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Things to do in Paris

Become a master in patisserie

For those with a sweet tooth, it's hard not to be tempted by Parisian patisseries. Bogato's (www.chezbogato.fr) cute creations are some of the finest in the city and those who can stop salivating over the countertop for just one moment can learn how to make their own masterpieces. Children are welcome too.

Blade through the city at night

Every Friday, hundreds of rollerbladers glide through the streets of Paris. Strap up and join them. Pari Roller (http://pari-roller.com) leaves at 10pm from Place Raoul Dautry and returns at 3am. If you prefer a few more thrills and spills, join the boarders and BMXers at Espace Glisse de Paris (tel: +33 140 056 200; http://equipement.paris.fr/espace-de-glisse-parisien-18e-egp-18-3699) skate park.

Oh I do like to be beside the Seine-side

With sand, parasols and rosy bodies, you could be forgiven for thinking you were on the Côte d'Azur. During July and August, the Parisians get their very own beach along the Seine. Paris Plage (http://quefaire.paris.fr/parisplages) features deckchairs, ice cream sellers and a pool for the kids. Get your towel down early.

Spend a day at the races

The Hippodrome de Longchamp (www.france-galop.com) is the most famous horseracing track in Paris. The French equivalent of the Grand National, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barrière, is one of society’s most important events, held at the beginning of October. If you can’t make it, Sunday meetings are best for atmosphere.

Swim in the city's most stylish pool

Paris is so achingly fashionable that even their swimming spots are dripping in style. Jump in at the Club Quartier Latin, an art deco swimming centre that centres on the beautiful Pontoise pool (tel: +33 1 5542 7788; http://equipement.paris.fr/piscine-pontoise-2918). Flounce the dress code and don your most modish bathers for their night sessions with underwater music.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Hôtel Darcet

Hotel Darcet offers 32 modern and comfortable rooms right in the heart of Paris. Perfect for travellers and business people alike, the prices are also very reasonable. The hotel is also conveniently located just a 10-minute walk to Saint-Lazare station.

 

Hôtel Banke

A new addition to the Derby Hotel chain, Hôtel Banke is a refurbished bank found in the desirable Opera district in Paris. The lobby’s grandiose circular interior, capped with a crystal-domed ceiling, gives way to thickly carpeted hallways and designer sofas. Both single and double rooms are modern and pleasingly functional. The trendiness factor borders on gauche, but with this location who cares.

Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg

The wonderful Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg is a renovated 18th century mansion that feels effortlessly like a Parisian town house. Styled by the illustrious Didier Gomez, the rooms in this 5-star hotel are tastefully finished with Louis XV armchairs, vintage mirrors and beds you can imagine libertine lovers losing whole weekends in. Lunch and cocktails in the hidden courtyard terrace are a must too.

Hôtel Des Academies Et Des Arts

Just around the corner from Montparnasse cemetery, this neat boutique hotel offers stunning rooms and a sumptuous breakfast without the wallet melting price tag. Best of all, it feels far more like neighbourhood Paris than similarly sized spots in touristy Montmartre. The lounge area, replete with library, is a great place to kick back before heading out to one of the array of nearby brasseries for dinner.

Le Bristol

There’s luxury accommodation and then there’s Hotel Le Bristol Paris. From marble-panelled powder rooms to its regal 1,210-sq-m (13,000-sq-ft) garden, Le Bristol has been Paris’s most prestigious hotel since its inception in 1925. All services are naturally state of the art and foodies will be happy to hear its three-Michelin starred restaurant continues to stockpile accolades under the guidance of chef Eric Frechon.

Saint James Paris

The Saint James is steeped in weird and wonderful history. A one time hot-air balloon field (some still take off today) and school for France's most talented students, nowadays it is one of Paris's hottest addresses. Situated in a 19th century chateau on the edge of the city centre, rooms are a blend of belle époque decadence and modern luxury. Beyond the bedrooms, the library bar, with a terrace affording views across town, is what makes this hotel really special.