You might think that this world-class sporting event would be out of the reach of a budget traveler — but it’s not!

With tickets starting at only €15 and the venue accessible by the Metro, the French Open is surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead. Read on for tips from our recent trip to Roland Garros.

Paris travel tips:
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Paris
• Our favorite 15 cheap hotels in Paris
• 8 Fantastic day trips less than an hour from Paris

How to attend the French Open on a budget

Full disclosure: I love tennis, so it should be no surprise that passionate tennis fans will be in heaven at Roland Garros. But even if you’ve never even picked up a racket, the French Open offers a special experience that you can only find in Paris.

With daylight stretching past 10 pm, spring is a wonderful time to visit as the city comes alive after a long winter. The people watching is amazing at Roland Garros, and if you need a break from the action on the courts, you can always splurge for a glass of Champagne and shop for fun souvenirs. And who knows? If you catch Roland Garros fever, you might even come away with making the French Open an annual tradition.

Related: When is the best time to visit Paris?

Getting tickets

I purchased a ticket on the official Roland Garros website for the first round of action when they went on sale in March. My €40 ticket got me a reserved seat with a great view in Court 1 (affectionately known as the “Bullring”) for four matches (two women’s and two men’s games). It also gave me access to 17 other courts for the whole day. And unlike American sporting events where Ticketmaster can gouge you with extra charges, the online fee was only €2 per ticket. Not a bad deal for nine hours of tennis!

If €30 or €40 is too much for your budget, you can find much cheaper options. Tickets can go as low as €15 for general admission (or even lower for students). And they’re not as hard to get as you might think. Even if you’re in Paris without tickets during the French Open, it’s worth seeing what’s available. There were several tickets available during each day of the tournament when I was there. You can check for tickets online.

The main venue at Roland Garros, Court Philippe Chatrier. Photo: Craig Nelson

Getting there

The easiest way to get to Roland Garros is by Metro. The nearest stations, Michel-Ange – Molitor or Boulogne – Jean Jaurès on the 10 line and Exelmans on the 9 line, are all about a 10-minute walk from the venue. There’s lots of security, so make sure to factor in extra time if you’re trying to catch an early match. You can check out the Roland Garros map to see all the points of entry and nearby transit stops.

Related: 8 Tips for riding the Metro in Paris like a local

Book a hotel near Roland Garros

Since the Metro is easily accessible from almost anywhere in Paris, you can stay close to the 10 Metro line near the Jardin du Luxembourg or Sorbonne . The Latin Quarter offers quick access and a classic neighborhood to enjoy.

Alternatively, you can cut your morning commute time by booking a hotel near the French Open. Not surprisingly, prices will spike during the tournament, but if you book way in advance, you can find some good deals.

Search for hotels near Roland Garros

The scene outside Court Suzanne Lenglen. Photo: Craig Nelson

What to bring (and what to leave at your hotel)

Although there is heavy security, you can still bring a bag to the event. Big backpacks are not allowed, but they do have a place to check items right outside the gates which is very convenient. You can also bring a water bottle up 1.5 liters. But leave the wine behind because no alcohol is allowed. You can read more about what is prohibited on the official Roland Garros website.

Pack a lunch

Unlike some sporting events (we’re looking at you US Open!), you can bring in food and waters. If you plan on spending a full day at Roland Garros, this will save you a suitcase full of euros. We suggest picking up a baguette sandwich, a bottle of water (plastic only), and maybe some dessert before hopping on the Metro.

However, if you don’t bring anything, Cheapos won’t be stuck. Surprisingly tasty sandwiches and salads range from  €5-9, a very reasonable price.  Throw in a beer or glass of wine for €5-7, and you’ll have an ideal Parisian lunch. You can also upgrade to Champagne, but that’s a little outside the cheapo budget. Being Europe, they add an extra euro to your bill for a beverage to encourage you to return your plastic cup for a refund. Don’t leave without getting that euro coin back!

Plan for rain and/or sun

Springtime in Paris is absolutely beautiful. But it can also bring rain and thunderstorms. Matches are frequently delayed or postponed, so be prepared for a drizzle or even a thunderstorm or two. The day I went, matches were delayed due to a steady rain, but the skies quickly cleared for the rest of the day – until a huge thunderstorm stopped the action around 8 pm.

