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 moreBon lundi!
The official start to summer is approaching on June 21st and if you happen to be in Paris, the whole city will be celebrating with La Fête de la Musique. This is the first of many free events and activities one can enjoy this summer. Such as the view from this terrace below, which offers a great view of the back of Notre Dame as well as a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower (see below).
Any guesses where this free terrace view can be found? More to come this week on ways to enjoy Paris in the coming months without paying a single centime.
You can find more on La Fête de la Musique and other upcoming events on the What's on in Paris page!
In the "Park it in Paris" series, I write about the city's parks - some of the best spots to relax, people-watch, and mingle with the locals.
The Bois de Vincennes is Paris' largest park, located in the eastern reaches of the city. It features not one but four lakes, a (recently re-opened) zoo, an arboretum, and gardens. The Parc Floral de Paris is one of the gardens within the vast expanse of the Bois de Vincennes and is one of four parks that comprises Paris' botanical garden.
Read moreBon lundi!
-On the Banks of the Seine-
Endless summer days
Sipping a glass of rosé
Sky becomes orange
There you have it - I don't think I've written a Haiku poem since long ago in school, but I thought to celebrate the (almost) arrival of summer I would give it a whirl. This weekend has been full of brilliant sunshine and very warm weather, leading me to believe summer is just around the corner for certain.
And with summer will come many fireworks, plenty of music, outdoor film screenings, and more! Take a look at the What's on in Paris page to see events in Paris this summer, which will continue to be updated!
Notre Dame, as seen from the Square René Viviani (across the river on the Left Bank)
In the "Park it in Paris" series, I write about the city's parks - some of the best spots to relax, people-watch, and mingle with the locals.
People love to compare my two favorite cities in the world - New York and Paris. If you know both cities, you would appreciate the artwork by Vahram Muratyan as much as I do. Using simple illustrations, he contrasts the City of Light and the Big Apple in a creative and humorous way. There's the classic bread difference like the bagel vs la baguette. The glitzy shopping streets of Fifth Avenue and Champ-Élysées depicted side-by-side. The fall-back food option of the open-all-day diner versus brasserie.
Read moreIn the "Paris Practicalities" series, I lay out some basic advice for the foundation of a trip abroad for the well-informed and savvy traveler.
I’m kicking off the Paris Practicalities series with the scoop on how to access your money abroad and avoid unnecessary bank fees in the process. I imagine you think like me in the sentiment that your hard earned dollars should not be snatched from you by big banks and corporations by complicated fees and surcharges.
So how do you access your money in Europe without a greedy middle-man? Here’s what you need to know before you go and while you are away:
Read moreBon lundi!
Sometimes it's in the ordinary everyday moments that I fall even deeper in love with Paris. Sure, it's a beautiful city but sometimes I wonder if part of it is not the city but how I've changed. That I allow myself time to slow down and open my eyes to see the beauty around me. Like a picnic dinner along the Seine at one of my favorite spots (almost across the street from Hôtel de Ville). The short glimpse we got at the beginning of last week with its warm, beautiful weather makes me really look forward to those magical long Parisian summer days!
In the "Park it in Paris" series, I write about the city's parks - some of the best spots to relax, people-watch, and mingle with the locals.
I'm just going to come out and say it. My favorite park in Paris is undoubtedly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
I know that I really love this place because of the obstacles I've endured to picnic there. This park is perched up in the northeast corner of Paris in the 19th arrondissement, which is a hike to get to from my apartment. Even when I've faced transportation hitches to get there (like the bus by my house suddenly not running its normal route), I know in the end I will be happy that I withstand the hassle. And I always am thankful.
Read moreBefore I even tasted a single pierogi in Poland, I had accomplished a new personal victory. I had somehow managed to pack in a carry-on for a 16-night trip. If you're not impressed, let me elaborate. Michael and I used a carry-on size suitcase and a backpack to cart our things around. Which meant that all of our clothes and toiletries between us fit into the same small suitcase with the backpack reserved for camera/electronics/miscellaneous souvenirs. Also you should know we flew with EasyJet to Poland, which has a strict policy of one carry-on per passenger - meaning I couldn't get away with hauling an over-sized purse and my carry-on bag.
Read moreBon lundi!
Today I'm announcing how you can travel simply. Planning a trip takes time, effort, and the right resources. Now you can simplify your next trip by letting me come alongside you and create a custom itinerary, or even just give a few insider tips to make good plans form an unforgettable vacation.
I am excited to introduce three levels of custom itinerary consulting that you can read more about on the Travel Simply page, accessible on the site's main menu. I believe trip planning is as personal and unique as the traveler. I would love to get to know you and help create a dream vacation!
Check it out on my Travel Simply page and spread the love (and word)! And as always, feel free to chat with me via email at simplysaratravel@gmail.com.
How can a custom itinerary be like a croissant? Find out here :-)
In the "Simply Sara Eats " series, I recount the my favorite food and drink discoveries.
Ask me where I've been taking visitors these days, and here’s what you get. Five places I’ve known about for a while or just discovered that make the list of where to go for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack. Bon appétit!
Read moreBon lundi!
I think I’ve spent enough time the past few weeks sharing about my recent travels to the Loire Valley, London, Beaune, and the surrounding countryside of Bourgogne. It’s time to get back to Paris!
This week I’m going to dish on some spots I’ve been taking my visitors to eat. The list features some of my favorite places along with some new discoveries that I’ve made. All I can say is don’t come back to read more on an empty stomach!
Tucked away very close to the Louvre and right in the center of Paris is a garden you can easily miss if not seeking it out. Yet just a few short steps from one of the most visited museums in the world is a peaceful garden. Perfect to get away from the crowds, soak up some sunshine, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
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