With the Olympic Games drawing crowds to Paris this summer, it will be difficult to escape the hustle and bustle and have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. The arrival of the Olympics in the city has caused a general rise in prices, including those of museums, restaurants, public transport and accommodation. In other words, all tourist activities have become more expensive in a city that was not exactly the cheapest.
But it’s not all drama. Those who visit the French capital in the coming weeks for the pleasure of discovering the wonders of the City of Love or for the historic opportunity to enjoy one of the competitions of the 32 sporting disciplines that take part in the event, can enjoy areas, monuments and gardens completely free of charge during these difficult times.
The guides of GuruWalk —the community of local guides—, experts in tourism in the city, reveal to us the most affordable plans during these months in Paris.
1. The streets of Paris, the best museum in the city
Although it may seem obvious, Parisian guide Jerónimo Vargas explains that the best way to discover and fall in love with Paris is completely free, and that is to walk its streets. Just as he and the other experts in the city who offer their tours do, walking through any neighborhood in Paris without expectations can lead to the most rewarding experience you can have in the French capital.
A street in the old part of Paris.
If you are able to look at the city, forgetting the halo of romanticism in which it has been enveloped in films and leaving aside all the expectations that these have created for you, it will show itself before you in all its splendor and it is practically impossible for you not to fall at its feet.
2. The neighborhood of Le Marais and its ‘Private Hotels’
If wandering aimlessly through its streets doesn’t convince you, Vargas recommends that you visit some specific areas of the city such as this neighborhood. Although Le Marais is known for its vibrant nightlife and fashion boutiques, our GuruWalk partner guide suggests exploring the Private Hotels, stately palaces and mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries scattered throughout this historic neighborhood.
Place des Vosges in the Le Marais neighborhood.
These noble buildings, with their majestic courtyards open to the public free of charge, offer a glimpse of the Parisian opulence of yesteryear and are also a good refuge from the heat on these summer days.
3. Victor Hugo’s House
Victor Hugo Museum in Paris.
Located in the picturesque place des Vosges in Le Marais, the house where the famous author of The Miserables has become a museum dedicated to his life and work. It is a must-see for literature lovers who wish to immerse themselves in Hugo’s world. And admission is free!
4. Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre
Plaza Louise Michel in Montmartre.
Although Montmartre attracts many visitors throughout the year, it is practically a must-see and is not expected to be as busy as it is during the rest of the year. Jerónimo Vargass believes that the Sacré-Cœur Basilica could be a quiet refuge during the Olympics. With its stunning views of Paris, it offers a space for reflection away from the noise.
5. The Latin Quarter
Bars and terraces in the Latin Quarter.
Known for its bohemian vibe and student history, the Latin Quarter is ideal for those looking for good prices and a relaxed atmosphere. Both Jerónimo Vargas and Fabien Perucha, the latter a Parisian by birth and heart and another of the best guides to the Latin Quarter, are very knowledgeable about the city. free tours of the city, they point out that this area could be particularly quiet during the games, making it a great place to enjoy a meal without the typical crowds. Plus, they stress, this neighborhood is home to the cheapest restaurants and bars in the city, making it an ideal destination for dining.
6. The Luxembourg Gardens
These extensive gardens designed in 1612 under Marie de Medici are in the heart of the Latin Quarter and are perfect for a stroll or a picnic after buying food in some of the restaurants in the area.
The Luxembourg Gardens, a meeting point for Parisians.
They are considered the most beautiful gardens in all of Paris and are free to enter. However, the museum inside is subject to a fee. However, according to Vargas, the visit to the gardens is well worth it, even more so than the entrance to the museum itself.
7. The cemetery of Père-Lachaise
A walk through the Pere Lachaise cemetery.
“There is not a week that goes by that someone doesn’t ask me about this cemetery,” says the GuruWalk guide. The Père-Lachaise is the most famous cemetery in Paris and one of the most popular in the world because it is the one that houses the most famous figures. Admission is free and there you can find the graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Frédéric Chopin, Eugène Delacroix, George Méliès, Gerda Taro and Anna Karina, among many others.
8. The Buttes-Chaumont Park
A temple of the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
Located near the Père-Lachaise, this Parisian park is known for its elements of the Belle Epoque, like its waterfalls and suspension bridges that surprise anyone who visits it for the first time. The views from certain areas of the park towards the Sacré-Cœur Basilica are simply spectacular. A fully-fledged viewing point, and free of charge!
9. Tuileries Garden
Sunset in the Tuileries Garden.
Although part of this central garden will be occupied by Olympic events taking place in Paris’s famous District 1, Jerónimo Vargas recommends exploring the accessible areas, as these will still offer a unique experience to travelers. The Tuileries was the city’s first public park and emerged around several tile-making workshops, which gave rise to its name. tile factory.
10. The churches of Paris
The Basilica of St. Denis, the first Gothic temple in the world.
Although we have already named some churches, the GuruWalk experts They stress that, by law, all churches in the city are free to enter, including Saint-Denis, the first Gothic church in the world. As well as being a free tourist attraction of great value, given that many have unique architecture and decorations in different styles, they are a perfect refuge from the heat and crowds. However, they should always be visited with respect for the parishioners and their worship.
11. The Paris archive
The building that houses the Musée des Archives Nationales.
Fabien Perucha adds a final recommendation to visit for free this summer: the Paris archive. In the heart of the Marais are the National Archives and its gardens, the great unknown, both for travellers and for the vast majority of Parisians. They are open to the public free of charge and offer four very different atmospheres that take you away from the bustle of the city and allow you to relax in a fresh and beautiful environment.
Source: www.huffingtonpost.es
