Travel: 48 hours in Paris

Robin McKelvie spends a weekend in the French capital

The Champs Elysees in Paris. Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Friday, midday

The opulent Four Seasons Hotel George V (doubles from £450, www.fourseasons.com/paris) is arguably the most stylish place to stay in a city overflowing with world class hotels. Jeff Leatham is the man behind its striking flower-draped décor just off the Champs Élysées.

1pm

Brasseries are at the heart of Parisian life so walk the few blocks to Brasserie Marceau (tel: [phone]), a classic that is geared more towards local office workers than tourists. They conjure up a faultless entrecôte with Bernaise sauce.

3pm

Cannot choose between visiting the Tour Eiffel and taking a cruise? Do both by surveying the tower from Palais de Chaillot, before descending below it and boarding a bateau mouche (www.bateaux-mouches.fr).

8pm

Le George, a new restaurant at the Four Seasons offering Mediterranean cuisine has been given a fresh creative makeover. The multi-course tasting menu is the way to go, with tuna laced with black truffle a highlight.

Saturday, 9am

Fancy discovering a different side of Paris? Take the Metro to Menilmontant and wander Rue Oberkampf, checking out the eclectic bars and cafes, plus wee independent shops stocked with goods from all over the world.

1:30pm

Venture a few blocks from the hotel to The Peninsula, another five star palace. Lunch in their Le Lobby (http://paris.peninsula.com) has become a Parisian institution. The seared tuna washed down with a glass of Meursault is a winner. Book a table.

8pm

It’s Michelin dining time at the Four Seasons in the shape of Christian Le Squer’s superlative Le Cinq. They have recently been awarded a well-deserved third Michelin star. One of the hottest tables in town so book well ahead.

Sunday, 8am

Get up for an early morning stroll without the crowds down the Champs Élysées to Place de la Concorde and then into the green oasis of Jardin-des-Tuileries. A visit to the landmark Louvre, which has 35,000 works of art on display, including the iconic Mona Lisa, is an option before passing the Arc de Triomphe on the way back. ■

• EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies to Paris from Edinburgh with returns from around £61.