There's more to Paris than Notre Dame; get off the beaten track

Are you heading to the 'City of Lights' this year? Don't stick to the tried-and-tested Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame route; instead, get off-the-beaten-track, as there are loads of things to see and do in this beautiful city.

Palais Garnier

It was the setting for The Phantom of the Opera and during the summer months it remains a tourist hotspot, but it is still quieter than the Eiffel Tower. With its grand staircase, marble and gold leaf auditorium and spectacular chandelier ‒ don't forget to look up ‒ the Palais Garnier is a must-see when in Paris.

Catch a film at Le Louxor

Originally opened in 1921, Le Louxor cinema was fully refurbished and re-opened to the public in 2013. You will find plenty happening here, from the local cine-club and cinema workshops to regular screenings of art-house flicks and the occasional early premiere.

Follow in Hemingway's footsteps

Pick up a copy of A Guide to Hemingway's Paris before your trip and follow in the author's footsteps to visit his favourite cafes, restaurants and landmarks across the city.

Shop at Bastille Market

Are you renting a Parisian apartment or staying in self-catering accommodation? If so, you can't afford to miss Bastille Market, also known as Richard Lenoir Market, where you will find local cheese, meat, fish and food from around the world. Stop off on your way home at Laduree, where you can sample some of the best macarons in Paris.

Wine and books

Paris is renowned for its literary history and is packed with bookshops such as Shakespeare & Co, but why not head for La Belle Hortense on Rue Vieille du Temple in the trendy Marais? This pretty, blue-fronted shop has walls lined from floor to ceiling with books and bottles of wine, enabling you to enjoy a tipple as you leaf through a novel. Perfect.

Climb the Montparnasse Tower

Forget the Eiffel Tower ‒ those in the know head to Montparnasse to climb the tower, which is one of the tallest buildings in Europe. The views from the top over Paris are amazing and tickets cost half the price of the Eiffel Tower, not to mention the significantly shorter queues. This is a great choice for couples and families fed up with the crowds. We recommend climbing the tower at night to see the city's twinkling lights.

Do something different in Paris this year and uncover parts of the city you never knew existed ‒ there is a lot to be said for getting off-the-beaten-track.