Paris as the City of Love has become a cliche, almost, but even the most hardened cynic will find it difficult not to fall for its charms.

At every turn, there is a romantic Instagram-worthy spot - a graceful Art Deco metro entrance, a corner bistro with matching red wicker chairs, a busker with an accordion serenading passers-by with La Vie En Rose and, of course, the Eiffel Tower popping up unexpectedly above grey Haussmann buildings. There is also dog poop lurking every few hundred steps on the pavement, but let's not destroy the illusion.