5 Free Things to Do in Paris
Bonjour mes amis!
Paris, France’s capital is a global center for art, fashion, food and culture, and we are pretty sure it has been or is in your bucket list. But has it ever crossed your mind just how expensive traveling to a major European city can be?
No worries! Because with this list of 5 free off the beaten path activities that you can enjoy in Paris, you will be able to relish the romantic and magnificent city as au naturel as possible, without breaking your budget.
1. Enjoy Paris without the hustle at Promenade Plantée
Also named as Coulée verte René-Dumont, meaning green course, Promenade Plantée is the first of its kind in the world being a linear park elevated on a disused railway line in Paris. The Promenade was the inspiration behind New York’s High Line Park, and the romantic movie Before Sunset was filmed here.
Metro stop: Bastille or Gare de Lyon
2. Fall in love with the city’s 360° view at Printemps Rooftop Terrace
Printemps, which means spring in French, is a shopping centre that surprisingly offers undeniably breathtaking views of Paris. Take the elevator to the top floor and then the escalator to the last level. From there, you can see the hill of Montmarte and even the iconic Eiffel Tower!
Metro stop: Chaussée d’Antin, Opéra, or Trinité
3. Step on the center of Paris at Notre Dame Cathedral
A few steps away from Notre Dame Cathedral, you will find a small brass plate set in the ground that is said to be the point from which all distances throughout Paris is measured. Some believe that once they step or touch the Point Zero, all their wishes will come true.
Metro stop: St-Michel Notre Dame or Cité
4. Travel back in time at the Latin Quarter
One of the oldest areas in Paris, the Latin Quarter holds a unique and special Bohemian charm for many. It is vibrant, diverse and a place for the creative minds. Consisting of narrow streets and cobblestone alleyways, the Latin Quarter is haven for the bookish, the artists, the foodie, the budget traveler, the students and basically everyone.
Metro stop: Cluny-La Sorbonne or Luxembourg
5. Wander around the largest cemetery at Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Known as the largest cemetery in Paris, you will be amazed by how many renowned artists have been buried here. From Oscar Wilde, to Jim Morrison, to Victor Noir, and many more, the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is surely a must-visit!
Metro stop: Gambetta or Père-Lachaise
Note from the author: This was originally posted on passportbites.wordpress.com, dated February 3, 2016
