We highly recommend treating yourself to a classic French meal at least once during your stay, but for those other nights when you’d like to reign in your budget, it’s wise to have a few cheap and delicious options in mind. And remember, if you want to splurge, you can always go for a nice prix-fixe lunch. There are several great lunch deals starting from €14 that will fill you up in style, and help you save later with a light dinner.

Tips for Paris hotels:
• The Best budget accommodations in Paris
• Simple ways to save on your hotel in Paris
• 11 Cheap hotels with lots of character and charm

Our favorite cheap dinners in Paris

With that in mind, here are eight trusted Paris dinner spots, all of which can be enjoyed for less than €10.

1. L’as du fallafel: Delicious Middle Eastern eats

A Paris classic and perennial cheapo favorite in the Marais, L’as du fallafel attracts foodies from all over the world. And for good reason! The falafel sandwich here is simply fantastic, and at around €8, it’s one of the best deals in Paris. The only downside: Be prepared to wait in a line (but it moves quickly).

32-34 Rue des Rosiers
4th arrondissement
+33 1 48 87 63 60
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)

Related: Top affordable Paris hotels in the Marais

2. Breizh Café: Savory and sweet crepes

A short walk from L’as du fallafel, Breizh Café serves up some of the best crepes in Paris. Paris food expert and cookbook author David Lebovitz loves the buckwheat versions with egg, ham and cheese. Try a savory one for around €9-12, and you’ll be full and happy all night!

109 Rue Vieille du Temple
3rd arrondissement
+33 1 42 72 13 77
Metro: Saint-Sébastien – Froissart (Line 8)

3. Krishna Bhavan: Spicy Indian food for less

Paris may not be known for its Indian food, but this place is a great option if you’re looking for something to spice things up. At Krishna Bhavan, you can enjoy a hearty dish, side, and drink for about €10 around the corner from Gare du Nord.

24 Rue Cail
10th arrondissement
+33 1 42 05 78 43
Metro: La Chapelle (Line 2)

4. Higuma: Well-priced Japanese menu

Rue Sainte-Anne in the 1st arrondissement is home to many tasty Japanese restaurants that serve a range of budgets. Higuma offers the perfect balance of delicious food and low prices. A bowl of ramen here starts at only €7.50 and most dishes are under €10.

32 bis Rue Sainte-Anne
1st arrondissement
+33 1 47 03 38 59
Metro: Pyramides (Lines 7 and 14)

Related: Cheap hotels near the Louvre

5. Bistrot Victoires: Tasty salads and French fare

A perennial favorite, Bistrot Victoire is classic, cozy and ideal for those traveling on a budget who want to enjoy authentic French cuisine. Try any of their amazing salads for €10-11 each.

6 Rue la Vrillière
1st arrondissement
+33 1 42 61 43 78
Metro: Bourse or Sentier (Line 3)

6. Chartier: Classic French on a budget

A tried and true budget eater’s paradise, Chartier serves up no-frills classic French food at crazy good prices. We love it so much, we wrote an ode to it on our blog. Mains range from €8.50-13.50, an exceptional value in modern day Paris.

7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre
9th arrondissement
01 47 70 86 29
Métro: Grands Boulevards (Lines 8 & 9)

Related: Cheap Paris hotels in the 9th arrondissement

7. Candelaria: Cocktails and tacos

A key player in the Paris bar scene, Candelaria is also home to some of the best (and only?) tacos in the city. For about €6 per taco, you can save on dinner before heading back to the bar to splurge on their amazing drinks.

52 Rue de Saintonge
3rd arrondissement
+33 1 42 74 41 28
Metro: Filles du Calvaire (Line 8)

8. Le Comptoir General: West African food and a cool vibe

Packing a cool bar, thrift store, hair salon, museum, and more into one space, Le Comptoir General is also home to some delicious and affordable West African and Caribbean cuisine. Try the assiette africaine for around €10, and then stay for cocktails!

80 Quai de Jemmapes
10th arrondissement
+33 1 44 88 24 48
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent or Goncourt (Lines 5 or 11)

The post Eating Cheap in Paris: 8 dinners for €15 or less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I’m not going to make individual restaurant recommendations right now (the list is long, highly personal and ever-changing!), but there are a few general rules for most eating establishments that will help you keep the bill in check.

Note that these budget tips don’t necessarily apply to 3-star Michelin restaurants, but I’m pretty sure none of them will make the cut for cheap eats anyway.

Paris dining tips for saving on your bill

1. Do a bit of research

If you’re reading this, then you’re already on the right track. Knowing what to look for when browsing restaurants is important. Impossibly long menus, or menus posted outside in several languages (with an overeager barker trying to get you inside), are all signs that the food probably won’t live up to the price. Don’t give in too much to TripAdvisor or Yelp (again, highly personal!), but a quick scan might not be a bad idea if you have an extra minute.

It’s also important to note that many Parisian establishments serve lunch between 12 pm and 2 pm, give or take. Dinner reservations usually start at 7 pm and can go until 9 pm or even 10 pm at some places. Think to check the hours of a restaurant before heading over, because nothing is worse than finding your soon-to-be favorite dining spot and arriving five minutes before they close. Places marked “brasserie” typically stay open between lunch and dinner, but these tend to be basic dining options.

