The Marche aux Fleurs ( Flower Markets) in Ile de Cite is the oldest and one of the largest flower markets in Paris. Between the Conciergerie and Hotel Dieu (City Hall) you’ll find the markets every day of the week – and on Sundays, they are joined by the Marche aux Oieseaux ( bird market).

Visiting markets is something I try to do in every city I visit. You can talk to vendors who have knowledge of their product rather than bored shop assistants and the products themselves provide little clues about life in that town. It’s also my favourite place to pick up a beautiful memento of the trip. I have an aversion to huge shopping centres, so open-air markets are my favourite.

I picked up some beautiful yellow paper butterflies which decorate my room now and always remind me of Paris.