For those looking to save some euros, one place to begin your research is by looking at Paris’ free museums and attractions (or those with reduced admission).

It is possible, after all, to take in a lot of the city’s culture without forking over too much cash. Here’s a quick guide to a few of our favorite free museums and tips for finding discounted admission.

Related:
• 47 ways to save on your trip to Paris
• 8 best cheap hotels in Paris for 2025

Always free museums in Paris

Some museums and many public monuments are free every day. This is great to know when you get caught in the rain and don’t want to kill time in a café.

Note that some of these have a (sometimes strongly) recommended “donation” ticket. While giving something isn’t required, it’s certainly a nice gesture.

Free museums include:

• The Musée d’Art Moderne, not far from the Eiffel Tower, is one of two modern art museums in Paris. Its special exhibitions cost 5-12 euros, but the permanent collection is completely free.
• Notre Dame Cathedral, and any church (other than Sainte Chapelle) for that matter, is fair game.
• The Musée Carnavalet in the Marais, allows you to tour the complete history of the city for free. (“Donation ticket” €5.) Temporary exhibitions can cost 10-13 euros.
• Arène de Lutèce, the city’s old Roman amphitheater, is just hanging out in the Latin Quarter waiting for visitors to drop in for a picnic while watching the local children play soccer.
• You can also walk through the courtyards and outer halls of the Hotel des Invalides and check out the canons guarding Napoleon’s tomb without paying to actually go inside.
• The Atelier Brancusi displays the sculptures of Constantin Brancusi just outside of the Centre Pompidou, including the famous sculpture l’oiseau dans l’espace. The workshop is completely free to visit.
• More museums that are free every day include: Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée de la Vie Romantique, Musée Curie, the Shoah Memorial, the Petit Palais – Musée des Beaux Arts, the Musée du Parfum-Fragonard and more. Note that many of these charge admission to special exhibits, but visiting the permanent collection is free.

Along with free fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, Bastille Day means free admission to many of the city’s museums. Photo: Yann Caradec

Sometimes free museums in Paris

If you’re planning your trip like a Cheapo, come to Paris on a weekend for the first Sunday of the month when many national museums are open for free, like the Pompidou and Musee d’Orsay.

Keep in mind that some museums will only offer the free first Sunday per month in the off-season. Look at the “practical information” section of the museum website you plan to visit and it should tell you.

To celebrate the national holiday, Bastille Day, national museums, like the Louvre, are also open for free on July 14 every year. (This could also be to distract the revolutionary-minded from storming any more prisons.)

Discounted with a Paris Museum Pass

Purchasing a Paris Museum Pass (available for 2, 4 or 6 days) will provide entrance to most national museums and monuments, including the Palace at Versailles and the Arc de Triomphe.

If you are a history and art buff, the pass will easily pay for itself. All you need to do is plan your visits in advance.

For example, a two-day museum pass costs €70. If you plan on visiting both the Conciergerie prison (where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned) and the adjacent Sainte Chapelle church, admission will cost a total of €26, if purchased independently. Throw in a ticket to the Louvre (€22), the Rodin Museum (€14), and the Centre Pompidou (€15), and in two days, you’ve saved a bit of cash.

We don’t mean to oversell the pass. However, if you are dedicated to visiting multiple museums, the pass can be a very good deal.

Free for visitors under 26 years old

• EU citizens under 26: All permanent collections of national museums and monuments are free for EU cardholders under 26 years of age.
• Other residents under 26 (with carte de sejour): Many Americans and Canadians may think this law passes them up. But wait! The thousands of study abroad students, au pairs, and English assistants who have legal residency in France or elsewhere in Europe are also covered by this law. So, if you’re under 26, head to the Musée d’Orsay or the Natural History Museum, wave your passport and carte de séjour, and you’ll get a free ticket.
• Children: Children often get into places for free. However, ages vary considerably, so be sure to ask at the ticket window.

And remember that free entry usually only applies to a museum’s permanent collections and often doesn’t cover special exhibits. However, these special exhibitions often offer discounted youth tickets.

Hotel des Invalides offers daily reduced admission rates late in the day. Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Discounts and other deals

If a museum’s entrance is not free, you can often find various discounts if you know where to look. Work up the courage to ask if the price seems steep. Youth and “under 18” visitors can usually get reductions even if you don’t have EU paperwork, so visitors can still benefit from reductions.

Also, museums often work in tandem to offer discounts. For example, if you present your ticket to Palais Garnier when you visit the Musée d’Orsay, you’ll receive a discount (if you visit within 8 days). Obviously, right? Check out the offers posted at the ticket booth.

More info

The Paris Tourism Office has a website in English that can be useful for finding up-to-date information for any museum in Paris. Search by museum name, and soon you’ll realize how much money you can save (and how many Mona Lisa mugs you’ll finally be able to buy at the Louvre gift shop!). They even have an incredibly comprehensive list of all free and reduced admission museums and times.

Looking for even more free ideas? Here’s a list of 25 free things in Paris that we love and 7 things in Paris that are always free.

The post Paris: A list of free and discounted museums appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Following renovations in 2009 and late 2011, the museum looks better than ever. It’s also one of the most popular spots in town, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

Here are our top tips for visiting Musée d’Orsay like a pro.

Transportation to Musée d’Orsay

The Metro is your best bet, with line 12 dropping you off at the Solferino station two blocks away. The RER C also stops at the museum, making it an easy commute from most anywhere in Paris.

Arrive early

While it’s hardly as palatial as the Louvre, the Orsay is, however, almost as popular. Unfortunately there’s only one way to get into the museum (unless you have a museum pass), so, yes, that line is for you! Arriving super early is of course a great idea (around 9 AM). Otherwise, prepare to queue up to enter at 9:30 AM.

The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM daily (9:45 PM on Thursdays), and closed Mondays.

Musée d’Orsay tickets and passes

Tickets cost €16 for the full adult fare when purchased online, or €14 at the museum. European Economic Area (EEA) citizens ages 18 to 26 get free admission.

