paris parks – EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog EuroCheapo editors take on the world of budget travel. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:54:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.3 Top 25 free things to do in Paris https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-25-free-things-to-see-and-do.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-25-free-things-to-see-and-do.html#comments Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:00:50 +0000 https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=43048 You really don’t have to spend much money at all to enjoy Paris. Sure, food and a hotel will require a bit of an investment, but if you play your cards right, you can soak up the best Paris has to offer without dropping an extra euro. That’s because there are hundreds of free things » Read more

The post Top 25 free things to do in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
You really don’t have to spend much money at all to enjoy Paris. Sure, food and a hotel will require a bit of an investment, but if you play your cards right, you can soak up the best Paris has to offer without dropping an extra euro.

That’s because there are hundreds of free things to do in Paris, from markets to churches, parks, and concerts. We’ve pulled together our favorites below, with something to appeal to every type of traveler.

Have something to add to our list? Add your own free favorite activity in the comments section at the end of the post.

Related:
45 ways to save on your trip to Paris
How to save on your hotel in Paris


Top 25 free things to do in Paris

Here’s our official “Top 25” list of our favorite sights and activities in Paris that are completely free. Now let’s explore Paris… gratuit!

1. Try to get lost

We need to start with the most celebrated (if obvious!) freebie of all in Paris… getting lost in this romantic metropolis. Pick a starting point and just go. Soak up the sights and the sounds, the sidewalk ballet, the countless stories playing out before you. Move with the flow and see where the city takes you. Chances are you’ll stumble upon a new favorite shop, cafe or lunch spot — or at least wind up with a few stories to tell. (And you’re never really lost, of course. You’re hardly ever more than a couple blocks from a Metro stop — and a quick trip back to where you started.)

2. Bridges over the Seine

We know, it sounds so cliché, but strolling the bridges of Paris is truly a timeless activity. Of course, the bridges are free to cross, the tolls having disappeared hundreds of years ago. The Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, and Pont Alexandre III are some of the most famous of the city’s bridges.

And a warning: Don’t even think about spending money attaching one of those locks to any bridge. That’s not cool anymore, so please refrain, thanks!

3. Candy samples

Many of the city’s chocolatiers will offer you a sample if you seem keen to purchase their wares, and some extra-friendly spots encourage samples, even if you don’t have a cent in your pocket to buy anything afterward.

4. Christmas markets

We’re not rushing the seasons here, but the delightful Christmas markets in Paris are coming up soon, and they are all delightfully free to wander. Splurge on a bit of hot wine (“vin chaud”), please, but other than that, there’s no reason to do too much shopping, as prices tend to be a bit inflated for oddball items. Enjoy the atmosphere for zero euros.

5. Churches

Nearly all of Paris’ historic churches are free to enter, wander the aisles, and sit and contemplate. You will need to buy a ticket to take in the stunning stained glass of the Sainte-Chapelle (recommended) and to descend into the crypts of Saint-Denis, but otherwise, all of Paris’ Catholic sanctuaries are free to enter.

Although we are still mourning the loss of Notre Dame (which fortunately reopens its doors this December!), there are other beautiful churches like Saint Sulpice and Saint Germain-des-Prés that you can see and almost never have a wait. In short: If you see a church, stop in and see what’s behind those doors. You’ll probably be impressed.

6. Covered shopping arcades

Fortunately, several of Paris’ charming 19th-century shopping arcades (“passages”) are still open and lined with cute shops and galleries. These glass-covered passages, located mostly in the 9th and 2nd arrondissements, offer an atmospheric throw-back, rich with beautiful architecture.

Our favorites include the Passage des Panoramas near the Musée Grévin and the Passage du Grand Cerf near rue Montorgueil.

7. Eiffel Tower light show

It’s the epitome of kitsch and we love every sparkling moment of it. Every hour on the hour at night, the Eiffel Tower lights up for a few minutes, glittering wildly like the diva she is. Catch a great view from one of the bridges or from Trocadéro just across the river. And good luck with those photos!

