Time for shopping

A trip to one of the most fashionable cities in the world is not complete without a shopping excursion. The main areas to head for are the Louvre-Tuileries neighbourhood for high-end fashion labels, the department stores on Boulevard Haussmann, Avenue des Champs-Elysees for classic names such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli for cutting-edge designers. The following are highlights where you can purchase your stylish souvenirs from Paris.

The Marais district has many boutiques including fashion favourite Azzedine Alaia. The Tunisian-born designer's figure-hugging outfits have led to his nickname 'King of Cling', as he makes the wearer feel more feminine. His boutique has ready-to-wear items and shoes.

Merci is a concept store selling pieces designed for the boutique by Kris Van Assche, Paul Smith and Stella McCartney. There's also a coffee shop, book store and exhibition gallery in the store.

Another is Isabel Marant, who previously worked with Yohji Yamamoto and Martine Sitbon's art director Marc Ascoli. Marant started designing accessories in 1989 and launched her women's wear in 1994. The label is an indie favourite with fashion mavens and the label's look features bohemian clothing such as short, casual dresses, loose-fitting knits and tailored jackets.

Also in the area is Gerard Darel, where French women flock to get the latest 'it' bag after the Birkin. Gerard Darel has released a series of handbags named '24 hours' and '36 hours' made of different types of leather. The boutique also has clothing to dress her from head to toe.

Pinel & Pinel in the Champs Elysees also specialises in hand-made leather goods - with a creative twist. Fred Pinel designs funky trunks to cater to the user's needs from luxe picnic sets to workstations, media cabinets and folding-bike holders covered in crocodile, shagreen and full-grain leather.