Preparing for a Budget Trip to France + Free Paris Walking Tour

Welcome to our guide to preparing for a budget trip to France, including our favorite sights in Paris. You’ll learn some helpful trip planning tips and find your way around Paris with our handy self-guided walking tour route.

What we cover in this post:

• A Self-Guided Walking Tour and Map for Paris
• Must-See List for Paris on a Budget
• About Our France Trips
• Free Language Resources
• Flight Discounts
• Travel Planning Resources
• Where to Stay in Paris
• Our Top Tips for Intentional Travel in Paris

Last updated: January 2024. Originally published: Summer 2014.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means we may get a small commission if you make a purchase through one of our links, at no additional cost to you. We appreciate you supporting the blog in this way!

Best Places to Visit in Paris

I wanted to share some of the sights we prioritize during our time in Paris. They are almost all free of charge.

For us, it’s not always worth paying for a lot of entrance fees when we can walk around in public areas for free and still get a good feel for a place.

Similarly, we don’t really need to see all of the museums in Paris, so instead, we prioritize our time in just one or two.

My Self-guided Walking Tour of Major Paris Monuments

When I created this self-guided tour, I had two days to give Jedd his first taste of Paris. So we did a long walking tour of the major Paris monuments.

At each venue, we stayed only in the public (i.e. free) areas.

You can get the interactive version of my free Paris self-guided walking tour map sent to your inbox below.

On this self-guided tour, we…
– Passed the famous Bon Marché department store,
– Strolled through Esplanade des Invalides (home of the military museum),
– Took the requisite pictures at the Eiffel Tower,
– Checked the Trocadero square for break dancers (there weren’t any that time),
– Passed the Grand Palace,
– Rested our feet a bit in Tuileries Gardens,
– Explored the grounds of the Louvre,
– Admired the thousands of locks on the Pont des Arts bridge,
– Passed Sainte Chapelle on our way to Notre Dame (which is free to enter),
– And finally ended up in the charming Latin Quarter where we bought a crêpe to enjoy on the banks of the Seine.

Read on for more Paris sightseeing ideas and tips!

Michelle’s “Must See” List for Paris on a Budget

Here are my top places to visit in Paris for cheap.

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a given when visiting Paris. If you’re dying to go up, by all means do it.

Prices have doubled since we were there! We were content to get our requisite Eiffel Tower photos from the park below, free of charge, and take advantage of free city-scape views elsewhere (see: Montmartre and Galeries Lafayette below.)

As with all highly touristed areas in Paris, be alert for pickpockets and scammers, and show up first thing in the morning to avoid large crowds.

2. Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Cathedral is another famous and highly touristed attraction. It is open daily, free of charge, from 8am to 6:45pm.

Since the tragic fire, Notre Dame has been in various phases of reconstruction.

Sharing the same little island (Isle de la Cité) as Notre Dame is Sainte Chapelle, which has beautiful stained glass windows, but there is a fee for adults.

3. Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries

The Louvre Museum is on my must-see list, although I am of the opinion that you don’t actually have to go into the museum to appreciate it. If you have the time and the money, by all means go for it. It’s open every day except Tuesday. 

Perhaps the most famous work of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa. Unfortunately, I only recall being underwhelmed by it because you see the painting from behind a glass barrier and through a large crowd of people.

>> Save time and skip the line by booking your Louvre museum timed-entrance ticket online (easy cancellation).
Purchase Louvre tickets in advance >

For us personally, we can only do so many hours in museums, so we opted instead to see the Musee d’Orsay and the (free) Carnavalet (see more about both museums below).

You can explore the impressive courtyard of the Louvre as well as the nearby Tuileries Gardens which was created to be the palace garden for Queen Catherine de Medicis. The Pont des Arts (see more below) is also adjacent to the Louvre.

4. Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées

The impressive monument of the Arc de Triomphe, built to honor the victories of Napoleon, is encircled by one of the craziest round-a-bouts we’ve ever seen.

It is also the starting point for the Champs Elysées, a grand boulevard with luxury shopping, restaurants, and theaters.

You can approach the Arc de Triomphe via an underground passageway. To enter the monument itself and climb the 40 steps to the top, there is a fee. In my opinion, admiring it from across the street is plenty impressive.

5. Montmartre and Sacre Coeur

Montmartre is a whimsical neighborhood which always reminds me of the movie Amelie. It offers great views of the city from above and a beautiful basilica to explore.

