This post should have technically been called ‘Paris on the Free’ instead of ‘Paris on the cheap’. However, Paris on the free doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?
If you hadn’t quite realised from my various posts on how to get free stuff and how to enjoy London cheaply, I believe that you should save money where you can. Don’t get me wrong, I’m always down to spend it… But not where I don’t have to. Therefore, when I found out that I was going to Paris, I figured it was time for my biggest challenge yet… Learning how to do Paris on the cheap. Then, like the overacheiver I am, I ended up finding out that there’s actually a lot of Paris that you can do for free.
Paris on the cheap?
Let’s be real, with the reputation it has, it’s hard to imagine doing Paris on the cheap at all. However, it turns out it was easier than I thought it was. In fact, I went out of there with a light budget, as well as some extra cushion money I could quickly transfer over when I inevitably went over-budget. However, I ended up returning to England £30 under budget – something that literally never happens on holidays. Because there are, in fact, many a thing to do in Paris on the cheap.
Free things to do in Paris
I was going to split this into sections (Food and drink, entertainment, etc.) much as I did with my London post. However, after more reflection, I realised that I only really have ideas for cheap activities. After all, I was only in Paris for 48 hours, so I didn’t have time to explore trendy, cheap food places and fancy deals. However, I feel like the number of free activities makes up for it.
2) Visit the Louvre: FREE
You ever looked at the Mona Lisa and thought “Damn… I wanna see that babe in person”? Well, now’s your chance. The Louvre is free for many different people under many different circumstances, including:
Anyone under 18
Holders of a valid ‘PASS Education’ card
Jobseekers/those on income support
Anyone at all from 6-9:45pm on the first Saturday of each month
Anyone 18-25 if EU citizen
Artists affiliated with the Maison des artistes or the AIAP
Visitors with disabilities & those with them
Anyone under 26 from 6pm-9:45pm on a Friday
Art, art history, and applied art teachers
Holders of ICOM or ICOMOS cards
People with membership cards
Anyone at all from 6pm-9:45pm on 14th July
According to the Louvre website, anyone with free entry can skip the ticket queue and go straight to one of the entrances to the collections area.
2) Climb the Arc de Triomphe: FREE
Did you know that you can do more than just look at the Arc de Triomphe? I didn’t until a few months ago. Well, turns out that not only can you climb it, but if you’re an EU citizen under 25* you can climb it for free. Simply join the ticket queue, flash your passport from an EU country, and they’ll print you a ticket. The climb itself is a tad daunting if you have no stamina like me, but there are multiple rest stops inside, it’s over pretty quickly and the view from the top is beautiful, so I would strongly recommend.
*As I write this on 30/11/19, the UK is still in the EU… Let’s hope this ages well.
3) Visit the Sacre-Coeur: FREE
If you’re any kind of architecture geek, I would recommend checking out the Sacre-Coeur. It is architecturally stunning, open daily from 6 am to 10:30 pm, and free entry, so you are welcome to walk around if you wish. When in Paris, I didn’t have time to explore it, but I did walk up the hill and see it in all its glory… It’s pretty gorgeous in person. Then again… most French architecture is. It is worth noting that while the entrance is free, you do have to pay if you want to climb to the base of the dome and view Paris from there.
4) Walk along the Seine: FREE
Paris, in general, is such a beautiful city. Therefore, if the weather permits it, why not take a stroll along the Seine and really take in the view? Get out Google maps and design your own little walking tour of Paris? If you want it more structured, you could follow the Seine down to the base of the Eiffel tower, enabling you to take in all the markets and buy some souvenirs while you’re at it.
5) Picnic in the Parc de Champ de Mars: FREE + Food
I went to Paris in the middle of winter, so it wasn’t exactly picnic weather. However, if you go in the summer I would advise that you make the most of the sun and head to the Parc de Champ de Mars. It has beautiful lawns and an amazing view of the Eiffel tower. Go to a supermarket or market, grab some baguettes, cheese and charcuterie, and have a classic French picnic on the lawn. For something truly special, time your picnic around sunset (A quick google will let you know when it is) and watch the Eiffel tower transition from day mode to fully lit up night mode.
