08/03/2026
🇫🇷 Sunday Spotlight: Paris
⏱️ 3 minute read.
Few cities in the world feel as instantly recognisable, or as effortlessly stylish, as Paris.
From grand boulevards and iconic monuments to tiny neighbourhood cafés and world-class museums, Paris is a city that rewards both first-time visitors and those returning again and again.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times over the years and every trip reveals another layer of this endlessly fascinating city.
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🏛️ Iconic Paris
Some places in Paris truly live up to their reputation.
You can stand beneath the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower, climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for one of the best panoramic views in Europe, or wander through the 8 miles (yes really!) of masterpieces inside the Louvre.
The city is also home to some of the most beautiful art museums anywhere, including the stunning Musée d’Orsay, set inside a former railway station, and the fascinating Picasso Museum.
One of my favourite cultural experiences was visiting the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Exhibition, which celebrates the history and glamour of the legendary Paris fashion house. It perfectly captures how deeply fashion and artistry are woven into the fabric of this fabulous city.
And of course there’s the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, standing proudly on the Île de la Cité…… a powerful reminder of the city’s history and resilience. You can visit again following g the extensive refurbished after the fire a few years back.
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🎨 Neighbourhoods that make Paris special
Beyond the headline landmarks, it’s the arrondissements (neighbourhoods) that truly bring Paris to life.
Wander the artistic streets of Montmartre, where painters still set up their easels near the hilltop basilica of Sacré-Cœur, and you’ll find sweeping views across the rooftops of the city.
Another place that left a lasting impression on me was Père Lachaise Cemetery. It’s one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Peaceful, atmospheric and filled with winding paths, statues, elaborate architecture and the resting places of cultural icons such as Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde.
For a quieter moment, the elegant Luxembourg Gardens are perfect for a stroll or simply sitting with a coffee while watching Parisian life go by.
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🛍️ Paris shopping (the glamorous kind)
Paris is also one of the world’s great shopping cities.
The grand boulevards are home to spectacular historic department stores like Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and Printemps, famous for their breathtaking glass domes, rooftop views and beautifully curated fashion floors.
Then there’s the beautifully restored La Samaritaine, which has reopened as one of the most stunning luxury shopping spaces in Europe.
Even if you’re just window-shopping, it’s impossible not to admire the effortless style of the the famously chic Parisiennes who somehow make looking elegant appear completely natural.
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🍷 Food, wine and simple pleasures
Paris is also about slowing down and enjoying life.
Think buttery croissants, delicate pastries, rich French sauces and beautifully simple bistro dishes….. all paired with excellent wine.
One of my favourite simple pleasures is walking along the banks of the Seine with a fresh croissant or pan au chocolate and a café au lait in hand at the start of the day.
And if you want to see the city from a different perspective, a boat trip along the river Seine, whether a sightseeing cruise or even the commuter ferry, gives you a wonderful view of the historic bridges and riverside landmarks.
My favourite time to visit Paris is the 3rd week in November for Beaujolais Nouveau Day, when cafés and wine bars across the city celebrate the arrival of the year’s first Beaujolais. The atmosphere is fantastic.
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🚆 Getting there from the UK
Paris is one of the easiest European city breaks to reach from the UK.
You can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International directly to Gare du Nord in around 2 hours 20 minutes, which is often the most relaxing and convenient way to arrive.
There are also frequent flights from across the UK into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport, making Paris an easy option for a long weekend or short break.
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🚇 Getting around & where to stay
Once you arrive, the excellent Paris Métro makes it incredibly easy to explore the city.
Some of the best areas to stay include:
• Le Marais – historic streets, boutiques and fantastic restaurants
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – classic Parisian cafés and culture
• The Latin Quarter – lively and full of character
• Opéra / Grands Boulevards – perfect for shopping and transport links
Each offers a slightly different flavour of the city, but all put you within easy reach of the sights.
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Paris works beautifully for:
✨ romantic escapes
✨ culture-packed city breaks
✨ food and wine lovers
✨ art and architecture enthusiasts
It’s one of those rare cities that manages to feel grand, intimate, historic and modern all at the same time. Every visit makes you long to plan the next one. For me, I’m hoping to return in November!
Tell me in the comments what you love about Paris, or if you’ve yet to visit what would you want to do on your first trip? 👇🏼
✈️ Plan well. Travel better. X
