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Ten free things to do in Paris
Nothing beats a summer break in Paris, and the beauty is some of the city's best attractions don't even cost a penny. From a weekly fashion show at the famous Galeries Lafayette to visiting the magnificent Notre-Dame cathedral to playing boules on the city's summer beach, Nicola Iseard picks her favourite free things to do in Paris
1. The Louvre
Normal admission will set you back €6-12, but if you're in Paris on the first Sunday of the month you can get into the city's most famous museum for free. It's also free to visitors under 18, disabled visitors and their helpers, and teachers of art, art history and the applied arts (proof required). Current exhibitions include "The Louvre during the War - Photographs 1938-1947" - a remarkable photography display offering visitors an insight into the life of the museum during the Second World War.
2. Musée Rodin
This has to be one of the most serene spots in the city. Housed in the 18th century Hotel Biron - the building that once served as the sculptor's home - you will find casts of some of Rodin's most celebrated works, including his most famous sculptures, The Thinker and The Kiss. Many of his creations can be found scattered through the peaceful three-hectare garden of the property, dense with rose gardens, lawns, flower beds and ponds. On the first Sunday of each month admission to the museum and gardens is free.
3. Paris Plage
If you're visiting in July or August, make sure you break up your sightseeing with a visit to the Paris Plage, a two-month free event that sees the riverside highway along the Seine - from Ile St Louis to the Jardin des Tuileries - close to traffic and be covered by 2,000 tons of fine sand. Pack a picnic and settle into a chaise longues (free rental) under a shady palm and watch the world go by, or play a round of pétanque (like boules). There are also free concerts at night.
4. Fête de Ganesh
One of the most colourful sights Paris has to offer is that of the Indian parade - the Fête de Ganesh - which is held every summer. Taking place this year on August 30, the feelgood, free procession is made up of brightly-costumed dancers and street entertainers, who traditionally carry an arch made of peacock feathers and flowers above their heads. Setting off from the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam temple, it winds its way through the streets of Paris, taking in areas including the Rue Labat and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis.
5. The Curie Museum
Visit the carefully preserved laboratory where Marie Curie pursued her work for almost 20 years from 1914. Located on the ground floor of the Curie Pavilion, at 26 rue d'Ulm, in one of the oldest buildings of the Institut Curie, you'll be able to learn all about the Curie family and their achievements. With free admission, it's open on weekday afternoons and there is a guided tour in English on Fridays at 4pm. Donations appreciated.
6. Parc des Buttes Chaumont
The park, with its sweeping views over Paris, is one of the largest and most exotic in Paris, and it is a favourite of Parisians. With cliffs, waterfalls, cypress trees and cedars, it makes for a fascinating visit. Cross the stone bridge to visit the belvedere of Sybil, a replica of an ancient Roman temple which sits atop a rocky peak. The park also plays host to Paris' annual Silhouette Short Film Festival, a free event which allows visitors the rare opportunity to visit the park after dark (taking place this year from August 29 to September 6).
7. Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Gothic loftiness of the city's most famous cathedral is enchanting. While outside you can admire its striking flying buttresses, inside you'll find lofty vaults, a beautiful nave and stunning 13th century stained glass window. Entrance and services are free of charge; you only have to pay to visit the tower and the treasury.
8. Jardin du Luxembourg
If you are blessed with good weather, pack a picnic and head to the glorious Jardin du Luxembourg. Stroll past the pond, surrounded by a series of statues of former French queens; wander through the orchard of apple and pear trees, past the charming théâtre des marionnettes (puppet theatre); or take a seat outside the small cafe/restaurant, order a glass of rosé and enjoy the free musical performance that are put on at the gazebo.
9. Fashion show at Galeries Lafayette
Not many tourists know that if they time their visit to this world-renowned department store right they will be in for a unexpected treat. There's a weekly, 30-minute fashion show of designer and couturier collections on the seventh floor of the main Haussmann store on Fridays at 3pm. The show, which includes a commentary in English, is free, but reservations are essential: email welcome@galerieslafayette.com
10. Père-Lachaise cemetery
While you wouldn't normally associate a cemetery with a pleasant afternoon stroll, the Père Lachaise is one of the most beautiful and intriguing cemeteries in the world. Tucked away in a corner of northeastern Paris and covering more than 100 acres, it is made up of thousands of trees, hills, winding paths with carefully plotted 'street' names, and elaborate tombs of the great and the good, from Pissarro and Isadora Duncan to Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. It is also the site of three World War I memorials.
* Nicola Iseard is a travel writer for the Observer.
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