6) Visit the Jardin des Tuileries: FREE
This was another one that I would have loved to do if I’d had the time or the appropriate weather, as a quick Google will show you that it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Take a stroll around and take in the beautiful architecture as well as the gorgeous landscape. And, if you’re there late November/early December, you may just see the Christmas market.
And there you have it!
As I said, I was only there for 48 hours, so I wasn’t able to explore as much as I would like to. However, I felt that this post was a good starting place if you do intend to do Paris on the cheap.
Have you ever done any of these? Would you want to? Let me know in the comments!
Lots of love,
Jas xx
What great things to know! I’m in no way close to being under 25 or even double that, but I’d definitely find one of the free days to get into the Louvre (or maybe not….it’s probably really crowded on those days). I’d love to see Paris some day but I’m afraid I’d spend so much on food….. Thanks for sharing your findings and it looks like a wonderful 48 hours for you!
Ruth
https://voguefauxreal.com/2019/12/01
Thank you so much! I would definitely recommend Paris! xx
I haven’t been to Paris since I was a child and I’m desperate to go back! I didnt realise the Louvre was free, I’ll definitely have to visit the next time I’m there x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Yeah, you definitely should! Xx
Awesome, I will be sure to check some of this out..will be visiting Paris this summer!
Oooo definitely check it out then! xx
These activities sound so fun! I’ve never been to Paris before, but if I ever get the chance then I will definitely check out these places.
Jordan | Myflourishingretrospect.blogspot.com
You definitely should! xx
I’ve never been to Paris before but the walk along the Seine looks beautiful! I’m a sucker for a stunning scenery!
Would be lovely to go to Paris one day!
Claire
https://eclairscares.blogspot.com/
I love scenery too! Hope you get the chance to go one day! Xx
Whenever I think of Paris I just think of everything being so so expensive! Wait a second the Louvre is free to go to at certain times! That’s actually so amazing, so everyone can get a chance to go and enjoy the art, yess. You can climb the Arc de Triomphe?! This is new information. That sounds like so so much fun!
I love looking at different architectures when visiting other countries, even better to hear that the Sacre-Coeur has something similar in place to the Louvre so everyone can appreciate it.
Oh Yay the Seine sounds a bit like a boardwalk to maneuver around Paris! The best thing to do while traveling is to just walk around (with maybe some structure haha) but it’s just so much fun walking around and exploring.
Sounds like you had such a fun time in Paris!
Thank you so much! I had such a lovely time!
My favorite city. Love all these ideas!
It’s such a lovely city! Thank you!
I’ve never been to Paris, but I think this guide is extremely helpful! I can easily over spend when it comes to vacations so doing some research on cheap/ (better yet) free activities beforehand can come in handy! If I were going to Paris, this post, would be favorite-d all day! Lol. Thanks for sharing!
Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com
Thank you! Hope it comes in handy if you ever head to Paris!
Great post idea! I have been to Paris a couple of times and love it ? I am the same with trying to save money so this is a great mindset for visiting places xx
Thanks for reading! Yeah, I tried to keep it as cheap as possible xx
I want to visit Paris in the future and this is such a great post on what to do in Paris on the cheap! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you! Hope it helps!
I went to Paris last year and I got to visit the Louvre for free. There was a sign outside saying you’re allowed to skip the queue if you’re entitled to free entry, but as I pointed it out to the guard, he just shrugged it off and made me wait in line with everyone else. I wanted to climb the Arc de Triomphe as well, but unfortunately there wasn’t enough time. I just turned 26 so I can’t take advantage of free entry anymore, but I will definitely bear your other suggestions in mind when I return to Paris one day!
Dominika | Into the Bloom
Awww I’m sorry that the guard made you wait in line 🙁 But I’m glad you were still able to experience the Louvre for free!