Are you fascinated by the “City of Light”? You’re not alone. Paris is the world’s most visited city for good reason. And it’s not just because of the sweet aroma of brioches or the cobbled streets that have been witness to centuries of history and culture.
Care to escape the crowds of Paris without missing out on the real flavor of the city? Living like a Paris local through HomeExchange, you’re already well on your way to a rich and personal experience. And now we’ve assembled a list of 10 exclusive, yet inexpensive, ways to get off the beaten sightseer track. Bon voyage!
1. Skate the Boulevards
Every Friday at 10 PM, crowds gather under the big clock at the Montparnasse train station. They all have one thing in common: They’re wearing inline skates. Anyone can join the free 25km roller brigade, hosted by Pari-Roller, for a police-escorted loop around Paris from 10 PM to 1 AM. All ages are welcome, but children and beginners should aim to be in the middle of the pack.
2. Meet a Greeter
Paris Greeters lead free tours in the city. Each of the warm and passionate Parisian ambassadors aims to impart something personal by introducing visitors to the less touristy areas. These are not your typical guided walks. Each one is uniquely based on the volunteer guide’s knowledge. People with disabilities or limited mobility are happily accommodated.
3. Applaud the Catwalk
While in this leading fashion capital, take in a free fashion show. Every Friday at 3 PM on the fourth floor of the Lafayette Coupole, the Galeries Lafayette offers a free 30-minute show of the latest trends from top designer names. Space is limited so reserve at least two weeks in advance.
4. Seek Your Own Chic
Paris isn’t really a city for sweatpants. Anyone aged 18-30 keen to strut with the femmes très chic (“stylish women”) can take advantage of free cuts, styles and/or dyes by appointment at the renowned Toni and Guy Academy salon. For a complete makeover, ask about free sessions at makeup schools such as Christian Chauveau and Atelier International de Maquillage.
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5. Dine with Locals
There is an unspoken culinary rule whispered by many locals choosing a restaurant in Paris: If the menu is in French and English, stay away. One exception is VoulezVous Diner, a bilingual service connecting visitors passionate about authentic French cuisine with locals who host dinners in the comfort of their own kitchens. The prices are reasonable considering the invaluable experience of sharing a home-cooked meal with a new friend.
6. Sip Some Chocolat
People-watching is practically a national sport in France. Do it with the best at Angelina (try the salon on Rue de Rivoli), where a cup of chocolate is so rich and thick you can stand a spoon in it. And then there’s the overflowing pot de crème (bowl of whipped cream). The drink and spectating will satisfy your appetite for hours but the memory will endure for years.
7. Step out for Stand-up
Parlez-vous français? Whether you answer oui or non, take in some standup comedy, usually for five euros or less in select clubs, bars and cafés nearly every night of the week. Grab a drink and admire the courage of comedians armed only with their wit. For a list of what’s on, check out topito.com.
8. Paint a Mural
If you’ve ever wanted to spray paint a city wall without the fear of law enforcement, try the Street Art Paris mural workshop (35 euros). Parisian graffiti artists guide groups from conception to execution of a large-scale mural. In two and half hours, the group transforms a plain city wall into a piece of art.
9. Cruise the Seine
A private boat charter on the Seine or Canal Saint-Martin reveals a whole different side of Paris. Spend an hour or an afternoon tasting wine while you float beneath the Pont des Arts and past Notre Dame and the Louvre. Green River Cruises welcomes small groups of friends, families and professionals on comfortable vessels.
10. Get Smart About Art
The largest museum in the world, the Louvre, displays over 35,000 pieces of art. And you can view them for free on particular days. Also consider visiting the many other free art museums and monuments throughout the city, such as the Musée d’Art Moderne.
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