Bring an umbrella and a jacket with you, because buying them at the Roland Garros gift shop will probably cost you more than your ticket. Also, bring sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen because the courts have very little cover. If the sun is shining, you can burn pretty quickly if you’re not prepared.

Related: What to do in Paris when it drizzles

Fans watching the action on the big screen. Photo: Craig Nelson

Soak in the atmosphere

Even if you have a seat in one of the main stadiums, make sure to walk around and see the other courts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Grab a seat in one of the orange lounge chairs in front of the big screen to watch marquee match-ups. The day I was there, Serena Williams debuted her famous catsuit to play her first match of the tournament. And during the early rounds, you can just roam from court to court to see who’s playing. The smaller courts are an excellent way to get up close to the best tennis players in the world.

During my strolls, I encountered players being interviewed, French celebrities taking selfies with fans, and an overall feeling of joy. The staff was very helpful at every turn, even to a fan like me who speaks very little French!

Pick up a souvenir

You can’t go all the way to the French Open and not bring something back home to remember your tennis experience. There were several souvenir and apparel shops set up around the grounds. I looked past the expensive shirts and accessories to choose a tote bag and some colorful, old-school wristbands that cost about €10 each.

Strolling around Roland Garros is just as much fun as the tennis. Photo: Craig Nelson

Plan your escape route

If you stay until the last match (usually around 8 or 9 pm), be prepared for a long and slow walk back to the subway station. If you have dinner reservations or evening plans, you might want to beat the crowds and leave a little earlier. For the easiest subway route, the Roland Garros website suggests, “When leaving the stadium, choose Michel-Ange Molitor station (lines 9 and 10) to avoid the queues that often build up at other stations.”

If you plan on just wandering the neighborhood and finding an affordable restaurant, don’t stop at the first place you see. Many of the restaurants near Roland Garros are nice but spendy. Luckily, I walked a little bit farther until I stumbled upon Le Village D’Auteuil, a lively bistro with classic French eats at reasonable prices.

Your French Open tips

Have you been to the French Open? Tell us your tips for visiting Roland Garros.

The post Paris: How to experience the French Open on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Now that 2018 is here, you can start making your plans to visit the City of Light. In previous years, we’ve talked at length about the delicious reasons for visiting Paris, charmed you with sightseeing tips, and expounded on everything from the best flea markets to fun day trips.

With 2018 here, we’ve combed through the listings of upcoming events to pick out a few highlights.

More budget tips for Paris:
• 50 Ways to save on your Paris vacation
• When is the best time to visit Paris?
• How to save on your Paris hotel

10 Reasons to visit Paris in 2018

So book that cheap airfare, reserve your room at one of our favorite Paris hotels, and mark your calendars for these exciting 2018 events in Paris!

1. Music to your ears

February & March 2018

With the new Mama Mia movie coming out in theaters in July 2018, it only makes sense that you should warm up your vocals and practice the lyrics to Abba’s greatest hits at a comedic musical in the City of Lights. Abba Mania shows begin on February 3rd but tickets are on sale now. If slick hair and black leather jackets are more your style, Grease will also be showing in Paris through the summer.

On the other hand, you might have noticed that the entertainment media has been a little quiet these days. That’s because Paris has been hosting a well-known American artist who goes by the pseudonym of Lady Gaga since October 2017. She will be performing in Paris until February 21, 2018.

If you’re planning a summer trip, fear not, Lady Gaga is not the biggest name that Paris has to offer. Ed Sheeran will be in Paris in July 2018 to bless your ears with his melodic voice.

Lastly, we’re sure you didn’t fly all the way from the U.S. only to enjoy American or British artists, right? A very popular French artist, Oreslan, will be having his concert in Paris from March 15, 2018. He is very popular for his short but catchy song, Basique.

Related: Paris Nightlife: How to save on bars, clubs & culture

2. Printemps du Cinéma

March 2018

Once you arrive in Paris, it’s only logical that you take advantage of the plethora of foreign films that Europe has to offer. The National Federation of French Cinemas created Le Printemps du Cinéma, a three-day film festival (Sunday – Tuesday) where you can see movies in various small cinemas around Paris. The best part? Tickets are just a mere €3.50!

