(70 Avenue Albert Bedouce, tel: 05 6125 3977) Boulangerie Pepe Batistou stays open until 10.30pm and has easy parking. People flock here for the chocolate eggs, the wild and wonderful flavoured bread and the superb coffee.

Le Monde du Vin has a formidable selection of French wines including many local ones that you won't find elsewhere, and the owner speaks English (7 Esplanade Compans Caffarelli, 3 Boulevard Lascrosses, tel: 05 6122 6062).

Le Paradis Gourmand asaults the senses as you walk through the door, the smells in particular are enticing: gingerbread and chocolate, cookies and candied fruits, and Toulouse violets. (45 Rue des Tourneurs Tel 05 6122 0577)

The sales kick off on 9 January at 8am - cut along to Island Way, which stocks such luxury brands as Sonia Rikyel and Ralph Lauren (6 Rue du Rempart-Villeneuve, tel: 05 6122 1629).