If you’re in Paris looking for a way to spend time but not dough the city holds many delights free for the asking. Explore relish the beauty of Paris streets, exotic gardens, tranquil islands or sign up to spend the day with a local, all without opening your wallet!
The Parc de la Villette - There’s no end of the fascination available to the public at the Parc de la Villette (Main entrance at 30 rue Corentin-Cariou) with garden themes involving dragons, mirrors,
islands, trellises, equilibrium and even childhood fears. The fantastic sculptures around the grounds loom over the great expanses of lawn that beg to be savored with a leisurely picnic or rousing game of frisbee – or a bit of both!
There is admission for some attractions, like the shows at the IMAX theatre housed in the sparkly Géode, but if you visit during July or August you can spend the evening watching free cinemas in the open space known as the Prairie du triangle. The Parc de la Villette is a relatively new addition to Paris resulting from major renovations to what was previously the slaughterhouse district –and relics of this macabre history are proudly worked into the park displays with only a slight hint of irony.
Paris Greeters Tours - They say the best way to learn Paris is to hang with the locals, but finding locals that want to hang with you is the tricky part. Well, thanks to a service known as Paris Greeters you can connect with the hundred or so volunteer Parisians that will be happy to join you for a walk and point out the off-the-beaten path places you’re not going to find on tourist maps. Paris greeters charge you nothing for their services although rumor is they won’t turn down a cup of coffee or glass of wine during your tour. The foundation accepts donations from satisfied customers -- but payment is by no means obligatory.
Island Hopping on the Seine - Unlike tropical island hopping via boat, in Paris you island hop via cobblestoned streets amid the most flamboyant renaissance architecture in town. Perched in the bend of the Seine are the le de la Cité and the Île St-Louis islands where you won’t find palm trees or sandy beaches but you will find an unexpectedly tranquil retreat that costs nothing to soak up. Historically the playground of Paris’ elite, these islands ooze old world opulence that makes modern contrivances pale in comparison. Just steps away from a bustling city center, when you step on th
ese islands it’s like stepping back in time.
Wall Watching - With all the fabulous old stone monuments, cathedrals, palaces, walled estates, cobblestone neighborhoods and ornate bridges around Paris, it’s no surprise that one of the favorite pastimes is simply watching walls! Just pack up your supplies and find a cozy vantage point where you curl up to admire the light’s painting de jour on the canvas of Paris walls. Sunset might seem like the finale, but as dark settles the City of Lights reveals a whole new dimension. If you’re artistically inclined, wall watching can be an ideal way to practice your skills by capturing the experience on film, canvas, blank pages – or digitally.
About the author: Lela Lake combines her love of Paris and thrifty travel by writing for AnyTrip.com, the budget accommodation specialists. They’re currently giving away four free trips to Paris (ends 30th September 2011) and have a great selection of
Cheap Paris Hotel bookable on their site.
The Parc de la Villette - There’s no end of the fascination available to the public at the Parc de la Villette (Main entrance at 30 rue Corentin-Cariou) with garden themes involving dragons, mirrors,
islands, trellises, equilibrium and even childhood fears. The fantastic sculptures around the grounds loom over the great expanses of lawn that beg to be savored with a leisurely picnic or rousing game of frisbee – or a bit of both!There is admission for some attractions, like the shows at the IMAX theatre housed in the sparkly Géode, but if you visit during July or August you can spend the evening watching free cinemas in the open space known as the Prairie du triangle. The Parc de la Villette is a relatively new addition to Paris resulting from major renovations to what was previously the slaughterhouse district –and relics of this macabre history are proudly worked into the park displays with only a slight hint of irony.
Paris Greeters Tours - They say the best way to learn Paris is to hang with the locals, but finding locals that want to hang with you is the tricky part. Well, thanks to a service known as Paris Greeters you can connect with the hundred or so volunteer Parisians that will be happy to join you for a walk and point out the off-the-beaten path places you’re not going to find on tourist maps. Paris greeters charge you nothing for their services although rumor is they won’t turn down a cup of coffee or glass of wine during your tour. The foundation accepts donations from satisfied customers -- but payment is by no means obligatory.
Island Hopping on the Seine - Unlike tropical island hopping via boat, in Paris you island hop via cobblestoned streets amid the most flamboyant renaissance architecture in town. Perched in the bend of the Seine are the le de la Cité and the Île St-Louis islands where you won’t find palm trees or sandy beaches but you will find an unexpectedly tranquil retreat that costs nothing to soak up. Historically the playground of Paris’ elite, these islands ooze old world opulence that makes modern contrivances pale in comparison. Just steps away from a bustling city center, when you step on th
ese islands it’s like stepping back in time.Wall Watching - With all the fabulous old stone monuments, cathedrals, palaces, walled estates, cobblestone neighborhoods and ornate bridges around Paris, it’s no surprise that one of the favorite pastimes is simply watching walls! Just pack up your supplies and find a cozy vantage point where you curl up to admire the light’s painting de jour on the canvas of Paris walls. Sunset might seem like the finale, but as dark settles the City of Lights reveals a whole new dimension. If you’re artistically inclined, wall watching can be an ideal way to practice your skills by capturing the experience on film, canvas, blank pages – or digitally.
About the author: Lela Lake combines her love of Paris and thrifty travel by writing for AnyTrip.com, the budget accommodation specialists. They’re currently giving away four free trips to Paris (ends 30th September 2011) and have a great selection of
Cheap Paris Hotel bookable on their site.
