Best Free Things to Do Paris

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Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and lifts take visitors to the magnificent view at the top.

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On of the first Gothic Cathedrals, Notre Dame is still used today as a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Take note of the famous stained glass and use of "flying buttresses" through out. These and many other features make it one of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture.

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This up-market avenue in Paris has some of the best art galleries and boutiques. For art-lovers, a walk down this avenue will be a truly memorable experience. The galleries, which are mostly concentrated between Place St-Phillipe-du-Roule and Avenue de Marigny offer some of the finest work of contemporary artists and even French furniture. This avenue also lives up to Paris's reputation of being the fashion capital as many famous designers such as Guy Laroche, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, and Chanel have boutiques here. So, for an afternoon of impressionist art and pulsating fashion take a walk out here - it will not fail to leave an impression.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated, under visited.

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This imposing building wasn't built in a day. In the 12th century, king Philippe-Auguste commissioned the construction of a manor house in the Bois de Vincennes. It was fortified two centuries later. Its flamboyant gothic style chapel wasn't finished until the 15th century and it was king Louis XV who, in the 18th century, added the King and Queen's pavilions. The First Empire saw the take over by the army of the castle, which became an arsenal. There are today two museums in the dungeon and the royal pavilions. The Sainte-Chapelle has a nave and rose-windows in magnificent stone.

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Admire the fantastic panorama which stretches from the rooftop of this amazing and futuristic building all the way to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées. Enjoy the various cultural exhibitions and events taking place inside the Arch. A restaurant, brasserie and gift shop are also on site.

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Created in 1629 for Cardinal de Richelieu, this garden has witnessed many of the events that have marked the Palais-Royal's history. Redesigned in the 18th century by landscape gardener Desgots, it was made smaller by Louis-Philippe d'Orléans in order to accommodate buildings and arcades where merchants were to set up their stalls. Later, in the 20th century, famous writers Colette and Cocteau lived blissfully here, enjoying the greenery. Today, with its statues, bushes and trees, the garden has become a favourite meeting place where visitors can relax right in the heart of the capital.

Admission: free

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The Montparnasse cemetery stretches over 18 hectares and houses the tombs of several famous French people. Situated on the land of former farms, the site was chosen by Napoleon and the cemetery was created in 1824 (after Père-Lachaise and Montmartre). It is divided up by straight walkways, two of which demarcate the Grand and the Petit cimetière. People laid to rest here include Alfred Dreyfus (of the Dreyfus Affair), the author Guy de Maupassant, Jean Seberg (the actress who starred in A Bout de Souffle among others), the poet Baudelaire, the literary couple Sartre and de Beauvoir, Samuel Beckett and Serge Gainsbourg.

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Located near to the Eiffel Tower, this impressive cylindrical building with its central tower 68 metres tall, houses the Museum of the History of Radio and Television, as well as Radio France. A rich collection of televisions and radios (with some rare items like crystal receivers), a recreation of a Radiola studio, and contemporary works by artists. Soulages are among the museum displays.

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This charming park, opened in 1867, is one of the many masterpieces of Baron Haussman, who shaped so much of modern Paris. The park is a popular city centre haven for nature lovers and walkers as well as families and sportsmen. The varied setting includes open lawns, trees, a lake and a hilltop 'temple' reached by a suspension bridge and offering splendid views. Don't forget to visit the famous grotto and waterfall. A miniature version of New York's Central Park in the heart of Paris!

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All visitors to Paris should come to this museum, which reveals the secrets of the City of Light from prehistoric times to today. Set up in two contiguous townhouses (the Hôtel Carnavalet was built in 1545 and the Hôtel Le Peletier in the 17th century), you need a whole afternoon to see everything. A plethora of sculptures, paintings and pieces of furniture retrace, each in its own way, the history of Paris. The rooms are decorated to evoke different periods - follow the evolution of furniture from the reign of Henri IV to the beginnings of the 20th century.