Paris, the very mention of the city of light conjures up visions of glorious gluttony, but just because it is Paris does not mean you cannot come home with some money in your pocket.
One of the most well recognized sights in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. On most days expect to wait in line two hours, that is if you want to take the elevator. Instead skip the wait and partake of the steps. With a miniscule wait and only 3.80 euros the stairs to the first level offer great photographic sights on the way up and down. There is a post office
(.85 to send a postcard), restrooms, and a gift shop.
Another way to stay on budget is to take the metro to metro stop Anvers on line 2, then walk up the hill to Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) basilica in Montmartre. The basilica is free to tour (so is Notre Dame), and Sacre-Coeur offers one of the best views of Paris. Before or after climbing the steps to the basilica check out all of the discount shops. This is the place to find scarves 4 to 8 euros, boots 30 euros, skirts and shirts for just 5 euros. (Expect to normally pay 40 to 250 euros for scarves in the department stores and 150 euros on up for boots elsewhere). It pays to look up your European clothing and shoe size before the trip. I usually wear a 9 and ½ boot, in Paris a size 41 fit.
Other locations for a good deal on clothing and scarves include outside venders at Galeries Layfayette, a seven-story mall located behind the Opera Garnier (think Phantom of the Opera, metro Opera line 8). While the inside of Galeries Lafayette is, in my opnion, overwhelming, the outside is laid back and where the real entertainment is. There I bought a snack of freshly roasted chestnuts in November for just 3 euros. Get caught up in the free watching of the whimsical window displays of dancing teapots, and more.
While it is easy to spend a small fortune on food in Paris, it is also possible to spend very little and still get tasty treats. Many bakeries (boulangerie) offer sandwiches such as croquet monsieur (toasted ham and cheese sandwich served hot or cold), or filled baguette sandwiches for 2.50 to 4 euros. Many areas of Paris feature crepe stands where crepes are filled with your choice of sweet or savory items for around 2.50 to 4.50 euros.
My favorite budget option is assembling a picnic by gathering items from bakeries, cheese shops and open air markets. Just ask for cent (pronounced “sahn”) gram to receive 100 grams = ¼ pound of the
desired item. On of the most delicious items I have to purchase at markets whenever I am in Paris is the small potatoes which are roasted underneath rotisserie chickens. The potatoes soak up all the drippings. The chickens are priced by size, so you may purchase a chicken that fits your budget. While many markets sell the roasted potatoes, I think the best are found at Marche boulevard de Grenelle, which is located between metro stops Dupleix and La Motte Picquet-Grenelle, open Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Markets are also the perfect place to find inexpensive, but stylish clothing.
These are but a few of the many affordable options in Paris. Use these suggestions as a guide until you discover your own favorite bargains. Travel does not have to be expensive to be enjoyable. Happy bargain hunting!
Real Travel Adventures 