THE run up to Christmas is a light-filled, cheerful time in Paris, with festive lights adorning the city and driving out of the winter gloom.

Whether for a romantic break or a sightseeing trip, the French capital rarely disappoints even the most seasoned and sophisticated travelers. Trendy bistros, new bars and exciting hotels constantly reinvent the City of Light. Here are some suggestions for a weekend's itinerary to explore Paris' many attractions, both old and new.

Saturday

9am – Start your day with a typical Parisian breakfast: an espresso and a croissant in a neighborhood sidewalk cafe. A leisurely breakfast in a Paris cafe is one of the must-dos on a trip here. It's a great way to observe local life, just watching people pass by.

10am – One of the best ways to get a feel for the city is by walking the banks of the Seine. It may sound a little cliched, but you see amazing views and detail. Walk to Parc Andre Citroen, a public park created on the site of a former Citroen car factory on the Left Bank. Weather permitting, climb aboard the biggest hot-air balloon in the world and get a bird's eye view of Paris from 150 meters up.

1pm – Bistros and cafes are found on virtually every street corner in Paris but Ralph Lauren has restaurants in only three places in the world. Ralph's, on the ground floor of Ralph Lauren's flagship store on Boulevard Saint Germain has a beautiful courtyard, with wrought-iron tables outfitted with white tablecloths, flowers, candles and plush cushions, all surrounded by trees and other lush greenery. The menu is classic American, with burgers best-sellers among the stylish diners.

3pm – As you are in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, one of the more swanky, upscale neighborhoods in Paris, take your time and explore the area. The ultimate neighborhood to "shop and walk'' in Paris lines the Left Bank of the Seine and extends southwards toward the sprawling Jardin du Luxembourg.

It was frequented by painters like Manet and writers such as Balzac and George Sand during the 19th century and it exploded into a hot spot for existentialist thinking, avant-garde theater, painting and jazz after World War I. Boulevard Saint Germain is home to a number of famous cafes, such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, and has become a thriving high-end shopping street of designer boutiques.

Then walk to Jardin du Luxembourg, a favorite Paris spot to sunbathe, stroll, picnic, play and watch people. Even in winter, the plant life inside Jardin du Luxembourg is sure to inspire.

7pm – Time for an aperitif at Les 110 de Taillevent (195, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore), a newly opened brasserie offering 110 wines by the glass as part of a unique menu where each dish can be paired with four wines.

The "wine brasserie" concept is about making this French form of art- de-vivre more accessible and sharing treasures often hidden away in the cellars with a larger audience. A total of 110 wines have been selected to be served by the glass, while 330 bottles are available from the wine list.

For each of the 30 lines on this "sommelier menu" (10 starters, four fish courses, six meat courses, four cheese choices and six desserts), there are four wines, in four price ranges.

An additional important detail: diners can make tasting notes on the corner of the paper place mats designed for this purpose. Wine lovers should definitely not miss this brasserie where dishes are designed to enhance the wine.

Midnight – Following your adventures, retire for the night to a character-filled boutique hotel. Hotel Vice Versa has been completely decorated by the lingerie designer Chantal Thomass, whose inimitable style is very much in evidence on every floor.

It will not only appeal to fans of Thomass and lovers of fashion but to all guests in search of originality and sensuality.

Another unique hotel that comes recommended is Mama Shelter in the historic Saint Blaise neighborhood. Designed by Philippe Starck, it offers a sublime mix of eclectic and electric ambiance.

Its 172 sensual and elegant rooms come equipped with iMacs and five-star bedding, offering a serene retreat after a long day in the city and perhaps an evening across the street at famous music venue La Fleche d'Or.

Sunday

11am - On a crisp sunny Sunday, there really is no better place to be in Paris than the Saint Ouen flea market, filled with antique vendors and shops, together turning the area into a little society of its own.

To fuel up for your treasure hunting exertions, try one of the city's most popular brunches at Ma Cocotte (106 rue des Rosiers, Saint-Ouen) nestled on le Marche Paul Bert, designed by Philippe Starck.

Open from morning to evening daily, Ma Cocotte says its sole ambition is to provide a warm and welcoming refuge for antique enthusiasts, stallholders, locals and travelers alike.

The idea of "a bowl of hot soup that you eat at your grandmother's early on a Sunday morning in winter" was the starting point for the restaurant decor for Starck. The menu is organic and authentic French, serving up fuss-free dishes at reasonable prices. Arrive early for Sunday brunch, otherwise you will end up in a long queue.

3pm – On Sundays, Paris sleeps; but there are exceptions. Le Marais is one of the few places in the city where boutiques, fashions stores and restaurants are open. Long the aristocratic district of Paris, it hosts many outstanding buildings of historic and architectural importance. Go visit Place des Vosges, a gorgeous square laid out between 1605 and 1612.

The leafy central garden is a tranquil setting for one of the favorite picnic spots in Paris. The breezy arcades that surround the square are filled with art galleries and boutiques. Take time to explore the maze of narrow side streets and pop into the hole-in-the-wall boutiques filled with treasures in Le Marais district.

The area's vibe is young and trendy. After a walk around, you may want to indulge yourself with some sweets and coffee.

La Chocolaterie de Jacques Genin (133, rue de Turenne) is a new institution for enjoying all things sweet. Genin is considered the "foundryman" of chocolate, who founded his laboratory, bubbling up sweet recipes, 13 years ago. The new chocolaterie is an open production laboratory - a space for sampling and sales.

And for the first time, Genin is offering the public "bonbons de chocolat," his patisseries, nougats, caramels, fruit pastels and marshmallows, all made on the premises.

7pm – After all that exertion, what better than checking out a traditional wine bar tucked away on rue Marche St-Honore.

Le Rubis is probably the best known wine bar among Parisians and offers an extensive wine list at reasonable prices. The owner couple have presided over the bar for several decades and the vibe has never changed, offering an experience different to the city's numerous chic bars.

While Le Rubis is located among the most chic and luxurious boutiques on St Honore, it preserves an otherwise bygone era, with people drinking and chatting outside the bar.