When to go

There’s plenty to do at any time of year, but my favourite seasons here are spring and autumn. From March we see blue skies, blossom and optimism; while September and October are rentrée season, when Parisians come back from their holidays energised – there are new exhibitions and pretty orange hues on the trees.

How to get there Eurostar (eurostar.com), which recently merged with

Thalys, runs around 15 high-speed services from central London to central Paris each day. easyJet (easyjet.com) operates flights from Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, London Luton, London Gatwick, Liverpool and Manchester; Air France (airfrance. co.uk) from Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle.

Insider tips

In warmer months, save money with al-fresco lunches or aperitifs. Stock up at local markets (parisjetaime. com) or bakeries; try the lawns on the eastern tip of the Tuileries or the riverside on Ile Saint-Louis for the most amazing views of the sunshine.

Don’t overpack your itinerary. If you’ve already done the big sights, consider skipping them and instead choose activities that match what you like doing at home (arts, sport, parks, sipping cocktails, whatever you fancy). Spend the rest of the time people-watching in local cafés.

Buses are a great way to see the city at a slower pace.

For big museums and exhibitions, always book your slot ahead to save queuing time.

Don’t overlook the free city museums, like the gorgeous Petit Palais or charming Maisons Victor Hugo on Places des Vosges.

Read more telegraph.co.uk/ tt-paris-travelguide

When to go

May, when the purple Jacaranda trees line the streets, and September with its mellow, golden light. You can be reasonably sure of blue skies year round but avoid the heat and crowds of August.

How to get there British Airways (from Heathrow), easyJet (from Gatwick and Luton) and Ryanair (from Stansted) all fly from London; easyjet and Ryanair also operate from Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester.

Insider tips

Bring flat shoes: Lisbon’s hills and cobbles are challenging in heels.

Get a taste of the city with a foodie-themed walking tour (culinary backstreets.com).

Devote a day to Belém to explore the monastery, museums and botanical gardens, and to sample the original Pasteis de Nata (custard trat), best eaten warm with a dusting of cinnamon.

Read more telegraph.co.uk/ tt-lisbon-travelguide