Cheapo tip: Tickets sold after 6 PM on Thursdays are reduced to €12 online or €10 at the museum, and you’ll have until 9:45 PM to explore.

Note that admission to special exhibitions will tack on a few extra euros. See all admission charges here.

If you have a museum pass, the entrance is clearly marked by the group entrance door. (More about Paris museum tickets and passes.)

Give yourself more time by visiting on Thursday nights. Photo: fduk

Come late and save on Thursday

Like the Louvre, the Orsay stays open late one night a week, in this case on Thursday. From 6 to 9:45 PM, not only are tickets cheaper (€10-12), but crowds are thinner. Take advantage of the evening hours if you can to avoid the hustle and bustle of the rest of the week.

Guided tours/audio guides

A guided tour isn’t really necessary, though they are offered in English at various times for €5 (check website).

The audio guide can be helpful while navigating from one Impressionist painting to another. From the Degas’ ballerinas to Monet’s water lilies, many of the works are at least familiar to most visitors.

First Sundays are free (and crazy)

The first Sunday of the month is free for the Orsay, but, like the Louvre, it becomes a madhouse. We’re just warning you in advance!

Eating and drinking

The museum has a café and a restaurant (see on-site dining options here). Consider splurging at the museum’s chic restaurant, restored from the original Hotel d’Orsay. The classy spot offers a starter and main dish or a main dish and dessert for €27, or daily specials for €23.

True Cheapos, however, will probably want to head outside for food and drinks. The area behind the Musée d’Orsay stretches toward St-Germain. Nearby rue du Bac is also a happening street with many food options and cafés (the baker Eric Kayser has an outpost at 18 rue du Bac).

Looking for a cheap place to stay nearby? Check out our list of favorite budget hotels near the museum.

The post Tips for visiting the Musee d’Orsay in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Good thing that they never got around to it, because these days everyone wants a piece of the Dame de Fer (Iron Lady).

Planning your visit to Paris’ most famous attraction? Here are a few tips to make your visit as enjoyable as possible:

Ticket prices

Elevator to the 1st and 2nd Level: €17.10
Elevator to the top: €26.80
Stairs to the 1st and 2nd Level: €10.70
Stairs to the 1st and 2nd Level, then Elevator to the top: €20.40

Should you buy tickets in advance?

You can save time by buying your tickets online, in advance, and avoiding the ticket line when you get there. During peak travel times, though, online tickets (especially to the top) may be sold out. However, they would still be available at the tower for immediate use. You’ll just have to wait in that ticket line…

So really, the short answer is: Yes, buy tickets in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website and book your slot. But don’t be discouraged if you don’t see anything available for your time and date — you can still just show up and wait in the ticket line.

Discounts on Eiffel Tower tickets

Ages 12 to 24 enjoy a discounted price of €8.60 on elevator admissions to the second floor, €13.40 to the top, and €5.40 on a stairs ticket. Ages 4 to 11 receive a discounted rate of €4.30 on elevator admissions to the second floor, €6.70 to the top, and €2.70 on a stairs ticket.

Hours

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, including many major holidays. Hours are as follows:

May 7 – June 17: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
From June 18 – May 6: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Closed July 14 for Bastille Day.

Time of day to go

Everyone has a favorite time to head up the tower, but the evening time, right around sunset, is one of the most stunning. If you time it right, you’ll be watching the sun set over Paris while the twinkling lights below start to pop alive. By the time you reach the summit, you’ll have the best possible view of the city at its finest.

Climbing it

As long as you’re not wearing heels, you may opt to climb the stairs to the tower’s second level to catch the elevator to the very top. This ticket saves you €6.40, or put that money toward a well-deserved glass of wine (or two!) at a café afterward.

What to wear

It gets windy at the top of the tower, so it’s a good idea to dress accordingly, especially during the cooler months. You’ll be much more comfortable at the top if you have a little something extra to wrap around yourself.

Alternative towers

In the end, there are no real tricks to visiting the tower. If there’s a huge line, there’s a huge line. But no one is forcing you to wait.

If simply seeing the tower is enough, consider going up the Tour Montparnasse, that big ugly skyscraper in the south of the city. From the top of this building you get a bird’s eye view of everything with less fuss. There’s also a bar up top — win-win situation?

Related:
• 50 Ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• When is the best time to visit Paris?
• A Guide to beating the crowds at Paris’ top attractions

Transportation to the Eiffel Tower

The Metro line 6 will drop you off at Bir Hakeim, the closest station. For better views while arriving at the tower, lines 6 and 9 at the station Trocadéro is a stunning way to introduce yourself to Eiffel’s masterpiece with just a short walk across the river afterward. Line 8 at Ecole Militaire is also a short walk through the Champs de Mars, offering great views of the tower as well.

Cheap hotels near the Eiffel Tower

If you’re looking for budget hotels nearby, be sure to read our hotel recommendations near the Eiffel Tower. Our editors have visited and reviewed these properties and will help you find the best deal.

The post Eiffel Tower: How to get tickets, find discounts and save time appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

With an expansive Egyptian collection, some enormous French canvases, and one curious little Italian who gets a whole wall to herself, the Louvre can take days to appreciate fully. But who has the time or stamina to see it all?

Related: Cheap hotels near the Louvre

6 Louvre tips to save time and energy

If you’re heading to the Louvre for the first time, here are some tips to help you survive the experience and to come out still smiling, just like the museum’s most famous resident…

1. Book your tickets in advance

Here’s the thing: Even though tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, entry is not guaranteed — and you may not be able to enter, due to overcrowding. So these days, we actually recommend booking your tickets in advance, with a timed entry, in order to guarantee admission.

Adult tickets are €17 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday.

2.  Pack accordingly

While you aren’t exactly trekking the Andes, going through the Louvre is physically taxing. Bringing a small snack or bottle of water in a bag can help subdue any irritation that may occur while struggling to find an exit, bathroom, or place to sit for a rest. It can also get warm in the Louvre at some points, so have a layer or two ready to remove.