We had the opportunity to take a tour there with a Parisian guide who talked about the impressionist artists that frequented Montmartre.

6. Musée d’Orsay

This is my favorite museum in Paris because it’s not only home to famous works by the likes of Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas but it’s also housed in what used to be a train station, along the river Seine. I discovered one of my all-time favorite paintings there.

All in all, a very impressive place. I personally prefer this museum to the Louvre, so if there’s not time for anything else, Musée d’Orsay is the first fee-required museum that I’d go to.

Skip the long lines by purchasing a reserved access ticket online. Just show your voucher (mobile or printed) at Entrance C.
Purchase your Musee d’Orsay ticket in advance >

There’s a discount on Thursday nights and free entrance the first Sunday of the month. The museum is open 9:30am to 6pm every day except Monday.

7. Quartier Latin

The Latin Quarter of Paris is a really quaint neighborhood, just across the river from Notre Dame, that is perhaps best known for its restaurants.

It does seem a bit touristy at times, but it provides plenty of options when it comes to cuisine. When I was a study abroad student, I somehow found and frequented this Greek gyro shop which I was able to find again on our last trip. A huge gyro sandwich, which comes stuffed with french fries, was only 5 euros for take out.

We also decided to do one special dinner out and were persuaded by Yelp reviews to try Bistro du Périgord. It was a great value (three courses for either 16.50 or 26 euros) and the food was delicious, especially the sauces on our entrées and the desserts!

8. Les Invalides

I haven’t been inside the War Museum or Napoleon’s Tomb at L’Hotel des Invalides since middle school, but it’s still a cool place to walk around.

The site was created to accommodate wounded soldiers and veterans, so it used to be a housing facility and hospital. Museum entrance is 14 euros from 10am to 6pm, but you are free to walk around the grounds from 7:30am to 7pm.

9. Jardin du Luxembourg

One of my all-time favorite city parks, Luxembourg Garden fills over 60 acres with French and English gardens, statues and monuments, outdoor sports facilities, a large pond, foot paths, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy.

There are so many different areas in the park to discover. And I love that you can always find elderly Parisians there playing chess and pétanque, not to mention the unusual yet frequent sightings of groups doing tai chi, martial arts, or walking with trekking poles.

We often end up in Luxembourg Garden several times, both to exercise and for some relaxing reading. A jog around the outskirts of the park is about a mile, and now days, there are plenty of people getting their exercise that way (which was not the case in Paris ten years ago).

More Top Attractions in Paris

Still have time in your itinerary after hitting the major hot spots? There is plenty more to see and do.

Here are the other stops we made throughout our week in Paris:

Carnavalet, Paris History Museum

Back when I was a study-abroad student in Paris, my Aunt (who grew up in Paris) recommended this museum to me. Set within two town homes in another charming district, Le Marais, the Carnavalet is both an art gallery and museum, dedicated to the history of Paris.

I recall being fascinated by paintings that depicted some of Paris’s most famous monuments during eras before the city was built up, as we now know it. So it’s fun to see after you’ve seen a good bit of Paris on foot.

There is also a focus on interior design schemes from the city, which is sort of unique. And what’s more, the permanent collections boast free admission. It’s truly a hidden gem in Paris!

Galeries Lafayette Panorama and l’Opera Garnier

I’m not particularly drawn to shopping malls or department stores, but Galeries Lafayette is a sight in itself. The main building on the corner of Boulevard Haussman and Rue de la Chaussee d’Antin features a stunningly ornate interior that’s worth a look if you have the time.

Additionally, there are two rooftop terraces that I know of where you can get free, panoramic views of the city. In the Galeries Lafayette “Grand Magasin” building, take the elevator or escalator up to the 5th level and then continue up two flights of stairs to the 7th floor. A couple blocks down Haussman, the Printemps Beauté department store also has a rooftop terrace and cafe. There, you’ll take the elevator up to the 8th level, walk across that level to an escalator that goes to the 9th floor.

Nearby, the Opera Garnier (not to be confused with the more modern opera house in Paris) is yet another impressively ornate edifice. Entrance to the public areas has a fee and is typically open from 10am to 5pm.

Marais District: Bastille and Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges in the Marais district, which was once used for artistocratic equestrian exercises is now home to a beautiful park, restaurants, and art galleries.

Within short walking distance, you can also observe Place de la Bastille which marks the former site of Bastille prison, a pivotal landmark in the French Revolution. The Bastille Opera house can also be found on the same square.

