Try some luxury when visiting Paris

With Paris having some of the world's top tourist spots, hotels can sometimes be pricey.

However, according to one journalist, there are ways to do the top European destination on a tighter budget.

The Ritz Paris is the first surprise on the list, with John Brunton of the Observer telling visitors to not be intimidated by the burly doorman, the bar of the world famous hotel is open to anyone, and offers some of the best Martini's in the city, with Colin Field, an English barman at the hotel, offering cocktail courses every Saturday afternoon.

The Hotel de Crillon, a "regal palace" hotel with its views over the Place de la Concorde, boasts marble floors, chandeliers and tapestries, but, he adds, "it is the gourmet restaurant which really takes your breath away," offering the finest of French cheeses and chocolates.

Those looking for something a little more English should try Le Bristol, according to Mr Brunton, where an afternoon tea of Earl Grey, cakes and cucumber sandwiches is quite the norm.

If you are going to Paris this summer and can't quite afford the opulence of some of the most expensive suites in the world, there is no reason not to still visit these top French destinations for some fine cuisine, fine drinking and fine company.