The Top 15 Free Things to Do in Paris
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We'll come right out and say it. Paris is one of our favorite cities in the world. But still, there's just one little problem: it's expensive!
While some experiences in the French capital are well worth splurging for — after all, Paris has some of the best restaurants in the world, there are dozens of world-class museums and monuments, and it's also considered the world capital of fashion — not every Parisian attraction needs to break the bank!
With this guide, you can enjoy the best of both worlds! Some of these experiences you'll have heard of, and others will surely surprise you! Here are the top 15 free things to do in Paris.
Looking for other inspiration? Don't miss the 10 Quintessentially Parisian Experiences You Can't Miss in Paris!
1. Printemps Rooftop Terrace
The first of the top 15 free things to do in Paris is a beautiful secret. Take the elevator up to the rooftop of Printemps (a Parisian department store) for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris and all of its famous landmarks. From the rooftop, you can relax, enjoy the view, and – although, not free – enjoy a cocktail or a croissant at the tranquil rooftop café.
2. Cooking Classes
For the past six years, the Federation Francaise de Cuisine has partnered with the French capital to offer free cooking classes to the public! Class themes vary from organic foods to healthy cooking, but each class always focuses on seasonal ingredients or limiting food waste. Using the freshest ingredients from Parisian markets, you'll learn from some of the city's best chefs. MADDY'S NOTE: Book your class well in advance; spaces are limited.
“Paris: Canal St-Martin“/kaysgeog
3. Picnic at Canal Saint-Martin
Grab some friends, a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine (or three…), and head over to one of the liveliest parts of the city: Canal Saint-Martin. Parisians and tourists alike frequent this canal, as nobody can resist its charm. With jovial crowds, endless greenery, and early-nineteenth-century architecture to enjoy, this outdoor space is the perfect place to soak in Paris slowly.
4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
If you think you've seen a beautiful cathedral, you really haven't seen anything until you step foot into the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Known worldwide for its stunning Romanesque stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture, can you believe that entry to this medieval jewel is free? Yet, if you want to climb up Notre-Dame's towers, it's a different story; prepare to shell out €16.
5. Cimetière du Père Lachaise
Paris's largest (and most beautiful) cemetery, Père Lachaise Cemetery, opened in 1804. Ever since, it's been known for its estimated three million permanent residents and its extravagant tombs. This fascinating graveyard is filled with stories of love, war, and even the paranormal. This cemetery is a must-see, indeed!
6. Wine Tasting at La Dernière Goutte
Every Saturday from 11 am to 7:30 pm, you can stop by La Dernière Goutte for free wine tastings with French winemakers! The wine here comes from all regions of France and is presented to you by ex-pat-turned-wine-connoisseur, Juan Sanchez, who gives explanations and lessons in both English and French. Magnifique!
7. Marché d'Aligre
For a real local's experience, spend a weekend morning at Marché d'Aligre. This historic market, beloved and frequented by Parisians of all ages, offers the freshest produce, bright flowers, beautifully aged cheeses, charcuterie, fine wines, and so much more. While none of the products are free, the samples, aromas, and vibrant colors are! If you're interested in learning a bit more about the French diet and culture, Marché d'Aligre is a great place to explore.
8. Pigalle Basketball Court
The Pigalle Basketball Court is my personal favorite on this list of free things to do in Paris! French fashion brand Pigalle Paris collaborated with the creative platform Ill-Studio to design a public basketball court in the Quartier Pigalle. Head over to the 9th arrondissement to shoot some hoops! If you're lucky, you'll see some of the world's best basketball players, known to frequent the court.
9. La Promenade Plantée
Reminiscent of New York City's High Line, La Promenade Plantée is an elevated public park, built atop an old railway. Here, you can take a nice stroll, jog, or bike ride, among the flowers, trees, and aerial views of Paris!
10. Open-Air Film Screenings
On summer evenings, Ciné en Plein Air festival screens free movies in the Parc de La Villette for the public to enjoy. From Hollywood blockbusters to short pieces by up-and-coming directors, Paris's biggest open-air film screenings feature something for everyone!
11. Marché aux Fleurs
Since 1830, Paris's most famous flower market has attracted millions of green thumbs and curious onlookers alike. Marché aux Fleurs, open seven days a week, offers a wide mix of flora, ranging from orchids and peonies to exotic flowers and shrubs. There is no excuse for missing this happy place!
12. Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg is an oasis in the middle of bustling Paris; it's the perfect place to sit and chat, enjoy nature, and simply allow time to pass you by. For first-time visitors and locals, this garden is a true gem.
13. Play a Game With the Locals
While strolling about the city, why not try your hand at something new? Join in on a locals' game of pétanque or mölkky for some friendly competition. Pétanque is a classic French game, similar to both horseshoes and bocce, and is beloved by generations. Nowadays, however, Parisian hipsters are also taking up mölkky, a Finnish throwing game.
14. Musée d'Orsay/Musée du Louvre/Musée de l'Orangerie
Paris's three most popular art museums, Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre, and Musée de l'Orangerie, are free on the first Sunday of the month. The only exception is the Louvre, as this rule applies only from March through October. Whether you have to pay your way or not, though, these impressive institutions shouldn't be missed. Free entry is just a bonus!
15. Explore the Neighborhoods of Paris on Foot
Getting lost in the historic, café-lined streets of Paris has to be the best way to explore the City of Light. From the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, to Pigalle and Montmartre, Paris's many different quarters wait to be discovered!
What are your favorite things to do in Paris? Have you experienced any of these free activities before? If not, which would you enjoy most?
When you do the cooking class, is it all in English? And do you remember about how long the class is? That sounds like so much fun.
We did 1 of these eeekkk what a good excuse to go back to Paris.
That’s a nice compilation of free things to do in Paris. I was forced to do only free things in Paris ..Yes ! you guessed it right, got pick pocketed. But I don’t regret it a bit ..Paris was a dream come true.
Rekha
http://www.theunconventionalgirl.com (http://www.theunconventionalgirl.com)
Ohhhhh no! What a bummer! People suck sometimes. But at least there were plenty of free things to do in Paris to occupy your time :)
Great ideas! I’ve traveled all around France but somehow never made it to Paris (crazy right?) but these photos totally made it so I won’t miss such an amazing city next time. I’ll also make sure to keep your tips in mind! Great post :)
You traveled around France but didn’t go to Paris??! That’s one we’ve never heard! ;)
I didn’t know about the first one! That’s pretty neat. My favorite thing about Paris are all the museums and I think I’ve been to them all! Haha… my artsy heart loves them. The Louvre, as cliche as it is, will always be my favorite part of Paris…
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com (http://www.coatandcoffee.com)
It may be cliché, but nobody can argue with that! The Louvre is well deserving of that title! :)
These are great tips! I have planned a trip to Paris later this year so this is fantastic. As a foodie I love the sound of the free cooking classes.
The cooking classes seem to be a favorite on this list! It’s ours as well.
These are all such amazing ideas, I love the idea of taking a cooking class in Paris!
xo
Siffat
https://icingandglitter.com (https://icingandglitter.com)