Related: 5 Classic meals to try in Paris before you leave

2. Don’t overpay for a lousy hotel breakfast

To start your day, you might be tempted to indulge in the hotel breakfast or a more American- or British-style breakfast in the big touristy areas. We say skip it. Unless you need a full spread of cold breakfast meats, eggs, yogurt, and cereal, hotel breakfasts are not usually worth the hefty price tags.

Instead, head out to the city with the locals to find a basic Parisian breakfast, which is as simple as a croissant, coffee, and orange juice. Sit down in a café or bakery and enjoy the people watching while nibbling on your pastry, and then prepare for the bill – a measly €5 or 6!

Related: How to save money on breakfast in Paris

3. Splurge at lunch

If you want to go to one of the trendy restaurants that the bloggers are all buzzing about, but don’t like the look of the dinner prices, consider going at lunch when prices are much cheaper. A set lunch menu, usually consisting of two courses, will be a much cheaper option while still including the same great food.

Look out for the lunchtime plat du jour (often scribbled outside the door on a chalkboard) to keep costs low. After a wonderful lunch, you’d feel perfectly justified with just a crepe or a falafel for dinner.

Related: 5 Tasty set menus in Paris from €12

4. Don’t feel pressured

Waiters are great at making you feel like you need a bottle of wine, a pre-dinner drink, bubbly water, or some other pricey add-on. Just say “non, merci”  and order what you want. Don’t feel pressured to rack up the bill just because the server is suggesting things — though if he or she is suggesting the cheaper option of wine or dish, it might be for a good reason.

Related: 10 French phrases every traveler should know

5. Ask for “un carafe d’eau”

This one again. Don’t order a bottle of water unless you think you need it. Still water, from the tap, is perfectly and deliciously drinkable in Paris. And, of course, it’s free. Don’t hesitate or feel cheap because you’re going with this option — everyone else is doing it, too!

6. “Un pichet de vin” tastes great

And to that end, unless you are a wine snob or someone who can tell the difference between every vintage, house wine is the way to go in France. A pitcher or carafe of wine is always cheaper than a bottle, and rarely disappointing. No, it won’t be a wine you’ll write home about, but if you’re writing home about wine anyway, we need to talk about that privately.

Related: 6 tips for buying wine in France

7. Watch out for additional charges

It’s common to find supplemental charges for certain food choices in set or “prix fixes” menus. While one or two euros is fine, adding €10 or €15 to a set menu adds up quickly to a not-so-cheapo meal, so just be aware. It’s usually indicated by a simple “+2” next to the item (to, in this case, signify a €2 extra charge).

8. Consider skipping dessert

Some restaurants do fantastic desserts. The profiteroles at Chez Georges are worth it, I’ll admit it. But most standard cafés and bistros don’t really bring their A-game when it comes to sweets, I find. And at €6-10 for a small bowl of crème caramel, I’d rather spend my money elsewhere.

If I’m skipping dessert, I’ll head to one of the gelato places like Pozetto, Grom, or even Amorino for a little treat to round off the meal. They’re usually open quite late, and at about half the price of a dessert in a restaurant, you’ll save a few euros. Another option? Plan ahead and hit up a bakery during the day to have a treat waiting for your back in your room after your meal.

Don’t worry too much about tipping more than a few extra euros. Photo: Franklin H.

9. Don’t get too tip-sy

Ah yes, the tip. I’d never discourage anyone from tipping at all — even though many French people would. But if you do want to leave a little something, don’t pull up your phone’s calculator to figure out 15%. Just leave a few coins, maybe €4-5 for really excellent service, and be done with it. I still feel cheap leaving €2 from time to time, but remember that your servers are getting paid real wages in France, so they won’t go hungry.

Related: When (and when not) to tip in Paris

10. Don’t waste food

You tried really hard to finish that giant plate of food, probably at a restaurant like Chez Gladines. But you just can’t. Now it’s going to go to waste, right? Wrong! A new policy started in 2016, many larger restaurants (those who serve 150 tables a day or more) are required to provide doggy bags to customers. It may seem so un-French to take food home and heat it up later, but if it means a late-night snack or even lunch the next day at no additional charge, this is a cheapo win!

The post Paris: 10 tips to save on dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Some restaurants are so overrun with tourists that the experience is not fun or the food just isn’t up to par. On the flip side, a fancy Parisian bistro can be a little intimidating for visitors who want a more casual experience or don’t want to spend a few hundred euros.

We’ve done the “hard work” over the years of testing dozens of restaurants, wine bars, and bakeries around Paris to find our favorites that offer quality without breaking the bank.

Related: 10 tips for saving on Paris dining

5 Paris places that attract locals and tourists

We’ve compiled five reliable spots to eat and drink where you can always enjoy good food, pastries or wine at a good price. Sure, you might be seated next to a table of tourists happily snapping away on their iPhone, but you might also be sitting next to a group of French business people out for a Friday office lunch.

