For lovers of good food and wine, there's no better place to visit than Paris, France. Hotel owners, residents and taxi drivers living in the French capital will all tell you how wonderful the cuisine is... but what exactly can you hope to expect from a food-orientated trip to this gorgeous city?

Well the first thing to remember is that the serious food starts around lunchtime. Don't be expecting anything full-on for breakfast or anything even remotely similar... the best way to enjoy a typical Parisian breakfast is to either have a bagel and a cup of very strong coffee, or a warm baguette with home-made jam. It's simple, but exquisite - particularly the latter! You might even go for a fruit tartin or a pain au chocolat, but nothing more than that. Often, Parisian children will drink hot chocolate from bowls for breakfast; something really only suited to sweet-toothed individuals!

Lunch is where things really start to get going. The French lifestyle is one of relaxation; taking the day as it comes and not stressing too much. This is why many French residents have a one-hour or two-hour lunch; something which would likely scare the pants off a full-time working Brit! You're here to indulge though, so take advantage of the local lifestyle. There isn't really such a thing as a 'typical' French lunch, but one might expect to have a plate of assorted charcuterie (cured meats) and cheeses, accompanied by crusty bread. This is usually served with a light, Mediterranean-style salad. It's a great combination of lighter and heavier ingredients, so works exceedingly well.

Now for the main event - dinner! This is a three-course affair with wine and a cheese board, so be sure to wear something comfy! You'll likely start with a hot or cold entrée; anything from salmon mousse or terrine, to onion soup or carpaccio. The main course is likely to be something creamy, cheesy and dense - but oh so tasty. You could opt for a creamy fondue with assorted crudités, or perhaps choose something lighter - like a fillet of fish or poached chicken. if you're really hungry you might decide to have a fillet mignon with dauphinoise potatoes, or a hearty pasta dish.

The key is to eat slowly, so as not to fill yourself up and drink lots of wine to help the food go down - the traditional French way!