8. First Sundays of the month

On the famous first Sunday of the month, admission to Paris’ largest and most famous museums is free. That’s quite a deal, although it also brings with it crowds and insanity. To keep your sanity, avoid any major museums like the Orsay. It’s pointless to wait in line for an hour to save a few euros.

Instead, take advantage of the free admission and head to one of the less famous museums like the Musée des Arts et Métiers or the Musée National Eugène Delacroix. You’ll get in for free and won’t have to wait in line. It’s a cheapo win-win!

9. Galeries Lafayette’s observation deck

Sure, the iconic department store Galeries Lafayette doesn’t give away its merchandise, but that doesn’t stop us from visiting the gorgeous stained glass cupola or heading to the observation deck. Take the escalator all the way to the top for a great free view of Paris, and you won’t break a sweat or your wallet.

10. Gardens and parks

From the Tuileries to the Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris’ few but formidable green spaces are all free to enter and explore. Throw a picnic in the Place des Vosges, sniff the flowers of the Jardin des Plantes or go for a jog in Parc Montsouris with the locals. No admission, no fuss. Just free outdoor beauty.

Related: Parc des Buttes Chaumont: A breath of fresh (and free) air in Paris

Spend a free afternoon visiting the final resting place of everyday Parisians. Photo: Faungg

Spend a free afternoon visiting the final resting place of everyday Parisians. Photo: Faungg

11. Graves

No matter which cemetery you visit — Père Lachaise, Montmartre, Passy, or Montparnasse — the final resting place of famous and everyday Parisians are free to visit. These beautiful cemeteries feature stunning graves and mausoleums of some of the most famous Parisians, including Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, and temporary resident Oscar Wilde. But just as interesting and beautiful are the graves of thousands of normal Parisians. Spend an afternoon getting lost wandering through history.

12. Hotel de Ville exhibits

Always keep an eye on the grand Hotel de Ville (City Hall), which regularly hosts free exhibits throughout the year. The shows could be about anything from movies and fashion to history and art. Lines can get long during the weekends, so try to go during the week if possible. (Check out this page for exhibits.)

13. Mansions in the Marais

The Marais was once the home of the rich and (possibly) famous. Many mansions dating back to the Renaissance are still here, including the Hotel de Soubise and the Hotel de Sully. Many of these are now public buildings or museums that are free to explore inside.

While wandering the Marais, be on the lookout for large doors with cute courtyards that might be open to the public, like the Hotel de Marle that houses the Swedish Institute and their cute little café.

Related: A Cheapo day in the Marais

Visit the Maison Victor Hugo to check out where the great writer worked and lived. Photo: BernieCB

Visit the Maison Victor Hugo to check out where the great writer worked and lived. Photo: BernieCB

14. Museums

The museums run by the city of Paris are F-R-E-E whenever they’re open. The Musée Carnavalet (which reopened in 2021),the Victor Hugo House, and the Musée de la Vie Romantique (which is temporarily closed for renovations until March 2026) are just a few that we can name. Most are closed Monday — you’ve been warned.

Note that several of these museums (we’re looking at you, Carnavalet) will push you to purchase a “donation ticket” for €5, while others (like Maison Victor Hugo) will push tickets for not-free temporary exhibits. Payment is not required for entry, although, of course, donations to museums and cultural institutions are always a good idea.

Related: A list of free and discounted museums in Paris

15. Music recitals

Many of Paris’ lovely old churches offer free musical recitals, most notably the Eglise Saint-Merri next to the Pompidou Center. You’ll likely find something free and classical most nights.

16. Produce markets

Heading to an outdoor food or shopping market, like the Bastille market on Thursday and Sunday, is a great way to see how many of the locals go grocery shopping. The best part is that vendors will often toss you a slice of cantaloupe or whatever they are pushing that day. Take the samples, enjoy them, and pay nothing.

