Paris is one of the premier capitals of the world especially the romantic amongst us; it is also one of the best European city destinations. Unfortunately a Paris short stay holiday can only ever be considered a taster; for most visitors, this is just enough time to see what it has to offer. A city famous for its fabulous architecture, good food, wine, street markets and galleries; the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre must not go unmentioned. Fortunately for tourists, Paris has a first rate transportation system; the Metro underground train network will probably be the main method as it runs regularly and reaches every part of the city. The Eiffel Tower at over 300 meters tall is a magnificent steel structure; it can be seen from any point within the city and the superb views just can't be matched by those looking at it from the ground. Illuminated at night it dominates the city's skyline; guided tours add to the thrill as you get to peek into history on how it

Feeling the Paris pinch? Take a stroll down the rue Saint-Placide in the heart of the tres cher 6th arrondissiment. At the end of the road, you'll find one of Paris's most famous department stores, Le Bon Marché, and foodie's paradise, Le Grand Epicerie. But on your way to splash the cash, you can check out a street that's a treat for bargain hunters. No. 58 La Generale de Pharmacie sells many French cosmetics and beauty products at 40% cheaper than a normal drugstore. Look for Roche Posay, a French brand for sensitive skins -- easily as good as Clinique and 1/3 price. Stock up. At no. 45 is a clandestine chausseure operation, depicted above, going by the name of Moda. The exterior windows are stacked high with shoe boxes; the owner does not want any publicity because they have an agreement with the big names to keep schtum about their wares. Inside, you'll find cute and colorful Marc Jacobs, Cacharel, Chloe loafers, and sexy Viktor and Rolf high heels. They also ha

Now that the summer is behind us, most of us are beginning to think about the Christmas season. For many, Christmas is a time for panic, last-minute shopping and fights for the last pack of Christmas lights on the shelf. This year, why not be ahead of the game, treat yourself at the same time, and do your Christmas shopping in another country? For convenience, ambiance and elegance you can't beat Paris. As one of the world's most famous shopping cities, Paris is a place even shop-o-phobes will enjoy. Department stores, flea markets and designer boutiques are all interspersed with charming patisseries and elegant restaurants to provide a unique and satisfying shopping experience to suit all tastes. The adjacent department stores (in French, Grands Magasins) of Printemps and Galeries Lafayettes are in constant competition with each other and as such, offer an excellent choice of goods at attractive prices. If you like some fresh air whilst you shop you can have a wander around th

Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is excited to have as a guest, world- wide Paris expert, Thirza Vallois. Thirza is the author of the three volumes of "Around and About Paris", and another excellent book," Romantic Paris". Thirza has lived in Paris for the past 40 years and holds several post-graduate degrees from La Sorbonne. She contributes to television and radio and has appeared on PBS, BBC, The Travel Channel, Discovery, CNN, The French Cultural Channel, among others. She also writes for The Financial Times, United Airlines' Hemispheres, Condé Nast Traveller, among others. She is the author of Three Perfect Days in Paris, aired as a film on all United Airlines international flights and on television throughout the world. The article has won her the first award of NATJA (the North American Travel Journalists' Association). Thirza has also contributed the Paris entry of the latest edition of The Encarta Encyclopaedia. Thirza is al

When you have decided to take a city break in Paris, you know that there are going to be many things you are going to want to do. The best thing to do is to divide up your time and to plan ahead, according to what you are interested in. The best part about Paris is that it can truly be the city of anyone's dreams. Therefore, the first thing that you need to do as you plan your city break is decide what you are most into and what you most like to do. Then, you can plan your city break around that. For instance, if you are interested in the sight seeing aspects of Paris, you should plan your city break around that. You can visit things like the Arch de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower, as well as the other historical and tourist attractions of the city. If you are interested in historical and religious areas, you can plan your entire city break around these. You can spend a day touring the different churches, and looking at the ancient runes of the city as well. If arts & culture int