【PARIS】FREE THINGS TO DO IN PARIS, FRANCE

Free! It's free! 

Since I have only ONE day to explore Paris city, my colleague and I decided to walk around and explore the city. We stayed near to Villepinte because it was only 10 minutes walk to the exhibition hall (work...) but far from the city, about 30km away. I asked the receptionist how much would it cost if we were to take a cab to the city center and she told me it's about €60, that's crazy, so we decided to take the metro. It took us about an hour to reach. 

We visited Palais Royal followed by Musee du Louvre, Quai D Orsay, Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars. We walked from a place to another, wanted to rent a bike but we did not download the apps on our phone. 

Palais Royal 

Originally named the Palais Cardinal, was built in 1692 by the Cardinal Richelieu, located about 300 away from Musee du Louvre. The palace was bequeathed to King Louis XIII after Richelieu's death and was his childhood home before moving to the Louvre and eventually to Versailles Palace. It now hosts the Conseil d'État and the Ministry of Culture. The courtyard and the beautiful gardens are open daily to visitors. 

Palais Royal consists of 280 black and white striped truncated columns of various heights adds a sense of distinctive modernity to the palace. Tourists often visit here to enjoy the beautiful gardens, sit or stand on the black and white columns for insta-worthy photos. 

Duration: 30 mins     

Musee du Louvre (Louvre Museum)

Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre has embraced the history of France for eight centuries. It is currently the world's most visited museum. There are collections feature works admire throughout the globe from room to room, such as Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the raft of the Medusa. The architectural design with the medieval fortress of the 12th century and glass pyramid by Pei influenced attracts visitors all over the world.

The undulating glass canopy covers the Visconti courtyard flood the 2,800 m² new wings with light. Hence, visitor able to enjoy the stunning night view of Pei's glass pyramid at night. We spent about 30 minutes here to walk around without entering the museum and took a mandatory shot for each other. You'll see most of the tourists doing the same pose!

It's worth visiting the Musee du Louvre collections if you have more time during your trip. The best time to visit is in the early morning or on the night openings. The ticket gives you the same day access to the temporary collections and free admission to the Musee Eugene-Delacroix within 48 hours. We do not have much time so we skipped all these. 

The admission is FREE for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month, however, be prepared for crowds! 

Duration: 2-3 hours (if you plan to enter the museum) Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (Closed on Tuesday), 9 am - 9.45pm (Wednesday & Friday) 
Price: €17 (online purchase for quick entry) / €15 (purchase at the museum) - Free for all visitors under 18 years old  

Quai D' Orsay 

Passed by while walking to the Eiffel Tower. There were plenty of walkers, joggers, and roller skaters along the Quai D' Osay. Cafes on the river were full of tourists enjoying the views and evening drinks. The view was amazing. 
Another art museum to visit: Musee d' Orsay

   Eiffel Tower

La Tour Eiffel, the iconic Parisian landmark, constructed with lattice wrought iron which cost about $1.5 million has 108 stories with 1,710 steps. The 324 meters tall tower comes in 3 platforms, can go up by stairs or by lift.

There are shops on the 1st floor, treat yourself to a gastronomic meal at 125 meters above ground on the second floor and enjoy the spectacular 360° view on the cloud level - 3rd floor. Soak yourself in the breathtaking unique views of Paris from every floor and experience the incredible ascent by stairway or lift. 

5 billion lights on the Eiffel Tower, it is activated upon nightfall by the sensors. 
 Again, we did not go up but walk around the Eiffel Tower.    This photo was taken at one of the streets - RUE DE L'UNIVERSITE for an insta-worthy photo.

Duration: 2-3 hours (if you plan to go up to the Eiffel Tower) 
Opening Hours: 9.30 am - 11.45 pm

 Parc du Champs De Mars 

Best spot to view the capital's landmark -Eiffel Tower. Extends from the École Militaire to the Eiffel Tower. Parisians and tourists gather on its expansive lawns to picnic, chill, chit chat and play music. This is also a popular place to watch city fireworks and light shows from the Eiffel Tower.My colleague and I were here to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

 Beware of salesmen who lure naive tourists to buy their overpriced wines. Unless you're really good at negotiating. 

Don't forget to watch the spectacular light show during nightfall too. Unfortunately, we left before sunset. 

Duration: 1 hour
 Opening Hours: 24 Hours 
Price: Free access

  Stroll around the city

Paris is best explored on foot. That's what we did! It leaves you awestruck whether you're in a tiny neighborhood shops, historical center or street-side cafes. Stop by a cafe to grab a drink, stop by a book store to pick the funniest postcard and get your stamps at a nearby tobacco shop. There are a lot more to do and explore..       