Posts by author Liz Webber
One of Paris' many cafes. Photo: ayustety
When you plan a vacation, you generally budget a certain amount that you want to pay for airfare and a hotel. Yet, many forget to plan for all the little expenses—which can really add up if you’re not careful. Here’s our handy cheat sheet for what you can expect to pay for some basic items in Paris, as well as » Read more
Yes, you can find delicious, plant-based food in Paris. Photo: Mia
Going to a restaurant when you have some sort of dietary restriction can be difficult enough as it is, let alone when you’re in a foreign country where you may not speak the local language. Never fear, we’ll show you how to find restaurants in Paris where you can eat freely or simply communicate your » Read more
Reims' Cathedral of Notre Dame. Photo: RuiPereira
Looking for an easy day trip from your Paris vacation? Why not visit Reims (oddly pronounced with a nasal “Ranse”), the coronation site of French kings and the epicenter of the Champagne region. Here we’ll explain how to get there and some suggested sights while you’re there–and where to get a great lunch for Cheapo prices! » Read more
A mustard lover's dream. Photo: David Blaikie
There are plenty of things to bring back from Paris, whether lasting or fleeting, that won’t eat up all your euros. Here are five of our suggestions for souvenirs that will remind you of la vie Parisien—for €5 or less. 1. Livre d’occasion from Gilbert Jeune With outlets on both sides of the St. Michel » Read more
As Cheapos know, it’s almost always less expensive to buy train tickets directly through the website of a country’s national rail service rather than through RailEurope’s English-language site or overseas agents, especially for France’s TGV system. Fares can also be cheaper booking online than buying the tickets in person at the station. However, booking a » Read more
The Picasso Museum is closed through 2012. Photo by Madhatrk.
As is true for museums in all cities, it’s sometimes necessary for museums in Paris to shut their doors for renovations or just to get the works back in peak condition. But what’s a Cheapo to do when that happens during your visit? Though these three museums and museum wings may be closed for the » Read more
Watch out for bracelet "sellers" on the steps of Sacre Coeur. Photo: Tony Birrer
Sure, we all know Paris is a big city with it’s fair share of petty crime – even the announcements in the Metro stations warn tourists to “faire attention aux pickpockets.” But aside from just generally watching your wallet or purse, there are a number of scams typically used on tourists in Paris. They should » Read more
Parc Monceau. Photos by Liz Webber.
Paris was made for picnics and long walks. A picnic here on the Champs de Mars or even a sunset stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg is lovely in warm weather. If you want to leave the tourists behind for a more tranquille commune with nature, check out these hidden parks of Paris. Parc Monceau » Read more
The Mosquée de Paris. Photo by Liz Webber
Just like any modern metropole, Paris is a vibrant blend of cultures and people. Along with other immigrant groups, those from the former French colonies of Algeria and Vietnam have made their mark on the capital, creating new communities in their adopted home. One (rather tasty) way that Cheapos can discover these elements of Parisian » Read more
Lunchtime at a boulangerie in the Marais. Photo by Tom Meyers.
For many people, living in Paris (or just visiting) conjures up visions of buying fresh baguettes and croissants every morning at the local “boulangerie.” But those delightful bakeries offer so much more than breakfast breads! They can also serve as a Cheapo-friendly lunchtime resource! Here’s our guide to the boulangerie’s “other” baked goods, thinking beyond the baguette… More “pain,” » Read more
A temporary exhibit at Centquatre. Photos by Liz Webber.
Wandering through Paris‘ many museums, it’s easy to see how the city was once a place to which artists flocked from all over the world in order to practice their crafts. But wait, it still is! And the new art being created isn’t hidden away behind closed doors. The Centquatre center in the 20th Arrondissement » Read more
Notre Dame de Lorette with Sacre Coeur behind. Photos by Liz Webber.
Thanks in part to the cult of the Virgin Mary that spread throughout France in the Middle Ages, there are some 40-odd churches, chapels and basilicas named “Notre Dame” in Paris. Everyone knows about the famous cathedral, but what about the other 41 églises? We present you with five of the largest and most interesting » Read more
Pont Neuf, Paris's oldest bridge. Photos by Liz Webber.
When the French “faire le pont,” they’re not talking about building bridges. Rather, they’re taking an extra day off work to make a long weekend when there’s a bank holiday midweek. Regardless, there’s quite a bit to be said for the real bridges (“ponts“) in Paris. Join us, as we stroll from the Ile St. » Read more
The view from Notre Dame. Photo by Liz Webber.
At some point while visiting Paris, you’ll probably want to take in a sweeping view of the city. Sure, going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is great, but there’s one flaw – you can’t actually see the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic feature of the Paris skyline. There are plenty of other places » Read more
