Paris can be a notoriously pricey city to visit, but a visit doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some ideas of completely gratuit (free) events and activities available to enjoy this summer. Profitez!
1. Enjoy a view from the terrace of the Institut du Monde Arabe.
I asked on Monday for guesses on where a free terrace in Paris could be that offers a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and a view of Notre Dame. The answer? At the Institut du Monde Arabe in the 5th.
Read moreI didn't put it all together until I looked back at my photos from Bryan's stay that I realized two of the major places we visited involved burial sights. This is not to comment on personality or favorite pastimes at all, but rather the result of what remains on the to-do list of one who has visited Paris a few times and seen the blockbuster sights. For most, the Catacombs and Père Lachaise Cemetery fall below the art museums and glamorous spots like the Champs-Élysées of must-sees.
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is a peaceful place to take a walk and explore. And it always has the additional benefit of being free of charge. I first mentioned a walk through this cemetery back in November on La Toussaint (All Saints' Day) when it was full of flowers, but any time of year when it's not too wet is a good time to go.
Many people seek out the largest cemetery within the limits of Paris to see the graves of the famous. Père Lachaise is the resting place of many greats like Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein, Jim Morrison, Georges Haussmann, Marcel Proust...and the list goes on and on.
Read moreBon lundi!
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." If you are a resident or citizen of the US, you've been probably thinking about the later as April 15th approaches.
I've been focused on the former.
Join me this week to find out more!
Spring at Père Lachaise
We might not get off for Thanksgiving in France, but November 1st is a holiday here called Toussaint (All Saints' Day). This Catholic holiday is a time for people to visit the graves of their family members to pay their respects and often leave chrysanthemums flowers.
Read more