Your Paris guide to the best free activities in the City of Light Let's face it, Paris equals luxury. Paris real estate is some of the most expensive in the world and climbing higher as we speak. When one thinks of Paris fashion, your thoughts turn to names like YSL, Christian LaCroix, Chloe, Dior and the like. Meaning $$, Euros, Cash! So what¹s a gal (or guy) to do if you are touring Paris on a pauper¹s budget? Well, thanks to the almighty French government and some artistic and creative people - there is plenty to do, see, smell & taste that is either free or next to it in Paris. Here¹s my top ten guide to Paris (Tours in Paris) for free. 1) The Petite Palais permanent collection is on view for no charge and includes artists such as Rembrant, Renoir, Cassatt, Pissarro and Cezanne. Having a café in their interior courtyard is just sublime. 2) Readings at Shakespeare & Co happen on Monday nights as well as other evenings. You can enjoy book readings by established authors or budding writers at the most delightful and quirky bookstore in the entire world. The atmosphere is very bohemian and always welcoming. More info consult shakespeareandcompany 3) Strolling the Seine, well this is an obvious one but walking up and down all the way past the Jardin des Plantes on the left bank one can find a variety of interesting happenings. In summer there are dancing lessons given at the public gardens at Tino Rossi Quai SaintBernard at about 7pm. And of course there is always the Paris plage, where the banks of the Seine turn into a faux St. Tropez in July. 4)
City hall (Hotel de Ville) is a spectacular structure built in the late 1800¹s that often has
free exhibits and lies smack dab in the center of the city with its own metro stop. 5)
Do-it-yourself walking tours are often very affordable. Girls' Guide to Paris.com has
them starting at just 1.98 as do other outlets. 6) Picnic in the Buttes Chaumont in the 20th for spectacular Paris city views. A bottle of rose
and a hunk of cheese and bread from the market shouldnยนt set you back more than six euros. 7) Open-air cinema in August at the Parc de la Vilette is a wonderful chance to mingle with other Parisians. Bring a picnic. 8)
Monoprix is the queen of cheap shopping destinations - you can find outlets all over the
city. I especially love their affordable cosmetics. 9) Francois Mitterand Public Library built in the 1990ยนs is a group of very large building in the 13th housing 12 million volumes but also hosts interesting free exhibits. A free 30-minute fashion show can be seen every Friday at the Galeries Lafayette. But do reserve ahead by emailing welcome at galerieslafayette.
By Doni Belau is the owner and editor of the Girls' Guide to Paris, a travel website and blog written by Parisian residents and insiders covering everything from fashion to culture to foodie faves in the city of light.