Related: 10 Ways to prepare for your trip to Paris

There’s always a crowd around the famous Venus de Milo. Photo: Ming

3. Make a game plan

Take a map and take a moment to sit (emphasis on sit) and plan. The Louvre is big. Very big. Wandering it aimlessly can be enjoyable if you have no agenda, but if you want to see the major sights or any specific wings, make sure you plan a rough route first.

There are maps of the Louvre online that you can use to plan out your route before you enter the museum. Or, you can get a map upon entry and take a minute to devise a plan of action so that you don’t get lost.

Otherwise, you’ll be knee-deep in the Egyptian wing before you realize you want to see the kings’ crowns, the Venus de Milo, and the statue garden with no logical way to tie them all together.

4. See the “big three” while you have energy

See the highlights first while you still have the energy to fight the crowds, especially if traveling with children. The big three are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory statue perched atop one of the majestic staircases. With signs pointing the way, it’s not hard to find them but plan on hitting them right away and then escaping to lesser-traveled galleries already feeling accomplished.

Keep in mind that the Mona Lisa is a tiny painting that is secured behind a bulletproof case and is separated by a physical barrier. If you’re dreaming of analyzing the brush strokes up close, you’re probably better off looking at high-resolution pictures of the painting online at home.

Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre to avoid lines. Photo: Guilhem

5. Enter through a different entrance

Know your entrance options. Most people enter at the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre, which is fine if there’s no line. But the safer bet is to enter into the Carrousel du Louvre, the underground shopping mall, toward an inverted glass pyramid (think Da Vinci Code) by the Apple store. At this entrance, the security line is often nonexistent.

Moreover, you can also enter through Rue Rivoli. This entrance links into the Carrousel du Louvre, and if you exit from Metro line 1 (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre), you’ll only have to walk about a minute to enter the Louvre from Rue Rivoli.

But wait there’s more: If you already have a ticket (see tip #1), you can also enter along the Quai Francois Mitterrand. Check out this cool interactive map of the Louvre’s entrances for the latest information.

Related: 10 Tips for riding the Paris Metro like a local

6.  Consider the audio guide

While it sounds lame, be warned: Most of the signs in the Louvre are in French. So unless your French is up to snuff, you might not know exactly what you’re looking at. And with 35,000 pieces of art and no stories to go with them, this could amount to some quick frustration for you and your travel mates. The Louvre audio guide might be a good bet. This audio guide costs €5 to rent.

7.  Save it for later

No one said you have to go to the Louvre immediately. If it’s a once in a lifetime trip that brings you to Paris, by all means, get in there. But if you’re already planning your next trip, then there’s no reason to rush inside. There’s no shortage of things to do in Paris, so either wait until you’ve experienced what you really want to get out of Paris or else wait for a drizzly day to appreciate all of the wonders this former palace contains.

Louvre Museum
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 in the 1st arrondissement
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm; closed on Tuesday
First Saturday of each month: the museum is open until 9:45 pm and admission is free starting at 6 pm
Admission: €17 (online), €15 (at the museum)

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Paris right now? Head over to our Paris guide to read our hotel reviews. Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed affordable hotels all over town, and recommended those we think are the best value. See advice on neighborhoods and discover our favorite cheap hotels in the City of Light.

Your Louvre survival tips?

Do you have another piece of advice for visiting the Louvre without losing your sanity? Tell us about it in our comments section below.

The post Paris: 7 tips for surviving the Louvre appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But all those extra bobbles and balls do not mean you can’t still find some affordable cheer around town.

It’s not too late to book one of the best cheap hotels in Paris and head to the City of Light for a holiday getaway as 2019 turns into 2020.

More Paris budget tips

• Paris on the Cheap: The top 25 free things to do
• A guide to finding the best time of year to visit Paris
• 10 ways to prepare for your Paris vacation

How to celebrate the holiday season in Paris

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Paris in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve? Here are six easy ways to celebrate in Paris à la Cheapo.

1. Bask in the glow

Through early January, the city’s iconic streets are aglow with holiday lights, Christmas window displays and the sounds of the holidays. Of special note are the trees and lights at Place Vendome (through January 2020) the festive decorations hanging across rue Montorgueil, and of course, the ever-campy but always appreciated displays on the historic Champs-Elysées (November 24 to January 8, 2020).

Ladling up a mulled mug at the Christmas market along the Champs-Elysées. Photo: anniemole

2. Stroll with mulled wine

To appreciate the lights, be sure to grab a cup of hot wine (vin chaud) to go while strolling the streets. The Christmas markets, while selling plenty of trinkets, do manage to provide enough of the sweetened, spiced wine to make them worth a trip. Once the holidays are finished, the wine is still available in most cafés, and is often a bit tastier — and it doesn’t get cold as quickly.

Check out the official Paris tourism website for the 2019 list of markets and holiday activities.

A classic and affordable French dining experience awaits at Chartier. Photo: shufgy

3. Feast for less

Holiday eating in Paris can be tricky because many places close on December 24, 25, and January 1, but diners won’t starve, even on a budget. A simple yet exceedingly affordable meal can be had at old favorite Chartier while those looking to drop a bit more can have a four-course Christmas meal (including Champagne!) at the famed Coupole for €75. Though it may seem steep, it’s a lot cheaper than many holiday menus around town!

Ice skate under the spectacular dome of the Grand Palais. Photo: Le Grand Palais des Glaces Facebook Page

4. Hit the rink

Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time in Paris huddled away. Strap on your skates or rent a pair and hit the largest rink in the world at Le Grand Palais from December 13 to January 8, 2020. You can also skate at the Christmas Market at Champs de Mars right under the Eiffel Tower (through January 2020). If it’s a bit too frigid outside, the Patinoire Pailleron by the Parc de Buttes Chaumont is a bit more tolerable with its indoor rink and costs just a few euros to take hit the ice.

Ring in the New Year with a twinkling Eiffel Tower. Photo: tonyjcase

5. Toast the New Year

Although there haven’t been fireworks for several years in Paris on New Year’s, the Eiffel Tower does offer a lively light show, and the Champs-Elysees is the place to be if you want to join the throngs. Otherwise, don’t expect much more than a Champagne toast at midnight and some rabble-rousers in the streets.

