For the visitor hoping to enjoy Paris` shops, there are a great number of high end designer stores and boutiques showcasing the best of Paris fashions. However, being one of the major couture centres of the world has its benefits and there are many smaller boutiques offering unique garments, particularly in the Latin quarter of the city. Paris also has several `designer depots` which offer designer clothes for sale at permanently slashed prices.

For shoppers hoping to pick up some bargains on the cheap Paris organises its sales slightly differently to the UK. The government dictates set sales seasons twice a year, lasting six weeks each, with one beginning at the end of January and the other around late June. It is therefore worth timing a trip to coincide with one of these seasons to get the most for your Euro.

For the cultural tourist, there are many institutions of interest, as the city has a rich heritage with a huge number of galleries and museums. Many of the smaller or more eclectic institutions are free all year round but for the others, a discount card can be purchased, making it cheaper to visit. Alternatively, Paris features many events throughout the year allowing visitors to enter free of charge.

Examples of this would be the Nuit de Musees in May, where after sunset all of the doors of the city`s museums open to the public for free. During September, Les Journees du Patrimoine provides free access to all of Paris` galleries, museums, monuments and other public buildings and during the first weekend in October, Nuit Blanche provides not only access but additional art installations, entertainment and shows.

On a more regular basis, all of the city`s museums (including the world-famous Louvre) open for free on the first Sunday of every month. By taking advantage of the fre e access, it is possible to see the best the city has to offer without paying a penny.

Getting to the continent from Britain has never been easier, with many options for the traveller to choose from. The main three options are ferry, channel tunnel or by air. Traditionally more expensive, air travel has now become very affordable, with cheap flights to Charles de Gaulle airport readily available, flying has increased in popularity. Arriving right in the centre of the city with all amenities at hand, air travel has regained its status as being a luxurious yet economic way to start any trip.