We're still in love with Paris

Paris is the number one destination for mini-breaks, a survey has revealed.

One in four people who took weekend breaks last year visited the French capital, making it far more popular than Amsterdam - the second favourite location. Barcelona was third with Dublin fourth.

The analysis was compiled from information given by 3,158 Evening Standard readers via the internet. They had all taken at least one short break in the previous year, with 17 per cent of them travelling to Amsterdam and 15 per cent visiting Barcelona.

Dublin was the destination for 13 per cent, while 10 per cent had visited New York. The survey showed the massive popularity of booking on the internet - 66 per cent used their computers, while only nine per cent turned to a travel agent.

Paris's enduring popularity reflected the desire for "a guaranteed hit" destination, according to Frances Tuke, of the Association of British Travel Agents. "If you have not got much time you do not want to take a chance. Paris is close and has a fantastic reputation for wine and food. The shopping is good but it also appeals to culture vultures."