A cake fit for a king. Photo: lesteph

6. …and cut the cake

There is more to look forward to in early 2020. On January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, you’ll see bakeries decked out with the galette des rois, the frangipane-based cake that ushers in the New Year. A small figurine of the baby Jesus is hiding inside each cake, and French tradition holds that he or she who finds the token in their slice buys next year’s cake.

Did you find the baby? Congratulations! You can start off the New Year in debt — vive la France!

Your tips

Have you been to Paris during the holiday season? Tell us what you like to do during your visit!

The post Paris: 6 ways to celebrate the holidays (without blowing your budget) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While you never really need any reason to visit, we thought we’d put together a list of 50 major events hosted by Paris in 2017, all of which seem pretty great to us. You can find many more listed on Paris’s official visitor website. On y va!

Related:
• 50 ways to save on your trip to Paris
• The top budget hotels in Paris

Events calendar: Paris in 2017

Funny, you don’t look 40! Photo: williamchatelain

January

1. Winter shopping sales!

January 11 – end of February

Most of the shops in town cut their prices and offer huge discounts every year during Paris’ “soldes” (sales), which begin city-wide on January 11. Sales last for up to six weeks! (Check out these favorite shopping neighborhoods.)

2. Richard Avedon show

Through February 26

The Bibliothèque National de France hosts “La France d’Avedon,” a show examining the role France has played in the photographer’s work.

3. The Pompidou turns 40!

January 31, 2017

Exactly 40 years after Beaubourg opened its colorful, glassy doors, the cultural center has a packed calendar of events to commemorate its big anniversary. Events will be held throughout 2017 in 40 French cities, and Paris will celebrate the opening from February 4-5, along with hosting major exhibits throughout 2017 (including the first-ever retrospective of the American artist Cy Twombly, through April 24).

Cheapo note: Remember to avoid fashion week (January 18-26, 2017), as the city’s hotels will be packed with fashion industry types (with expense accounts), and rates will be sky-high.

Vermeer’s “La Latière”, one of the iconic works on display at the Louvre’s exhibit.

February

4. Grand Salon d’art Abordable

February 17-19, 2017

In the mood to bring home some artwork? Stop by the 20th annual “Affordable Art Fair” at the Bellevilloise, where you can find something artsy for every budget, from €50-€5,000.

5. Louvre Exhibit: “Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting”

February 22 – May 22, 2017

In February, the Louvre opens one of its biggest shows of the year, an exploration of the works of Vermeer, shown alongside those of his Dutch contemporaries. Not to be missed.

6. Musée Marmottan Monet: Pissarro Retrospective

February 23 – July 2, 2017

The Marmottan Monet museum, dedicated to Claude Monet’s Impressionism paintings and the artist’s own personal art collection, hosts a retrospective on Camille Pissarro, “le Premier des Impressionnistes.”

On your mark, get set, CLIMB! Photo: josefstuefer

March

7. Race to the top of the Eiffel Tower!

March 16, 2017

Think you’re fast on a StairMaster? Step up to the “Verticale de la Tour Eiffel” challenge, and try to be the fastest to climb the Eiffel Tower’s 1,665 steps.

8-9. Picasso about Town

There are two major Picasso shows opening in March, sure to delight fans of the Spanish-born painter:

• The Musée Picasso focuses on what role the artist’s first wife, Olga, played in his work. “Olga Picasso” opens at the museum on March 21 (through September 3, 2017).

• Meanwhile, the Musée du Quai Branly looks at the artist from another angle — examining the influence of non-western art on his work in “Picasso Primitif” (March 28-July 23, 2017).

10. Printemps du Cinema

March 19-21, 2017

Cinephiles take note: The 17th annual “Printemps du Cinema” spring film celebration means €4 tickets to films at cinemas throughout the city. What a deal!

11. Grand Palais: Rodin Retrospective

March 22 – July 31, 2017

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sculptor’s death, the Grand Palais will host one of the year’s biggest art retrospectives, which will bring together for the first time works by Rodin and his contemporaries from a number of different collections. Think you can just show up? Get your tickets in advance!

Racing along the Seine during the Paris marathon. Photo: lilipop

April

12. Paris Marathon

April 9, 2017

Join (or simply watch) more than 57,000 runners, as they race along many of Paris’ main thoroughfares, including along the Seine, for the Paris Marathon. If you plan to visit for the marathon, be sure to swing by the “Salon du Running“, a runner’s trade fair, from April 6-8, 2017. (Not up for an entire marathon? Join in the half marathon instead, on March 5!)

13. Photography Month!

April is “Mois de la Photo de Grand Paris”, with more than 80 photography exhibits taking place in the greater Paris region. Check out all events here.

14. Walker Evans at the Pompidou

Photo fans should also be sure to swing by the Pompidou Center’s Walker Evans retrospective, which opens April 26.

15-16. Salon Sugar / VeggieWorld

April 20-22, and 22-23, 2017

Want to try something sweet? Snack your way through the Salon Sugar at the Parc Floral (April 20-22). Looking for a healthier expo? Go natural at VeggieWorld, France’s largest vegan party, held at Le Centquatre.

Hang out at the Louvre until midnight on May 20! Photo: doc_bosco

May

17. Walking and eating tours: Les Heures Heureuses

Pack both your appetite and your walking shoes for this three-day event, which pairs neighborhood walks with stops to taste local bites from more than 280 restaurants, for only €2 each. Check the website for neighborhood food maps and schedules!

18. Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés festival

May 11-22

Tap your toes along with world-class performers at the Saint-German-des-Pres Jazz festival, now in its 17th year. Visiting in June? Swing over to Parc Floral for the Paris Jazz Festival (June dates TBA).

19. Belleville Artists’ Open Studios

May 13-16, 2017

Head to the artsy Belleville neighborhood in northeast Paris as more than 250 artists open their studios to the public, free of charge. Meet artists and take home a unique and affordable souvenir!

