Perfect Weekend in Paris

What a view, and I didn't think it was particularly pricey. Also, the waiter was very funny and smiley and broke down the stereotype that French waiters are rude.

You will need some warm clothing up there and you will be constantly harassed by street sellers but I recommend you buy one of the glass Eiffel Towers which glow different colours they are so kitsch. You can get them all over Paris and I suspect we paid over the odds as we got them under the Eiffel Tower but hey I was really enjoying myself.

On we jumped. It was a touristy number, they took pictures of you as you got on to sell to you when you got off, which we felt was a bit annoying but as it turned out we bought ours as it was hilarious.

Whilst on the trip you were given information on the things you were passing and the information was delivered in your mother tongue through what I can only describe as a metal cricket bat which you held to your ear.
Definitely worth €10. Thanks for the tip Michael.

We prepared for our trip by packing one small rucksack with essentials only, by watching The Da Vinci Code at the cinema on Friday afternoon (cheesy but it had to be done) and by having a vague idea where we could find a hostel when we got there. We set off from Leeds/Bradford airport early Saturday morning and we booked a late flight back on Sunday night. When we got to Paris we didn't have time for buses or trains so we jumped into a taxi and headed straight for the Louvre. The taxi cost €45 but included a very nice taxi driver who pointed out the sights on the way, a free city map, and the chance to experience French driving at its best!!

Soon we were at the Louvre and were very excited that I think we may have frightened an American tourist. Five hours later we emerged from the Louvre and after small stop at a cafe we set off searching for accommodation and the adventure began. I don't think we could have planned it better if we had tried. The blisters were worth it.

1. You get so tired you have the best sleep and even if the bed you're sharing is a little small you won't notice there is even another person in it.

2. You can eat as many pastries as you want.

3. You get to stop at places you never knew you'd think were interesting.

Paris has some lovely parks.

4. Around every corner you discover something new.

5. Everything seems so near.

6. Crossing the roads is very exciting!! The more you do it the better you will get at it.

7. Paris is not full of dog poo as I was lead to believe, it's very clean despite the fact that bins are few and far between.

8. Plus it's quite hard to get a taxi sometimes, as the drivers are always abandoning their taxis to grab a quick espresso.

9. The place is just so damn romantic.