Related: 10 Tips for shopping at outdoor markets in Paris

17. Promenade Plantée

Stroll above the streets on this renovated, elevated train track. You can basically walk from Bastille to Vincennes with very little car traffic to get in your way along Promenade Plantée. It’s a favorite for joggers on the weekends and early mornings, though, so give us — I mean them — a little space, please.

Related: 12 Things to do on a budget in the 12th arrondissement

18. Royal castle

The Chateau de Vincennes, in the east of Paris, is an actual castle that was once home to several of France’s most important kings, as well as a prison for at least one other. It may not be as regal today as it was during its heyday, having been a bit beaten up over the years, but strolling the grounds is a delight… and delightfully free. (You’ll need to pay to get inside, but no pressure.)

19. Ruins and monuments

People don’t automatically consider ancient civilizations when they think of Paris, but we have our share of ruins, ancient monuments and other artifacts, including the Egyptian obelisk at Place de la Concorde. There are also Roman baths next to the Musée de Cluny and, a crowd pleaser, the Arènes de Lutèce, the old Roman amphitheater in the Latin Quarter. Today, locals play pétanque in the old gladiatorial arenas while tourists stop in for a picnic and to use the free Wi-Fi. Times have indeed changed!

Related: 20 Overlooked attractions to explore in Paris | Where to find free Wi-Fi in Paris

20. Street art

Who said art has to be confined to a gallery? Street art from Belleville to the Canal Saint-Martin to Place d’Italie changes semi-regularly, so there’s always something new to see. If you’re a true fan of street art, you can check out the official Paris tourism site for tips on seeing works up close.

21. UNESCO world heritage sites

Usually, UNESCO heritage sites are a big deal, but in Paris, you can stroll one for absolutely free. The banks of the Seine are considered a world heritage site, and with renovated portions like the Berges de Seine finally free of automobiles, it’s a free, world-class activity. (Unless, of course, you get distracted by the cafés and bars along the Berges…)

22. Stuffed animals

The Musée de la Chasse et la Nature is a fantastic museum for anyone interested in dead animals, but the Deyrolle shop in Saint Germain-des-Prés is a great, free-to-visit alternative. This taxidermy shop has a huge collection of stuffed animals that died of natural causes — no poaching here. Maybe you’ll leave with a little butterfly… or something larger. Who knows? (Just be careful about what you bring home!)

View Montmartre

An endless view of the city from the tip-top of Montmartre. Photo: Craig Nelson

23. Views

You don’t need to pay to get a nice view of Paris. Forget the Eiffel Tower. You can march up Montmartre, get off the beaten path in Parc de Belleville, or take the elevator to the top of the Institut du Monde Arabe for some stellar shots of Paris. No lines, no fees, just free awesome views over the most beautiful city in the world.

24. Walking tours

We’ve written before about the free Paris tours — which are never really free — but they are a great way to get a cheapo orientation to the city. You’re expected to tip your guides, and they will make this abundantly clear during the 3-4 hour tour. A few euros is usually acceptable, but paper money always makes their day. (Trust me, I know, I was one!)

25. Year-round culture

Depending on when you come to Paris, culture surrounds you and is usually free. It might be free outdoor cinema in the summer, an open-door day at the major monuments, live concerts, a festival, a parade, a fake beach, or free macaron day.

Do your research and know what’s on when you arrive so that you can take advantage of the year-long free events that Paris hosts.

Your favorite free things to do in Paris?

Have something gratuit to add to our list? Add your favorite free thing in our comments section below!

The post Top 25 free things to do in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-25-free-things-to-see-and-do.html/feed 11 11 43048 68
Parc des Buttes Chaumont: A breath of fresh (and free) air in Paris https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/parc-des-buttes-chaumont.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/parc-des-buttes-chaumont.html#respond Tue, 19 Aug 2014 12:24:59 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=38933 It’s summer in Paris, and what better way to enjoy the warm breeze than a picnic in the park? When one thinks of parks in Paris, Champ de Mars is often the traveler’s favorite. It’s the long stretch of grass surrounding the Eiffel Tower… you know, the iconic spot that’s probably in your Paris daydreams. » Read more

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

]]>
It’s summer in Paris, and what better way to enjoy the warm breeze than a picnic in the park? When one thinks of parks in Paris, Champ de Mars is often the traveler’s favorite. It’s the long stretch of grass surrounding the Eiffel Tower… you know, the iconic spot that’s probably in your Paris daydreams. Unfortunately, this park is quite crowded during warm weather, and you won’t exactly feel at one with nature beside all the food and street vendors.

