The handy Eurostar service from the Gare du Nord has nurtured France’s fascination with its strange neighbour across the water. London is a popular mini-break destination which combines mild exoticism (double-decker buses, traditional pubs) with a huge number of attractions. Take a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, take in the monuments from a river cruise or hit some of the splendid free museums; visitors are spoilt for choice.