3. La Verticale de la Tour Eiffel

March 2018

Sometimes when we return from vacation, our pants feel a little bit tighter. We blame all of those crêpes and pain au chocolat. You can work off some of those extra pounds at the challenging experience known as the Vertical Race of the Eiffel Tower. Participants have to climb all 1,665 steps of the iconic landmark. Some of the best racers have completed the steps in under eight minutes. If you do decide to embark on this epic stair-master, please be aware that EuroCheapo is not responsible for any shrinkage in your waistline!

4. Cinéma du Réel

March & April 2018

You’ve probably heard of the star-studded Cannes International Film Festival in the South of France. But did you know that Paris has its own low-key version known as La Cinéma du Réel? This Parisienne international documentary film festival started in 1984, and it features outstanding works of non-fiction. The festival takes place at several locations throughout Paris and the tickets are around €6 per person.

Explore the fashion world at Yves Saint Laurent fashion house. Photo: Yann

5. Yves Saint Laurent Museum

May 2018

Okay, we confess: Even if we can’t always afford it, one of the reasons we love Paris is for its renown taste in luxury. Yes, that was us you spotted taking a very touristy picture with the lit-up Chanel letters at the store on 47 rue Vieille du Temple. And yes, that was also us taking another photo next to the spectacular Louis Vuitton store at 2 Place Vendôme.

From Dior to Hermes, the French haute couture industry is unmatched. In order to give us commoners a look inside the bourgeoisie lifestyle, the Museum of Yves Saint Laurent is hosting the inaugural exhibition until September 2018. You can see more than 50 designs that Saint Laurent curated during his career through accessories, sketches, photographs, and films. This museum is unique because it is located in the actual house that Yves Saint Laurent used to live in! Tickets are €7.

Related: Free and discounted museums in Paris 

6. Sales, everywhere!

June to August 2018

In the U.S., people line up for hours in the freezing cold, all in an effort to brave the crowds while searching for a great Black Friday deal. Here in Paris, we prefer to keep things a bit more gentil. Thus, by law, stores are required to have sales twice a year. There’s one during winter (January 10th to February 20th) and one during the summer (June 27th to August 7th). When it comes to sales, the French don’t play around — during these periods, you can get deals that up to 80% off!

Related: How to save big and shop in Paris on a budget

7. Bastille Day

July 14, 2018

Bastille Day is the biggest holiday in France. Known as  La Fête Nationale in French, this literally translates to the National Celebration. Bastille Day is a very important day in France because it marks the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. In Paris, there is a big military parade on the Champs-Élysées in front in the morning, and then a brilliant fireworks display on the Eiffel Tower.

Visit museums for free all night long during Nuit Blanche in October. Photo: Isabell

8. Nuit Blanche: An all-nighter in Paris

October 2018

Les Nuits Blanches translates into  “pulling an all-nighter.” Every year for 12 hours, anyone can get access to a number of galleries, art installations, museums, and street shows, all for free. In addition, certain metro lines will remain open past the normal closing hours, so you can stay out late. This year, it’ll take place from October 6th to 7th.

9. Paris Chocolate Fair

October & November 2018

Stop! Step away from the Ferrero Rocher and step into Le Salon du Chocolat. From October 31st to November 4th, the Paris chocolate fair hold’s the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate; it features chocolate made by 500 participants from 60 countries, including more than 200 renowned chefs!

10. New Year’s Eve on the Champs-Élysées

December 2018

Join one of the biggest parties in Europe when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Les Parisiennes take their laisser-faire attitude very seriously, and as a result, the metro runs all night and is free of charge, plus, the bus service from both Orly Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport is also free to everyone arriving on the 31st of December! Now, you really have no excuse but to book your ticket to Paris and join the crowd on the Champs-Élysées when they ring in 2019. In fact, New Year’s Eve on the Champs-Élysées will be much more memorable than Times Square because, in Paris, it is absolutely legal to carry and consume alcohol on the streets. Santé!