Both tourists AND locals love these five spots:

Lunchtime at Bistrot Victoire means a hearty (and cheap!) serving of duck confit!

Bistrot Victoire

6 Rue de la Vrillière
1st arrondissement
Nearest metro: Bourse or Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre

Located just a quick stroll from the Louvre, Bistrot Victoire is definitely on the tourists’ circuit. However, we’ve also seen many locals dining there as well. With delicious plates like steak frites, salmon tartare, and roast chicken at very fair prices, this cozy bistro is always packed for lunch. During a recent visit, we chowed down on a lovely duck confit with two glasses of wine and a coffee for less than €20.

The view from the bar at Robert et Louise.

Robert et Louise

64 Rue Vieille du Temple
3rd arrondissement
Nearest metro: Saint-Paul or Rambuteau
website

Does a grilled steak over an open wood fire sound like it might hit the spot? Robert e Louise is your ticket to carnivore heaven. Vegetarians will be happy too with a delicious mushroom omelet on the menu. Located in the heart of the Marais, this restaurant is a favorite for visitors from all over the world, but it also attracts French people. One time, I had lunch at a table with a group of five French pensioners going all out for an epic meal.

Sip a glass of wine or bring a bottle to take your favorite vintage to go.

Le Baron Rouge

1 Rue Théophile Roussel
12th arrondissement
Nearest metro: Ledru-Rollin
website

Run by a friendly group of vin lovers, Le Baron Rouge really is the wine bar of our dreams. They have an incredible selection of French vintages, the prices are very cheapo-friendly, and the staff is always ready to offer suggestions. As a bonus, they have a nice menu of small bites, so you can pair your Sancerre with a trio of cheeses or a tin of gourmet sardines. Keep an eye on the giant barrels where Parisians come to fill up their bottles to bring home.

Your reward for getting a table: A beautiful buckwheat crepe at Breizh Cafe. Photo: Kent

Breizh Cafe

109 rue Vieille du Temple
4th arrondissement
Nearest metro: Filles du Calvaire
website

With so many crepe stands all over the city, you’d think it would be easy to find a tasty version. But it’s a lot harder than you think! Our solution is to head to Breizh Crepes where you can sit down and dine on a tasty buckwheat crepe from the Breton region and enjoy a glass of traditional cider. It’s not the cheapest crepe in town and there can be a wait if you don’t have a reservation, but after a few bites, you might just be planning a return trip.

Related: Our favorite crepes and creperies in Paris

It’s worth the wait for the scrumptious treats at Du Pain Et Des Idées.

Du Pain Et Des Idées

34 rue Yves Toudic
10th arrondissement
Nearest metro: Jacques Bonsergent
website

We’re not big fans of waiting in line for anything, but once you’ve tasted the pastries at Du Pain Et Des Idées, you’ll see what the fuss is all about. They have perfectly-baked loaves of bread, spectacular cakes, flaky croissants, and savory snacks filled with cheese and bacon. The top attractions are “Les Escargots” — a spiral pastry that can be filled with anything from raisins to chocolate and pistachio.

More Paris cheap eats

Looking for more places to eat in Paris on a budget? You might want to check out Chez Chartier or read up on how you can eat your way through Paris on €20 a day. And let us know where you love to eat in Paris!

The post Paris: 5 Affordable restaurants loved by both locals and tourists appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Some of us save up our whole lives to visit the City of Light, so pricey mistakes aren’t something we want to keep as souvenirs.

While a few faux-pas here or there won’t ruin your experience, there are a few common mistakes to look out for that will make your first days a little smoother. Avoid these in order to keep within your budget and to save time to get the most out of your trip.

More Paris tips:
• Our favorite budget hotels in Paris
• 50 Ways to save on your Paris vacation
• Eating your way through Paris for €20 a day
• How to get the most out of your first day in Paris

8 Mistakes to avoid on your first trip to Paris

Tap water is free at restaurants. Just ask for it with the magic words “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait.” Photo: photokitty07

1. Paying for water

Waiters will prey on innocent tourists who may be wondering if the tap water in Paris is drinkable. The days of the plague are mostly over, so don’t fear — French tap water is just fine. Don’t feel pressured into buying pricey bottled water unless you want sparkling or mineral varieties. Just ask for a “carafe d’eau“, and spend the euros on an extra dessert instead.

2. Booking too many passes

Armed with a Paris Museum Pass and a Metro pass, you can avoid some lines and having to worry about purchasing tickets. But there will always be that pressure to use the passes. What if it’s a nice day and you want to walk, but you haven’t used the pass yet? What if you want to linger more in the gardens but you need to use the museum pass before it expires? If you want the security of the passes, just be sure to plan your route to make sure you don’t lose out in the end.

3. Going to Versailles

Is it a mistake to go to Versailles? No. But with only a few precious days in Paris, is it necessary for a first-time visit? We’ll let you decide. If you’re going in the spring or summer, however, be prepared to surrender several hours of your vacation time to waiting in line at the majestic chateau before fighting crowds inside to catch a glimpse of Marie Antoinette’s bed. If you’re on the fence, don’t feel bad about skipping the trek out there, or even opting for a lesser-visited chateau-like Chantilly.

