Travel challenge - News & Advice - Travel - The Independent lastminute.com - £369 Includes room-only at the Mercure Paris Place d'Italie in the south of the city. "The Mercure is a 10-minute Métro ride from the cultural centre of Paris," says Alex Berman (0800 083 4000; lastminute.com). Cresta - £418 Includes transfers and B&B at the Ibis Styles Paris Bercy, beyond Gare de Lyon. "This modern hotel is convenient for the Métro, giving great access to the rest of Paris," says Katie Elson (0871 895 0075; crestaholidays.co.uk). Eurostar - £460 Includes room only at the Crowne Plaza Republique. "In little more than two hours you will be in the heart of the French capital, enjoying all that the city has to offer," says Mary Walsh (08432 186 186; eurostar.com).