1. A brand new zoo experience

The zoo in the Parc de Vincennes will reopen this spring, offering modern facilities and a unique way to experience wildlife. Not far from the Chateau de Vincennes, the zoo will be the perfect addition to a day in the Bois de Vincennes for kids and adults alike.

2. Picasso comes back to life

The Picasso Museum will really re-open this June. It was slated for last year, as we so proudly announced in last year’s New Year recap. But this year we mean it. We hope.

3. Art all over town

Other exhibitions are a sure thing this year, from the Louvre to smaller galleries around town. Frank Gehry and Jeff Koons will have their turn at the Pompidou while Robert Mapplethorpe will show off at the Grand Palais. A part of the collection destined for the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be on show at the flagship location, where the Winged Victory will also be coming back after restorations. Welcome home!

4. Jump on the bus

Don’t forget the bus! Maybe 2014 will be the year of cheap weekend trips with the low-cost bus service called IdBus. For a few euros, you can select big destinations like Lyon, Milan, Amsterdam and London, or places where even the low-cost TGV Ouigo doesn’t go!

5. A new face in Hotel de Ville

Just like New York in 2013, municipal elections will usher in a new Paris mayor this year. Our dear Betrand Delanoe will not run again, having held the spot since 2001. It will be an exciting time for Paris this spring as a new leader takes his or her seat at the Hotel de Ville.

6. Guidebook expert advice

If we’re not convincing enough, maybe Lonely Planet’s endorsement will help. The popular guidebook chose Paris as the number one urban destination for this year. Surprised?

7. Les Halles revamp

All of that horrid construction in the center of the city around the historic Les Halles district will be shaping up—finally. The green canopy that will be the standout of the new construction project is set to be completed this year. Whether it’s as monstrous as it looks in images remains to be seen. The neighborhood, however, is sure to change drastically over the next few years, so visit it now while it’s in transition.

8. Swim in style

The Piscine Molitor and the Piscine at Butte aux Cailles will both reopen after years of renovation, allowing you to swim like a lady or chap from the 1920s under beautiful Art Deco ceilings and décor.

9. New event complex

The Carreau du Temple, on the site of the old Knights Templar complex, will also open this April. Another of our failed prediction from 2013 (Paris can move slow sometimes), this year the former market will host local sporting events, performance artists, and various events in a totally renovated structure.

10. Cool souvenirs

The official Paris boutique, already online, will open up a store at the Hotel de Ville—as if you needed more souvenirs? Check out the offerings on their site and stop by the shop once it opens later this year.

11. Sipping on the Seine

The Berges de Seine (opened last year) will have even more restaurants and bars this summer. It will be the new “it” spot for Parisians on the Rive Gauche, and others who dare cross the river. Head down to the 2.3 kilometers of renovated river bank to mingle with the locals at a variety of bars and cafés, including the Rosa Bonheur outpost.

12. Sainte Chapelle revealed

Sick of scaffolding? We are, too. Fortunately work will end on the Sainte Chapelle this autumn (probably December) meaning those gorgeous stained-glass windows that people wait in line for will finally be visible as King Louis IX intended back in the 1200s.

13. Food trucks on the rise

If all else fails, come for the food.  Sure, there are plenty of farm-fresh menus at high end bistros, but have you tried a gourmet burger out of a cart? Paris is bursting with food trucks right now, and 2014 is shaping up to be the year to eat on the street. And if you think you’ve eaten everything in Paris already, Burger King has come back to the French capital, so why not try a Whopper à la francaise?

14. Eiffel Tower turns the big 125

Last year Notre Dame celebrated the big 8-5-0. This year, Paris’s Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower will celebrate its 125^th birthday. Renovations will be finished on the first floor, after two years of construction, featuring a glass floor, new exhibits, refurbished pavilions, and a more eco-friendly approach to running one of the world’s most famous monuments. So far no special party is planned, but the lights will shimmer each night, while fireworks will illuminate the landmark on July 14th, as if she needs any more pomp.