4. Tipping when you don’t have to

With taxi drivers, hairdressers and tour guides, don’t feel bad about tipping. With anyone else, there is absolutely no need to, unless the service went above and beyond the norm. Just round the bill up and leave the change. Paris tipping rules are as simple as that.

5. Eating breakfast in the hotel

There’s no need to dig deep into your pockets for a bit of breakfast. Head to a café for a coffee and croissant for under €5 or just get an assortment to go from your local bakery and leave the breakfast buffet for when all the bakers are on strike. Yes, it has happened before.

Hotel Henri IV is literally in the bulls-eye center of the city at the tip of the Ile de la Cité. Photo: EuroCheapo

6. Not staying central to save a few euros

That cheap hotel out by Disneyland seems great because it’s just so gosh-darn cheap. But the commute into Paris isn’t much different from those who come from London (I exaggerate…kind of). We love cheap hotels, too, and that’s why we push our favorites in the heart of the city — because you didn’t fly all the way to Paris to spend hours on a train, did you?

7. Being a slave to lines

Queue up in Paris — we all need to at some point. While you’re at the Eiffel Tower, I’m at the grocery store, and the lines are often comparable. But pick your battles. Lines at the Louvre are shorter on Wednesday and Friday nights, and the same goes for the Musée d’Orsay on Thursday evenings, while the Eiffel Tower is always pretty busy. Plan ahead so that if you have no bookings or pre-purchased tickets, you won’t hit all of the lines at all the wrong times.

8. Trying to do it all

You planned and planned, you thought you could do it all, but alas. It’s just impossible. Paris will be here for quite some time, so if you didn’t get to every major sight, there’s always tomorrow. The Mona Lisa isn’t going anywhere (hopefully), and the Eiffel Tower should still be standing, so try to enjoy what you do experience and make the to-do list for round two.

Your tips

Do you remember your first time in Paris? Let us know if you had any stories from your rookie visit.

The post Visiting Paris for the first time: 8 rookie mistakes to avoid appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And there’s no need to empty your wallet trying to dine like Louis XVI. Parisians have mastered the art of exploring their city’s cuisine without breaking the bank.

Bon appétit!

More tips for dining in Paris

• 8 Dinners in Paris for €10 or less
• 10 Tips for saving on dining in Paris
• 5 Meals to try before you leave Paris
• All posts on saving on dining in Paris

Paris cheap eats itinerary

From a classic Parisian breakfast to their famous crêpes, here’s a dining timetable to follow to keep your costs in check.

Note that this eating itinerary doesn’t include wine or beer, but a few glasses of delicious house wine won’t add much to your budget. You also don’t have to worry about tipping in Paris most of the time, especially in cafes and markets.

Here’s how you too can explore French food like a Parisian for under €20 a day.

9 am. Breakfast: Croissant & coffee

The key to a Parisian breakfast is to be light and quick. Life in France starts later than the US, most businesses don’t even open until 9 am, and “early birds” get to work around 9:30 am. As a result, an emphasis is placed on a short and efficient breakfast.

To start your day like a Parisian, walk to one of the local bakeries or many grocery stores you’ll find on every block like Franprix, Monoprix, G20, or Carrefour. Grab a freshly made apple croissant or a pain au chocolat for €1 and an espresso (“café” in French) for another €1.

Breakfast total: €2

Related: 6 Breakfast pastries in Paris beyond croissants

Rotisserie chicken is a delicious lunch option in Paris. Photo: sk

12 pm. Lunch: Rotisserie chicken

After the powers of the French espresso start to wear off, you’re ready for lunch. This is your time to explore the creativity of French cuisine — the rotisserie chicken. Pop into a local rôtisserie shop or seek out a Franprix (or another supermarket) to pick up a piping hot rotisserie chicken and savory potatoes. At the market, they go for as low as €3.90.

Rotisserie chickens are a way of life for Parisians, and you’ll see many Parisian cafes and restaurants lined with rows of slow-roasted rotisserie chicken, with the potatoes waiting patiently at the bottom of the oven to be seasoned by the juices from the meat.

Of course, these aren’t just ordinary potatoes, these potatoes are also cooked with white wine and seasoned to perfection. One pack can feed two people and the quality is always fresh and tasty. Supplies can be limited, so make sure you visit the store during lunchtime or you might find yourself out of luck!

Lunch total: €3.90

Related: The best affordable set menus in Paris for lunch

3 pm. Snack time: Sweet or savory crêpe

What would be a Parisian menu without the classic sweet or savory crêpe? For this, you have multiple options because Paris is full of crêperies.

Oddly enough, one of the best sweet crêpes that I have had was purchased right next to the Eiffel Tower. When you come out of the Trocadero Metro station on line 6 or line 9, there’s a crêpe stand that sells freshly made crêpes for €3. As you munch on the sweetness of the crêpe, don’t forget to look up, as you’ll have one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower right in front of you.