When you’re in the Marais, you’re also near the Carnavalet museum of Paris history (mentioned above) as well as many great eateries on Rue Saint Antoine.

Banks of the River Seine: Trocadero, Grand Palais, Pont des Arts

There are a number of other great sites along the banks of the River Seine that are easy to catch when you’re seeing other things nearby. The Trocadero is a large square across from the Eiffel Tower which is surrounded by museums (and where groups of break dancers have occasionally been spotted).

The Grand Palais, surrounded by city parks, is another impressive building between the Champs Elysées and Tuileries Gardens that hosts art exhibitions and other big events.

The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge that resembles a city park suspended in air. It is sometimes used for outdoor art exhibitions and often a site for picnics.

Recently, there has been a movement for tourists to attach locks to the sides of the bridge and throw the key in the river as a romantic gesture. There are a number of issues with this new tradition, including damage and safety concerns, as the locks now overwhelm the bridge. So while you are not encouraged to add to the locks, it is still an interesting place to see and take pictures.

Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou is home to the National Museum of Modern Art. The architectural design of the building itself is fun to see. The surrounding square is also a party for the eyes, as modern fountain sculptures, oversized industrial-looking tubes, and street art contrast with a traditional French church and typically quaint little cafés. The museum opens 11am to 9pm every day except Tuesday. Entrance is 14 euros for adults; free on the first Sunday of the month.

About Our France Trips

I put together this guide while in France for three and a half weeks, which was Jedd’s first visit. I (Michelle) have visited France several times, since I have close relatives living in Paris. I studied in Paris for six months in college as well. 

A majority of our first France trip together was spent in the Loire Valley countryside, but we also had about a week in Paris. Although we wanted to see a lot of the sights in Paris, we also needed to keep costs low.

Fortunately, we were able to save big on airfare (this was the first international trip where we only used frequent flyer miles), and we didn’t pay for any accommodations while in France.

Instead, we stayed part of the time with my Aunt and Uncle, who live there, and the rest of the time we did a Help Exchange in a chateau.

That left the bulk of our expenditures to food as well as a few train rides and metro fares.

#JumpingJedd outside the Louvre, Paris

In the planning and preparation of our trip, I used a number of free resources that I wanted to share here.

I think we’ve also put together a great plan for getting the most out of our time in Paris without spending very much at all.

Having lived in Paris for six months before, I have a feel for what is worth doing and what is not- at least for us. I hope our research and plans will be useful to other travelers, especially those on a budget!

Free French Language Resources:

As a former French major, I always find it important to spend a few months brushing up on whichever language I’m going to be using and retraining my brain to operate in that mode.

Here are some of the tools I use to practice French before visiting France:

RadioLingua’s Coffeebreak French Podcasts

A fun and easy way to learn grammar and vocabulary while you’re on a walk or driving in the car.

As an added bonus, it’s produced by Scottish people so you hear a fun accent when they’re explaining the concepts in English.

We used the free Beginner’s Episodes (Season 1) since Jedd was still getting acquainted with French, and I replayed some of the free Advanced Episodes (Season 4) for myself.

You can listen to all four seasons of podcasts for free as well as some related webisodes. If you want further resources, like extended podcasts and written transcriptions, then you can pay for the premium version.

Radiolingua also does other languages- for example, I found Coffeebreak Spanish to be very good as well.

Duolingo smartphone app

The Duolingo smartphone app has gained popularity in the language-learning world because it “game-ifies” language learning. It’s a very convenient way to brush up on grammar and vocabulary when we have a spare moment.

Youtube Videos

I have only just scratched the surface of what’s available on Youtube for language learning. For me, watching entertaining shows with native French speakers is the perfect challenge to get my mind back in French mode.

Finding shows that also have French subtitles was important for me whenever the speakers talk too fast or I want to pause and look up a vocab word.

I found two older series that are both super cheesy- not something I would ever watch in English but perfect for working on French. 

Extra French with Subtitles is great for middle- to advanced language learners as it was made for educational purposes and the actors speak slowly. For a greater challenge, I found Helene et Les Garcons with Subtitles in which the actors do not slow down their speech at all.

(I’m sure there must be other more recent and relevant shows out there, so please let me know if you come across them.)

Flight Discounts to Europe

We’ve learned how to use miles and points to get all of our overseas flights for almost nothing. This method is called travel hacking.

Don’t be dissuaded by the term “hacking.” This is a legitimate- albeit unconventional- way of maximizing frequent flyer miles and credit card bonuses.

