But a relaxing oasis is still within your reach, because I’d like to draw your attention to what is, in my humble opinion, the best park in Paris. Parc des Buttes Chaumont is situated in the 19th arrondissement and is one of the largest green spaces in the whole city. It is a refreshing change from the other main parks in central Paris with their perfectly manicured lawns and dusty paths (looking at you, Jardin de Luxembourg), because it is quite rustic and unrefined. Buttes Chaumont is centered around a large lake that surrounds Île de la Belvédère, a tiny island made of rocks with stairs leading up to a beautiful temple structure. Around the lake, you’ll find grassy knolls and hilly spots which give the perfect view of Paris.

Related: Our 7 favorite parks in Paris

If you’re willing to make the trek out to the 19th (which can be quite pleasant, I will add, on bicycle), here’s what Parc des Buttes Chaumont has in store for you:

Exploring grottos, waterfalls and bridges

What used to be an old gypsum and limestone quarry has been transformed into a staggering grotto on the south side of the park. Running through is a waterfall that leads back to the lake. Take a break from your picnic in the sun to explore this enchanting shady spot!

If you’d like to visit the island, you can take impressive the 63-meter suspension bridge over the lake, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Enjoy an amazing array of plants

Parc des Buttes Chaumont was commissioned by Napoleon III as a place to showcase a variety of flora, and this rings true still today. Take a walk around and you’ll find almost 50 different species of trees!

It’s worth the climb for a stunning view of Sacre Coeur. Photo: Ahmad Tarek

Climb high for a spectacular view

Not only do the grassy hills of the park give a wonderful glimpse of the city, but if you climb the stone steps to the top of Île de la Belvédère, you’ll find a beautiful, unhindered and unique view of Paris. From the Temple de la Sibylle, you can see a view of Northern Paris, with the Sacre Coeur as the centerpiece. I highly recommend doing so as the sun sets, so you can see all the lights of the city begin to glimmer.

Sip a cheap pint at outdoor bar Rosa Bonheur

Nestled into the hills of Parc des Buttes Chaumont is Rosa Bonheur, a casual, hip bar and restaurant envisioned as a modern-day guinguette. Grab a €3.50 euro pint and some tapas, and take a seat under the sparkling lampion lights hanging tree to tree. The ambiance is distinctly Parisian without a hint of tackiness. You might want to try and arrive before 8 PM to avoid the crowds, though!

Take the kids for playgrounds and puppets

Parc des Buttes Chaumont is the ideal setting for a family. If your kids aren’t already impressed by the view from the temple or the grotto, they’ll love the park’s very own puppet theater, which hosts shows from the end of April through October. There is also a playground atop the hill to keep them occupied!

Parc des Buttes Chaumont
1 Rue Botzaris
19th Arrondissement
+33 1 44 52 29 19
Metro: Botzaris or Buttes Chaumont

Related: Cheap hotels in northeastern Paris

The post Parc des Buttes Chaumont: A breath of fresh (and free) air in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But Paris weather can be as moody and unpredictable as a French man in love. And when temperatures soar, this means that traditional urban escape strategies like movie theaters and department stores only offer mild relief, especially for travelers used to American ice box settings on the a.c. Besides, not everybody wants to seek refuge indoors when they’re trying to make the most out of a warm weather visit to Paris.

Here are a few survival techniques that will help keep you cool on days when Paris is burning hot.

Quench Your Thirst at Paris’ New Sparkling Water Fountains

Paris’ historic Wallace drinking fountains have always been a free way to quench your thirst. But what if you prefer the sparkling variety and don’t feel like shelling out €4 for a Perrier in a sidewalk cafe?

France’s first sparkling water fountain was recently inaugurated in the Jardin de Reuilly in the 12th arrondissement, and a second fountain is located at the headquarters of Eau de Paris, an organization which manages the city’s public drinking water, on 19 rue Neuve-Tolbiac in the 13th. These drinking fountains offer complimentary chilled sparkling city water made bubbly on the spot.

Mist Yourself Off at Paris Plages

Head to the banks of the Seine from July 20-August 19 and take cover under a beach umbrella at Paris Plages or enjoy one of the micro spray misters set up along the banks where you can cool off without getting drenched (unless you want to).

And if All Else Fails, Jump in a Fountain

The Parisian go-to fountain for this classic urban hot weather survival technique is found in the gardens of the Trocadéro located opposite the Seine and in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Expect it to be packed on scorching days with natives and tourists cooling their toes while taking advantage of the photo op.

The post Free Ways to Cool Down When Paris Heats Up appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.