Paris

Friday, midday

Breeze into the Shangri-la (doubles from £375, www.shangri-la.com), a bountiful bolthole that excels even in a city awash with world-class hotels. It boasts Eiffel Tower views, sumptuous luxury, smooth service and a large swimming pool.

1pm

Head for Bastille where legendary brasserie Bofinger (www. bofingerparis.com) tempts. A seafood platter washed down with a bottle of Meursault sets the tone perfectly for the ultimate Parisian weekend.

3pm

Wander back to the Ile Saint-louis, where the deliciously sugary charms of famed ice cream maker Berthillon await (www.berthillon.fr).

4pm

Push on to the neighbouring island of Île de la Cité, where Paris’ story began. Here the landmark Notre Dame, one of the world’s great cathedrals, stars.

7pm

Savour the finesse of two star Michelin cooking at L’abeille. The degustation menu from Christophe Moret is legendary.

Saturday, 10am

Eschew the more famous Louvre for the grandeur of a former railway station turned gallery, the Musée D’orsay (www.musee-orsay.fr). Ease through this palatial space admiring the art and views over the Seine.

1pm

Enjoy lunch at the most dramatic brasserie in Paris, La Coupole (www. lacoupole-paris.com). This lavish old dame offers all the classics, with their steak tartare a highlight.

3pm

Stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg in the shadow of French kings and courtiers.

5pm

Savour the best view in town for free from the Palais du Chaillot. It’s hard not to fall for the Eiffel Tower as it soars into the heavens.

8pm

Shang Palace is a hotel eatery worth staying in for. The only Chinese restaurant with a Michelin star in continental Europe deserves it for classic Cantonese cuisine spiced up with a few twists.

Sunday, 10am

Finish your Parisian sojourn with breakfast in bed before a cruise on the Seine on one of the flotilla of pleasure boats you can see from the hotel.

Robin Mckelvie

Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) flies to Paris from Edinburgh with returns starting at around £57.