#12 Christmas shopping

There's no doubt Parisian department stores are top-notch and, especially at Christmas time, it's well worth checking out the beautifully decorated store windows and displays. There was a monster of a Christmas tree in the Galeries Lafayette department store this December - so much so the sheer height of it was difficult to capture in a photo. Decorated with sparkling Swarovski crystals, the tree stood 21m high under the gorgeous domed roof!

#11 Mad Hatter's Tea Party @ Shakespeare & Co

You might already recognise Shakespeare and Company - the famous bookstore across from Notre Dame - as it has appeared in many TV shows and movies. The bookstore is steeped in history and is now run by Sylvia Whitman (after her father/founder George passed away in 2011 at 98 years of age). George wanted to open a bookstore which would be a sanctuary for writers and artists, offering them a place to stay and work. He was well-known for his generous hospitality, often whipping up a batch of pancakes in the morning for those staying at the bookstore.

Locals, expats and tourists flock here to purchase English books or borrow from the library. Workshops and book signings are held on a weekly basis and on Sunday afternoons you can join the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Pamela (originally from Wales and a dear friend of George for many years) runs the tea party and encourages guests to come with "a poem in your pocket or a song in your heart". It's a warm and welcoming place to share stories, thoughts, ideas and cultures.

#10 Magnificent sculptures

As you know there are many, many museums in Paris. Perhaps one of the best for sculpture is the Musee Rodin located in the 7th arrondissement. The museum has plenty on offer but isn't too big to feel overwhelming. In good weather it's a fantastic spot to wander through the gardens while admiring different works, including Rodin's El Pensador (The Thinker) and La Puerta del Infierno (The Gates of Hell). But in not-so-great weather, don't despair, there's an indoor part to the museum so you can manage to stay dry!

There are so many wonderful pieces here. I'm always amazed at sculpture, the creative process and how the pieces are brought to life...

#9 Antiquities

The flea market at St-Ouen in the north of Paris is almost like a mini city in itself - an overflowing treasure-trove of antiques. From vintage Chanel and Louis Vuitton clothes, to chandeliers and woodwork, old photos and postcards, as well as trinkets and furniture, this market has it covered. After all, it's said to be the biggest antiques market in the world. Be prepared to spend quite a lot of time here, as there's just so much to see! Prices fluctuate depending on what you're after, but thankfully browsing is free! ; )

One of the best tips I was given is to take the metro to Garibaldi, then walk down Rue des Rosiers to the market. This avoids the street hawkers and tourist traps at the other end.

#8 Open air food markets

Whether or not you care to admit it, food is usually a pretty good reason in itself to visit France. There are lots of open air food markets to choose from on any given day of the week. People will usually frequent their local markets, but I've known others to trek across town for a particular delicacy.

Below are some pictures from the highly popular and bustling Marche Bastille. It's considered one of the best, due to the variety of food on offer and quality! This market is held at (you guessed it) Bastille on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir.

#7 Street performers, artists & buskers

Paris has a plethora of street performers, artists and buskers. A good place to find them is the bridge linking Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis (the two main islands on the Seine, near the city centre). Perhaps it's because they're all competing for the same tourist Euros, but the performers here are usually of a pretty high standard. Or, sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised on the metro ride home when a musician joins your carriage and serenades the crowd.

... There is a particularly talented, yet humble, elderly gent who sings amazing opera on the metro. I've been lucky enough to come across him twice on metro line 11.

#6 The falafel place that will change your life

Some of you who have seen The Devil Wears Prada might remember Simon Baker's character telling Anne Hathaway's wide-eyed Andy that he knows a fantastic falafel restaurant in Paris "that will change your life". While we all take a moment to *swoon*, I think perhaps I've stumbled upon the place he was talking about! L'Au du Fallafel is situated in the Marais district on Rue des Rosiers and has a reputation for amazing falafels and pitas.

I guess the line-up outside is always a pretty good sign... and it must be good if musician Lenny Kravitz has been a patron (his photo is proudly displayed in the restaurant). You can either choose to dine-in or get a tasty (and even cheaper) take-away from the window facing the street front. L'Au du Fallafel is a tempting dining option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!

#5 Parc des Buttes Chaumont

This lovely park situated in the 19th arrondissement is the perfect place to find some peace and tranquility while in the city. Dog-walkers, joggers, tourists and locals congregate here for their 'green space' fix. Up top from the Roman-esque lookout point you're treated to wonderful views. Not only can you see out over Paris, but it also allows you to appreciate the design of the park and the lake below (popular with bird life).

... If you're in the mood for a Parisian stroll (and you've already walked along the Seine), then Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a great place to start!

#4 Monet's Water Lilies

If you can't make the trip to Giverny (north-west of Paris), where Claude Monet lived amongst his water lilies, you can visit his exquisite paintings in the Musee de L'Orangerie. There are two magnificent oval-shaped rooms showcasing the works which were inspired by Monet's water garden. The eight panels together show the passing of time from sunrise to sunset and captures the variations of light dancing across the pond. It's a soothing and beautiful spot to relax and take it all in.

Plus, there are plenty of other works on display in the rest of the museum including Matisse, Picasso and Rousseau.

#3 Christmas markets

From the beginning of December, Christmas markets sprung up all around the French capital, helping to get locals and visitors into the Christmas spirit. Food was a big focus of the markets (naturally) but there was also an assortment of gifts, trinkets, jewellery, prints and scarves on offer. The Christmas markets at the Champs-Elysees and Trocadero (across the river from the Eiffel Tower) proved quite popular. Here are some photos... 

(PS. The moustache on the gentleman in photo 5 was particularly impressive! Curled and styled to perfection!)

  

Above you can see the Arc de Triomphe all the way down the Champs-Elysees...

#2 Bridges, bridges & more bridges

Whether you're taking a stroll through the centre of Paris or taking a boat ride up the Seine, you can't help but notice how many bridges this city has. There is a mix between old and new, big and small, and some are decorated with intricate carvings and designs.

There is also the tradition of securing a padlock to the side railings of one of the many bridges and inscribing the padlock with your name and the name of your partner/lover/friend. Then the keys to the padlock are thrown into the river to symbolise an unbreakable bond.

Here's a tip... if you're visiting Paris and would like the obligatory photo of yourself with the Eiffel Tower in the background, head to the Passerelle Debilly footbridge. It's just a short walk away from the Iron Lady, provides a great vantage point and doesn't have the crowds that flock to the Trocadero area.