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!

Parc des Buttes Chaumont view

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.

]]>
https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/parc-des-buttes-chaumont.html/feed 0 0 38933 77
Summer in Paris: 9 ways to celebrate that won’t break the bank https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-summer-events.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-summer-events.html#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2014 11:53:36 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=37878 Looking for fun and affordable things to do this summer in Paris? Look no further. Just make sure you bring your own SPF since sunscreen can get pricey here… 1. Stroll les Berges de Seine The renovated banks along the Seine were one of the best gifts the mayor gave the city last year. This » Read more

The post Summer in Paris: 9 ways to celebrate that won’t break the bank appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
Looking for fun and affordable things to do this summer in Paris? Look no further. Just make sure you bring your own SPF since sunscreen can get pricey here…

1. Stroll les Berges de Seine

The renovated banks along the Seine were one of the best gifts the mayor gave the city last year. This year, they will be in full swing. Games, restaurants and a second location of Rosa Bonheur, the “it” place in Buttes Chaumont that now has a riverside address.

The berges are the place to see and be seen on hazy summer evenings, so scope out your favorite section and prepare for a summer of excellent people watching. Check out the official website for locations.

2. Must see museum exhibits

For those days when the weather isn’t cooperating, there are still plenty of great shows in some of Paris’ most famed galleries. A few recommendations:

Check out the “Paris 1900” exhibition at the Petit Palais through August 17.

Stop in the Louvre to see the Abu Dhabi collection that will be premiering in the museum’s newest location that is set to open 2015. It’s on display through July 28 before being packed up for its new home.

The Musée Maillol has the Trésor de Naples through July 20 to discover some historic glitz and glam from Italy.

Also see our full list of Paris museum admission fees and discounts.

Fête de la Musique

The annual Fête de la Musique brings live bands out into the streets of Paris for an all night party. Photo: straightfromthecask

3. Fête de la Musique

June 21

An all-night party in Paris with music at every turn? OK! Urban music is the special guest this year, so it’s anyone’s guess what kind of performers we’ll be seeing. But the whole night is about music out in the open for the public to enjoy—and that’s just what you’ll get.

Simply wander the streets and follow the sounds, just don’t stay out too late, because it can get kind of messy in the wee hours of the morning. Find out more on the Fete’s official website.

Bastille Day fireworks

The fireworks display on Bastille Day is a must-see for any summertime visitor. Photo: Yann Caradec

4. Celebrate Bastille Day

July 14

We’d be remiss to talk about summer in Paris without mentioning the Bastille Day celebrations. From the firemen’s parties (bals de pompiers) to the military parade on the Champs Elysées, there’s fun to be had for all. And as long as you don’t mind crowds, be sure to see the pièce de résistance—the fireworks behind the Eiffel Tower. It’s a Parisian summer staple. Here’s a full round up of Bastille Day events.

Paris Plages

Take a break with a frozen treat or break our your swimsuit for some sun along the Seine. Photo: passionleica

5. Hit the beach at Paris Plages

July 20 – August 20

It’s a mainstay of the summer in Paris, be it along the Seine or up along the Canal in the 19th arrondissement. The banks are turned into beachside resorts where families can catch a bit of sun, dig their feet in the sand and enjoy dancing and other events sponsored by City Hall—for free.

6. Cinéma en Plein Air

Starting July 23

Up by the old abattoirs at La Villette in the 19th, the lawn offers primo seating for Paris’ biggest outdoor (and free) movie screen. When the sun goes down, the pictures start rolling. Pack a picnic and throw down your best blanket. This year the theme is “Adolescence,” which means movies like “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Scream 4” will regale audiences. See the schedule on the festival’s website.

