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(Last Updated On: 08/10/2021)

There is a lot of things Paris is known for. But Free things to do in Paris is not something it is known for. It is famous for being one of the most romantic places in the world. A fashion capital and literary paradise even! Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a cheap date. Do not believe us? Here are 10 Free Things To Do In Paris!

 

1. Best Free Things To Do In Paris: Musee Carnavalet

First on my list of 10 Best Free things to do in Paris is the Musee Carnavalet. This museum has been closed for a couple of years for renovations, However, it is officially reopening on December, 20th 2019! Located in the historic neighborhood of the Marais, the Carnavalet Museum is dedicated to the history of Paris. From its origins to nowadays.

The visitor will be able to discover splendid collections related to the city. From Gallo Roman and medieval objects and archives. Memories from the French Revolution to many sorts of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and art objects from different periods of time!

If you love the city of Paris and love to enrich yourself both culturally and personally, you will thoroughly enjoy the Musee Carnavalet! You will be amazed by its precious collections, its architecture, and the atmosphere, which are so typical of Paris!

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Best Things To Do In Paris For Free

 

2. Notre Dame De Paris

Is it just me, or every time someone mentions Notre Dame, I just think of Victor Hugo unforgettable Hunchback of Notre Dame? Whether you love the movie or not, this cathedral is one to visit. Not only is it a badass medieval Catholic cathedral, but it is also the finest example of French Gothic architecture out!

The stained glass windows (notably the Rose Window), the use of architectural details like flying buttresses and sculptures make this a must-see free Paris experience. For the best photo opportunities from the Cathedral climb the bell towers for a birds-eye view of Paris. For a view of the Cathedral itself, Square Jean XXIII provides a good vantage point to take a rear view of the beautiful monument. Best of all? It is on our 10 Free Things to do in Paris. Why? You guessed it. It is free!

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Best Things To Do In Paris For Free

 

3. Best Free Things To Do In Paris: The Pantheon

This beautiful building was originally built as a place of worship. However, nowadays it has been converted to a mausoleum. It holds the remains of several notable Parisians; Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas to name but a few! The Pantheon’s iconic silhouette and the dome are perched at the top of the Montagne Sainte Genevieve, the historic hill of the Latin Quarter.

From April to October, tourists can enjoy the fine views of the capital from the colonnade of the dome. The Neoclassical architecture is reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. Being buried in the Pantheon is considered one of the highest honors bestowed on a citizen. The inscription on the wall at the entrance to the burial place bears testament to this sentiment. To great men, the grateful homeland.

When can you visit for free? Thought you would never ask! Get free admission every first Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March. Free for those under 26 from countries within the European Union, as well as primary and secondary teachers. Free for disabled visitors and an accompanying person, as well as job seekers and those receiving French state benefits. It is also free for young people and children.

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The Pantheon

 

4. Canal Saint Martin

Also close to topping my Free Things to do in Paris For Free list. Walking the length of Canal St Martin! This remains one of my favorites walks in this city. A man-made waterway, the canal is about 4.5 km long, connecting Canal de L Ourcq to the Seine. Originally built in 1802 by Napolean as an outthrust of the Ourcq River, aiming to bring potable drinking water to Parisians riddled with potential diseases like cholera and dysentery.

Every fifteen years or so the canal is dredged to clean it but in recent times the area itself surrounding the canal has undergone revitalization. Find a hive of pubs and bars spread along the canal. This area is also a popular hangout of the student population. In popular culture, the canal area was featured in the cinema Amelie as a place to skip stones.

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Canal Saint Martin

 

5. Best Free Things To Do In Paris For Free: Parc Des Buttes Chaumont

Our first park on our 10 Free Things to do in Paris list! This beautiful urban park is located in northeastern Paris. Features of this green park consist of an artificial lake with placidly swimming ducks, a rocky island central to the lake called Ile de la Belvedere, Temple de la Sibylle (in memory of the ancient Roman Temple of Vesta in Tivoli) perched fifty meters above the lake. Find bridges connecting the island to the rest of the park, a central promenade to walk, and sprawling green lawns.

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6. Arc De Triomphe

Another super-famous place to visit that is, of course, free! A Triumphal Arch, inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus, this monument commemorates the lives of French nationalists who fought in the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Beneath the Arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Great War and is marked by an eternal flame that has been burning since Armistice Day in 1921. Six very important reliefs decorate the facades each depicting key moments of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. They include General Marceau’s burial, the Battles of Austerlitz, Arcole, Jemappes, and Aboukir, and the Fall of Alexandria.

Gaining access to the viewing platform and seeing the Arc up close does cost money but a view or snapshot of this imposing monument from the Champs Elysees or a circulating bus or car is absolutely free.

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Arc de Triomphe

 

7. Best Free Things To Do In Paris: Parc Monceau

This is a public park that was originally acquired by the Duke of Chartres. He is the cousin of King Louis XVI. The park was designed to resemble an English Garden by Louis Carmontelle. There are many striking architectural features that grace the garden. They include a small rotunda at the main park gate, a miniature ancient Egyptian pyramid, a Roman colonnade, a Chinese fort, a Dutch windmill, and other curiosities from around the world. Visiting the park is like visiting the cultural wonders of the world all in miniature.

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Parc Monceau

 

8. Free Fashion Shows At Galeries La Fayette

Are you eager to find out what is new and happening in the style capital of the world? Then do not miss an opportunity to attend one of the free fashion shows held at the Galeries la Fayette, every Friday at 3 pm. Make sure you make your reservation online, in advance to ensure availability on the required date. Also, another excellent free activity, if you are at the Galeries la Fayette, is to visit the rooftop terrace for one of the best views of Paris. Do some window shopping afterward in the shopping arcade itself, if you have extra time.

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Free Fashion Shows At Galeries la Fayette

 

9. Open Air Cinema At The Parc De La Villette

This pick of Free things to do in Paris is not all year long, but you can enjoy open-air cinema during the months of July and August (Thursday to Sunday) in one of the city’s largest parks. The showings vary from classic cinema to more contemporary movies. Book a deck chair and be prepared for some cinematic delight as soon as it gets dark.

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Open Air Cinema At The Parc de la Villette

 

10. Watch The Free Light Show At The Eiffel Tower

At dark, every hour on the hour for five minutes the Eiffel Tower sparkles and provides a light show for all spectators, this will remain the cream de la cream of Free things to do in Paris. The Place du Trocadero will give you the best seat for the show in town.

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Watch The Free Light Show At The Eiffel Tower

 

Ready to save your wallet some Euros? Great! Train tickets are not among the Free things to do in Paris, however, when you use Save A Train they are for sure not expensive!

 

 

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