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.

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.