If you prefer something savory, in the 5th arrondissement, there’s a crêperie that makes the most delicious savory crêpes in Paris. The crêpes at Chez Niko’s on 44 Rue Mouffetard are filled with gooey cheese, grilled onions, seasoned ground beef, tasty potatoes, and much more! This is not a crêpe for the weak. You cannot walk and eat this crêpe at the same time (trust me, I’ve tried).

Afternoon snack total: €3

Sitting down to dinner in Paris. Photo: Geoff P

7 pm. Dinner: Classic French cuisine

After a bit more exploration, you’re ready for dinner. In the 6th arrondissement, there’s a restaurant that serves classic French dishes at bargain prices. Le Petit Olivier (82 rue du Cherche Midi) offers a two-course dinner (and lunch) menu for only €10.

You can choose from a wide variety of authentic French cuisines like escargot, steak, fish dauphinois, duck confit, and many more options that’ll have your tongue wishing you had paid better attention in your high school French class!

Dinner total: €10

One-day total

Total Paris dining budget for one day: €18.90

Do you love dining in Paris? Tell us your secrets on how you save in the comments below.

Proof of the €3.90 roast chicken and potatoes! Photo: Mayowa Ige

The post Paris Cheap Eats: How to eat your way through Paris for less than €20 a day appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We know the feeling when you want to say, “No, stop, please, I didn’t want the €65 box of chocolate,” and sometimes you just can’t find the words.

So here are a few simple phrases to keep in your back pocket when purchasing items or dining out so that you can avoid spending too much. Bon courage!

1. Ça coute combien? – This costs how much?

Use this one when you don’t see a price or if you’re unsure. This one works wonders at the flea market where, once you know the price, you can see how good your haggling skills are. I just hope your numbers are up to snuff

Relate: Shopping tips for flea market success in Paris

2. Tout compris – All included

You may not actually have to say this out loud, but you should know what it means. You’ll see this one on most receipts as in “Toutes taxes comprises” (TTC) or “service tout compris.” What’s that mean for you? No worries about leaving a centime more!

3. …le moins cher? – …the least expensive?

Use this one if, for example, you are at the wine shop and you want the cheapest wine. It’s a good one to throw on the table when there’s any doubt about pricing. It’s not really sophisticated, but if you’re counting pennies, there’s no shame.

4. Carafe de – Pitcher of

This one’s timeless. Wine or water—you don’t want it too fancy. A “carafe d’eau” is tap water that’s free. A “carafe de vin” is house wine that can be as little as a third the price of a bottle. And both are perfectly fine, if not delicious.

5. Une poignée de – A handful

I use this one at the market when I just want a few cherries, apricots or whatever other seasonal produce is available. Often the market merchants will bag your fruit and veggies for you, meaning you can’t pick your own—after all, they know best.

But I don’t want to ask them for ten cherries or twenty green beans, and I am not always good at guessing how many strawberries are in a kilogram. Just a handful, or a “bonne poignée” for a big handful. Just say “un peu plus” if you want a bit more than they bag.

Related: 10 tips for shoppers at Paris markets

6. Ça suffit – That’s enough

You’ll hear parents yelling this at their bickering children, but hopefully you won’t encounter a French scolding. Instead, try it at the market, the cheese shop or any store where someone is serving you and doling out or portioning a good. When my market guy is spooning out olives, I say, “Ça suffit, merci” when he’s got enough. It also works on the cheese monger as they slide their knife over a wheel of cheese indicating the size of the slice you want. But really, can you ever have enough cheese, right?

7. Supplément – Supplemental charge

This is an easy one, and one to avoid—or at least you’ve been warned. You’ll often see it as a “+5” to indicate a supplement of five euros. Often a fixed price menu will have supplements to pay for higher end items, or a taxi will have a supplement to pay for more passengers or baggage. So don’t be too surprised if the price seems a bit higher than you thought.

8. Juste quelques morceaux – Just a few pieces

Tourists aren’t always aware that many shops like Ladurée will sell you just a few pieces of sweets if you’d like, so there’s no need to get the pricey packaging set if you just wanted a bit of sugar. Whip this one out at the chocolate shop if you just want to try a few ganaches instead of taking home a pricey gift box.

It also works at any macaron shop if you only want one or two to taste (“à gouter” is to taste, in case you’re feeling brave). The shopkeeper will probably ask you how many after you say this though, so be prepared to hold up some fingers.

Related: 5 Parisian pâtisseries to satisfy your sweet tooth

9. Gratuit – Free

This one’s a no-brainer. When you see that something is “gratuit” there is a reasonably good chance that the museum/sample/brochure/tour actually is. Be wary of free things that come with strings (like the “free” tours that almost require a tip at the end). But there are plenty of museums and galleries that are indeed free, and we know a few of them!

10. Non merci, c’est trop – No thanks, that’s too much

This one might get you out of a sticky situation, or may open up the conversation towards a bit of negotiating if you’re at the flea markets. Generally, bartering isn’t something we do in Paris, but you never know. Imagine instead that the market merchant just loaded you up with three kilos of tomatoes—use this phrase to let him know that’s not what you needed.

