Can you really enjoy Paris without spending a fortune? Absolutely. Paris is famous for the Eiffel Tower, beautiful architecture, art galleries and expensive cafés. But there’s plenty to discover without paying an admission fee. Here are some of the places I explored, including a few with fascinating histories.
Walk Along the River Seine
The Seine winds through the heart of Paris, past historic bridges and extraordinary buildings. During my visit, Paris was experiencing a heatwave, so I even had a quick swim in the river. Walking along the banks is free, and there’s plenty to look at.
Admire Notre-Dame Cathedral
Construction began in 1163, and the cathedral has witnessed centuries of French history. Following the devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024. Even if you simply walk around the exterior, there’s plenty of Gothic architecture to admire.
Discover the Conciergerie and Marie Antoinette’s Story
This was somewhere I particularly wanted to see. The medieval towers overlook the Seine, and the building was once part of a royal palace. Later it became a prison during the French Revolution. Marie Antoinette was imprisoned here before her execution in 1793. You need a ticket to visit inside, but admiring the exterior costs nothing.
Find One of Paris’s Oldest Houses
Now here’s the sort of discovery I love! At 51 Rue de Montmorency stands the Maison de Nicolas Flamel, built in 1407 and often described as Paris’s oldest surviving stone house. Flamel was a medieval scribe who later became associated with legends of alchemy. The building now houses a restaurant, but you can examine its historic façade and inscriptions for free.
Visit Place des Vosges
One of Paris’s oldest planned squares, Place des Vosges dates to the early seventeenth century. Its arcades and elegant buildings make it a lovely place to wander.
Enjoy Free Views of the Eiffel Tower
You don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy the Eiffel Tower. The Champ de Mars and Trocadéro are popular places to admire it from the ground.
Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is full of winding streets and artistic history. At its summit is the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica, with sweeping views across Paris. General entry to the church is free. Nearby in Pigalle, you can also see the Moulin Rouge’s famous red windmill from the street.
A Final Thought
Paris has plenty of expensive attractions, but you can easily fill a day exploring without paying admission. I particularly enjoyed the history of the Conciergerie and Nicolas Flamel’s house. Have you discovered any interesting free places in Paris? Tell me in the comments.
More free days out
Planning more budget-friendly exploring? Have a look at my free day in Edinburgh, my free day out in the Peak District, and my free historical day in Wakefield.
Leave a Reply