20. Night of Museums

May 20

Stay out until midnight browsing the galleries at more than a hundred museums in the Paris region during the annual Nuit des Musées! Best of all, admission to city-run museums is free.

21. French Open tennis tournament

May 22-June 11, 2017

The world’s best tennis players race onto the clay courts to compete for the cherished title at the Roland Garros stadium. Get your tickets in advance!

Dancing in the streets during the Fete de la Musique. Photo: stijn nieuwendijk

June

22-24. Art blockbusters!

In June, several major art expositions will open to the public. Three of our favorites are:

• “Derain, Balthus and Giacometti“ opens June 2 at the Musée d’Art Modern de la Ville de Paris, with more than 200 works by the great modernists.

• “Portraits de Cezanne“ opens mid-June at the Musée d’Orsay, examining the great landscape artist’s lesser-known portrait works.

• David Hockney retrospective in late June at the Pompidou Center celebrates the artist’s 80th birthday with a major showcase of his work.

25. Fête de la Musique

June 21, 2017

Celebrate the beginning of summer with free concerts all over the city in performance halls, neighborhood squares, and street corners!

26. Summer Sales

June 28, 2017

Almost every shop in town gets in on the “Summer Soldes“, when they slash prices on clothes for nearly six weeks of sales!

“Paris Plages” turns the banks of the Seine into a beachy oasis. Photo: dkakiuthi

July

27. Christian Dior exhibit

July 6, 2017 – January 2018

A major retrospective on the wildly talented artist and designer opens at the Musée des Arts Décoratif on July 6.

28. Open Air Cinema

July 12-August 20 and July 28-August 13, 2017

The summer months will give film-lovers dozens of opportunities to catch some notable flicks in the great outdoors. The “Open Air Cinema Festival” (July 12-August 20) presents films with a cooking theme this year at La Villette, while the Cinéma au Claire de Lune (“Cinema by Moonlight”) series will be projecting a wide variety of films outdoors throughout Paris from July 28-August 13.

29. Bastille Day!

Friday, July 14, 2017

The French celebrate their national holiday in style, with a parade along the Champs-Elysées, fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, and “fireman balls” (yes, dancing with French firemen) at fire stations all over the city! Here’s our guide to celebrating in cheapo-style.

30. Paris Plages!

July 20 – August 21

Throughout the summer, “Paris Plages” transforms the banks of the Seine into a beachy oasis, with all the sporty fun and beach chairs that go along with it. Stroll along the sand or take a seat and soak up some rays.

31. Lollapalooza

July 22 and 23, 2017

That’s right, the American rock music festival Lollapalooza has expanded to Europe, and will be rocking out for two days of concerts at the Longchamp race track. Check the official website for more information and updates.

32. Tour de France finish

July 23, 2017

After pedaling literally all over the country, a swarm of thousands of cyclists descends upon the capital on July 23 in a mad race to the finish line. See all dates and schedules on the Tour de France website.

33. Concerts at the Hôtel de Ville

In July, the main square in front of the Hôtel de Ville hosts four days of free live concerts for its Fnac Live concert series. Come early, these concerts draw big names — and big crowds!

August

34. Parisians on Vacation

Wait, where is everyone? Although museums and sights are open during the month of August (including many of the fabulous art exhibits mentioned above), many of the locals are not around for the month. Many smaller shops and restaurants close up for most of August, as well.

So should you still come? Here are some thoughts on visiting Paris in August.

Cheapo note: August does tend to be the cheapest summer month to visit, as very few business travelers visit the city and many leisure travelers opt for the beach. Hotel vacancies tend to be higher, driving down rates.

Paris in September means perfect weather and fewer tourists. Photo: hollywood_north

September

35. Festival d’Automne

September – December

This four-month autumn arts festival draws more than 100,000 spectators to 40+ events celebrating contemporary theater, dance, music, visual arts and film. See website for calendar.

36. European Heritage Day

September 16-17, 2017

Gain free access to spots that are usually off-limits to visitors during this two-day Europe-wide celebration.

37. René Goscinny exhibit

The life and far-reaching work of Goscinny, creator of Astérix and Obélix, Petit Nicolas, and Lucky Luke, will be on display at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaisme.

38. Placido Domingo’s “Aida”

September 23, 2017

Opera fans take note: Placido Domingo will conduct Verdi’s “Aida” in a lavish production at the Stade de France for one night only. Tickets from €29.

39. Fête de la Gastronomie

September 22-24

Eat your heart out at the Fete de la Gastronomie, which offers tasting sessions, lectures, and workshops, all of which celebrate France’s rich culinary tradition.

The Hotel de Ville is all lit up for “Nuit Blanche” in early October. Photo: ancorena

October

40. Nuit Blanche

October 7-8, 2017

Artists take their work to the streets on the night of October 7, leading the public from one art installation to the next for the city’s “Nuit Blanche” celebration.

41-44. Major fall art openings

The fall art season offers several heavy-hitters at the big museums around town, most of which open in October. These include:

• October 4: Rubens at the Musée du Luxembourg showcases the artist’s portraits of European monarchs.

• October 9: Gauguin at the Grand Palais; a major retrospective of the artist’s career.

• October 10: “Picasso 1947” at the Picasso Museum, features the 10 major works the artist donated in 1947 to the Musée National d’Art Moderne.

• October 18: The Louvre will focus on Francois I’s relationship to Dutch art for its exhibit “Francois I and Dutch Art“.

45. Salon du Vintage

Weekend in mid-October

The Carreau du Temple in the Marais hosts the annual Salon du Vintage, which brings together purveyors of vintage clothing, furniture, vinyl records, and more.

46. Salon du Chocolat

October 28 – November 1, 2017

More than 500 chocolate makers, dealers, artists and gurus descend upon the Porte de Versailles to celebrate everything chocolate at the Salon du Chocolat.

Ride sky-high over central Paris on the “Roue de Paris”. Photo: ayustety

November

47. The “Big Wheel” goes up!

From mid-November through mid-May, the city’s Ferris wheel (the “Roue de Paris“) in the Jardin du Tuileries offers riders an exceptional view over central Paris.

