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?
Paris is one of my favourite cities too! And you gave some great tips for the budget traveller :) I love that there is the option of taking free cooking classes too, especially as they’re also a bit more eco-conscious which is awesome. I’d like to suggest visiting the Sacre-Coeur as another free thing to do in the city. It was so beautiful and majestic that I actually got emotional while inside haha.
Next time I go to Paris, I will have to take a cooking class. That would be so fun!
Pretty cool, right?! Free cooking classes in one of the world’s food capitals? It’s almost too perfect!
How fantastic that there are free cookery classes! I used to live in Paris and agree that the Promenade Plantee is a real gem
Wow, living in Paris sounds like a dream! Thanks for stopping by.
The Luxembourg Garden is incredible! It’s the perfect place to relax after walking around all day. And I am so bummed I didn’t know about the cooking classes before I visited Paris! I would’ve loved that. Lovely post xx
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
Right? We’re headed back to Paris in less than two months and we can’t wait to spend time there again! I’m sure you’ll be back again soon enough, and then you can take the cooking classes! :)
Gorgeous! Paris never gets old. There’s always something different
So true!
I had no idea that you could get free cooking classes in Paris or do a free wine tasting! That would be so awesome, especially in a city that is so well known for cooking and wine!
Right?! It’s ALMOST too good to be true!
Excellent article! I would probably take your last advice and just walk around aimlessly through the neighborhoods. I’ve done this every trip I’ve been on and it’s really the best way to explore and discover awesome hidden gems AND people. They’re often not expecting tourists to be walking around and are actually more receptive to saying hi and engaging in a conversation. That picture of Notre Dame though… EPIC!
Totally agree with you! Thanks, Hung. :)
Wow. I’m clearly impressed, for someone who doesn’t live in Paris that’s some really good advices ! Preparing for your upcoming trip ha !
I always stuggle when I want to got to the Printemps rooftop because I always lost my self in the shop haha
And funny thing I never heard of the la promenade plantée, need to check this out soon !!
Great article :)
Kenza from https://travelwithkenza.blogspot.fr/ (https://travelwithkenza.blogspot.fr/)
Thanks, Kenza! That’s great to hear from someone who actually lives in Paris!
Yes – we can’t wait for our upcoming trip! :)
Great post! Never been to Paris before, but it sounds absolutely lovely! What an amazing place to visit. Free cooking classes? AND in Paris?! Oh my goodness; this would be absolutely amazing! Something I would love and remember forever, I’m sure. Thanks so much for all the tips, Maddy!
Never been to Paris, huh? You’ve got to go! :)
Really useful post, seeing Paris on a budget isn’t easy so this would come in very handy :-)
Totally agree! Thank you for stopping by.
These are fabulous! I wish I had known about the elevated park when I was there this summer…must got back:-)
The perfect reason to go back! As they say… Paris is always a good idea! ;)
Great suggestions! I had no idea that there was free cooking classes, that would be so much fun! I’ll have to remember these tips if I go to Paris again. :)
Eden | Mint Notion (https://www.mintnotion.com)
Thanks for stopping by, Eden! :)