7. Cinéma au Clair de Lune

July 31 – August 11

If you don’t like the film selections at La Villette, try the smaller but equally Parisian (and free) Cinéma au Clair de Lune. A series of films are projected in some of Paris’ most iconic parks, squares and public places. The location changes every night, so be sure to check the listings once they’re posted by the Forum des Images on their website.

8. Ride with Ratatouille at Paris Disneyland

Opening summer 2014
Website

Found a good deal on Disneyland tickets? Head on out to the park and look for the new Ratatouille ride opening this summer. The hotly anticipated addition to the Walk Disney Studio section of the park will be a 3D event starring everyone’s favorite Pixar rat. The attraction features a Disneyfied version of Haussmann architecture, recreating the quaint streets of Paris in addition to a bistro. So there’s really no reason to leave the park, right?

9. Picnic in the park

Paris in the summer also means picnics. Assorted meats from the local butcher. Wine and cheese. Beer and chips. Orangina and, well, whatever pairs with Orangina. All are fair game. Speaking of games, don’t forget to pack your pétanque balls or Molkky set to entertain you and your fellow picnickers as you sit back and relax, doing exactly what one should do in Paris.

Need ideas on where to enjoy your spread? Here are 8 great spots to enjoy a Paris picnic.

The post Summer in Paris: 9 ways to celebrate that won’t break the bank appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-summer-events.html/feed 1 1 37878 68
5 fun things to do with kids in Paris https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-the-best-children-friendly-attractions.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-the-best-children-friendly-attractions.html#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:38:13 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=11075 Growing up, my dad’s battle cry was, “Tour it, explore it and adore it!” Entire weekends were spent discovering Washington D.C. (with kazoos in hand). Because I helped plan the days we spent there, the museum-lined National Mall became both our second backyard and my very first frontier. So in celebration of freedom of choice » Read more

The post 5 fun things to do with kids in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
Growing up, my dad’s battle cry was, “Tour it, explore it and adore it!” Entire weekends were spent discovering Washington D.C. (with kazoos in hand). Because I helped plan the days we spent there, the museum-lined National Mall became both our second backyard and my very first frontier.

A doll at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market in Paris

At the Porte de Vanves Flea Market

So in celebration of freedom of choice and “seizing the day,” here’s a grab bag of activities for kids in Paris that not only would have captured my imagination at age 10, but still holds magical appeal today.

So play on, Cheapos!

1. 400 bows: The Doll Museum

Got a broken doll or a one-eyed sock monkey? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Véronique Derez at the Le Musée de la Poupée. La Docteur Miracle is usually on call on Thursday afternoons, and will gladly mend eyeballs, replace lashes and repair heads. Permanent collection feature the 400 historic French dolls.

Check out the clothing for the dollies in the gift boutique. Looking for a vintage doll to call your very own? Skip on over to the Porte de Vanves Flea Market any weekend morning.

2. Day for knight: the Army Museum

Nestled in what was once Louis XIV’s military hospital, the Musée de l’Armée is a definite hit not to be missed. Watch out for Catherine de Médici’s stone bow and Henri IV’s sword, dripping in mother-of-pearls. See Charles de Gaulle’s leather bomber jacket, and Napoleon’s tent, hat and little dog too!

Up in the attic, model railroad bugs can feast their eyes on the military model collection. On either end of your visit, picnic down the street on the grassy Champs de Mars. This former marching grounds is my favorite spot for gazing up at the Eiffel Tower, sun soaking and people-watching.

