Paris is truly a city of dreams

A jogger pounding on the road along the River Seine in Paris.

Paris is truly a city of dreams. Its seeping grandeur and magic captivates and inspires many visitors making it one of the most romantic and infectious cities in the world.

Whether strolling along the vibrant streets, ducking into attractive world class museums or floating along the River Seine, you will capture the spirit of Paris in all corners.

Paris, the city in the heart of France, is in fact one of the most visited cities on the planet.

For generations, it has mesmerised artists, writers and culture vultures with its iconic landmarks and architectural grandeur.

It has several castles, palaces and landmarks. Paris also delights gastronomic freaks who salivate at the aromas of delectable and traditional dishes oozing from the eateries that dot the city.

The Latin Quarter is a truly captivating part of old Paris, and evokes a bohemian atmosphere with its maze of narrow streets dotted with eateries, boutiques and cafes.

Visiting this neighbourhood provides a truly memorable experience as it shows a vast difference between the old and the modern Paris.

A trip to Paris is incomplete without a visit to the incredible Louvre. This famous art museum with a futuristic glass pyramid has massive collections of art and sculpture in Europe. It houses more than 380,000 pieces from almost every era and country. Here, you will see Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile for free.

This spectacular place is an overwhelming ode to the city’s rich culture.

The wonderful and imposing legendary Notre Dame Cathedral along the Seine is not to be missed. It was made famous by the Disney film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This beautiful church is one of the best places to see the traditional Gothic gargoyles.

The stunning Opera House, reputed as one of the finest in the world, is worth a visit and forms part of France’s tourism lure.

Adding to the shopping adventure is the endless stretch of the beautiful Champs-Elysees.

If you have enough cash, hit the boutiques at Champs-Elysees where the great and the good go to see and be seen. Fashionistas should make a beeline for Galeries Lafayette for a tempting array of latest fashions, and find time to wonder down Rue Saint-Honore.

The towering Arc de Triomphe simply radiates French splendour. This stunning landmark is a memorial to all those who lost their lives serving France and is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When the Arc is lit up at night, it frames the famous street in Paris.

Who can forget the iconic symbol of Paris — the ever recognisable 126-year old 324-metre high Eiffel Tower?

Take a testing climb of 1,665 steps to the top or an easy ride up the lift to the upper level to enjoy stunning views of Paris. The city is truly under your feet!

Seeing this huge tower in real life is not the same as seeing it on a postcard! Some seven million people visit Eiffel Tower every year. Over 250 million visitors have been there since its opening in 1889.

The recently opened transparent first floor is now one of the most spectacular and attractive places in Paris. Walking on the opaque floor above a 57-metre drop is a unique experience.

One level higher to the second floor will give you an even better view over Paris.

The third floor adds to the unique experience as both the second and third floors belong to the sky!

Most visitors stop at the third floor, but there is still more to climb if you have a head for heights.

If you are in a party mood and feel like doing something chic and original, stop over at the Champagne Bar on the top floor and enjoy a festive experience.

Nestling into the very structure of the Tower, the bar is a perfect place to enjoy a choice of red or white Champagne. There simply could not be another elegant way to toast a sensational experience at the top of the world!

Champagne does not come cheap here — 21 Euros (Sh2,500) for a small glass of the best in the market.

The world-famous cabaret house, Moulin Rouge is a major attraction in Paris. It is easily recognisable by the big red windmill on the roof and the original Edwardian décor on the inside.

It simply cannot be missed if you are in the 18th arrondissement (district) area of Paris.

Founded by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler in 1889, the same year that the Eiffel Tower was built, it is most famous for being the birth place of the Can-Can dance. Moulin Rouge was made even more famous by the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.

Enjoy a majestic trip taking a cruise along the River Seine to get a grand opportunity to discover Paris from the water as you glide past the beautiful landmarks.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Tulleries Gardens, Orsay Musuem and the Grand Palace.

There are over 30 bridges over the Seine in Paris which flows into the English Channel.

Those who prefer to remain offshore can enjoy a breath of fresh air with a picnic like a true Parisian, taking their favourite charcuterie (cold cooked or cured processed meats), cheese and a bottle of wine to the banks of the Seine and watch as the sun sets over Paris. Perfect!

The Eurostar connects London to Gare du Nord in Paris through the tunnel under the English Channel. It takes two-and-a-half-hours.