The post 10 Reasons to visit Paris in 2018 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Warming Up

Every year, Bastille Day (July 14) kicks off with the fireman’s brigade ball on the evening of July 13, where you can go and dance the night away (until 4 a.m., to be exact) with the studly firemen of Paris in stations citywide. A small fee is sometimes charged at the door; if not, be prepared to make a small donation.

If you’d rather party in the open air, head over to the newly revamped Place de la République, which has just reopened after 18 months of renovations to make it more pedestrian-friendly and inviting, for a night of music and letting loose starting at 9:30 p.m. and continuing through dawn.

Bastille Day Classics

If you’re not too tired (or hungover) on Sunday morning, the annual military parade down the Champs-Elysées starts just after 9 a.m. Europe’s largest military parade has 4800 men and women marching in uniform, 265 military vehicles, 58 airplanes and 35 helicopters.

Sunday afternoon, a citywide meet and greet with French military personnel is a chance for locals and tourists alike to meet active duty soldiers and talk to them about their work, on the Esplanade des Invalides, the Place de la Nation and elsewhere. Free of charge.

The night of July 14 is a mob scene on the Champ de Mars as thousands of people crowd in for a birds eye view of the spectacular fireworks display starting at 11 p.m. To keep the crowds who arrive early to secure a spot, a classical concert begins at 9:30 p.m. and ends just before the fireworks begin with a group singalong of France’s national anthem, “The Marseillaise”.

Note that all Vélib stations around the Champ de Mars will be closed and inaccessible and don’t think about coming by car. Walk or take public transport and again be sure to arrive early.

Bastille Day on the Fly

Don’t feel like joining the throngs on the Champs-Elysées? Plan to be outdoors around 10:40 a.m. on Sunday morning and look up to catch a glimpse as military air jets do a patriotic fly over in normally restricted airspace above central Paris, leaving photogenic blue, white and red streaks in the Paris sky. (Ditto for Sunday evening, where the fireworks can be viewed from along the Seine, the Pont des Arts and elsewhere around the city.)

Bastille Day is a national holiday, but not all city attractions take the day off. Check out this list of museums and attractions that are open (ouvert) or closed (fermé) on the 14th if you’re not in the mood to treat it like anything but just another day.

Special perk: free parking on national holidays, including the 14th.

This Year’s Ode to the French Revolution Will Be Televised

Don’t like crowds? For the first time this year, the Bastille Day concert and fireworks will be broadcast live on French TV. If you aren’t in the mood for a rowdy scene, there’s nothing wrong with staying in like many Parisians do, grabbing a bottle of wine and kicking back in your room to watch the festivities on the small screen (or online at Paris.fr).

For more ideas on ways to celebrate, see last year’s post on Bastille Day events.

The post Inexpensive Ways to Enjoy Bastille Day Weekend in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Today the French are Europe’s number one movie-going population (and in the world’s top five), and the number of movie screens in Paris (some 376) rivals the number of French cheeses (an estimated 365).

American movies might make up 43% of the French market, but the French are the fifth largest producers of movies in the world, and Paris cinemas offer everything from obscure art house fare to classic films to new releases from around the world. If you’re in the mood for a complimentary French lesson, go see a French film, or an American movie with French subtitles (be sure to check that your film is “V.O.”, or original version; otherwise it will be dubbed).

Cinema discounts for locals

An average full-price ticket to a Paris movie theater is about €10. But Paris residents who want unbridled movie-going access can sign up for monthly unlimited passes with mega-chains Gaumont/Pathé or UGC/MK2 for around €20 per month. French cinemas offer discounts to card-carrying students, seniors, the unemployed, the handicapped and large families with three or more children.

But there are plenty of everyday tricks to save on admission for the rest of the movie-going masses, visitors included.

Movie Passes

MK2 cinemas, with locations all over the city (including a romance-friendly theater with two-person love seats at their MK2 Bibliotheque location in the 13th arrondissement) offer a 5-ticket pre-paid movie passes for €34.50 that are valid for two months, and can be used for up to three entries at a time if your Paris love affair is of the “Jules et Jim” variety. That comes out to €6.90 per person for new releases.

Morning Showings

Some theaters offer reduced prices of €6 for the first showing before noon (and if you’re on vacation, there’s nothing wrong with seeing a movie in the morning and having breakfast in bed after dark). Check out Allociné for more information on individual theater prices and showtimes.

