Free Things to Do in Paris
Your trip to Paris doesn’t have to be expensive! If you know where to look, you can find plenty of free activities in the city. Check out our favorite free things to do in Paris!
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1) Stroll through a Parisian Park
Paris is home to some of the most spectacular parks in the world, and you can enjoy the majority of them for free! Popular green spaces include the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Champs de Mars, and the Tuileries where you can enjoy breathtaking views of some of Paris’s most iconic monuments. For the active individual, the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are enormous parks with plenty of running trails and gorgeous scenery. Here, you can find activities for the whole family, including a small farm at Bois de Vincennes and the botanical gardens of the Jardin des serres d’Auteil in the Bois de Boulogne.
2) Visit the Largest Cemetery in Paris
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Come visit the final resting place of international legends, including Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde amidst the gorgeous sculptures of Père Lachaise. Paris’s largest cemetery, Père Lachaise is larger than the Vatican, with over 1 million recorded burials having taken place on the grounds. While a cemetery may sound like an odd place to visit, Père Lachaise really shouldn’t be missed. With its artistic vibe and historical relevance of those buried here, a visit to Père Lachaise is well-worth it. Definitely one of our favorite free things to do in Paris!
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3) Enjoy a Free Church Concert
Paris offers a number of fantastic churches where you can enjoy a free performance. For the classical music lovers, you can experience the gorgeous acoustics of some of the most iconic churches at one of their free chamber music concerts. At Église de la Trinité, you can enjoy a free performance every Thursday followed by an informal meet-and-greet with the musicians. Every Sunday, experience a spectacular organ recital either at Notre Dame at 4:30pm or at Saint-Sulpice during the 10:30am mass.
4) Visit One of Paris’s Iconic Museums
Paris is home to over 300 museums and, on the first Sunday of the month, you can explore many of them for free! Crowd favorites such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou and lesser-known museums alike participate in this monthly event, so be sure to take advantage of it during your trip to Paris.
If your trip doesn’t happen to fall on the first Sunday of the month, don’t despair! Many museums are free or discounted all year round for visitors under 18, making a museum visit one of the best free things to do in Paris for families.
5) Become a Culinary Expert
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The Féderation Française de Cuisine has partnered with the Mairie de Paris to offer free cooking classes with some of Paris’s most renowned chefs and culinary experts. Each class is themed and begins at a neighborhood market, where you’ll learn how to select high-quality ingredients for your specific type of cuisine before learning the art of French cooking!
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6) Enjoy a Wine Tasting
If you happen to be in Paris on a Saturday, head over to La Dernière Goutte for a free wine tasting! Expert wine makers from all over France frequent the shop, sharing their knowledge and expertise with participants. Truly something that should not be missed when in Paris!
7) Experience Art at the Centquatre
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This relatively new public space allows visitors to experience the best of Parisian art and innovation. Hosting a number of artists, festivals, public talks, and presentations, there’s always something going on! One Saturday a month, the venue hosts its Bal Pop’, a free public dance featuring all genres of music and dancing. If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris during this event, be sure to check this out!
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8) Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars
Every summer, the Parc de la Villette transforms into a free outdoor cinema. Featuring a mix of classics and recent favorites that adhere to event’s annual theme, you’re sure to find a film that suits your tastes. Bring a blanket or rent a lawn chair and settle in for a night of cinematic moonlight magic!
9) Relax at the “Beach”
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Every summer from mid-July to mid-August, the banks of the Seine transform into the Paris Plages, a man-made beach complete with sand, lawn chairs, and outdoor concerts. The Paris Plages are spread out around 3 locations: Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare, and Bassin de la Villette. At Bassin de la Villette, rent one of the number of free books available as you lounge by the water sports complex or mini pool. You can enjoy the Paris Plage every day of the week from 9am to midnight.
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If you’re looking for year-round activities, head over to the left bank where you’ll find the Berges de Seine. Stretching from the Pont de l’Alma to the Musée d’Orsay, this spectacular space features a number of free, fun activities perfect for the whole family. With plenty of relaxation space, playgrounds, sports areas, and restaurants centrally located in front of some of Paris’s most popular attractions, the Berges de Seine is a must-see when coming to Paris!
10) Dine for Free
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While it may seem impossible, there are actually plenty of places in Paris where you can eat for free! Several restaurants and bars offer free couscous or mussels with chips or fries if you purchase a drink. Check out the map below to find our favorite places offering this option. Eating for free is definitely one of our favorite free things to do in Paris!
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