10 Free Things To Do In Paris, France
With a long history, remarkable architecture, and vibrant culture, Paris should definitely be on your bucket list. However, this magnificent city is not budget-friendly without proper planning.
I visited Paris on a budget, and it was great. Check out some of the free things to do in Paris right below.
Walk along the Sein River at night
No need to plan a dinner at an expensive luxury restaurant, a walk along the Seine is more than enough to feel the beauty of Paris at night.
The bank of the Seine is a beautiful spot to watch the city lights twinkle and dance across the peaceful river.
See Eiffel tower
Instead of spending a lot of money going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can fully enjoy such a beautiful view, just different in angle.
Bring a sheet, wine, and cheese to Champ de Mars Park to enjoy a lovely picnic. You can also view the Eiffel tower from the Sein River.
Visit museums on the first Sunday of every month
The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée Rodin are open to visitors free of charge on the first Sunday of every month.
These museums are always an ideal destination for art lovers. You will find Impressionist masterpieces, countless exquisite sculptures, and famous modern artworks.
In addition to the famous museums, visit some of the smaller and less crowded museums in Paris, such as the stately Maison de Victor Hugo – where the great writer lived and worked, Musée Bourdelle’s sculpture studio, or the laboratory by Marie Curie Musée Carnavalet.
Enjoy window shopping
Window shopping is an inexpensive and fun-filled activity in Paris.
Paris is full of fancy stores and luxury items, so it’s still lovely to catch up with the latest trend and fashion even if you don’t intend to buy anything.
Visit Sacré-Cœur
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica, is located on top of Montmartre hill in district 18.
The inside of the cathedral is decorated with huge gold mosaics and stained glass windows. Here you can also listen to the sound of the heaviest bell in the world.
Visiting the cathedral is entirely free, but there will be an extra fee if you want to climb the dome or explore the church’s crypt.
Relax on the Paris Plage artificial beach
One of the free experiences in Paris that will make your trip to France more colorful is to visit Paris Plage beach.
During the last weeks of July, the banks of the Seine appear to be pedestrian-only.
Three areas – Louvre, Bassin Villette, and Pont de la Gare will be transformed into the perfect man-made beach with fine white sand, hawker stalls, bustling with beach volleyball groups, and even a swimming pool.
Enjoy noontime concerts at Petit Palais
Don’t miss the lunchtime concerts at Petit Palais – a free activity in Paris that runs from October to June.
Petit Palais, home to the worthwhile (and free) Musée des Beaux-Arts, hosts lunchtime chamber concerts for locals and visitors alike on Thursdays. Come an hour before the show to get free tickets and enjoy the concert.
Visit the Place des Vosges
Considered the most beautiful square in Paris, Place des Vosges is surrounded by beautiful pink brick and stone villas built over the arcades of chic shops and cafes.
Relaxing with a picnic in the grassy gardens in the middle of the square and listening to the merry buskers sing will be a free experience in peaceful Paris for a weekend afternoon.
Visit Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg is not only filled with greenery but is also home to tennis and tennis courts, modern art sculptures, chessboards, and a boating pond decorated with children’s toy yachts.
A lovely afternoon in Jardin du Luxembourg would be pleasant.
Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and attracts a lot of tourists. It’s the resting place of famous people, including writer Proust, Balzac, Oscar Wilde or singer Jim Morrison.
