Famed for being perhaps the most romantic city in the world, Paris is a magical place, full of history and rich in art and culture. There are so many wonderful things to see and do here whether on a short weekend break or a day trip. You can reach Paris quickly and easily from London – by ferry, chunnel or air. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is very modern with high glass walls; you almost get a 360 degree view of the planes taking off and landing – quite spectacular! It is Europe’s second busiest passenger airport. Moving between the three absolutely gigantic airport terminals requires public transport due to its sheer scale and the airport puts on free shuttles to ferry passengers between them.

You can easily get into the city of Paris via high speed train, taxi, limo or private car hire; all of which are available at the airport. The huge international airport is a mere fourteen miles from the centre of Paris, Brussels is just one hour away, and Disneyland is only ten minutes transfer by train – making Paris a highly popular European weekend break destination. There are lots of options available for getting around the city. Buses, trams and the Metro (underground network) make up Paris’s public transport system. Also readily available are private car hire and taxi services.

If you do prefer to hire a car when on holiday, a brief word of warning is necessary before you begin your explorations. Always make sure to read the rental agreement fully so that you know exactly what you will be covered for in the event of an accident, this includes any excess charges which you may be liable for. Most specialist insurance products such as gap insurance, car warranties and breakdown insurance should already be taken care of by the hire car company so you won’t need to worry about those things. Make yourself aware of the procedure following a breakdown, and make sure that the breakdown insurance provided gives you 24-hour protection. Additional insurance products may give you extra peace of mind, but are not obligatory and may cost you a lot more than you bargained for. Procedures may differ when in a foreign country, so make sure that you know exactly what you are signing.

Remember also that Paris is a bustling city, and care should be taken over personal belongings when out and about seeing the sights, especially when travelling on public transport. Using basic common sense, like not taking all of your spending money out with you, will help you avoid any unpleasantness which could put a dampener on your trip. You should secure your travel documents – including travel insurance details – along with any valuables, in your hotel before taking to the city streets for a sightseeing excursion. Now you have covered the basics, you are ready to explore. A brief outline of just five of the multitude of sights and attractions which Paris has to offer is given below.

Eiffel Tower- The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognised monuments in the world. You cannot compare a photograph, though, to actually seeing it in person. You will be amazed at the sheer size and architecture. The view of a lifetime can be admired by taking the lift all the way to the top. The history of the tower is depicted in the displays on the first floor. You could treat yourself to lunch or dinner at the Atlitude 95 restaurant, also located on the first floor. If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience then visit the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor. When in Paris a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must.

Centre Pompidou- If you love modern art and architecture you have to visit the Centre Pompidou. The Pompidou is vastly more than a modern art museum. Any and all forms of contemporary art and modern conceptualisations are represented here. All art forms, including literature, music, theatre and film are celebrated here. President Georges Pompidou was the inspiration behind the museum. A centre for culture of the entirely contemporary variety was his dream and vision for the building. The building itself is one of the most distinctive architectural designs around and was designed by Renzo Piano.

You get a different experience each time you visit the Centre Pompidou, as the exhibits here are always changing. The three bookshops have collections on any form of art imaginable. There is also a design boutique which has fun and funky souvenirs and gifts. At Georges, up on level six, you can dine whilst enjoying panoramic views of the city. Once you leave the centre there is still plenty to see outside. Just outsideof the building you will find street art and sculptures. Any visit to the Pompidou Centre will be a truly memorable experience.

Louvre Museum- The Louvre Museum is probably the world’s most famous art museum. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” is kept here. The Louvre, Europe’s oldest museum, was founded in 1793. The range of exhibits on display in the Louvre – from Egyptian artifacts to Islamic art – is as vast as the place itself.

It would take you weeks to explore it in its entirety. The museum is in fact housed insidethe former French seat of the monarchy – the Louvre Palace. Eight themed departments hold over thirty-five thousand different pieces. The permanent collections are home to masterpieces by Rubens, Vermeer and da Vinci, among others. Particular movements or artists may also be represented in one of the temporary exhibits.

Arc de Triomphe- A climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe will give you an excellent view of Paris. It is just over fifty metres high! It was Napoleon Bonaparte who is responsible for this monument’s construction – now a favourite scenic viewpoint with Paris’s visitors. It was commissioned by the man himself in 1806 to commemorate the greatness of Napoleon and his army. To Parisians, it is now a symbol of general triumph. Bastille Day celebrations are held here and the Tour de France finishes here. Both the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame are also located at this historical site, where you can pay your respects to the fallen and unidentified dead of two world wars.

A word of warning though – to get to the top takes some energy and hard work. A total of two hundred and eighty steps need to be climbed to reach the top, but the view is worth it. This is one of Frances’s most recognisable symbols and the architecture alone is worth a visit here.

Musée d’Orsay- The Musée d’Orsay has one of the largest collections of sculptures, paintings, and art pieces produced between 1848 and 1914. You will find many early modern period artworks showcased at this museum. There are works here by Degas, Ingres, Van Goghand Monet. Everything from neoclassicism, impressionism and art nouveau is covered in the permanent collections here. Anyone with an interest in the beginnings of modern art simply must visit this amazing museum.

The city of Paris is inviting and romantic. Whether you are looking for fine art, amazing architecture or just the buzz of a fascinating and historical modern city, then Paris has something for you. Many visitors to Paris will want to return to once again sample its beauty and ambiance. The city and surrounding areas can easily be explored via public transport or car hire options. This place has so much to offer that once you have been here you may never want to leave!

This short city guide was brought to you by the UK’s leading gap insurance and car warranty specialists – the Click4Group.