Though if the cheese monger has already packaged your cheese and you balk at the price, it’s a bit rude to say it’s too expensive and walk away. See #1 and use it liberally.

The post 10 French phrases that will save you money in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Depending on where you are in Paris and how nice the restaurant is, you can find prix fixe lunch menus ranging from around €14 all the way up to €40. You can also encounter a range of quality—it’s possible to find a great meal for under €20, as well as a lackluster one for much more.

Here are some tried-and-true prix fixe options that are guaranteed to be delicious as well as affordable.

Robert et Louise: €14 for 2 courses

64, Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
3rd arrondissement
Website
Metro: Saint Paul or Hotel de Ville

Nestled into the picturesque Rue Vieille du Temple in the trendy Marais, Robert et Louise is probably one of the best lunchtime deal around. Choose from a variety of appetizers like escargot or sausage and two featured main courses like beef ribs or duck confit for the incredibly reasonable price of €14. Then walk around the Marais to digest!

Related: A Cheapo Day in the Marais

Le Pré Verre is one of the best deals in Paris. Photo: Ming-yen

Le Pré Verre: €26 for 2 courses, wine & coffee

8 rue Thénard 75005
5th arrondissement
Tel: +33143545947
Metro: Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny-La Sorbonne

In the lovely Latin Quarter, Le Pré Verre boasts one of the best prix fixe deals in town. For €26, you’ll get a starter, a main, a glass of wine and a coffee to finish it off. The chef here is praised for his work and ever-changing creative menu options.

A La Bière: €14.50 for 3 courses

CLOSED

104 ave Simon-Bolivar, 75019
19th arrondissement
Tel: +33142398325
Metro: Bolivar or Colonel Fabien

Update: Unfortunately, the restaurant has closed.

Chez Marie Louise: €14 for 3 courses

11 Rue Marie et Louise, 75010
10th arrondissement
Website
Metro: Goncourt

Come to Chez Marie Louise for a tasty three-course meal and then have a stroll around the lovely neighboring Canal St-Martin. There are a couple tables outside if you’d like to enjoy the weather, otherwise, the inside is cozy and sunny. Food is classically French with a modern twist.

Related: Cheap hotels in Canal-St-Martin

Café Constant: €17 for a worthy splurge

139 rue Saint-Dominique 75007
7th arrondissement
Website
Metro: École Militaire

Okay, so Café Constant is a little more expensive than the other selections, but it’s well worth it. Spend a few extra euros for a truly amazing and classically French meal. You can choose a main course with a starter or dessert. With romantic decor, an amazing location near the Eiffel Tower and decadent food, this is the ultimate prix fixe experience.

The post Paris Lunch Deals: 5 tasty and affordable set menus appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

What’s left? All of the tourists, visiting Paris’s major destinations in hoards, and eating at restaurants targeted towards them specifically. This means that unfortunately, many of the hole-in-the-wall, local-frequented restaurants, bars and cafes that Cheapos love have closed up shop for the month. You might be disappointed to find that many of the best boulangeries and cheap bistrots in Paris have tacked a paper note on their doors—”fermé pour les vacances“.

So what’s a thrifty traveler to do, without begrudgingly paying the inflated prices of tourist hotspots? Don’t worry. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best spots that remain open in Paris during the month of August. Head to these spots to avoid disappointment and frustration!

Related: The pros and cons of visiting Paris in August

On the Go: L’as du Fallafel

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: L’as du Fallafel is incredible. And, lucky for you, it’s open during August. No walk through the Marais is complete without a tasty, super cheap falafel sandwich.

32-34 Rue des Rosiers
4th arrondissement
+33 1 48 87 63 60
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)

Classic French: Bistrot des Victoires

One of my personal favorites: an old-school French bistro with all the classic dishes, most hovering around €10. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the Paris of yesteryear without breaking the bank.

6 Rue la Vrillière
1st arrondissement
+33 1 42 61 43 78
Metro: Bourse or Sentier (Line 3)

Delicious Asian: Le Petit Cambodge

Sometimes you need to take a break from French food, and this is the perfect place to do so. Delectable Cambodian dishes are served up here for less than €20. A favorite of locals, there’s usually a long line at Le Petit Cambodge, so now’s your chance to secure a table quickly!

20 Rue Alibert
10th arrondissement
+33 1 42 45 80 88
Metro: Goncourt (Line 11)
Website

Wine Bar: Le Verre Volé

A classic Canal St. Martin joint with charming, eclectic decor, a great wine selection, and yummy plates. They are open only for dinner Monday-Thursday, with lunch and dinner service on the weekends from August 11th-24th.

67 Rue de Lancry
10th arrondissement
+33 1 48 03 17 34
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5)
Website

Cocktail Bar: Le Mary Celeste

I have three words for you: one euro oysters. Yes, you read that correctly. Le Mary Celeste is a hip bar in the Marais with a great selection of cocktails and, yes, €1 oysters.

