Just walked hours from Le Louvre to the Arc of Triumph and looking for some respite far from the maddening crowd? Look no further. All you need is a love for Japan and its wondrous wagashi pastries. Toraya, a stone throw from Concorde square, is this very quiet and authentic Japanese salon de thé where you’ll be able to taste green tea-hot chocolate and restore your natural zen.

www.toraya-group.co.jp/paris/paris/index.html
10, Rue St-Florentin, 75001 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 60 13 00
Open from 10.30am to 7pm Monday-Saturday
Google map: bit.ly/njUFlR

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Lots of reviews said they serve lovely cake/sweets at Fauchon at Place de la Madeleine. I went there and was disappointed - the cake I had just didn't have the 'wow' factor, if you like.

Also, I witnessed something I couldn't believe. Two ladies sitting next me were leaving just as I was settling down, I guessed they were just having coffees and cakes and they left 50 euros for a tip, would you believe it!

I'd recommend going to Angelina instead, or Mariage Freres on the rue De Bourg-Tibourg for a nice cup of tea.

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This little gem which chronicles the lives of George Sand and Chopin is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Lovely autre epoque atmosphere with a delightful period tea room. Worth discovering.

16 rue Chaptal , Metro St. Georges

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Try their tea-room at 13 rue des Grands-Augustins, Paris 6e. 'The fragrance of adventure and poetry endlessly pervades each cup of tea' - Henri Mariage. Unbeatable!

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Slightly off the beaten track, the Grand Mosque at the 5th Arr. has a large, sunken garden, fountains and a 33-metre high minaret.

The internal courtyards, lined with Andalusian mosaics, are offset by dark eucalyptus and cedar trim. The mosque's adjoining cafe and restaurant, serves excellent north African cuisine such as couscous, tajine and sweet mint tea to all.

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Even if you only have one day, you can see Paris in two completely different eras.

First, stop by Collette, a concept store for clothing, technology and food that is truly ahead of the times. Not planning to buy anything? You’re still sure to enjoy looking at the most stylish goods and people Paris has to offer.

Afterwards, visit Mariage Freres, the oldest French tea house which dates back to the 1600s. With over 500 different varieties to choose from, taste what’s commonly referred to as the best tea in the world or bring it back as the perfect souvenir.

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Tennis lovers will want to visit Roland Garros – the museum is wonderful and you can often get close to French stars as they train. But Paris has a tennis secret, the Standard Athletic Club.

This sport and social club was set up by a group of young British businessmen in the nineteenth century; afternoon tea is still served under a picture of the Queen.

Along with swimming pool, squash and gym, the club has eight tennis courts (five clay) and a cricket pitch. Membership is easy to obtain and reasonable, but the club is also generous to guests. Members may invite you to play, and most weekends guests are welcome, by appointment, to try the facilities.

Route Forestière du Pavé de Meudon, 92360 MEUDON-LA-FORET, www.standac.com

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One lesser-known museum that was very enjoyable was the café in the Musee Jacquemart André, the café is a wonderfully elegant old-style tea room which had everything we don’t have in the U.K. Great gateaux, various delicious teas and coffees, a stunning Teipolo ceiling, polite service, watch out also for the muted conversation, maybe because it’s a museum!

There were also free activities for the kids, the best bit being that they had period costumes the kids could dress up in and then a large frame you could take photos of them in, all in a French aristocratic style.

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Hot chocolate and chestnut cream cakes at Angelina's - an absolutely must-do event in Paris.

It's a traditional teahouse - with fin-de-siecle decor and mouth-watering cakes on display cabinets by the entrance that will have even the most die-hard savoury fans entranced. It's on Rue de Rivoli, opposite Tuileries, so you can have a wander round the gardens and over to the river when you've had your fill.

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For the most exquisite patisserie, go to Laduree on Le Champs Elysees. Amazing macaroons, and one of the oldest, most beautiful tea rooms for resting your weary feet after all that walking.

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Just in front of the Jardin des Plantes, the huge Mosquée de Paris is a pleasure to visit, especially on Sunday morning after a big night out. This peaceful temple shelters a gorgeous tea salon where Parisians enjoy a cup of mint tea on comfortable sofas or in the colourful courtyard.

Forget about the hurried waiters and focus on the Arabic atmosphere and the honey cakes.

You can lose the extra calories by strolling through the botanic gardens across the road or by trying the Hammam next door.

39 rue Geoffroy St. Hilaire, 75005; Tel: 01 43 31 18 14; Métro: Censier-Daubenton; Open all week except Friday, 9-12 and 14-18. Hammam for men Tuesdays and Sundays, all other days only women.

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