City Guides

With a stellar fashion week line-up and the best-dressed front row anywhere, Paris' fashion credentials are second to none courtesy of superbrands, from Lanvin to Chanel and a super-cool crowd, including Clémence Poésy and Emma Watson (pictured above).

Luxury seekers should book a room with a view at the decadent Hotel Plaza Athénée - immortalized by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City - or the sensational Hotel de Crillon that counts Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie O among its famous former guests. Paris' boutique hotels are also beloved of the fashion pack especially the uber trendy Hotel Costes - with its in-house DJ - and the tiny Bourg Tibourg in the Marais district, both designed by the legendary Jacques Garcia. Christian Lacroix's Hotel du Petit Moulin has eclectic charm and the bijoux L'Hôtel on the Left Bank (famous as the place where Oscar Wilde died) is a popular fashion haunt and where Dita Von Teese stays whenever she visits.

For the best traditional French fare look no further than the historic and atmospheric Brasserie Lipp - Emmanuelle Béart is a fan. Or, for utter opulence make a beeline for Le Meurice, with its majestic decor and unrivalled service, it offers French haute cuisine at its finest. During the day, try something sweet at couture patisserie Pierre Hermé or while away an afternoon sampling the stunning Japanese sweets at the Toraya Tea Rooms (10, Rue Saint-Florentin).

Kick off the evening with champagne at one of Paris' fabulous hotel bars - the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz (pictured above) is the perfect place to sip cocktails or try one of the many flavoured Vodkas at Kube Hotel's Ice Kube Bar. If you can make it past the door, Le Baron and sister club Le Paris Paris are two of the coolest clubs in the city if you want to party with the beautiful people. No less chic and exclusive the recently revamped Le Montana is where the in-crowd will gather to see and be seen during fashion week.

Haussmann, Saint-Honoré and Montaigne are the high fashion avenues to hit. On Haussmann visit the vast new shoe department at Galeries Lafayette, where you will find everything from 10 Euro flip flops to 1000 Euro boots. On Montaigne Avenue be sure to visit eclectic multimarque Montaigne Market - it's the hippest boutique in town, stocking everything from Lanvin and Givenchy to True Religion and James Perse. And no shopping trip in Paris is complete without a stop at concept store Colette - near the rue Saint-Honoré - where designer duo Rodarte will have a pop up shop and gallery throughout the month of October. Finally, on Sunday head to the bustling Marais district - the only part of town where the shops will be open - and invest in some covetable French basics from A.P.C. and Comptoir des Cotonniers.

Picture an achingly cool mix of menswear tees, super skinny pants, fierce heels and striking jackets with absolute nonchalance in Paris’ favourite colour, black.

Luxurious multicoloured writing paper from Marie Papier, delicious black and red macaroons designed by Christian Louboutin for Ladurée, underwear from Princesse Tam Tam and anything from Isabel Marant.

Fake a great night's sleep with the 'Total Radiance' facial at the Dior Institute in Plaza Athénée - a favourite among exhausted show goers. While those hoping to relieve tired muscles should join the style set for a Pilates class at Le Klay - the hottest new gym in town.

For more information about Hotel Plaza Athénée, Hotel Costes, The Ritz, Hotel du Petit Moulin, L'Hotel, Brasserie Lipp, Le Meurice, Le Baron, Colette, Galleries Lafayette, Le Klay, click here.