
This is the first installment of BARE blog's Travel Log series, a four-part collection highlighting the globe-trekking explorations by BARE bloggers. Leaving picked-over tourist attractions for the masses, our bloggers will share the in's and out's of Paris, Barcelona, Sydney, and Seoul. We'll start off with Gina Harris' student budget-friendly guide to Paris.
Transportation: Paris is a city best explored on foot, however, sky scraper stilettos and cobblestone are not always a friendly match. There are many ways to travel around town while staying wallet-friendly.
- Vélib: The Vélib, or Vélo Libre, is a new form of public transportation implemented by the city. It grants users access to dozens of bicycle stations across town for a very low cost. It is as simple as this: you need to obtain a subscription for the service at any bike station with a terminal (for short visits I suggest only buying a 1 day or 7 day pass), pick up a bicycle at one of the dozens of stations around the city and drop it off at any station location in the city. The first 30 minutes are free, so essentially you can ride around all day for free if you make sure to switch bikes at a different station.
- Navigo Pass: The Navigo Pass allows for unlimited accesses to the Metro (within Paris), RER (from the surrounding towns into Paris) and the bus system. I suggest that you purchase this pass only if you will be in the city for 1 week or more and plan to do a lot of adventuring. It runs about 22-30 euros, but is well worth it! There are Metro stations every few blocks so there is hardly a need for a taxi. The only time when they are necessary is between 12:30-6am. But hey, nightlife never ends so you might as well stay a-partying!
- Markets: The farmers' markets we see around Berkeley are nothing compared to the sprawling settings that decorate nearly every district in Paris. They have the freshest fruit, veggies, cheese, meats and fish as well as many pre-made dishes that you can take and go.
- Eating out: We may be sick of the cafeteria food we’ve been eating for years, but the stigma doesn’t exist in Paris. Some of the most affordable ways to eat (and eat a lot) are at the cafeterias that can be found in department stores and in malls all over the city. Casino Caféteria is one of the most popular. My go-to spot for delicious sandwiches is PAUL. They're nearly just as easy to find as a Starbucks so there’ll be no reason to go hungry. Crêpe stands are everywhere as well, should you want something traditionally French. For any other restaurant, a budget-friendly option is the “menu prix fixe”—at a reasonable price, it usually includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert or cheese plate. And for all of your savvy savings, treat yourself to a Ladurée macroon or pastry, one of the oldest, world-famous bakeries and tea houses in the city, founded in 1862. With decor reminiscent of Marie Antoinette's era, you'll be channeled to another time!


Shopping: Last, but surely not least, shopping in fashion’s mecca. Although this is going to be the arena where you are most likely to splurge, there are smarter ways to do it.
- Sale Season: Unlike in the U.S. where stores hold sales year-round, Parisian shops mark down their goods only twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. The plus side: the sale seasons last for about a month each. If you can, try to plan your trip accordingly as it will save you tons of money. Oh, and make sure to leave lots of room in your suitcase, you’ll need it! But be warned, shopping anytime after 11:30am during sale season is crazier than Wal Mart on Christmas Eve, so start early!
- Brocante: The brocante is a huge flea market that happens at various locations around the city and neighboring towns a few times a year. You can find everything from vintage bottle openers and skateboards to fur coats and vintage designer shoes. There are also tons of secondhand shops and vintage boutiques, like Freep’Star or BDA, that are worth checking out.


An example of a brocante flea market Gina explored. Photographed by the author.
Gina Harris
BARE Reporter
This is such a comprehensive guide! I especially love the bike transportation methods. GENIUS! Thanks for this Gina!! :)
ReplyDeleteSome "don't" tips from my last summer's experience:
ReplyDelete- don't eat at street stands within 3 blocks of tourist attractions, rip off guaranteed
- this was told to me by our tour guide for europe in general: don't eat at a restaurant with more than two languages on their menu (it reads: made for tourists)
Jenny, thanks for the tips! Will remember them if I'm in Paris.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great guide! A few other tips: the Paris Visite card and Paris Museum Pass are great ways to save money, and many Paris museums are free on the first Sunday of every month.
ReplyDeleteParis: C'est Magnifique! If you would like more info on Paris you can check out my blog - a story of three perfect days walking through Paris. Went to Laduree too - worth the euros for a little Parisian decadence!
ReplyDeleteThose Macroons look divine! I hope to visit Paris this fall. Thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteChris