6 p.m. - If the Shoe Fits

A trip to Paris would be remiss without a visit to legendary French shoemaker Christian Louboutin. His creations – easily recognisable by their crimson soles and killer heels – have been worn by almost every Hollywood star imaginable, from Oprah to Sarah Jessica Parker. Louboutin’s designs were influenced by the showgirls of Paris nightclubs he used to skip school to watch. Add a little bit of Paris glamour to your step (if you can manage to walk on the sky-high heels, that is) and teeter about on your own custom-made stilettos from his boutique on rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau.

2 p.m. - Under the Hammer

Try your luck and test your French at auction-house Hotel Drouot. With almost-daily auctions, you can walk away with everything from porcelain dolls and antique books to leopard-spotted chaises. Check the website to see what’s on, steel your nerves and come ready to compete – you’ll be up against dealers and online bidders from around the world. Open since 1852 and a French institution, it’s good fun to browse Hotel Druout’s auction rooms even if you’re not into buying.

12 p.m. - Go Cerf-ing

Built in 1825, this covered arcade is 100 metres of pure shopping glee. With 33 shops ranging from the latest designers to artists’ workshops, you’ll be sure to find something unlike any other here. Check out MX Sylvie Branellec, whose pearl-crafted jewellery shines under a giant crab ceiling. Or head to Le Labo for lights like you’ve never seen: fashioned from fabric and wire, or reclaimed objects. Whatever the shop, your senses will be sated – although it may be at the expense of your pocketbook!

10 a.m. - Get Hopping

If you want to hit a flea market where things are hopping, head to Porte de Montreuil. You can find everything – from car-parts to second-hand clothes – at this vast market, one of the oldest and largest in Paris. The mountains of tat may not be pretty, but sifting through the piles may unearth a treasure: in 1991, a punter reputedly bought a painting here that later turned out to be a Van Gogh worth over 2 million Euro! Go early on a Monday morning before all the good stuff is snatched up.