3. A real scoop: The new Chocolate Museum

Around St. Valentine’s Day 2010, Le musée Gourmand du Chocolat opened its doors in the heart of Bonne Nouvelle. The museum serves up 4,000 years of history, along with free chocolate samplings. Signage is in both French and English, and at a kid’s eye view, to boot

The Chocolate Museum in Paris

Inside the Chocolate Museum

After your tour, stop by the shop for cookbooks and molds, along with chocolate lipsticks, candles and bags of chocolate from all over the globe. Ooh, la la. Also, Cheapos, discount bookstore Mona Lisait and Le Grande Rex movie palace are located just a few blocks away.

4. Right round like a record: The carousels

The Sun King set the French love affair with the carousel in motion when he installed a wooden one in his amusement park at Versailles! Today nearly every square in Paris boasts one. My favorite carousel is deep in the Jardin du Luxembourg (where kids try to spear brass rings with tiny lances), designed by Opéra architect Charles Garnier.

My pet merry-go-round spins at the Place des Abbesses. The difference between a carousel and a merry-go-round? The latter features a variety of animals and transports, while the former only wild horses!

5. Send in the clowns

But think seasonal. During the fall and winter, warm-up with the clowns at Cirque d’hiver Bouglione. Imagine! Degas, Seurat, and Toulouse-Lautrec all sat tight on the same velvet seats at this old one ring circus.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont’s Théâtre Guignol Anatole

Chaumont’s Théâtre Guignol Anatole

Tips: Stop by the nearby Clown Bar for a pre-show nibble. Its circus memorabilia-covered walls and frites will help get the party started. Pack your camera because there’s usually a photo-op with the troupe during intermission. For the love of Bozo, just do it.

Haribo street candy in Paris

Haribo street candy

During the warmer months, get punchy with the 202-year-old puppet Guignol and his rowdy entourage at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont’s Théâtre Guignol Anatole. Before moving to the park in 1867, this same theater worked the crowds into laughing frenzies over on the Champs Élysées.

There are more than a dozen puppet theaters in Paris. For current show listings, pick up a copy of Pariscope (the weekly entertainment guide) at any newsstand or kiosk. Buttes-Chaumont’s temple, cliffs, cavern and waterfall lend a panoramic backdrop to any scene.

Additional Pick-me-ups

Best French supermarket cookies (for touring fatigue): Lu Biscuits
Best French soda pop (in a super cool bottle) to order in a café: Orangina
Best place to score the perfect snow globe: the shops at the Place du Tertre in Montmartre
Best street candy: Germany’s Haribo (another meltdown cure)

The post 5 fun things to do with kids in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-the-best-children-friendly-attractions.html/feed 3 3 11075 42
Paris: Outdoor delights at the Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-outdoor-delights-at-the-jardin-des-tuileries-and-the-jardin-du-luxembourg.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-outdoor-delights-at-the-jardin-des-tuileries-and-the-jardin-du-luxembourg.html#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:03:10 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=8737 Next month marks my birthday, along with those of two former French queens, so why not celebrate April in Paris with a little regalicious pomp and circumstance at either Catherine de Médici’s Jardin des Tuileries or Marie de Médici’s Jardin du Luxembourg? Suivez-moi, Cheapos! Jardin des Tuileries Métro: Tuileries, Concorde, Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre, Pyramides » Read more

The post Paris: Outdoor delights at the Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
Next month marks my birthday, along with those of two former French queens, so why not celebrate April in Paris with a little regalicious pomp and circumstance at either Catherine de Médici’s Jardin des Tuileries or Marie de Médici’s Jardin du Luxembourg?

Suivez-moi, Cheapos!

Jardin des Tuileries

Métro: Tuileries, Concorde, Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre, Pyramides
(Tip: I recommend Concorde because it’s located near two English bookshops!)

Size: Sixtysomething acres on the Right Bank

One of many statues in the park

One of many statues in the park

Peeks and Valleys: Created by Catherine de Médici during the 17th Century (with a slight Italian flair), the gardens were given a redo by landscape architect André Le Nôtre during the Sun King’s reign. After the Big Wigs’ move to Versailles, it became one of the first public parks. Sadly, this was also where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were held prisoners during the French Revolution. At that time, due to years of neglect, the park was rampant with duckweed, prostitution, and angry mobs.

