by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: March 26, 2009   Last Updated: May 28, 2009

Paris on a budget

Everyone should visit Paris at least once in their life. Paris is the City of Light, it isn't all that light on your pocketbook however. It is one of the most expensive cities in Europe to visit. Can Paris be visited on a budget? That really depends on what you set as your budget. Depending on where your trip originates, air fares are usually as much as 50% or more discounted in the off season. Hotels also offer great incentives such as buy three nights and get the fourth free or a percentage off in the low season.

Time of year to visit

The price you pay for your visit to Paris will be in a large part dependent on what time of year you visit there. Off season which begins in November and runs through the end of March will always be the least expensive. It will by the same token be the least crowed so it isn't all cold and bleak news. Visits to the Louvre will be undertaken without the debilitating crowds that fill it during the warmer months, not that it will be empty; it seems that Japanese tourists are well aware of the benefits of off season travel.

November is not a bad time to visit, the air will be crisp and cool and there will still be some greenery and flowers. January is cool but watching the ice skaters near the Hotel du Ville or even better joining them, more than makes up for that. Skating is free but it costs to rent skates.

Free things

There are many things that don't cost anything to do in Paris. You can walk along the Rue de Rivoli and window shop. You can attend a service at Notre Dame and while you may have to throw a Euro in the basket at collection time there is no charge to see one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world.

The Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur are free to see at least on the outside and there are a dozen or more really interesting churches that are free to tour. Walk across the Pont Neuf and watch the Seine as it meanders along with the traditional bateau mouche taking passengers on a scenic trip. Viewing the Eiffel Tower in all its glory at night is free as is walking down the Champs Elysee and through the Arc de Triomphe.

The Pere LaChaise Cemetery.

This may be the best free two or three hours you spend in Paris. Located in the 20th arrondisment this is the final resting place of anyone who was important in France in the last 200 years. It isn't limited to the last 200 years either as there are a few of the famous like the medieval lovers Heloise and Abelard , LaFontaine and Moliere who have

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