Paris has many free activities and it is one of the most visited cities in the world and for a good reason! It is full of romantic boulevards, fantastic cafes, and some of the best architecture in the world and all in one place. So whether you are visiting Paris as a budget backpacker or going there to shop all of the high-end shops, there is an abundance of free activities in Paris France.
Parc du Champ de Mars
Parc du Champ de Mars is the perfect location for a beautiful stroll around the manicured grounds for those who have dreamed of seeing the Eiffel Tower in its fullest glory and it is free thing to do in France. Make sure to bring a blanket, wine, and picnic ingredients to the large green area. Then wait for the twinkling lights in the evening. This area is loved by tourists and locals alike. If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris for Bastille Day, this is where everyone congregates to celebrate and watch the fireworks. This free activity is a great way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower.
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
While the interior still remains closed to visitors after the tragic fire of April 2019, the exterior of the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris is still a beauty to behold. This cathedral stood as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. In addition, it was one of the first buildings to incorporate flying buttresses to support exterior walls. You can pay to climb to the top and see the gargoyles that still proudly stand and guard the building. Otherwise, walking around the grounds of the building and appreciating all of the exterior facades and stained glass windows are a fantastic free activity to do in Paris.
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre
Sacré-Coeur, also known as the Sacred Heart of Paris, is a Roman Catholic church located at the highest point in Paris. This location offers some of the best views of the entire city. Sacré-Coeur is free to go inside and is open from 6 am to 10:30 pm every day, making it a great free activity to do in Paris. There is also an option to climb the 300 stairs to the top of the Dome, which costs around 5 euros. Sunset is a beautiful time to visit Sacré-Coeur, and many people will spend the evening having a picnic in front of the basilica. This is also an excellent free activity to enjoy your time in the city of love.
If you want to continue exploring after spending time at Sacré-Coeur, the basilica is in the Montmartre neighborhood, one of Paris’ most romantic and historic districts. This bohemian neighborhood is reminiscent of the Belle Epoque era. Far from the Haussmann architecture of the rest of Paris. Creative and artist types have long been drawn to this area of Paris. There is so much to see in this beautiful neighborhood of Paris between Sacré-Coeur and the winding streets and staircases of bohemian Montmartre; you won’t be bored with this free activity!
Père Lachaise
Père Lachaise covers 110 acres and contains 70,000 burial plots. This ample space could keep you occupied for an entire day. So what exactly makes this cemetery so popular? One of the reasons Père Lachaise gets so many visitors is that several notable people are buried there. For example, Jim Morrison from The Doors is buried there and is on most people’s must-see list for music fans.
Other famous people buried at Père Lachaise include composer Chopin, singer Edith Piaf, playwright Oscar Wild, and French author Proust. Spend your afternoon in Paris exploring this unique cemetery. The cemetery is full of unusual, unique, and creepy graves that you could spend all day exploring. This is definitely one of the best free activities in Paris.
Arènes de Lutèce
Did you know that Paris has Roman ruins in the city? Unfortunately, Arènes de Lutèce doesn’t make it on too many of Paris’s must-see guides. Nonetheless, it is the perfect free stop if you are in the Latin Quarter neighborhood.
This arena is almost 2000 years old! When it was originally used, there was a stage for actors, and gladiator combats also took place in the arena. The area was rediscovered during renovations during the Haussmann era and was preserved as you see it today. It is free for anyone to visit!
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg in French) are located in the 6th arrondissement. Not only one of the most popular gardens in Paris but one of the most beautiful. This park is famous for its long pond and the Medici fountain. The lawns are impeccable, the park is filled with romantic status and endless promenades. However, the best part of the park is the green chairs that fill the space that allow visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy the area.
The park features both an English and a French garden, and there is, and there is a l’Orangerie. While access is not available to the public, there are beautiful trees and plants around the park that are free to view. This is a lovely stop if you are looking for a free, beautiful, and relaxing afternoon in Paris.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
If you are looking for a free activity off the beaten tourist track, then Parc des Buttes Chaumont is the stop for you. This public space is a bit far from the city center. However, it is still located in Paris in the 19th arrondissement. It is well worth the metro ride; it is an oasis of green with grottos, waterfalls, and Roman monuments. This is much more of a local park but a beautiful location for a relaxing afternoon or a picnic with friends.
Part of the park is also home to Petite Ceinture, a secret railway that loops inside of Paris. You can see parts of the abandoned tracks throughout the city. While those in Parc des Buttes Chaumont are closed to the public, you can still catch a glimpse from afar. This is a great hidden gem in the city that most tourists aren’t aware of and a superb free activity in Paris to add to your list.
Canal St-Martin
In the trendy and vibrant 10th arrondissement of Paris, you’ll find the Canal Saint-Martin. This waterway was created in the 19th century to increase the water supply for the growing city. The best free activities to do around Canal Saint-Martin are to wander along the banks of the canal.
There are abundant people-watching opportunities and space for a Parisian-style picnic. You can also walk around and admire the street art around the canal. If you have a little cash to spare, you could board a barge and take a ride along the water.
Walk the Banks of the Seine
Walking along the banks of the Seine is the perfect free activity in Paris. Not only is there so much to see along the Seine, but the scenery itself is beautiful. There are a few options to walk along the Seine. You can either walk at street level or take the stairs down and walk at river level with many cyclists and other walkers.
This is the best free activity to admire the bridges along the Seine. The best location to start is at Pont Alexandre III and head towards the Louvre. This walk will provide a lot of people watching and architecture to admire for a wonderful afternoon in Paris. Once you reach the Louvre and head to street level, you will notice there are a lot of street vendors along the Seine that are fun to look at. Enjoy this free activity as an exercise and an easy way to get around the city.
Musée Carnavalet
Any history buff would be remiss to not make a stop at Musée Carnavalet during their trip to Paris. The permanent collection at this museum traces Parisian history from the prehistoric period to the present day, and it is free for visitors. One of the oldest museums in Paris, the collections are nestled between two adjoining Renaissance-era mansions. This museum is definitely a must-see on your tour of free activities in Paris.
Free Activities in Paris Recap
While traveling to France can be expensive, we trust the aforementioned attractions provide some money-saving options. In fact, these travel hacks make it possible for nearly everyone to enjoy a low-budget vacation while touring Paris The City of Love. Please let us know which of these free activities in Paris locations, you like best. The Skycap News™ team is always available via email, Facebook, and Pinterest.
FAQs
What things are free in France?
No matter what your age, you can always get things for free in France. For example, you can visit the Louvre on Sundays for free. Or, visit a lot of amazing museums, such as the Musee Picasso or the Guimet Museum, for free. Going to concerts is also free in Paris, as most of them are free or are cheap.
What activities are available in Paris?
Paris is known as the city of love, and thus, is a great place to visit. Aside from seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, one can also enjoy the serene parks and gardens of Paris. There are many activities you can do in Paris, like paddle-boating on the River Seine, stroll in the Jardin de Tuileries, take a tour of the Sacre Coeur, or simply enjoy some drinks and snacks in one of the many cafes in Paris.
Are museums free in Paris?
Yes and no. There are free museums in Paris, but not all of them. I’m going to divide the museums in Paris into two categories. The first category is the national museums. They are all free to visit. The second category is the municipal museums. They are not free, but the entrance fee is cheap. You should know that even the municipal museums charge a small fee, some of them are worth visiting for sure.