Paris, unlike London, Brooklyn and err Chester, isn’t famed for its zoo. That’s because there isn’t anything quite as big here, but if its quality as opposed to size you’re looking for then the zoo in the Jardin des Plantes won’t leave you disappointed. There are about 1800 animals here, a third of which are endangered species, like the Amur leopard, pictured. The reptile house has big snakes and snap-happy crocodiles. There are even kangaroos and some other animals you wouldn’t have thought hardy enough to adapt to the cold chill of the Paris winters. The only drawback is the monkey house, which is a rather forlorn place with depressed-looking chimpanzees and gorillas gazing through shit-stained glass cages.

A fantastic bookstore, with a wonderful selection of books on photography, architecture, painting, graphics, design, cinema, music and cooking

The only feminist and LGBTQ bookstore in Paris.

Since 1946, this bakery and traiteur has been offering Jewish and eastern European specialties, from cheesecake and strudel to pastrami. One item you can’t miss is their signature Super Sandwich, the “Big-Pletzel,”. You have your choice of pastrami or turkey, which gets layered with eggplant caviar, red pepper caviar, cucumbers, pickles and fresh tomato slices, all on one of their soft homemade onion and poppy seed rolls...BIM

The most fantastic selection of old toys and kid's memorabilia, better than a museum. Is there every version of every action figure ever made? I've received gifts of a 1950s Peter Pan penknife and an original ET ring from here, so now some lucky friends get presents from the huge range.