Do you have anything special on your Paris list for 2014? Drop us a tweet, find us on Facebook or just leave a comment below.

The post Paris here we come: 14 reasons to go in 2014 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not in France? Fret not. This week I’m leaving no Francophile or Shopaholic behind! In SELLabration of “Cyber Monday,” most of the shops listed below have online boutiques and offer international shipping. La vie est belle!

Cheaps Ahoy!
Musée national de la Marine
17 place du Trocadéro
Metro: Trocadéro; 16th Arron.
Librairie-Boutique

The Musée de la Marine’s shop is a charmer. Long and narrow like a romantically lit ship’s salon, you’ll think you’re hearing waves softly lapping against the hull as you browse. Here you’ll find ocean liner posters, postcards, books, toy sailors, model ships, and striped shirts by designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Mais oui, so pinch yourself, Matey! Even the shopping bags are suited in stripes. Now that’s an outfit!

Recent scores: A beautifully illustrated “Les Marins Font La Mode” catalog for €2, discounted from €6!

Supercalifrugalistic!
Musée du Louvre
Metro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre; 1st Arron.
Boutique en ligne

The Louvre’s shop not only discounts catalogs from its previous expositions by up to 60% off their original cost, but also carries current and back issues of “albums de l’exposition.” Published by Beaux Arts Magazine, Connaissance des Arts, Le Figaro, or the Louvre itself, these slim gems are usually prominently displayed, lightweight and affordable, costing just €2 to €10.

Books and catalogs are located on the first floor, and textiles, decorative arts and paper works are showcased on the second level. Keep your eyes peeled for the Marie Antoinette section! Take heed: alluring and glittery souvenirs beckon on both levels. (Do keep your head.) Also, gift-wrapping with miles of ribbon is free, no matter the price or size of your purchase. You just have to ask for it. Your cat and cat sitter will thank you!

Recent scores: Hand-blown Egyptian glasses in teal, green and cobalt blue for €7 a pop.

The shop vitrine at Musée des Les Arts Décoratifs

À la mode!
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107 rue de Rivoli
Metro: Palais Royale – Musée du Louvre; 1st Arron.
La Boutique

After shopping at the Louvre’s boutique, saunter on over to the nearby shop at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Designed by Bruno Moinard, this super glam shop boasts extensive and well-organized shelves of books, jewelry, and stationary. You’ll also be wooed by modern and funky table linens, candle holders, vases, dinnerware, stemware, flatware, and things to wear! Groovy entertaining just got easier!

Recent scores: A set of 100% cotton Napkins by Les Arts Decoratifs sets for €4!

Pipe dreams!
Centre Pompidou
Metro: Rambuteau; 4th Arron.
La Boutique du Centre Pompidou

Easy access is just one of the reasons I fancy the Pompidou’s Librairie Flammarion Centre! Nestled on the right hand side of the spacious forum, it’s Bee-line-able. Like the Louvre, the shop frequently discounts its deep inventory of books and catalogs. Lofty ceilings, wide aisles and indirect lighting make for easy browsing. Here you’ll also find films, stationery, calendars, and notebooks stacked on enormous tables as high as the eye of Napoleon’s plaster elephant!

If you need a little mod design to-gos, cross the vast lobby to the mezzanine level on the left, where the Boutique Printemps Design will dazzle you with a range of designer knick-knacks.

Recent scores: A skinny “C’est à ne pas oublier” notebook in cherry red for €5 and exposition catalog Dreamlands: Des parcs d’attractions aux cités du future for €8!

All dolled up!
Musée de la Poupée
Impasse Berthaud
Metro: Rambuteau; 3rd Arron.
Boutique Poupée

After shopping at the Centre Pompidou, pop by the shop at the nearby Musée de la Poupée (Doll Museum). Here, stylish Sybarite dolls coolly hold court at the entrance to a shop stocked with hundreds of other poupées du monde! Created by Charles Fegen and Desmond Lingard for the museum, the Sybarites were inspired by the 17th-century French fashion dolls called the Pandores. Before catalogs and websites, the Parisian fashion industry used articulated dolls to market their creations, targeting and attracting an international clientele for the first time. Even Henri IV sent “jointed babies” to his fiancé Marie de Medici in Italy so that she would arrive at court in Paris wearing only au courant garb!