48. Photo fairs

November 9-13, 2017

Photogs take note: Paris hosts a number of major photography-related expos in November, including the Salon de la Photo at the Porte de Versailles (November 9-13) and the Paris Photo Fair at the Grand Palais (November 9-12).

Paris gets into the holiday spirit. Photo: scrubs

December

49. Christmas window displays

The city’s big department stores get in the Christmas mood in December when they unveil their holiday window displays. From Galeries-Lafayette to Printemps and the Bon Marché, there’s a lot of holiday in store! Here are some tips for finding the best displays and getting in the holiday mood.

50. New Year’s eve celebration

Finally, head to the Champs-Élysées on December 31 to join the crowds gazing over at the midnight light show. Happy 2018!

The post 50 Reasons to visit Paris in 2017 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

With many appealing places only 20 to 40 minutes away from the center of Paris, it’s quick and easy to get out and explore. It’s also very cheap if you take the Metro or RER train with most fares less than €5.

Whether you fancy checking out a new nearby city, visiting a spectacular church, an ancient chateau, or chowing down on a French picnic in a newly discovered park, here are 8 fun and affordable day trips to get out of Paris.

The trips

Click below to read all about our recommended day trips from Paris. (Approximate travel times from the Chatelet Metro and RER station in central Paris.)

1. Saint Germain en Laye

Travel time: 30 minutes.
Highlights: Middle-Age royal residences.

2. The Saint Denis Cathedral and market

Travel time: 25 minutes.
Highlights: Gothic cathedral that’ll knock your chausettes off.

3. Chateau de Vincennes and Parc Floral

Travel time: 20 minutes.
Highlights: One of the country’s largest Medieval chateaux and nature escape.

4. Chateau Malmaison

Travel time: 40 minutes.
Highlights: Napoleon and Josephine’s “modest” countryside getaway.

5. Parc de Sceaux

Travel time: 25 minutes.
Highlights: Picnic-ready park, masterfully designed by Le Notre.

6. Island of the Impressionists

Travel time: 25 minutes.
Highlights: Feast inside a Renoir painting on an island in the Seine.

7. Saint Maur des Fossés

Travel time: 25 minutes.
Highlights: Picnic next to Medieval ruins.

8. Drink, dance and boat along the River Marne

Travel time: 30 minutes.
Highlights. Dance and drink like it’s the Belle Epoque.

Getting there

With many lines on the Metro system extending past the Parisian border, visiting surrounding areas is in some cases as easy as hopping on a Metro or a bus line that enters another city. The Metro and bus cost the same in suburban areas as they do in Paris: €1.80 for a single ride.

Another option for quick getaways is the RER, or the Reseau Express Network, a group of five commuter rail lines. Here’s a look at the RER network map.

RER Ticket Prices

Mostly used by locals for getting to work in the Paris region, this commuter rail network is reasonably priced. The RER network stops are grouped into five zones (Paris is zone 1). While the price varies depending on the line and where you depart, if you buy a ticket from the center of Paris to a station in zones 2, 3 or 4, you won’t pay more than €5 for a one-way ticket, while in zone 5, your ticket won’t exceed €10.

Aside from single ride tickets, the Navigo Découverte card, daily Mobilis ticket, Paris Visite Pass, and Paris Passlib’ offer unlimited ride options on both the Metro and the RER for a flat fee.

Related: How to save on money on Paris transportation

Getting tickets

To ride the RER, you can buy single ride tickets at the same kiosks inside the station where you buy Metro tickets. But never throw away your tickets after using them, as many RER stations require that you run the ticket through a turnstile again in order to exit at your destination.

The post Paris: 8 fantastic day trips less than an hour away by train appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Let’s break down the pass, and try to make it comprehensible. The website, in typical French style, doesn’t make it extremely easy at first glance, but the multiple options aren’t too complicated to follow.

What is the Passlib’?

The Paris Passlib’ is actually a combination of several existing Paris passes into one mega-pass:

• The Paris Visite pass: which offers unlimited access to the Metro and public transportation +

• The Paris Museum Pass: which offers free entry to many of the city’s big museums and galleries +

• The Paris Passlib’ card (the new addition): which covers an hour-long boat cruise and a day-long sightseeing bus tour.

All of these passes are available in 2-, 3-, and 5-day options (see prices below).

There is also another option, the “Passlib’ Mini” that excludes the Paris Museum and the Paris Visite passes, so essentially it’s just a boat ride and a one-day bus tour, plus the chance to upgrade to a visit to the Eiffel Tower  (see below).

Passlib’ prices

The cost of the new Passlib’ varies depending on your age and the duration of the pass. (See all pass options on the Passlib’ website):

Adults:

• Paris Passlib’ Mini – Adult: €40
• Paris Passlib’ 2 Days – Adult: €109
• Paris Passlib’ 3 Days – Adult: €129
• Paris Passlib’ 5 Days – Adult: €155
  + Eiffel Tower (second level): €15 extra

Youth: (EU members: 12-25; non-EU: 12-17 years)

• Paris Passlib’ Mini – Youth: €35
• Paris Passlib’ 2 days – Youth: €65
• Paris Passlib’ 3 days – Youth: €70
• Paris Passlib’ 5 days – Youth: €90
  + Eiffel Tower (second level): €15 extra

Children (4-11 years)

• Paris Passlib’ Mini – Child: €26
• Paris Passlib’ 2 Days – Child: €35
• Paris Passlib’ 3 Days – Child: €39
• Paris Passlib’ 5 Days – Child: €47
  + Eiffel Tower (second level): €15 extra

Skip line at Eiffel Tower

And on top of all of these choices, you can add a €15 supplement to access the Eiffel Tower’s second level without waiting in line. While it seems attractive, remember that another ticket is required to reach the top of the tower, costing an additional few euros.

Usually, tourists can book a time slot to go up the tower in advance, but often dates and times are sold out months in advance, or it ends up raining on the day of your reservation. This addition with the Paris Passlib’ changes all of that.

The verdict?

