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Paris for Free!

A romantic weekend in Paris does not need to break the bank. In addition to being savvy about how and when you book your weekend break, lovers who visit Paris can also show real savviness in how they spend their time and money in the French capital. The Savvy Shopper has compiled the top ten ways to enjoy Paris without spending a penny.

Top 10 free attractions in Paris

1 Montmartre & Sacré Coeur

Montmartre has long been regarded as one of the most romantic Parisian settings. The Sacré Coeur church offers probably the most stunning view over Paris. Although visitors to the dome and crypt are charged an entry fee, it costs nothing to enter the church. Montmartre has been home to Parisian artists since the 1880s, with many showcasing their talent at the place du Tertre.

2 Notre Dame

If you can live without climbing the towers, then a visit to the inside of Notre Dame won’t cost a penny. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere of the free organ recitals on Sunday afternoon.

3 Jardins de Luxembourg

The Jardins de Luxembourg are a spectacular combination of formal terraced and English manicured gardens. It is easy to spend hours in the gardens immersed in the sculptures, fruit orchards or just participating in that great French pastime ­ watching the world go by.

4 Rue Quin Campoix

Visiting art galleries in Paris can be expensive, but this street offers visitors the opportunity to visit commercial galleries for free! If you don’t know Monet from Manet, or impressionism from fauvism, then Rue Quin Campoix makes a savvy and crowd-free alternative to the large art galleries.

5 Cimetière Du Père Lachaise

The path to Jim Morrison’s gravesite at the Cimetière Du Père Lachaise is well worn. Keeping Morrison company in one of Paris’ most popular free attractions are Oscar Wilde, Chopin and Edith Piaf.

6 Assemblée Nationale

The Assemblée Nationale is an 18th Century neo-classic palace that houses one of the two chambers of the French parliament. It is also known as Bourbon Palace and is one of the city’s most stunningly beautiful buildings. Free guided tours take place on Saturdays unless parliament is sitting.

7 Pont des Arts

This bridge offers one of the best opportunities to rub shoulders with the greatest romantics and artists in Paris. The bridge also provides one of the best views of the Ile de la Cité and is the perfect place to start a romantic stroll though the streets of the Latin Quarter.

8 Hôtel de Ville

The Hôtel de Ville is the official home of the mayor of Paris. It is possible to take a free tour of the centre, but the square in front of the town hall (also called the Hôtel de Ville) is home to an ice-skating rink during the winter months. Skating on the rink is free, although hiring ice-skates costs around five euros.

9 Musée des Parfumerie Fragonard

Follow your nose to the Musée des Parfumerie Fragonard to learn about the origins of perfume. Starting with the Egyptians and continuing through to the modern day, the museum hosts fascinating displays of early perfume bottles and hold a wealth of information about manufacturing techniques used through the ages.

10 Last, but certainly not least -
a romantic stroll through the streets of Paris

One of the most pleasurable ways for lovers to pass the time in Paris isŠ. strolling through the streets. It costs nothing to amble down the Champs Elysées or to wander through the streets of the Latin Quarter. Whilst millions of tourists pay good money to trudge up the stairs of the Eiffel Tower every year ­ arguably the best view of the tower is from the grassed area in front of it called Parc du Champ de Mars.

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