The Musée de la Poupée’s shop also carries books, catalogs, postcards, and exquisite miniature clothing ensembles. Contact the super helpful Claire Favot Conand with questions about sizes, brands or names.

Just a kiss!
Musée Rodin
77 rue de Varenne
Metro: Varenne or Invalides; 7th Arron.
Boutique

Passionately curated and stocked by Alberto Brusamolino, there’s beacoup to appreciate about the Musée Rodin’s shop. After visiting Rodin’s muscular marvels, I often find myself lingering in the shop in order to prolong the delightfully amorous feeling that all that bronze and marble just induced. Truth be told, it does the trick for me every time.

Here you’ll find replica sculptures, books, catalogs, stationary, jewelry, tote bags, and textiles. Do check out the online boutique. It’s striking, super-organized and almost as fun as “being there!” Questions? Contact Mr. Brusamolino! PDF catalog is also available.

Cheapos, do you have a favorite museum gift shop in Paris? Do shop and tell!

The post Favorite Museum Gift Shops in Paris (with Cheapo Tips) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Boutique or bouquiniste?

Gifts from museum shops or boutiques can be expensive. So, we suggest looking for inspiration at any of the city’s museums or art galleries, and then purchasing your souvenir posters at a riverside bouquiniste.  Similar in look to outdoor newsstands, these green stalls are located along the river Seine and sell vintage magazines and newspapers, as well as old maps of Paris, art reproductions, and French books.

We especially love the colorful turn-of-the-century advertisements for liquor, cigarettes, cocoa, and milk, as well as the cabaret posters of the same era. Most wares will run you less than €10.

Souvenir savoir-faire

The first Seine-side salesmen appeared in the 19th century on quai Voltaire and sold many of the same items you still see sold today. In 1993, President Jacques Chirac created legal standards for the wooden stands. Today, around 250 vendors—bouquinistes—can be found in the city of light. Peppered along the right bank, on Pont Marie, at Quai du Louvre, the left bank, at Quai de la Tournelle, and the original quai Voltaire, they carry cheapo souvenirs in abundance.

We’ve also got a post on 5 gift ideas for less than €5 for some more souvenir tips.

Calling all Cheapos: Do you recommend buying souvenirs from a Parisian bouquiniste? Tell us about your experience below, or suggest another cheap Parisian souvenir!

Also see: Our list of recommended budget hotels in Paris.

The post Paris cheap souvenir: Art posters and vintage books appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Doubles €55-68

We love scouting out small, quirky hotels in Paris. Happily, the city is full of independent, charming hotels that offer rooms at very reasonable rates. One that we have an especially deep “crush” on is Hotel les Chansonniers (“The Singers”). Located a bit off-the-beaten path, this cheery hotel has a whole lotta heart and soul, and 40 clean and cheap rooms.

If you stay at Les Chansonniers, be sure to say hello to the lovely owner, Madame Sellam. She has a passion for music and takes pride in rooms touting the lives of great songstresses like Edith Piaf. The minute you step inside the note-worthy lobby and hotel bar, you’ll swoon.

What do we mean when we say “off the beaten path”? The property is in the Republique neighborhood, a bit northeast of the main sights, but very well connected by the Metro. The area is busy and working-class. It’s not Latin Quarter touristy, but brims instead with local activity. In short, it may not be right for first-time travelers to Paris who want a hotel steps from the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame.

Read our full review of Hotel les Chansonniers.

Cheapo tip: Try to stay in one of the two top-floor rooms that come with Jacuzzis!

Find more budget hotels in Paris and read our budget guide to traveling in Paris.

The post Paris Crush: Hotel les Chansonniers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.