Day 1, Right Bank - Morning. Wake up in the Edgar & Achille and you're already in the heart of the city. This quirky but upscale boutique feels like an indulgent large-scale art installation with a chic breakfast and complimentary bicycles for an impromptu spin around the second arrondissement.

If you’re considering a more upmarket establishment, book a room at the Hôtel Madame Rêve, located in the former Louvre Post Office, a spectacular 19th century edifice painstakingly refurbished by Dominique Perrault. The spacious rooms sport a contemporary vibe, despite the odd nod to the premises’ former vocation (note the mail art hanging on the walls). The panoramic restaurant and rooftop both command jaw-dropping views over the capital.

Excited to get out and explore Paris and its gourmet delights? Kick off the day in true Parisian style with a coffee boost on Rue Saint Martin at Partisan, which roasts its own blends with beans imported from the world’s top plantations. Bare brick walls, steel pillars and a slate grey counter decorate the neo-industrial interior, which is somewhat reminiscent of Brooklyn.

After strolling past the piazza of the Pompidou Centre, heaven for modern art lovers, head for the Marais district and its aristocratic mansions. The Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest market in Paris and also its hippest, is a treasure trove of delicatessen stalls with goodies to nibble on site or take home for later.

Lunch - The area between Les Halles and the Louvre is filled culinary gems. Those in search of a lunch bistro that celebrates tradition should make a beeline for La Poule au Pot, founded in 1935. The menu is classical and generous, starring family favourites such as onion soup au gratin, blanquette of calf’s sweetbread and île flottante with pink pralines.

If you’re in the mood for something less traditionally French for lunch, head to Lai’Tcha, run by Chef Adeline Grattard, who is also at the helm of the Michelin-Starred Yam’Tcha. Using only meticulously sourced ingredients, her Chinese-inspired cooking ranges from piping hot dim sum and giant shrimp in breadcrumbs to a fresh salad of Galician beef with pleurote mushrooms.

Afternoon - After lunch, stroll through the stunning Galerie Véro Dodat (covered passageway) to the Palais Royal arcades. The nearby Caves Legrand wine merchant (founded in 1880) proudly claims to have created the profession of cellarman, as well as boasting extremely rare vintage wines.

Now, head for the Louvre courtyard and its stunning glass pyramid by I.M. Pei. Fine art afficionados will no doubt want to spend a few hours visiting part of the world’s greatest museum before heading to the Petit Palais on the Champs-Élysées. Nestled in a lush green patio, its café is ideal for a cup of tea or an iced drink. Fans of macarons will probably want to walk up the avenue to pay homage to Ladurée, famous for its meringue-based almond delights.

Dinner and a night out - For a completely different picture of Paris, hop over to Pigalle and the Moulin Rouge. In the hip SoPi (South Pigalle) district, which has given birth to a plethora of good food establishments of late, you have two choices. If you’re in the mood for time-honoured bistro classics, albeit with a cheeky wholesome edge, book a table at Le Pantruche.

Another dinner option is tucked away on the ground floor of the Grand Pigalle Hotel. This trendy eatery is the epitome of friendly. It's ideal to share (or not) a lineup of flawlessly crafted, occasionally unorthodox dishes. The rib of Iberico pork washed down with a fine roanne wine is a favourite.