Paris

The desserts of Parisian cuisine

Parisian cuisine is not as rich as other terroirs, but it is symbolised by several tasty dishes. One such dish is soupe cressonnière, made from watercress and potatoes. Button mushrooms are a favourite with many restaurateurs. It can be served as an hors d'oeuvre, in a salad or as an accompaniment to any meal. At snack time, the capital's finest gourmets succumb to the Parisian brioche and its fluted body. Its recipe has been published on numerous websites devoted to French cuisine, so you can prepare it very easily. This pastry has a delicious buttery flavour and goes very well with jam. Other culinary specialities from the City of Light include the famous Paris-Brest. It is made from choux pastry and filled with praline cream and flaked almonds. However, a good nap is recommended to digest this rather heavy pastry.

The emblematic monuments of the capital

A weekend is certainly not enough time to contemplate the capital's most beautiful monuments. The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are two iconic buildings to visit, as is Notre-Dame Cathedral. If you're a history buff, head to the Montmartre district, where you'll enjoy a magnificent view and have access to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. The Seine is an integral part of Paris, offering romantic settings for couples visiting the city. Organise a dinner on a barge and treat your partner to an unforgettable experience! The Orsay and Louvre museums also attract large numbers of tourists. With children in tow, it's best to visit the Musée Grévin, to admire the waxwork reproductions of French and international stars. Between two visits, it's great to relax in the shade of a tree in a public park! You're spoilt for choice between the chic Jardin des Tuileries, the exotic Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil and the immense Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Your Paris holiday rental may be close to one of these peaceful havens.

Historical heritage and leisure parks around Paris

Just outside Paris, holidaymakers flock to Versailles in particular to visit its superb château. A symbol of the French monarchy, it was the residence of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. If you want to keep the kids enthralled, it's a good idea to stop off at Marne-la-Vallée. That's where you'll find Disneyland, the theme park that attracts almost 15 million visitors a year. It's not just fairytale rides, but also behind-the-scenes cinema attractions at the heart of Walt Disney Studios Park. Another activity that appeals to families around the capital is a visit to Thoiry Zoo. Here you can meet a variety of mammals as well as several fascinating reptile species.