Here, where to stay, where to eat and what to see to get more bang for your travel buck in the City of Light.

Ah, summer – or anytime for that matter – in Paris. Pour quoi pas? But summer in Paris on the cheap?

Well, even on a budget, we can’t help but start with an ultra-luxe hotel stay (we’ll save money with our list that follows). Yes, it may not be “cheap” but this kind of elevated stay may be had a more accessible price. Splurge now as prices in the City of Light, according to booking search engine experts Hotels.com, were down seven per cent over the last two years. Take, for example, the refreshed Ritz Paris, celebrating its one-year anniversary, after the ultimate makeover: a top-to-bottom renovation undertaken in 2016 by the hotel’s owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrod’s department store in London and the father of Dodi Fayed, who, along with Princess Diana, sadly passed away in a tragic accident, 20 years ago this year. The hotel has shaken off its past, and has restored itself to the top of the glamorous ranks now and to the future.


If you need another reason to go, Bar Hemingway at Ritz Paris, above, was just voted as one of the top 5 bars in the world, according to the luxury travel advisors at Virtuoso. www.ritzparis.com/en-GB; www.virtuoso.com/hotels

So have a tipple at the bar, and then, if you’re on a budget, take these tips from our friends at Atout France a few wallet-friendly ideas for creative ways to spend the summer in Paris. And, if you act fast you can take advantage of fares ranging from $1,000 to $1,200 (prices at time of publishing) with Air Canada in July and Lufthansa in August. Both airlines have daily, non-stop flights to Paris, and if you’re a member of Aeroplan, you can rack up miles on either airline.

Click through below for where to stay, where to eat and what to see on the cheap. Paris, je t’aime. http://ca.france.fr/

Where to Stay: Hotel Josephine

Why we love it: Hotel Josephine is located right in the heart of Paris near Moulin Rouge, the Opera Garnier and department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.  The hotel’s décor is covered in beautiful floral patterns, which is reminiscent of a modern version of the cabaret.  What’s the best part? Free WiFi and breakfast!

Average nightly rate throughout July and August – 95 Euros

en.hotel-josephine.com

Where to Eat

A la Biche Au Bois – off the beaten path restaurant serving tradition French cuisine. Enjoy a 4-course meal for under 30 euros

Bistrot Victoires – a stones throw from Place des Victoires, this charming restaurants serves dishes for under 10 euro and glasses of wine for 3 euros

La Pointe du Grouin – a modern take on a medieval tavern, this restaurant serves traditional French cuisine for under 10 euros. What’s even better? They serve beer for 2 euros!

 

What to do

  • Tuileries Garden, above (free)
  • Catacombs (16 euro)
  • Musée d’Art Moderne (8 euro)
  • Walk around Pere Lachaise cemetary (free)
  • All entrance to churches/cathedrals (ie. Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle) is free

Note: the first Sunday of every month all museums in Paris are free!

http://ca.france.fr/