As it is obvious from the title I am going to write about my top 5 free things to do in Paris. Because we all like free stuff and we all like Paris. Sooo with no further due, let’s get into it!
If you have missed my previous photography posts on Paris I will leave them both here, one is dedicated to my first film roll (Paris in 35mm) and the other is a digital photo guide of Paris with also some of my outfits to spice it up a bit.
Paris is the capital of France, full of life and of amazing free things to do. I have listed down my top 5 free experiences to have when in the city. So I will explain them to you one by one.
I spent 5 days in the city during August which gave me plenty of time to wander around and to check some of the spots I wasn’t able to visit on my first visit in Paris during Xmas time some years ago.
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Seriously, even if you have the slightest interest in photography in general, this is a to-do-museum. In this old building there are always different exhibitions and it is so easy to get caught admiring even the photo of a cat.
Because yes, when I went in August, there was a Cats Exhibition and even me – I don’t really like cats, I’m such a dog person – found something nice (Lagerfelt’s cat for instance!). Unfortunately it is one of the few museum not free for European 18-26 but it is free for everyone every Wednesday from 17 to 20 o’clock.
2. Notre Dame | going upstairs
free for European 18-26
Despite the longest cue ever (1 hour and 15 minutes) this is something that has to be done. It takes so long because they only allow 20 people at time to get in (it’s tiny). But really really worth it.
A look inside the cathedral is good but it’s from upstairs that you can truly see the heart of Paris. Not to mention all the stone gargoyles, the old gigantic bell, the wooden ceilings and the reminiscence of Hugo and its Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
3. Museums: Louvre + Orsay
free for European 18-26
Louvre | It is better take advantage of the free entrances to these two huge museums. It would take you one entire day to walk throughout the whole Louvre but it is the Louvre. The Egyptian part, the Neo-classical one and so many paintings are there!
Well, don’t do it like me, which is going there half an hour before it closes and running around to see everything. No. Take your time. Maybe schedule beforehand your favorite areas and calmy wander around. Also don’t forget to look at the architecture of the building, the king used to live there for a reason!
Orsay | Le Musee d’Orsay was an old train station and its appeal is still visible. It is smaller than the Louvre and in 3 hours you can do it. I think I like it more because one, Gossip Girl was filmed here, kidding, one, because it has one of my favorite painting of all time: Olympia by Manet (below, the first one), two, because of the view from the last floor where you can see the Louvre and the Seine on one side.
4. Père Lachaise Cemetery
free for everyone
Old poets, architects, politicians, philosophers, writers, musicians are all buried here. The solemnity of this place speaks for itself. It is not creepy, instead it is a place where you can think and respect old souls. Tip: take a photograph of the map at the entrance because otherwise you would get lost as myself and wouldn’t be able to find OscarWilde’s grave.
5. Coco Chanel | Rue de Cambon 31
free if don’t enter and buy (;
And finally, for every fashionista a stop in front at the old Mademoiselle Coco’s shop is necessary. Chanel is Paris, Paris is Chanel, this lady had such a strong personality and her dresses made history.
Walk in front of it and inhale the Parisian spirit andalways learn from Coco: “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different”. Kudos.
I hope this little guide might be helpful if you ever happen to be in Paris, my dear readers. Enjoy
