Christmas crackers

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15 NOVEMBER 2004
Take a leaf out of the jet-setter's book and this year get your gift inspiration from a host of European capitals. Indulging in a retail therapy-filled break, transforms present-buying from a chore to a festive treat.

Designer chic in Paris
Dedicated shoppers should hop across the Channel to visit Paris, capital of chic. As well as taking in the spectacular light show along the Champs-Elysées, you can stock up on designer goodies. Avenue Montaigne is an A-Z of boutiques including Chanel, Valentino, Prada and Vuitton, while Boulevard Haussmann is home to les grands magasins, or department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette with its mesmerising range of fashion and accessories, plus a great rooftop restaurant – ideal for lunch.

Next door, Printemps consists of three separate stores, one for men’s fashion, one for women’s and another for homeware. Further east, in the bustling district of Le Marais, you’ll find the streets teaming with more quirky stores.

Where to stay: Follow in Carrie’s footsteps on Sex And The City and check into the Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne. Rooms are decorated in elegant 18th-century Parisian style and world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse oversees the restaurants. After a day’s shopping head for the super-stylish bar and indulge in a Rose Royale cocktail of champagne and fresh raspberries.

Celebrity shopping in London
The West End is the traditional heartland for Christmas shopping in London. Bond Street and New Bond Street are home to designer stores including Ralph Lauren, Versace and Burberry, as well as jewellers like Tiffany, where you’ll queue just to get in during the festive season. You’ll find branches of virtually every high street store on Oxford Street, plus all the department stores, including the fabulous Selfridges.

Tottenham Court Road is the place to buy electrical goods, along with homeware at Heal’s or Habitat. Visit Harvey Nichols and Harrods in Knightsbridge to see the incredible window displays, and if you’re feeling flush head to nearby Sloane Street, home to Gucci, Chloé and Jo Malone among others – where you’re bound to run into a few celebrity shoppers.

Where to stay: The London Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair, is the perfect base for your Christmas shopping spree, situated just a short walk or cab ride from the main shopping areas. However, once you’ve checked in you may be reluctant to leave, especially after a visit to the famous Windows on the World Restaurant and Piano Bar on the 28th floor, with views over Hyde Park and London beyond.

Or try celebrity haunt Trader Vic’s, the perfect venue for a post-shopping cocktail. You’ll be in good company– everyone from the Beckhams and Sir Paul McCartney to the Dalai Lama has stayed at the London Hilton at some point.