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Tag: paris

  • Paris’ Less Expensive Arrondissements (Neighborhoods)

    Have Paris’ notoriously high lodging and food costs prevented you from planning a trip to the City of Lights? There are plenty of ways to plan a cost-effective trip to Paris.

    Since Lodging can be one of the major components of one’s budget, the key to planning a reasonably priced trip to Paris is avoiding the well-known or touristy areas. The city of Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (administrative districts that each have their own unique character). As a general rule, arrondissements that are near the Seine (the river that divides Paris into two sections – the Right Bank and the Left Bank) are pricey in terms of lodging, shopping and food. However, as you move further out from the river, lodging becomes much more affordable. Here are suggestions for four arrondissements that offer great prices on lodging, food and shopping and provide visitors with a more “authentically Parisian” experience than some of the more touristy areas. Remember: Paris’ public transportation, including its famous metro, is excellent. Just because you stay in an area doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time there. However, I’ve had some of my best Parisian experiences in these charming residential areas, away from the frenetic touristy energy that exists as you move closer to the Seine. [caption id="attachment_5250" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The city of Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (administrative districts) that spiral like a snail shell around the Seine River."]Paris arrondissements photo[/caption] The 12th Arrondissement The 12th arrondissement is located on the Right Bank and is one of the largest arrondissements in Paris. It is famous for the expansive Bois de Vincennes, an urban green space, Place de la Bastille, a square commemorating the Storming of the Bastille and the French Revolution and the Opera de la Bastille, the second largest opera house in Paris. It is also home to Gare de Lyon train station. It is home to mostly young professionals. Metro stops: Picpus, Reuilly-Diderot,  Porte Dorée, Bercy and Bastille are the most commonly used metro stops in the 12th arrondissement. The 11th Arrondissement Located on the Right Bank, Paris’ well-populated 11th arrondissement is home to a wide array of Parisians. The area is best known for the fashionable Faubourg Saint-Antoine, an area characterized by cafés, restaurants, and nightlife, boutiques and galleries. Rue Oberkampf is characterized by its gritty Parisian charm. This is the place to go to bump elbows with locals in funky, casual eating and drinking establishments. Metro stops: Ledru-Rollin, Bastille, Belleville and Oberkampf are some of the largest and mostly commonly used metro stops in the 11th arrondissement. The 10th Arrondissement Located on the Right Bank, the working class 10th arrondissement is best known for the Canal St. Martin and the vibrant restaurants and cafés that line this narrow waterway. In recent years, the 10th has recently welcomed an array of  bars and nightclubs that made the area an “off the beaten path” hotspot. The 10th is also home to two of Paris’ major train stations, Gare de l’est and Gare du Nord. Spending time in this multicultural neighborhood will definitely make you feel like you’re in the “real” Paris. Metro stops: Gare du Nord, Gare de l’est, Barbes- Rochechouart, Belleville, Bonne Nouvelle, Republique and Stalingrad are some of the largest and mostly commonly used metro stops in the 10th arrondissement. The 13th Arrondissement Located on the Left Bank, the 13th arrondissement is still experiencing growth in it’s population, which is largely comprised of Asian immigrants. This is the place to go to find fresh, inexpensive Asian cuisine and a variety of unique souvenirs. Popular with students, the 13ieme is known for its relaxed vibe, numerous public parks, and wide array of eateries. Metro stops: Gobelins, Place d'Italie, Nationale, Tolbiac, Olympiades and Porte de Choisy are the most commonly used metro stops in the 13th arrondissement.

  • Paris (France) on the Cheap

    It’s no secret that the City of Lights is also one of the most expensive in the world. Never fear, frugal travelers.

    With a bit of creativity, it’s possible experience all of what Paris has to offer on the cheap. Here are some suggestions. Where to stay: In addition to checking out alternative discount lodging options (housing swaps, vacation rentals, couch surfing), here is a very abbreviated list of reasonably priced places to stay in Paris. Hôtel Séjour Beaubourg, 36 Rue du Grenier St-Lazare, has clean, bright rooms with private bathrooms and showers starting at 60 euros a night. Hôtel du Commerce is a cross between a hotel and a hostel (only 3 of the hotel’s 32 rooms have a private bathroom and shower). Rooms here go for as little as 40 euros per night. Absolute Hotel Paris is another hotel/hostel hybrid located at 1 Rue de la Fontaine au Roi. There are quad, triple or double rooms for as little as 30 euros per night. Each room has its own bathroom and shower. Hôtel du Nord et de l’Est, 49 Rue De Malte, is a cozy 2-star hotel with rooms starting at 50 euros a night. What to do: [caption id="attachment_4886" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Spend an afternoon strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens (for free!). "]luxembourg gardens photo[/caption] There are a variety of free, interesting things to do in Paris. Keep in mind that most museums offer free or discounted admission prices for children and students (as is the case in other European countries, most museums are closed on Mondays). Here are a couple of suggestions for interesting (free) ways to spend an afternoon. One of my favorite “budget activities” to do in Paris is to pick a neighborhood and simply wander around. This is one of the best ways to really get to know a city’s history and culture. Paris’ oldest neighborhood, Le Marais, is located on the Right bank of the Seine river. This is where you’ll find the oldest private residence in Paris (from the early 15th century), located on the Rue de Montmorency. It’s a wonderful area to stroll around and relatively easy to navigate. History buffs will love the Arenes de Lutece, 47 rue Monge et rue de Navarre (Métro: Place Monge, Jussieu, Cardinal Lemoine), located in the 5th arrondissement. Hours: Daily 8AM - 5.30PM (winter), 8AM - 10PM (summer). This impressive ancient Roman theater is one of two that have survived over the years in Paris (the other being Thermes de Cluny). Spend the afternoon in this lovely archeological park to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Admission is always free. Located in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, the 55-acre Jardins de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) is free and open to the public. Amidst the impressive landscape architecture comprised of gravel walkways, grassy expanses, and large pools and fountains, you’ll find the French Senate, which is housed in the luxurious Palais du Luxembourg. It’s not just tourists who flock to the Jardins de Luxembourg. You’ll see many Parisians strolling around or enjoying a picnic here as well. Admission is always free. Where to eat: No doubt that Paris is a haven for foodies. See: eating cheaply in Paris. However, you don’t need to fork over the big bucks in a Michelin star restaurant to have a great culinary adventure in Paris. Street vendors selling crêpes, gaufres (large waffles), and long sandwiches made of baguettes are ubiquitous. One of my favorite “foodie on a budget” activities in Paris is buying fresh fruit, cheese, baguettes and a bottle of wine at a local open-air market (or at one of the specialty shops along Rue Mouffetard) and going on a picnic along the banks of the Seine river.