Wednesday Screenings

Movies open on Wednesdays in France. At cinemas like La Bastille in the 11th arrondissement, tickets are €5 all day every Wednesday.

The post How to score discount movie tickets in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Fête du Cinéma

Until July 3

The four-day Fête du Cinéma offers reduced priced admission on new releases in theaters around the city. This year’s 29th edition is an even better deal thanks to a new initiative that has all ticket prices at €3.50. (In previous years you had to buy one ticket at full price to get a discount.)

If you missed this year’s event, next year’s will start on the last Sunday of June and continue until the first Wednesday of July. Or if you’re planning to visit in the spring, catch sister festival Printemps du Cinéma, which has taken place every March since 2000.

Paris Cinéma president Charlotte Rampling and actor Vincent Cassel at the festival’s 2011 final showing. Photo: Yann Caradec.

Paris Cinéma

Until July 9

Paris Cinéma International Film Festival is a low-key, offbeat city-wide event that screens more than 300 films including international premieres, retrospectives and tributes, and hosts movie-themed outdoor and special events like a flea market selling movie-related collectibles on July 6 and 7 in front of MK2 Bibliothèque and “Saturday Night Fever”-themed karaoke.

All films are screened in their original versions, many with English subtitles. General admission is a budget-friendly €5.

Cinéma en plein air

July 24-August 18

An outdoor event at the Parc de la Villette that has been a summer highlight for the last 23 years, Cinéma en plein air screens a selection of international films (all in their original versions, with subtitles) every night except Mondays and Tuesdays between July 24 and August 18 starting at nightfall.

It’s free if you want to just park yourself on the grass; to rent a lawn chair and a blanket is €7, or bring along some friends or family and get 5 lawn chairs/blankets for €20. The full program can be found here.

Cinéma au clair de lune

August 1-11

Watching classic movies shot in Paris under the moonlight in movie-set-worthy Parisian settings like the Place des Vosges, the foot of the Butte Montmartre, the Jardins du Trocadéro or the Esplanade des Invalides is a surreal, romantic summer in Paris experience. The 13th edition of the Cinéma au clair de lune, presented by the Forum des Images, is a surefire antidote to the dog days of Paris in August.

Free admission, no reservations and a limited number of complimentary chairs means that it’s a good idea to get there early, and BYOB (booze and blanket). Screenings may be canceled due to rain. For details on films and screening times, go here.

The post Cheap Summer Film Festivals in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In addition to all of the festivals and concerts, there is a little beachy oasis in the center of the city called “Paris Plages” that is not to be missed.

Paris Plages

Starting in July and running through August or September, the Paris Plages season turns the banks of the Seine and the Canal into beach (plage) havens. Paris Plages launched in 2002.  It seems just like yesterday…

On the banks of the river by the Hotel de Ville, cars are forbidden and visitors can sunbathe in a lounge chair, build castles in the temporary sand pits, play pétanque as crowds watch on, and stroll along the river as palm trees sway overhead and music floats through the air.

It’s just enough to make you feel like you’ve made it to the Mediterranean.

More plages: Bassin de la Villette

But this town has more than one plage. Along the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, you’ll find a more relaxed scene, as fewer tourists make the trek. There are various water-themed activities for children, in addition to outdoor concerts and even country line dancing. Locals line the vast stretches of both banks, the Quai de la Loire and the Quai de la Seine, with picnics late into the night.

For the kids…

There are plenty of events geared towards children at the “beaches.” There are small workshops and educational stands along the Seine teaching children about recycling, water and even eclipses. Once the children are bored with that, they can hop in the water and start having some fun.

Along the Seine there are paddleboats by Pont Sully, water bars to rehydrate and volleyball courts. At the Villette beach, there are various kayaks, even more paddle boats, and other nautical experiences for children and adults, including an inflatable water-bound hamster wheel that small children seem to enjoy. For those with little ones we’ve got another post on things to do with kids in Paris.

…and for the adults

For the older set, there is the ritualistic sunbathing, but also foosball tables – “babyfoot” in French – and a stage offering dance performances, from classic waltz to country ho-down.

The best part? It’s all free.

