In the Puget and Marly sculpture galleries, contemporary artists have put up resin statues and fake trees next to the marble figures of greek gods. It’s all part of the Counterpoint program, which runs through June 25. This is the third edition of Counterpoint, which features the work of 11 sculptors: Elisabeth Ballet, Richard Deacon, Luciano Fabro, Gloria Friedmann, Anish Kapoor, Robert Morris, Claudio Parmiggiani, Giuseppe Penone, Didier Trenet, Michel Verjux, and Jacques Vieille.

Many museum-goers appear to be annoyed at the juxtaposition of new and old, but we appreciate the impulse to shake things up a little.

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Yes, this fantasy-park (and the mistress who inspired it) became a lot more famous after Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film, but seriously. It was worth a visit even before that. In addition to an entirely charming make-believe peasant village, her estate also includes the two palaces of the Grand and the Petit Trianon, get-aways of Queens and royal mistresses since the 1690s.

To get to the estate, walk through the gardens of Versailles, turn right half way down the giant reflecting pool. From there the walk takes about 15 minutes. Entrance to the Domaine de la Reine is €9. Entrance to the chateau is free for students of art, art history, architecture, and the like. The fantastic gardens of the chateau are open every day, and totally free except for special festival dates.

Looking for other day trips? Check out these 8 excellent options from Paris by train.

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Tours last about three hours and are totally free. The only catch is that the guides work for tips only. We trust Cheapos can figure out that tipping a tour guide is much less expensive than paying outrageous fees to a traditional tour company. The tour is hilarious and hugely informative, and the guides are all Anglophones.

We view these tours as probably the most entertaining (and certainly the cheapest!) way to get to know Paris in an afternoon.

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This exhibit represents an opportunity to peek into the capital’s thriving contemporary art scene. The sculptures and installations presented explore suspended movement, and interactions between the human body and its environment. Located at the Fondation des Etats-Unis at 15 Blvd. Jourdan in the 14th arrondissement (metro Porte d’Orléans on the line 4, or Cité Universitaire on RER B or the Tram line 3.) The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, and is totally free.

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More importantly, this hilly and quaint neighborhood has retained a real Parisian atmosphere, with narrow winding streets and family owned cafés.

The most action-packed few blocks of rue Oberkampf are between the Avenue de la République and rue Moret. To absorb some Oberkampf action, we suggest taking the metro to Parmentier (line 3) and strolling up the hill until you find a café (or three) suiting your mood. Some suggestions: Chez Justine, at number 96; Café Charbon, at number 111; the jazz bar Le Styx, at number 126.

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Cafés, the pinnacle of French culture, operate with their own rules and regulations. These can get confusing. Here’s a crash course on how they work. Follow them and ensure a faux pas-free trip to France:

1. Always greet the staff

Say “bonjour” and make eye contact with the bartender if you walk by him, or to the waiter if he’s closest, as soon as you step inside. It’s polite, and once you do this, the waitstaff will know that you’re there.

2. Stand to save

It’s cheapest to stand at the bar to have your coffee, beer, or whatever. If you sit down inside you’ll pay a bit more; sitting outside on the terrace is the priciest option. The additional charge is for the waiter. What this means, by the by, is that the tip really is already added to the bill. You don’t have to leave a single centime for a tip if you don’t want to.

3. Know how to speak café

A “café” is an espresso with only sugar on the side. If you want something slightly more diluted, American-style, ask for a “café allongé.” Espresso with milk and sugar on the side is a “noisette.” If you want lots of steamed milk in your espresso ask for a “café au lait” or a “café crème.”

OK, good job. Now you can sit in that café all day. Even if the waiter asks you to pay because he’s going off shift, you can remain sitting. Read a book, write a novel, or just check people out as they walk by.

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For younger visitors, there’s a better way. The Louvre is absolutely free for everyone under 26 years old, every Friday evening. The free hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Who knew the Louvre was the place to be on a Friday night?

This Friday, March 23rd, 2007, there’s the added bonus of free music to compliment your art. Students from the National Conservatory of Music will be playing in front of their favorite pieces of art throughout the museum. Two for the price of none!

Take metro lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royal Musée du Louvre. The station connects to the museum underground.

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Finally, a decent bar on the rue de Rivoli!

The Benjamin is a typical French café with a downright decent happy hour. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every night, all cocktails are 50% off. The two-person cocktails are the best deal. They normally cost an outrageous €22 (hey, this is the first arrondissement!) When split with a friend at half-price, however, you’ll end up with a giant drink for just over €5. Deals like this one are few and far between in this neighborhood.

The upshot: the next time you’re stranded near the Louvre in need of an early evening cocktail, you’ll know where to go!

The Benjamin is located at 53 rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement. The closest metro station is Châtelet.

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Museums in Paris are free on the first Sunday of the month. So now that you have absolutely no excuse not to soak in a little culture, where to go?

We suggest avoiding the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, where there will be a herd of about 6,000 fellow Cheapos standing in line.

Try the Picasso Museum. The museum is in a huge 17th century mansion, tucked away on a little backstreet in the 3rd arrondissement. It’s one of the best (and least-crowded!) museums in Paris.

The museum is located in the Marais, which is a great weekend neighborhood to begin with. While the rest of Paris shuts down on Sundays, the Marais keeps going. You can grab some falafel and even go shopping post-Pablo.

Located at 5 rue de Thoringy, metro Saint Paul (line 1), open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

And if you need more ideas for sightseeing on a budget, check out 25 free things to do and see in Paris.

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