Paris/Ile de France

With its tree lined boulevards, museums, art galleries, the Arc de Triomphe and of course the famous Eiffel Tower, this cosmopolitan city has plenty to offer. Less than 30 miles from the heart of the capital, a fun-packed trip to Disneyland Paris is also within reach.

One of the chicest and most culturally rewarding cities in the world, Paris has something for everyone. The list of things to do is virtually endless and could easily fill many holidays - window shopping, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Montmartre, trips on the Seine, pavement cafés and the Moulin Rouge; the list goes on. The nearby Disneyland Resort Paris provides a great day out for all the family with two fantastic theme parks and over 70 attractions and shows to choose from. On the outskirts of Paris is Parc Astérix with one of Europe’s most impressive roller-coasters.

As a peaceful retreat, you can relax and enjoy the lush scenery of the surrounding hills and secret woodlands of the Ile de France. Square bell towers nestle in gentle valleys, white silos rest on endless plains of wheat, and soft, harmonious landscapes painted and praised by artists such as La Fontaine and Corot stretch before the eyes. Paris itself is surrounded by forests - Fontainebleau, Compiègne, Saint-Germain-en-Laye - and majestic châteaux such as Fontainbleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte. 

The celebrated capital of France, a city of romance, fashion and artistic prowess, Paris is known worldwide as a sophisticated and magical destination. It’s almost impossible to walk its streets without spotting a famous landmark or thinking of cultural icons: Montmartre proudly bears both the Sacré Coeur and associations with some of art’s elite – Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Dalí; Luxembourg Gardens and Notre Dame, both beautiful in themselves, also conjure images of Victor Hugo’s most famous characters; the Rue Cambon cannot be walked without recalling Coco Chanel.

The combination of glamour and grandeur is enticing and made all the more so by the city’s reputation for great food. From boutique chocolatiers and patisseries to Michelin-starred restaurants, visitors are never far away from an exquisite meal or specialist treat. Away from the main tourist spots, Paris’ hidden secrets are a joy to stumble upon – tucked-away courtyards and garden cafés, lesser-known art museums and unknown shops all add to the city’s mystery and character.

A fabulous place to explore on foot or cycling, a trip to Paris can be tailored to provide the best of everything – sightseeing, fine dining and even perhaps a chocolate or wine tasting.