Check out the city’s Web site in English and in French for even more information on the Paris Plages, including maps of both beaches with the various activities.

The post Paris: Hit the beach at the “Paris Plages” appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy… and cheapo if you know where to head in Paris. While every other tourist is heading to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, the city offers an abundance of summertime options that will keep you dancing, bopping or enjoying a free flick.

Here are some of my favorite outdoor festivals happening this summer:

Cinéma en Plein Air
July 19 through August 21, 2011
Web site

The Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement hosts an annual summertime outdoor film festival that’s popular with cinephiles. An enormous screen in the park draws crowds every night of the week, except Monday, to view a variety of movies.

This year the films have been selected from around the world, including familiar French favorites like La Haine (Aug. 13) and Les Triplettes de Belleville (July 23). From the other side of the Atlantic, there will be plenty of English-language favorites as well. Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver will open the festival on July 19th and Woody Allen’s Manhattan will be shown on August 18th.

Keeping in tune with the Broadway musical theme that has pervaded Paris this year, both Singin’ in the Rain (Aug 10) and West Side Story (Aug 21) are lined up. Entrance to this event is, of course, free. Just bring a blanket, kick back and enjoy,

Outdoor Music Festivals

No urban summer would be complete without a concert series. Here are some of Paris most popular outdoor musical performances:

Paris Jazz Festival
Through July 31
Web site

At the Parc Floral in the picturesque Bois de Vincennes in the east of Paris, the annual Jazz Festival will run through July. Every Saturday and Sunday there are concerts at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. highlighting different types of jazz. Check out the festivals Web site for a schedule.

Classiques au Vert
August 6 through September 25, 2011
Web site

Picking up where the jazz left off in the Parc Floral, starting August 6th, singers and orchestras will be celebrating the Americas with concerts dedicated to their music during the Classiques au Vert. Every Saturday and Sunday there will be groups singing and strumming along, including concerts dedicated to great Broadway melodies (Aug. 13), Sousa marches (Sept. 18) and Hollywood repertoires (Sept. 25).

For those not interested in waving Old Glory during a concert, there are plenty of concerts dedicated to classical music as well, just check the program to discover what’s going on during your time in Paris.

Sadly the concerts during both festivals are not free. They will set you back €5, or €2.50 for children, so you may have to reconsider that second glass of wine. Concerts begin at 4 p.m. each weekend.

Keep an eye out for other garden concerts (click for the entire schedule). It probably won’t be translated into English before most of the events are over, but you can check by district and date to find out what musical performances are happening throughout the city.

Danse Avec Nous

Finally, why just listen to the music when you can move along with it? Along the Left Bank of the Seine, just behind the Ile-St-Louis, you’ll find all sorts of dancing going on late into the night.

Danse Avec Nous is a club that hosts free salsa, tango and regional French dance lessons in the tiny amphitheaters that line the river. Feel free to jump in with a partner–hopefully one that knows what he or she is doing–for one of the most memorable evenings in Paris.

Just walk along the Quai Saint Bernard near the square Tino Rossi (along the river, walking with your back to Notre Dame) and you’re guaranteed to stumble across the party– just listen for the music. Pack a picnic and the night is yours–free of charge!

Other summertime activities

Read our post about the ‘Paris Plages‘ for more summer fun. Know any other great outdoor festivals happening this summer in Paris? Tell us about them in our comments section.

The post Paris in the Summer: Outdoor film, music and dance festivals appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So start lacing up Cheapos. Among the city’s runners, you’ll feel like a fiery insider while gaining a sense of participation in a real aspect of French life (and maybe even bring home a medal to prove it!).

Here are four of my favorite Paris races to get you on your mark, set, and ready to go!

1. La Parisienne

La Parisienne racers make their way through town.

Sister! Hold on to those compression short-shorts because the start of this all-female race is a crazy mêlée of 15,000 gazelles vying for a spot out in front while charging through the narrow streets surrounding la Tour Eiffel. Go solo or race as an ensemble for fun. Wearing gold lamé, my équipe, Les Furies du Monde, recently snagged the costume award, presented by the Mairie de Paris.

