From the outside, Paris is a city of luxury, glamour and style with price tags to match. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find there are plethora of attractions and experiences, that won’t empty the holiday fund. Kick off your Paris adventure with this list of things to do in Paris for less than 30 Euros.
1. Picnic on the Seine
Grab a friend and hit the closest produce stall or supermarket. Stock up on a bottle of vin rouge, some cheese and a baguette, and stroll down across to Ile Saint-Louis for a picnic on the banks of the Seine. Romantic and typically Parisian, you’ll be the envy of all your friends at home for well under 30 Euros.
2. Visit Versailles
Take a day-trip to Versailles, just outside of the city. Not only is this quaint town beautiful to walk around but it’s also home to the elegant Château de Versailles. Purchase a day-passport online for under €20 and you’ll be granted access to the Chateau, Châteaux de Trianon, the Estate of Marie-Antoinette and the impossibly perfect gardens. Don’t forget the camera!
3. Wine tasting
Tasting French wine at the hands of a knowledgeable sommelier is a priceless Paris experience for any wine lover. And O Chateau, with their one-hour Introduction to French Wine session, does it best. Sit in a purposely-built tasting room and learn the basics of wine before tasting three reputable French drops. Found a new favourite? Stop by the wine bar on the way out and grab a bottle to add to your collection.
4. Climb the Eiffel Tower
Believe it or not, you can still conquer Paris’s most famous landmark on a budget. A ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower sets adults visitors back about 15 Euros, whilst children under 4-years-old get free access. Climb aboard the lift and be whisked to the top of the tower where you’ll see Paris from a breathtaking angle. Tip: Avoid waiting in the ticket line by pre-purchasing online.
5. Peruse art at Musee d’Orsay
Pulling together artworks from the Louvre, Musée du Jeu de Paume, and the former National Museum of Modern Art, Musee D”Orsay showcases impressive collections from 1848 to 1914, primarily by French artists. In a stunning building that once was a railway station, you will come face-to-face with pieces by Renoir, Monet and Van Gogh to name a few. Centrally located across from Tuileries Garden, tickets are only 11 Euros for general admission. Bargain!
6. Row row row your boat
Head to Bois des Vincennes, one of Paris’s ‘green lungs’, and explore the serene parklands on a rowboat. Located on the edge of the park is Lac Daumesnil, and it’s here that you’ll find the boat rental stall. Open from around 9.30am every day, it will cost you under 15 Euros for a one-hour hire, giving you enough time to make a loop of the lake.
7. Bargain hunt at the world’s largest flea market
If you’re a natural thrifter then you are going to love hunting for trinkets and Paris souvenirs at the largest flea market in the world, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Sprawling seven hectares, the market mixes antique stores with stalls brimming with second-hand books, knick-knacks and so much more. With a larger-than-life reputation this isn’t the cheapest place to shop, but it does offer a one-of-kind experience.
8. Just Ride
The beauty of Velib’ bikes, is that not only are there over 20,000 for hire across Paris, but you don’t need to book in advance and they can be returned to any of the rental locations at no extra cost. Hiring a bike is easy, with bike stations scattered across the city and close to almost every metro. Purchase a one-day ticket for under 2 Euros and you’re entitled to the first 30-minutes free. After that you’ll be charged by the half-hour. Paris is very bike friendly, so just ride and take in the urban sites.
9. Late-afternoon river-cruise
All aboard! Discover a sparkling Paris and her most famous landmarks by golden afternoon light on a one-hour Seine river cruise. Departing from the oldest bridge in Paris, a ride on Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf comes complete with English commentary. Buy online ahead of time and you’ll save a few Euros.
10. Devour three courses on a budget
Crowded, but for all the right reasons, Le Marché des Enfants Rouges is the place to go for a three-course lunch on a budget. An indoor market, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, this market is known for its deliciously good cooked food options. Start with bruschetta from one stall, move on to a Moroccan tagine with couscous from another, then finish it all off with a crepe from Chez Alain Miam Miam. With so many international cuisines to choose from, this is one colourful food-stop that you’ll want to return to.
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