Paris (17)

For getting around Paris you have a lot of options - an efficient metro, the fantastic Velib' bike rentals - but taxis are a basic necessity for any business traveller. But taxis are far less plentiful than in London or New York, and it can be a hassle to find them late at night or outside the city centre. Save yourself the hassle and hire one by phone. The best number to use is G7's English-language service; it's much easier than using the French one!

When travelling on business always take your own Ethernet cable and USB sticks with you. Even when hotels have broadband connections, there is often a shortage of connection cables for some reason. USB sticks come in handy if you can't connect your laptop to a projection system when making a presentation.

The catacombs of Paris were created to house the overflow of municipal cemeteries as the city was expanding and being developed. Visitors can go seven days a week to follow a 1.5 mile trail past the remains of six million former inhabitants. It is remarkable, not for its ghoulishness; once the initial surprise has worn off, it is a place which I find really thought-provoking, and is useful as a contextualisation of one's importance in the world (and perhaps one's work?). An unusual way to spend a couple of hours, but a worthwhile one.

Whenever in a restaurant, especially if you are struggling with the language, always ask if the restaurant has an English version (or language of your choice).

The Roissey bus takes you in to the centre of Paris behind the Opera. It is not only a cheap form of transport (from a company perspective) but the bus ride helps you get your bearings and leads you into central Paris where you can shop and eat before going to your hotel which is usually in a quiet business location.

France is (amongst other things) famous for its cuisine. Just make sure you stay clear of anywhere that states that they have a 'tourist' menu. Tourist menu usually equals very bad food.

Hotel prices in Paris aren't cheap. In fact, they are surprisingly expensive. My recommendation would be to check in to smaller boutique hotels which may be just away from the main tourist attractions/streets. Take the hotel Vernet as an example. Just a few steps away from the Champs Elysee but benefits from great interiors and a equally great location.

Avoid CDG at all costs! It's dirty, dingy and run-down. It has the worst airport services of any hub in Europe, including HTR! Far better to use a different outbound hub.

If you fly into Paris using Easyjet to Charles de Gaulle, the terminal is only about 100m from the airport train station and you can save nearly an hour each way negotiating the nightmare that is CDG airport! Also at the train station buy yourself a one day Paris card, this gets you a return trip into the city and unlimited metro travel, bargain!

Rather than lug your purchases around with you on your speedy business trip, why not pick them up at Gare du Nord right before Eurostar check-in? As you exit the Metro in the 'Magenta' part of the station, there's a small stall run by a chap from Provence, who dispenses great wine, cheese, pate and meats to those London-bound. Great for picking up some goodies before heading up to the Eurostar terminal.