Is it really worth it? It depends. For a 2-day pass for an adult, at €109 (without the Eiffel Tower), you’ll get the following items, which would normally total roughly €117.15:

• Paris Visite: €18.15/2 days
• Paris Museum Pass: €48/2 days
• Bus tour: €32/day tour
• Boat tour: €14/1 hour tour
• Paris Passlib’ book: (a map) maybe valued at €5.

So you save a bit, but the real question is, did you want all of that?

Paris is an entirely walkable city, and most tourists can get by just fine splitting a carnet (a booklet of 10 Metro tickets) over a few days.

The museum pass for two days will require some intensive museum-going in order to make it worth it, and what if the weather’s great and you just want to picnic or stroll? Also, children under 18 get in free to museums anyway, and the Paris Visite is cheaper for them.

And what about that bus ride? Do you want to sit on a bus for a whole day? If it’s your first time to Paris, maybe, but then to sit on a boat as well? It could be a bit of overkill. Could you just have spent €1.80 on a public bus and toured the city like the locals?

The argument for…

The pass certainly does group everything together in one package, and the addition of the Eiffel Tower line-hop is attractive, as long as too many people don’t purchase this same option.

If money is no issue, the pass is a solid way to prepare a family trip without too much fuss, while ensuring activities for the whole family.

If money is an issue, but you want to pack in as much sightseeing and visits as possible, the card could work in your favor if you plan accordingly: Spend one day on a bus, then two days crisscrossing the city in the Metro to visit the most expensive museums for free. It could work.

The argument against…

For budget travelers looking to really explore Paris, the pass may create a stress to spend time doing things that you may not have wanted to do in the first place. In the interest of “getting your money’s worth,” you may forgo exploring the streets of Paris in order to heap on museums and vehicle tours around town.

Don’t forget that some of the city’s best museums are free (the Carnavalet, the Victor Hugo house) and the boat and bus rides could be overkill for those who like to walk (or take a Velib’ like the locals). In a city where sitting in a café and watching the world go by constitutes an activity in my book – and at only €2-3 for a coffee on a terrace – it’s difficult to consider the pass a great idea.

Final thought

For those seeking the structure and the serenity of a travel pass, the Pass Parislib’ could work well. Just be sure you know why you’re purchasing it and be certain that it will really offer you experiences that you want during your visit to Paris.

The post Paris Tourist Cards: Should you buy the new Paris Passlib’? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Incorporated into the city of Paris in the late 19th century, Montmartre was a district known for its bohemian spirit and, of course, cheapo liqueur and entertainment. Think absinthe, can-can dancing, and cabarets. It was the spot to be back in the day.

Related:
• The Best budget hotels in Paris
• Free walking tour of artists’ studios in Montmartre

Walking tour of Paris Montmartre

While much of its original bohemian spirit might be hard to find today, the streets of Montmartre are still worth exploring, and we’ve got some of the best budget options to plan out your day. Read on for our walking tour of Paris Montmartre neighborhood.

Getting there and getting started

Getting to Montmartre by the Paris Metro is easy. Either take Metro line 12 to Abbesses to get halfway up the hill, or take Metro line 2 to “Blanche” to start on the main boulevard, lined with the adult shops that give the neighborhood a bit of, well, let’s call it “flare”. Opting for the latter allows you a quick photo op with the Moulin Rouge before heading up rue Lépic.

Note: Avoid getting off the line 2 at Anvers, as this is where most of the buses and tour groups head up.

Climb to religious heights

The Sacre Coeur basilica, officially opened after World War I, is the crowned jewel of the district – it’s hard to miss. The area around the front of it is a buzz of activity as tourists photograph the city below after visiting the inside of the spectacular church (which is free to visit!).

After taking time to visit the church (note that photography inside is not allowed!), get a little perspective on the situation and escape the crowds by climbing the church’s 300 steps to the dome for just €8. The stunning views of the city are well worth the climb and fee.

Browse art on display

At the Place de Tertre, just west of Sacre Coeur, you’ll be confronted by the full brunt of the tourism industry in Montmartre. Waiters at the cafés dress in kitschy get-ups while beckoning you into their eateries to serve escargot and onion soup (no joke). It’s all fine, but far from memorable.

It’s the artists on the square that people come to see – and sometimes with good reason. These artists are vetted by the mayor’s office, which means they’re the real deal, actually producing their own work, sometimes in front of you. OK, it’s very touristy at times, but while some of the art may be a bit too “out there”, some of it is actually worth the often elevated price tags that come with them.

Cheapo tip: Don’t be afraid to negotiate on prices. These guys are prepared for it.

Release your inner designer

Located at the base of the hill dominated by Sacre Coeur, is the Marché Saint Pierre, an often overlooked attraction that is one of our favorite shopping districts in Paris. This giant fabric market is full of every sort of cloth and print imaginable. You don’t need to have a project in mind to wander the rolls and swatches of textiles.

If you need some artistic inspiration, the adjacent Halle Saint Pierre (they like Saint Peter up here) holds temporary art exhibits that are bit edgier and contemporary. Entrance costs €8.50 for exhibits, but the main gallery is free. Either way, it’ll be less crowded than the Louvre, for sure!

Load up on baguettes, sandwiches and decadent pastries at Grenier à Pain. Photo: jean-louis Zimmermann

Paris’s best baguette

When it comes to cheap eats, we love a good baguette sandwich in Paris. Fortunately, in Montmartre, you’ll find the Grenier à Pain (38 rue des Abbesses) which has won the prize for the best baguette in Paris twice. That’s no small accomplishment.

Armed with your sandwich(es) and hopefully a pastry or two, you can picnic in front of Sacre Coeur after making the ascent, or hide away in the green Square Suzanne Buisson by Place Dalida on your way up the top.

Coquelicot bakery has been a Montmartre staple since 1978. Photo: Marko K.

Quick and affordable lunch

For a coffee and croissant, or a simple affordable lunch, Coquelicot bakery is where everyone heads (24 rue des Abbesses). Located on Rue des Abbesses, a street choc-a-block with cafés, note that many of these eating options can be pricey, while the food is only so-so. At Coquelicot, the pastries are pretty spot-on, and we go crazy for Le Tigré, a financier cake full of chocolate ganache.

