Romantic and charming, intellectual and bohemian, decadent and glamorous, chic and sartorial, and both traditional and modern, Paris is one of the most captivating cities in the world.

Centuries of centralisation of political, financial, administrative and cultural power in the French capital (epitomised by Louis XIV’s ‘l’état, c’est moi’ policy), have cultivated a sense of superiority in the city and this is evident all around. The architecture is proud and grand, the culture is dynamic and cutting edge, and Parisians are confidently chic and self assured.

For all these reasons and more, Paris is a magical place to visit, and the relatively compact centre is easy to explore on foot or by using the excellent Métro underground system. The city is divided into numbered geographical districts called arrondissements, although the informal quartier groupings are more recognisable. Each quartier has its own unique atmosphere and appeal: the Quartier Latin is distinctly bohemian and artistic; the narrow, crowded streets of Montmartre create a small-town feel; the Quartier Marais, with its aristocratic mansions, is undeniably chic; and the Quartier St-Germain-des-Prés is the hub of Parisian culture, with wonderful bookshops, antique shops, art galleries and cafes.