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In the 19th century the Avenue Montaigne was a nightlife hotspot. Parisians danced the night away at the Mabille Dance Hall until it closed in 1870 and Adolphe Sax made music with his newly invented saxophone in the Winter Garden. Today this chic avenue is a rival to the rue Faubourg-St-Honoré as the home to more haute couture houses such as Christian Dior and Valentino. There are also luxury hotels, top restaurants, popular cafés and two theatres, the Comédie des Champs-Elysées and the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.

A homely hotel that bubbles with the atmosphere of the Left Bank. Ask them to pack a picnic for you for a romantic stroll around the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg.

Jazz, blues, Latin and African music are the mainstays at this tiny cellar club, which is low on space but high on volume. The Baiser was promoting World Music long before the phrase had been invented, and the eclectic approach has led to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s cheaper than many clubs, too.

Fashionably chic, this luxurious hotel has a restaurant and a basement bar, both popular with locals. The 56 rooms and 14 apartments are simply but tastefully decorated, with terraced suites offering great views of the Eiffel Tower.

A wonderful collection of ethnic goods including carvings, furniture, jewellery and other craft items from all over the world.

Vast club on three floors with a generally louche Latin atmosphere.

Cheese fans should not miss this shop, selling cheese from all over France, with a chance to taste before you buy.

Everybody wants to race to the top, but don’t neglect the view from the ground. Looking directly up at the magnificent structure makes one appreciate the feat of engineering all the more (see Eiffel Tower).