© DR
Looking for a little-known rooftop from which to admire Paris spread out at your feet? Head to the terrace of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, which offers a superb view of some of the most beautiful sights and places in the French capital, including the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. Make your way to the the rooftop terrace of the store and you’ll find yourself in seventh heaven.
© Imgorthand
If you can't come to Paris, Paris invites itself into your living room. The greatest museums and monuments offer virtual tours that are more real than life. At the Palais Garnier, for example, you can go from its roof and breathtaking view to its mysterious underground lake.
© Vitor Pinto
No stay in Paris is complete without a visit to the Louvre. Among the must-sees are the museum’s three grandes dames, who draw visitors from around the world: the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Mona Lisa. If you’ve never seen them, or would like to admire them anew, you can do so for free. On 14 July (unless it is a Tuesday) and the first Friday of each month (from 6pm to 9.45pm, except in July and August) admission to the museum is free (online booking required). Raconte-Moi Paris offers free podcasts for children aged 8 and over, enabling them to discover and learn about Parisian monuments. Every 15 days a new story is told, so kids will have no more secrets about Paris! This is also the case with Altava, which offers a free podcast application for download : Odyssey. You'll have access to over 500 podcasts written by art history experts and narrated by professional actors!
Mary Quincy
Running is the sport of choice in Paris these days. Everyone seems to be taking it up, so why not you? One of the top spots for runners is the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is an enchanting setting, and you can admire the sculptures in various parts of the gardens each time you stop for a breather. An excellent – and free – way to combine a workout and art appreciation.
© Barbaud
A ride along the canals of Paris is a good alternative way to explore the city. And now there’s a free way to experience a short trip on a canal. Le Millénaire, a shopping centre in the town of Aubervilliers (93), has started up a free boat service on the Canal Saint-Denis, running from the Corentin-Cariou metro station (Line 7) to the shopping centre. Hop on board!
© Louis Hansel via Unsplash
Cookery courses are currently very popular in Paris, but cooking expertise doesn’t come cheap. If you’re keen to experiment with new recipes and original flavours but can’t afford to pay for lessons, take heart: the Fédération française de cuisine ® organizes free courses at food markets in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. Professional chefs will teach you to make dishes using fresh produce sourced from the market stalls. Places are limited, so make sure you register.
© Amélie Dupont
Feeling thirsty? You don’t need to pay to get yourself a drink of water in Paris. The capital has more than 200 public water fountains providing safe drinking water, including the Wallace fountains, an iconic part of the Paris landscape.
And if you prefer fizzy water to plain, Paris even has public fountains dispensing carbonated water in nine locations including those of the Ranelagh Gardens (16th) and Nelson Mandela (1st).
© Anthony Gelot
If you’ve always wanted to sail along the Seine, you can fulfil your wish for free on your birthday. Vedettes de Paris will provide you with a free cruise + Champagne (glass of champagne or glass of wine or spirits) or + Gourmand (sweet pancake or muffin + soft drink) to celebrate your special day. Give yourself a birthday treat!
© Thinkstock
Paris is synonymous with chic and elegance and in the capital you can get a makeover for zero euros.
To get a free haircut, head to the Franck de Roche Académie (but be prepared to emerge with a totally new look!). To take advantage of it, visit the Facebook page of Franck de Roche Académie to find out the next dates and make an appointment.
Next, put your best face forward with a make-up session at the Make Up Art Academy. Just call 01 45 58 04 30 to make an appointment.
© Le bar à bulles
In Paris and the Ile-de-France region, during the summer months, lovers of the 7th Art enjoy free open-air cinema screenings.
Every summer, generally from the end of July to the end of August, lovers of the big screen meet at nightfall in the Parc de Villette. From Wednesday to Sunday, the Cinéma en plein air de La Villette screens a film every evening. A theme is proposed for each edition.
