris at Agape Substance, a hole in the wall in Saint-Germain. Now he has his own place, and his constantly changing tasting menus (55 euros at lunch, 80 euros or 110 euros at dinner) deliver the boldest and most interesting food in Paris. Think dishes like seared foie gras in baked potato bouillon with black truffles; a monochromatic white composition of cuttlefish with yuba; and nearly translucent Parmesan gnocchi, seasoned with the juice extracted from cooking the cheese at very low temperatures for hours.

The Luxembourg Gardens are the best known park in Paris after the Tuileries. The gardens were laid out in the 17th century when the Palais du Luxembourg was built, but they were given their present form in the 19th century by the architect J.F. Chalgrin. The central feature of the park is the large octagonal fountain-adorned pool, which is flanked by two terraces lined with statues, orderly geometric rows of flowerbeds, and manicured shrubbery. This part of the park exemplifies French classical style, with many chairs spread about for visitors to use. Another key feature is the picturesque 17th-century Fontaine de Medicis, a fountain basin hidden under trees opposite the east front of the Palais du Luxembourg, the palace that King Henri IV created for his wife Marie de Medici. Nearby is the Pavillon de la Fontaine, a little cafe with pleasant outdoor seating in a shady forest setting. Discover extra details on Paris travel blog.

Paris shopping pick : Rue Saint Dominique, Rue de Grenelle & Rue Cler The village-like charms, excellent boutiques, cafes and pretty streets that you’ll discover in the 7th arrondissement between the Champ de Mars gardens and the Esplanade des Invalides makes this our favorite neighborhood in Paris. Most of our apartments are located nearby, where you’ll experience the authentic Parisian lifestyle that we love. Enjoy strolling along the Rue Saint Dominique and Rue de Grenelle, both lined with lovely shops, restaurants and cafes. Be sure to walk up and down the small cross streets as you explore this neighborhood.

The most monumental boulevard in Paris used to be a desolate field of marshland until the 16th century, when it was landscaped by Andre Le Notre. A century later, the renowned Parisian city planner Baron Haussman designed the boulevard’s elegant buildings. The Champs-Elysees is divided into two parts with the Rond-Point des Champs-Elysees as its intersection. The lower part of the Champs-Elysees, bordering the Place du Concorde, includes a spacious park, the Jardin des Champs-Elysees, and the Petit Palais fine arts museum. The upper part, extending to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined by luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and theaters. This bustling area draws many tourists and is a gathering place for Parisians. The Champs-Elysees is famous for its prestigious establishments, such as Maison Laduree (75 Avenue des Champs-Elysees), a patisserie shop renowned for its 18th-century tea salon and delicious pastries (their specialty is “macarons”), and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (62 Avenue des Champs-Elysees), Louis-Vuitton (101 Avenue des Champs-Elysees), and Cartier (154 Avenue des Champs-Elysees). Discover extra info at FranceTravelBlog.com.