If you know what you’re doing and are responsible with credit, miles and points are a great way to travel further and more frequently on a budget. I highly recommend finding a comprehensive guide or course to get started.

You can also check out:

• FareDrop – a subscription that shares current deals on flights for airports of your choice
• Book Better Flights – my how to course on finding flight deals for yourself

France Travel Planning Resources

Being familiar with Paris from past visits and studying abroad, I didn’t really reference travel guides this time around. Here are my top resources for France travel planning:

• Rail Passes and Train Tips by Rick Steves
  As Rick Steves recommends, we use Rail Europe to pre-purchase rail tickets for any train rides we can’t miss.The others we buy in-country closer to the date of departure.
  France rail passes and multi-country passes are available from Eurail.
• Help Exchange
  This is the site I used to search for a place to stay when we weren’t staying with relatives. We ended up being hosted at a 15th Century chateau/Bed & Breakfast. It’s an alternative budget accommodation because the hosts do require you to do some work but, in exchange, you can get free room and board.
• Paris Metro Guide

Where To Stay in Paris

My personal recommendations for good areas to stay in Paris would be the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th arrondissements. Landmarks to look for when you’re booking include St. Germain, the Latin Quarter, Ile St.-Louis, the Marais, Quai d’Orsay, or Invalides… 

I know a lot of budget hostels are up by Montmartre, but I’ve heard some horror stories and I personally wouldn’t want to stay in that area. I think the closer you can stay near the river Seine, the better.

Central Paris is pricey, but we’ve researched some of the best-value options that come highly rated.

Read next: Where to Stay in Paris: Best Hotels, Airbnbs

 

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TIP: 🛏️ When it comes to accommodations, finding the right balance between cost, location, and comfort is worth getting right. But it doesn’t have to take hours of online searching!

I’ll teach you how to pinpoint your own perfect accommodations efficiently and avoid disappointing stays in mySmart Stay Finder course.

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We always advocate for trying to make personal connections in new places. Whether it be through a friend of a friend, the Couchsurfing network, or an official homestay exchange program, spending time with locals always adds an extra special dimension to travel.

This visit of ours was made possible, thanks to my generous Aunt and Uncle who hosted us in Paris.

One of the things we were most excited to do was witness their every-day life in the 6th arrondissement of the city. 

My Aunt showed us some of her favorite places in the neighborhood, including the best place to get cheese and her favorite bakery. We were thrilled to spend time with them, share some great meals together, and experience Paris from their point of view.

Seeing all of my favorite places in Paris again is always wonderful, especially being able to share them with Jedd on his first trip to Europe. I am reminded how lucky I was to call this place home during my semester abroad.

Paris has character and charm on every corner, getting around on public transit is extremely convenient, and the food is amazing.

We are so grateful to my Aunt and Uncle who hosted us and went above and beyond to help make our stay unforgettable.

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Our Top Tips for Intentional Travel in Paris

• 🤝 Try to make a local connection, whether it’s meeting a friend-of-a-friend you find through social media, staying with locals, or hiring a local guide.
• 🛍️ Shop at locally owned, independent businesses rather than familiar global chains like Starbucks.
• For more guidance, see: how to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas and our simple rules for intentional travel series.
• ❤️ Take this article with you as your guide! Upload this post for free to your phone with the GPSmyCity app. You can also upgrade to get an offline GPS map that guides you to each location we mention. Or subscribe to access all articles and maps around the world for a full year.
• 🚂 Traveling onward by train? We like to pre-book train tickets through Rail Europe. Or order a multi-country rail pass from Eurail.
• 📱Master phone travel essentials with our Smartphone Savvy Travel course to travel safely, confidently, and improve connections with locals.
• ᯤ Stay connected with an eSIM – learn more and look for our discount code in this eSIMs for travel post.
• ✈️ Find better flight deals to Paris with our Book Better Flights tutorials.
• 🛏️ Pinpoint perfect accommodations efficiently and avoid disappointing stays with our Smart Stay Finder course.
• 🛟 Protect your France trip with insurance – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

 

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What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Paris, France?
Find post-pandemic travel updates for Paris, France here:
What you need to know about Paris, France travel right now

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Other Paris tours:

 

You might also like:
– Where to Stay in Paris
– Trip Essentials: Travel Clothing Recommendations
– European Travel Destinations to Visit
– The Best Times to Visit European Countries

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We’d love to hear from you! What are some of your “must see” sights in Paris on a budget? Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.

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