Date: September 13, 2009
Distance: 6.5 km
Starts: In front of the Trocadéro
Finishes: In front of the École Militaire
Booty: Roses, medals (1.6 oz.), and black fitted-racing shirts
Terrain: Gentle hills (See map)
Sights: La Tour Eiffel, the “Princess Di tunnel” at Pont de l’Alma, and Champ de Mars
Post-race: Get your Zen on at the Guimet Musée National des Arts Asiatiques.

2. Paris – Versailles: La Grande Classique

The French Revolution really got going when the Paris market women marched off to Versailles to raise hell with the royals. It took them over six hours to get there, but it shouldn’t take you so long—not with shoe innovations and fit pompiers (firemen) on your side, encouraging you with words of charm. Take heed, though. Halfway there, you’ll meet with a mile-long hill with a hefty incline. But what goes up must come down, so prepare for a fast descent!

Date: September 27, 2009
Distance: 16 km
Starts: At la Tour Eiffel
Finishes: At the Sun King’s palace (Versailles)
Bling: Medals (2.1 oz.) worthy of an aristocrat
Terrain: Think Supreme(s). As in,’ ain’t no mountain high enough!’  (See map)
Tip: The pompiers usually run at the back of the pack
Post-race: Go Baroque; cool off at the palace fountain shows to the sounds of Lully and Handel.

The line-up at the 20 Kilometres

3. 20 Kilomètres de Paris

Attention to detail is this race organization’s forte. Though 20,000 runners may be chomping at the bit on the Pont d’Iéna, it’s not an issue since the race start is staggered, easing up on the stampede mentality. Line-up is first-come, first-served. A confession: I weep every time the Armée de l’Air fighter jets buzz the crowd trailing tri-colored smoke in their pre-race fly-by salute.

Date: October 11, 2009
Distance: 20 km
Starts and finishes: At la Tour Eiffel
Awards: Striking medals (2.2 oz.), shirts, and souvenir chips with the race logo
Terrain: At times bumpy (cobblestones) and woodsy (Bois de Boulogne). See map.
Perks: Every 5 km you’ll find nuts, figs, sugar cubes, dark chocolate and live music
Post-race: Swing by the Tarzan exposition at the Musée du quai Branly.

4. La Corrida de Noël d’Issy-Les-Moulineaux

Imagine running, not with the bulls, but with thousands of Santa Clauses! This could very well be your worst nightmare or a dream come true, but I wouldn’t miss it. It’s a frenetic case of “Christmas Meets Mardi Gras”—so come in costume. The ride out to Issy via metro or bus will give you a chance to scope out your fellow competitors, and touch up your pointy elf ears!

Date: December 13, 2009
Distance: 10 km
Starts and Finishes: Palais des Sports Robert Charpentier, in Issy-les-Moulineaux
Gifts: Shirts, medals (1.5 oz.), and mulled wine
Terrain: Lively (See map.)
Sights: Look for elves, angels, ornaments, Elvis’s, and at least one running Christmas tree, complete with tinsel garlands and presents
Post-race: Stay for the cool-down disco session. Yule love it!

If you want to run en masse…

Before your trip, be sure to get a note from your doctor. A handwritten sentence on letterhead, saying there are “no contraindications for [your name] participating in running competitions” will do. This rule can’t be bent. No medical certificate means no dossard (that fun little bib with a racer’s number on it). Deadlines are approaching so first pre-register on-line, and then see your doctor.

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But wait, it still is! And the new art being created isn’t hidden away behind closed doors. The Centquatre center in the 20th Arrondissement offers visitors a chance to mingle with artists of today as they watch new masterpieces take shape.

From dealing with death to the birth of new art

Centquatre or “104,” so named because of its address at 104 Rue d’Aubervilliers, was constructed by the Church in 1873, but the Municipal Funeral Service took over the building in 1905 as a sort of giant funeral home for all of Paris. In 1993 the burial process was decentralized, and the building eventually closed in 1997.

Work began on transforming the site into a space for artists nearly a decade later. Centquatre opened to the public in October 2008. This year (2009), almost 200 artists from around the world will have the opportunity to take up temporary residence in one of the center’s 18 studios.