1 Rue Commines
3rd arrondissement
+33 9 80 72 98 83
Metro: Saint-Sébastien – Froissart (Line 8)
Website

Related: 5 summer drinks to try in Paris

Great Terrace: Les Mondes Bohèmes

If you’re willing to make the trek out to the 20th arrondissement, you’ll be delighted to find this gem of a terrace. Les Mondes Bohèmes is like a secret garden—a magical spot with twinkling lampion lights and dreamy decor. And get this—during happy hour, the cocktails are only €6 and the beers €3.

31 Rue des Vignoles
20th arrondissement
+33 1 43 48 69 38
Metro: Buzenval (Line 9)
Website

Boulangerie: Maison Kayser

Sometimes in Paris, the best thing to do for lunch is to just grab a baguette from the nearest boulangerie. Unfortunately, in August, you may find yourself wandering around in circles looking for one that’s open. You can count on Maison Kayser, a chain of pretty decent boulangeries that are scattered throughout Paris, and open for all of August.

14 Rue Monge
5th arrondissement
+33 1 44 07 17 81
Metro: Maubert–Mutualité (Line 10)

87 Rue Assas
6th arrondissement
33 1 43 54 92 31
Metro: Vavin (Line 4)

10 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie
6th arrondissement
+33 1 43 25 71 60
Metro: Odéon (Line 4, 1o)

… or just buy Poilâne bread at the supermarket

Save yourself the stress of hunting for a bakery, and just head to the nearest supermarket. As Bryan has already noted, Poilâne bread is amazingly delicious: They’re the massive slices of sourdough bread you’ll get with any tartine order in Paris. Luckily, you can find them in just about every big grocery store!

Fromagerie: Go to a Market

Good luck finding a gourmet cheese store that’s open in August. I’m sure it’s doable but, instead of all that hassle, I recommend you just find an open air food market (there are plenty), where you will surely be able to buy some delicious French cheese.

Good Coffee: Strada Cafe

Most of the gourmet coffee shops in Paris close up for holiday in August, so thank goodness Strada is upon to feed your craving for fancy coffee!

94 Rue du Temple
3rd arrondissement
+33 1 44 61 09 28
Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11)

Related: New Cafes serving up tasty drinks from talented baristas

Parisian Cafe: Café de la Paix

If you’ve been dreaming of sitting in on the terrace of a cafe in Paris, reading and taking it all in, don’t worry, you can do this even in August. Café de la Paix, a staple of Parisian café culture, is open for all of August.

5 Place de l’Opéra
9th arrondissement
+33 1 40 07 36 36
Metro: Opera (Lines 3, 7, 8)
Website

The post Paris: Favorite cheapo restaurants and cafes that remain open in August appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Much has been written about this inexpensive joint, with mostly favorable reviews. Others are not so convinced, claiming that Chartier’s beautiful interiors mask its unremarkable cuisine. It’s time for EuroCheapo to weigh in on the debate.

Getting there and getting in

Le Boullion Chartier is located in the 9th arrondissement, in the Grands Boulevards neighborhood. You can take Metro lines eight and nine to the Grands Boulevards station that’s just around the corner. Once you arrive, you’ll surely be greeted by a line of Parisians and fellow travelers (remind you of somewhere?). This line moves surprisingly quickly, and soon you’ll be welcomed through the antique wooden doors into the majestic, busy dining hall. Don’t be shocked if you’re placed at a table next to other diners—this mixing and mingling is part of the charm.

How to order a memorable meal

We recommend starting with the house wine, which will be cheap and handpicked by the chefs.

Starters range from €1.80-6.80, and you can choose from classics like Oeuf dur mayonnaise (hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise), Salade frisée aux lardons (salad with bacon), and even escargots. The portions will be small by American standards, but generous by French eating habits.

Most main courses are around €10, which is shockingly cheap for Paris. You can choose from all of the classic dishes you might have dreamed about trying, like Steak frites, Côte d’agneau grillée (grilled lamb), and even Tête de veau (calf’s head). Side note: Chartier is not a vegetarian-friendly place, so if you don’t eat meat, you might want to have a bite to eat before and just enjoy the ambiance.

For dessert, finish with fromage. A selection of cheeses are available for less than €3 each. If you’re still hungry, all the classic French sweets are also offered, like Baba au rhum (rum cake) and Pêche melba (peach melba), all for €4 or less.

Tip: Order all your food at once, because it will be hard to get your busy server’s attention after the first encounter. Dressed in black bow ties and white shirts, they will jot down your order directly onto your paper tablecloth.

Everything is classic at Chartier, right down to the waiters’ uniforms. Photo: Sophoco

Grading the food and experience

The fare at Chartier is simple and classic, with no-frills. Don’t expect a five-star meal here or beautiful presentation. You will receive perfectly acceptable dishes; they will not blow your mind, and they won’t be the most delicious food you try in Paris.

However, this restaurant is all about preserving the Belle-Epoque style dining experience, including the dishes. So come for the experience and the wonderful selection of traditional French foods, not the originality. At Chartier, you can afford to have the French meal you always wanted, with wine, a starter, a main, cheese and dessert, all without breaking the bank.

