Bear necessities...

140 United Buddy Bears have popped up in Paris to promote peace, tolerance and understanding. The fibreglass bears stand 2m tall and each pays tribute to a country from around the world. You'll find them lined up on the Champ de Mars, next to the Eiffel Tower, during October and November and they've certainly proved a hit with tourists and locals alike.

The Buddy Bears have made their way around the globe since 2002. They visited Sydney in 2006 and I even had my photo taken with one in Berlin in 2010. Now that I know the back story it all makes perfect sense! While they might look like they're involved in a high stakes stick-up, these colourful bears welcome everyone with open arms and make you want to go in for a hug.