The lunch menu features omelets and a burger for under €7, and they also have a pretty copious brunch for under €20 — a rarity in Paris these days.

With rooms starting at $120 and excellent user reviews, Hotel des Arts is a cheapo favorite. Photo: EuroCheapo

Stay in the neighborhood

If you want to stay in Montmartre, there are plenty of options. From the Hotel Audran and Hotel des Arts to the lovely Ermitage Sacre Coeur, there are definite perks to staying in the district. It’s accessible to most of the sights in the northern end of the city and is a quick metro ride on line 12 to the center to reach the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, and other attractions. (See all recommended budget hotels in Montmartre.)

Even though Montmartre has scrubbed up a bit since its days as an artists’ haven, there are still plenty of quaint streets and cute areas to discover during a day wandering this historic district.

Your favorite Montmartre spots

Do you love exploring Montmartre? Tell us your favorite spots in the comments section below!

The post Paris: How to spend a perfect (cheapo) day in Montmartre appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’re here to help, with a round-up of private tours that specialize in specific aspects of visiting the French capital. These guides are vetted and approved by us, and worth a little splurge in Paris.

Related: Free walking tours in Paris

Discover Paris

Explore Paris’ black history with Monique Wells. Tours focus on various black cultures that became part of Paris, including African-American culture during the early 1900s. Visit haunts made famous by Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, and other notable black figures. They also have self-guided walking tours that you can download.

Walking tours last about two hours; email for prices.
Visit the website

Pedal through quaint French villages with an expert guide with French Mystique Bike Tours. Photo: French Mystique Bike Tours

French Mystique Bike Tours

There are numerous bike tours in Paris, but few actually take you outside the city. Bruce McAleer at French Mystique Tours takes small groups just outside Paris by train to bike the beautiful Parisian countryside, including small towns and chateaus. He also offers quirkier tours in Paris if you’d like.

Tours from three hours, from €150 for the entire group.
Visit the website

The Gay Locals tour will show you LGBT history in surprising places, like this plaque on rue Montorgueil. Photo: The Gay Locals

The Gay Locals

The Gay Locals offers gay or lesbian travelers (and their friends), an LGBT-focused tour that covers gay and lesbian sights, issues, and history beyond just the bars of the Marais. (Although tours hit up the bars, as well!) Private tours are available through one or several neighborhoods. (Note: Send me any questions about these tours, as I’m one of the tour guides for the Gay Locals.)

€350 for a 4-hour neighborhood tour for up to 8 people (including admissions and transit).
Visit the website

Ghost Tours of Paris

For something a little different, the team at Mysteries of Paris tour attempts to take a more frightful approach to the city. Ghost and vampire tours in the evening may be a good option for teenagers and those who might not care as much about history and cheese.

Groups up to 25, €25 per ticket (€20 when booked in advance online).
Visit the website

Take a cooking class or a tasting tour through Paris with La Cuisine. Photo: La Cuisine

La Cuisine

The team at La Cuisine started off with cooking classes, including one that tours a local market. But they also organize a food tours in Paris, including a sweets tour of the Marais and a tour through the old market district Les Halles. They also host a unique trip out to Versailles to learn how the royalty ate at this former royal palace.

Tours from three-hour shopping and cooking, from €95.
Visit the website

A group enjoying the tastes of the Latin Quarter food tour by Paris By Mouth. Photo: Paris By Mouth

Paris By Mouth

Few people can claim the culinary capital amassed by the team at Paris By Mouth. Their tours take visitors to the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, tasting along the way. Group and private tours are also available. Come hungry.

Three-hour tours (with tastings) from €95.
Visit the website

Reduced mobility travelers can book planning services or a tour from Paris for Seniors. Photo: Paris for Seniors

Paris for Seniors

Walking tours aren’t accessible to everyone, but this company thinks that sightseeing in Paris shouldn’t be physically daunting. Genevieve Spicer has created a company that helps reduced mobility travelers in Paris. From knowing how to get around, to hiring a car and a private guide, she can take care of it all.

Half-day tours from €400.
Visit the website

Running past the Eiffel Tower is just one of the highlights of Paris Running Tours. Photo: Paris Running Tours

Paris Running Tours

If you’re looking for both a city tour and a way to burn off those pastries, this company can help. Their experienced local runners will jog you around Paris, showing you some of the best sights along the way. Culture and calorie burning? Sign me up, please.

One-hour tours run from €55 per person.
Visit the website

Exploring a flea market during the Secrets of Paris tour. Photo: Secrets of Paris

Secrets of Paris

Heather Stimmler-Hall, the creator of Secret of Paris, is a Franco-American who has been touring the city for years. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track, she customizes every tour to your needs and expectations, so there’s no script that she’ll be rattling through.

Two-hour tours €250 (up to 6 guests); half-day tours €300-500 (1-6 guests), including admissions.
Visit the website

Get up close to your favorite scenes with a tour from Set in Paris. Photo: Set in Paris

Set in Paris

Paris can often seem like a giant Hollywood back lot, with big productions shooting in the streets and sidewalks, from Funny Face to Midnight in Paris. Movie buffs might appreciate this tour company that focuses on visiting the scenes of some of Hollywood’s most memorable Paris scenes. They offer walks through different districts, and even offer the chance to design a tour based off your favorite movies.

Two-hour walking tour €20 adults, €12 children.
Visit the website

Go on a fun scavenger hunt through the Louvre with a tour from THATLou. Photo: THATLou

THATLou

How do you visit the world’s most visited museum? Why not with a specialized treasure hunt. That’s the idea behind THATLou (Treasure Hunt at the Louvre), where owner Daisy de Plume creates thematic hunts that put teams against each other while discovering many of the 35,000 pieces housed in the Louvre in an innovative way.

Private hunts (up to 15 people) €25 per person, public hunts from €18 per person.
Visit the website

The post Paris: 11 Specialty tours worth booking appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.