A final thought

We believe that le Boullion Chartier is the perfect way to start a trip to Paris. A meal here can be a great introduction to French food, French restaurants and French servers without the seemingly obligatory steep prices. Get a taste for authentic dishes á l’ancienne, and then you’ll be ready to dine out in France with confidence.

Le Boullion Chartier
7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre|
9th arrondissement
01 47 70 86 29
Métro: Grands Boulevards (Lines 8 & 9)
Bus: L74
www.bouillon-chartier.com

Check out more Paris restaurants on EuroCheapo for the best deals and food around the city.

The post Traditional Parisian dining on a budget: The classic Chez Chartier appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Parisians are rude to tourists.

This is a big city, like New York or London, and you get your grumps alongside some of the sweetest people in the world, so be prepared. But did you say “bonjour”? Did you smile? Or did you just expect the red carpet to be rolled out?

Service is different in Paris, where waiters don’t work for tips and hotels don’t have to worry about filling beds, so they’re not always going to go that extra mile. But the average Parisian on the street won’t blow you off with a huff and puff of their cheeks—at least not always.

Nobody is forcing you to go. Photo: David McKelvey

2. You have to go to the Louvre.

You don’t have to go anywhere in Paris. Is the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or any monument worth a visit? Yes, of course. But you can’t sink your whole trip to Paris by not doing something that others deem essential. I’m by no means discouraging visiting the top tourist attractions, but if art isn’t your thing, then do you really want to spend hours in a museum? Just sayin…

The charming Hotel Eldorado has doubles from €68 a night.

3. Paris is expensive.

Wine for €3 a bottle, entire baguette sandwiches for €4, hotel rooms for under €100, metro rides for less than €2, museums for free… need I go on?

If you want to live the high life, Paris makes it easy, but if you’re on a budget, Paris makes it even easier if you know where to look. You don’t have to compromise an amazing experience, either, just because you’re pinching pennies.

A visit to the Carnavalet museum (free!) will be just as rewarding as a dip into the Musée de l’Orangerie (€9). A falafel sandwich from L’As (€5.50) is a very different, but just as memorable experience as a meal at Le Meurice (€200). Well, maybe…

Do some research and ask around to find a good meal. Photo: EuroCheapo

4. You can’t get a bad meal in Paris.

Rubbery steak, frozen fries and stale pastries are just as much a part of the Parisian landscape as all of that food porn you’ve seen by bloggers and magazines. Blogger Lindsey Traumuta says to do your research before choosing a restaurant, if quality food is important for you. “That the cuisine is French, or prepared in France, doesn’t equate to perfection,” she says.

Some restaurants put more effort into translating their menus into ten languages than in actually preparing good food, so don’t be fooled. If your meal doesn’t taste good, it’s OK, you’re not the first to have eaten there. Or the last.

Seriously, it’s not (usually) like this. Photo: Luc Dib

5. All Parisians are chic dressers.

Fashion week, shmashion week—Parisians aren’t as elegant as you think. Sure the ladies and gents on the runway look fabulous, but the daily Parisian varies from the Chucks and skinny jeans with a faded tee shirt worn by hipsters along the Canal to a tailored suit and cropped haircut for the business associates. Ladies often mix and match boots with leggings and sweaters that even Picasso would find odd, while oversized sweatpants are seen in the Marais.

There’s no one look—Parisians dare them all. The only difference is no matter how ludicrous their outfit is, they wear it with confidence. But it can still look terrible.

Paris’ police force is everywhere—even on bikes. Photo: crash

6. Paris is dangerous.

Unless dog droppings are your kryptonite, Paris isn’t really that much of a crime den. In fact, pickpocketing decreased 22.4% last summer compared to 2012.

Violent crimes are extremely rare, and there are a few scams such as people asking for signatures on fake petitions while pickpocketing you, but it rarely escalates. Common sense, like in any city, should be exercised in crowded areas and the Metro, but otherwise there’s nothing to fear.

Alone in Paris? You’ll fit right in. Photo: Damien Roué

7. Paris is for lovers.

Paris is actually for singles, since around 51% of the city is without a partner, much higher than the national average. Once together, many young French couples flee the city. So come to the city, find a mate, and then hightail it out. When doe-eyed tourists in love visit the city, you can be sure that the many bachelors and maidens will be judging. And harshly, at that.

Go ahead and ask. He understands (and probably has a really cute accent). Photo: Julie Kertesz

8. Parisians don’t speak English.

How often have we heard, “Uh, my Eenglish iz not zogewd,” when speaking with a waiter? A rigid education system that dabbles in public shaming has left many French people afraid to carry on a discussion in a foreign language, but most English-speakers are all too ready to praise their efforts, which usually reveal pretty decent mastery.

“Many of them speak it, and more of them understand it, even if they’re afraid to speak because of pronunciation,” says tour guide and writer Heather Stimmler-Hall. Secretly, they probably just love the flow of compliments that you’ll inevitably shower on them.

The post Paris: 8 travel myths debunked appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.