Discovering the artists at work

Vergara’s murals

Although visitors cannot wander through the work spaces as they please, the artists’ often throw open their doors to show off their latest works or even let the public participate in the creative process.

Just last week (May 2009), visitors mingled in the main hall of the Centquatre under murals created by the Peruvian artist Juan Diego Vergara. A few doors down, actors held an open rehearsal for the plays “Phèdre” and “Hippolyte,” to be performed in October 2009.

Events vary by the day, so check the agenda online to find out what’s going on during your visit. Pay special attention to those marked with a “G” for “gratuit” (free). Most studio openings take place late in the afternoon, and there tend to be more events on Fridays and weekends.

Show me more Centquatre!

Centquatre also offers three tours each week for a very-manageable 5 €. A general tour takes place on Sundays at 3 PM, the history and architecture tour is Saturdays at 4 PM, and tours conducted by neighborhood residents take place Sundays at 4 PM.

The center is a bit off the beaten path but easily reachable by metro line 7 (station Riquet). Centquatre is open every day, except Monday, from 11 AM to 9 PM; it closes at 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.

For more on art in Paris, check out our post on free and discounted museums.

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With almost 400 theaters in Paris showing 600 films on any given day, choosing just one film can be daunting.

First things first: Get your hands on a Pariscope, the weekly entertainment guide available at any newsstand, or visit Allocine.fr. (In cinema listings, “v.f.” stands for “version francaise,” meaning it’s dubbed in French with no subtitles. “V.o.” is “version originale,” which means the film is presented in its original language with subtitles in French.)

Spotlight on… Studio 28

My own favorite cinema is little Studio 28, the only movie house on the hill of Montmartre. With just 170 seats and about ten screenings a week, it has earned a special place in the Parisian filmscape.

Founded in 1928 (hence the name), it immediately carved a niche in history as the world’s first avant-garde art theater. Studio 28’s fame was secured when Salvador Dali and Luis Buñuel premiered one of the first surrealist films there: “L’Age d’Or” (The Golden Age).

Before you go

Today, Studio 28 provides a delightful experience while remaining relatively inexpensive, compared to other Paris movie theatres. During July, it offers a special reduced-fare series featuring international classics like “Rebel Without a Cause”, “East of Eden”, “Roman Holiday”, and “Double Indemnity”, among others.

The cinema offers a rare opportunity to experience films the way they were before the multiplex—it’s no wonder that Audrey Tautou’s “Amélie Poulain” headed to Studio 28 every Friday.

Also to note: Studio 28 maintains a rotating display of artwork, and showcases the hand- and footprints of famous actors and directors who have premiered films there.

A bar at the end of the lobby opens onto a small beer garden (enclosed in winter) where you can sit and have a drink or some snacks before the show. Once you’ve entered the auditorium, settle into your plush red seat, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and make sure you check out the old piano nearby. It last saw serious use when Charlie Chaplin showed his movies here. The large set of surrealist light fixtures in the same auditorium were created by artist/film director Jean Cocteau.

Practical info: Studio 28 is located at 10 rue Tholozé in the 18th arrondissement (Metros Abbesses or Blanche). Phone: 01 46 06 36 07, or check online for current listings. Tickets are usually €7.50 (students €6.30)

Other cinemas of note

La Pagode (57, rue de Babylone, 7th arrondissement), looks like a Japanese temple. It was built for the wife of the founder of Au Bon Marché, the oldest department store in the city.

Le Balzac (just off the Champs-Elysées at 1, rue Balzac) will make you feel like you’re on a steamship bound for a distant land, thanks to its porthole-and-riveted-steel-hatchways ocean liner decor.

At La Péniche Cinéma that particular aesthetic is carried even further, as the theater actually is a ship—well, a barge, anyway—docked at Parc de la Villette each winter, and then moored at La Villette canal basin all summer.

Le Grand Rex is by far the city’s largest and flashiest theater. Located at 1, boulevard Poissonnière (between Metros Grands Boulevards and Bonne Nouvelle), this humongous movie palace was erected in 1932 at the height of the Art Deco movement. It can seat audiences of 5,000.

Do you have a favorite Paris cinema? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

Also, read our post on how to score discount movie tickets in Paris.

The post Paris Cinema: Classic films at Studio 28, and more appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.