What’s in a name? The Jardin des Tuileries (literally, “the tileworks”) was built atop the clay pits of the former city tile factory. Back then, most of the buildings were roofed with tiles.

Multi-taskers: It’s a tile’s throw from the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume (former Royal tennis court), Musée Les Arts Décoratifs, the Musée de la Mode et Textile, the Musée du Louvre, and the Musée de l’Orangerie!

Lust for Life: Swanky cafés, chairs, and over one hundred statues (including many by Maillol) seductively tempt. Writer Henry Miller made no secret of his profound love of the voluptuous bronzes. “Dashing here or there like a bedbug, gathering [cigarette] butts now and then, sometimes furtively, sometimes brazenly; sitting down on a bench and squeezing my guts to stop the gnawing or walking through the Jardin des Tuileries getting [suggestive term deleted] looking at the dumb statues.” It’s Miller, after all. Ooh, la la.

Snack time at the Tuileries

Snack time at the Tuileries

Where to buy reading material: Pick up a magazine or book at W.H. Smith at 248 Rue de Rivoli, or at Galignani at 224 rue de Rivoli. (Both have plenty of books in English.) Also near Place de la Concorde, you’ll find the Jardin des Tuileries Bookshop, specializing in garden books. Browse deeply. Your plants back home will thank you.

Study the masters: Prepare for your visit by getting an eyeful of Manet’s “Music in the Tuileries.” At the Lourve, you’ll find Eugéne Lami’s “Entrée de la duchesse d’Orléans dans le jardin des Tuileries.” The Jardin des Tuileries has also played muse to photographers Atget, Brassaï, and Doisneau.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Métro: Notre-Dame des Champs, Odéon, Port-Royal, Rennes, or Vavin
(Tip: I recommend the Notre-Dame des Champs Métro station because, Cheapos, as you meander your way to the park, you’ll pass a grocery store and a string of funky boutiques.)

A regal view

A regal view

Size: Sixty-something acres on the Left Bank

The hoedown: Created by Marie de Médici and garden theorist Boyeau de La Bareaudière with a Florentine twist during the 17th Century, it opened to the public in 1778. Rumor has it that Hemingway hunted for pigeons here during his lean salad days. He wrote:

“When you were skipping meals at a time when you had given up journalism and were writing nothing that anyone in America would buy, the best place to do it was the Luxembourg gardens where you saw and smelled nothing to eat all the way from the Place de L’Observatoire to the rue de Vaugirard.”

At the Jardin du Luxembourg.

At the Jardin du Luxembourg

Multi-taskers: It’s conveniently near the Musée de Cluny (Museum of the Middle Ages) and the Musée du Luxembourg (currently closed).

Garden of delights: The Jardin du Luxembourg boasts a hefty collection of over 100 statues (showcasing former French queens and female saints), the Medici Fountain, the octagonal Grand Bassin surrounded by raised terraces, Bartholdi’s original State of Liberty prototype, a school for training bee keepers, and a théâtre des marionnettes! There are also pear and apple orchards, flowerbeds with gillyflowers and dahlias, orange, date, and pomegranate trees. Games include tennis, running, chess, toy boat racing, boules (lawn bowling), donkey rides, and a carrousel where kids can try to spear golden rings with little lances!

Where to buy reading material: San Francisco Books at 17 Rue Monsieur le Prince (Metro Odéon) specializes in used books in English.

Strike a pose: Luxembourg flirted with photographers Atget, Brassaï, and Doisneau. Painter Watteau paid calls too. It also had a reoccurring role in Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Misérables.”

And so Cheapos, in the words of Henry Valentine Miller, “The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware: joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware!” So keep your eyes peeled!

[Editor’s Note: Happy birthday, Theadora! We hope you celebrate like a queen!]

The post Paris: Outdoor delights at the Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

]]>
https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-outdoor-delights-at-the-jardin-des-tuileries-and-the-jardin-du-luxembourg.html/feed 2 2 8737 42