Paris hotels

A beguiling mix of art and architecture, the revitalised Beaubourg and Marais districts are home to Paris’ Jewish community and a thriving gay scene. Attractions include the Pompidou Centre, Place des Vosges (Paris’ oldest square), the Picasso museum, Notre-Dame cathedral and bijou Ile-St-Louis. Stalls selling birds, flowers and books line the banks of the Seine. Village St-Paul is good for antique-hunting. The area is best explored on foot.