Begin with comfortable shoes, a good map and a few snacks in your backpack. Paris offers a feast of sights and sounds from sophisticated exhibits to down-to-earth people watching in magnificent parks.
The quays along the Seine are always a good place to begin. In the 5th arrondisement, stroll through the Muse de la Sculpture en Plein Air. Created in 1980, it is literally an outdoor garden planted with twentieth century sculptures instead of flowers. Along the way, you'll see large boats anchored to the quay, homes for those who choose the river life, with bicycles aboard and outdoor seating and plants. Their address is enviable.
All along the quay, Parisians and visitors take a rest in the sun or read beneath the full trees. You'll see tour boats pointing out the Notre Dame cathedral and L'ile St. Louis. Each Sunday, adjacent roads are closed to auto traffic, yielding their fast roadways to leisurely cyclists and roller bladers.
Speaking of roller blades, bring yours to join the Friday evening crowds that breeze down the rue de Rivoli with police escorts leading the way. Every level of skater is welcome for the 10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. night skating that attracts hundreds of participants from throughout Europe.
Summer in Paris serves up a number of free, inventive celebrations. Several beaches along the banks of the Seine welcome sun worshippers. At the same time a giant outdoor screen at the Parc de la Villette delights cinema fans with free movies from all eras. Be sure to check the Paris tourism website for calendars, locations and recommendations.
The Fete de la Musique is held each June with concerts presented throughout the City of Light. At every square, on corners and in courtyards, you will enjoy every kind of musique from a chamber quartet at the Place Dauphine to African rhythms in front of the Notre Dame. All free and all delightful.
July signals the celebration of Bastille Day, much like the American 4th of July. The French pull out all stops on July 14th with grand military marches and flyovers to celebrate the onset of the Republic. Every July 14th, Paris comes to life with free events in honor of democracy la franaise.
Finally, the annual Quartier d'Et is resplendent with presentations of music, theatre and dance by international performers. Once again, the sites are spread throughout the city in the gardens and even at the ancient arena, Arnes de Lutce.
Other wonderful outdoor places to loll and people watch include the magnificent Tuilleries gardens, the Place des Vosges, the gardens of Luxembourg, and always, always along the banks of the Seine. In fact, visitors too often feel honor bound to see every museum or monument and miss the concept that the entire city is a living museum. From sculptures on bridges and buildings to historic buildings and stunning architecture, the city offers a free visual feast at every bend in the road.
Near monuments, on street corners and in the Metro itself, you'll see plenty of musicians, mimes, singers and jugglers. It's all free from the entrepreneurial entertainers who would, of course, be pleased with a little tip in their tin! We once found ourselves in one of the busiest underground Metro exchanges with a chamber orchestra filling the tunnels with sweet classical sounds. Always a wonderful surprise in Paris!
Whether you choose classic restaurant dining or brasseries or that wonderful sidewalk cafe, you'll relish dining in Paris. And you won't be surprised by costs and menus, as it is the habit of owners to post complete menus on the door or window and the "Formule" of the day on an easel. The latter is an inclusive offering, widely variable, that offers a plat du jour, dessert or beverage. It's a smart luncheon choice, when prices are lower. You'll shave enough cost with these types of choices to enjoy a do-it-up dinner here and there, either in one of the many ethnic restaurants or where the locals dine. Parisians are very helpful and friendly, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations.
Shopping needn't be exorbitant in Paris, though Hermes, Maxims, Yves St. Laurent may act as a magnet to your shrinking wallet. Turn away, turn away and shop the dozens of charming boutiques in the Marais, a wonderful collection of unique products and artisan crafts with wide price ranges, so select carefully! Colorful markets fill squares throughout the city on every day of the week with fresh vegetables and flowers, exotic cheeses and chocolates, charming scarves and jewelry. You'll enjoy wandering there and in the special flea markets on special days of the week. And don't forget to keep your eyes open for brocantes who offer exotic choices from antiques to used bric-a-brac.
These tips should get you off to an enthusiastic start, so now it's your turn. Hit the internet and book store for a never-ending supply of ideas. You'll be glad to arrive in Paris armed with knowledge and ready to roam.