Free Things to Do in Paris: Hidden Gems, Museums, Walks & Historic Sites
Looking for the best free things to do in Paris? Whether you’re visiting the city on a budget or simply want to experience Paris beyond expensive attractions, there are dozens of free places to explore year-round. From historic churches and free museums to outdoor walks, cultural institutes, and hidden neighborhood rituals, Paris offers unforgettable experiences that don’t cost a euro.
This guide covers the best free activities in Paris, including iconic landmarks, lesser-known museums, libraries, markets, and local traditions.
Map of the Best Free Things to Do in Paris
To help you plan your visit, I’ve mapped many of the best free things to do in Paris mentioned in this guide. Use the map below to locate museums, parks, markets, viewpoints, and hidden cultural spots across the city.
Free Museums and Galeries in Paris (Including Permanent Collections You Can Visit for Free)
Many Paris museums allow visitors to explore their permanent collections for free. These spaces showcase art, history, design, and science while often avoiding the crowds and ticket prices of the city’s most famous museums.
- Musée Carnavalet – Dedicated to the history of Paris, this beautifully renovated museum traces the city’s evolution from the Middle Ages to today through paintings, objects, and reconstructed interiors.
Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
Website: www.carnavalet.paris.fr - Musée Bourdelle – A sculptor’s studio turned museum, showcasing monumental works by Antoine Bourdelle in peaceful sculpture gardens and former ateliers.
Address: 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris
Website: www.bourdelle.paris.fr - Musée Curie – A small but fascinating museum dedicated to Marie Curie’s groundbreaking scientific work. Located in her former laboratory, it offers a quick but meaningful visit.
Address: 1 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris
Website: musee.curie.fr - Palais de la Découverte (Rotonde) – While the science exhibitions require a ticket, visitors can freely access the impressive rotunda and admire the grand architecture of this historic science museum.
Address: 17 Av. du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
Website: www.palais-decouverte.fr - Musée de la Vie Romantique – Recently reopened after renovations, this charming museum celebrates the Romantic era through paintings, sculptures, and literary artifacts in a quiet 19th-century townhouse.
Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr - Petit Palais – This elegant Belle Époque palace houses a large fine arts collection spanning antiquity to the early 20th century. The permanent collection is free; temporary exhibitions require a ticket.
Address: Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
Website: www.petitpalais.paris.fr - Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris – One of the city’s best modern art museums, featuring works by major 20th-century artists in spacious galleries overlooking the Seine. The permanent collection is free.
Address: 11 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
Website: www.mam.paris.fr - Maison de Victor Hugo – Located on Place des Vosges, this museum recreates the apartment where Victor Hugo lived and offers insight into the writer’s life and work.
Address: 6 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Website: www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr - L’École des Arts Joailliers – Founded by Van Cleef & Arpels, this unique institution offers exhibitions and educational displays dedicated to jewelry craftsmanship and design. Some exhibitions are free with advance booking.
Address: 16 bis Bd Montmartre, 75009 Paris
Website: https://www.lecolevancleefarpels.com/ - Lafayette Anticipations – A contemporary art foundation housed in a beautifully redesigned industrial building in the Marais. Entry to many exhibitions is free.
Address: 9 Rue du Plâtre, 75004 Paris
Website: https://www.lafayetteanticipations.com/fr - Musée Cernuschi – One of the best museums in Paris for Asian art, with a free permanent collection that includes Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese works, as well as a striking large Buddha sculpture.
Address: 7 Av. Velasquez, 75008 Paris
Website: https://www.cernuschi.paris.fr/ - Free Photography Exhibits – Paris regularly hosts outdoor photography exhibitions along park gates and public spaces, particularly in places like the Jardin du Luxembourg or Parc de Bercy. They are completely free and often showcase work by renowned photographers.
- LV Dream – This immersive exhibition space near Pont Neuf presents fashion, design, and heritage pieces from the Louis Vuitton archives. Entry is free but requires advance reservation.
Address: 2 Bis Rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris
Website: https://lvartdeco.seetickets.com/timeslot/louis-vuitton-art-deco-exhibition?lang=en-GB
If you’re inspired by Parisian style, don’t miss our roundup of the most stylish fashion exhibitions to see in Paris right now.
- Art Galleries and Antique Shops – Many art galleries and antique stores in Paris welcome visitors even if you’re just browsing. Areas like the Carré des Antiquaires, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the galleries along Rue de Seine are perfect for wandering. Just say bonjour when you enter and enjoy the art.
Pro tip: Many major museums, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month—but expect long lines.
Looking for more art and design inspiration? Explore our guide to the most beautiful Paris museums for art and design fans.
Free Cultural Institutes and Historic Buildings in Paris
Beyond museums, Paris is full of cultural institutes and historic buildings that quietly open their doors to the public. Many host free exhibitions, concerts, or simply allow visitors to admire beautiful courtyards and interiors. These places are often overlooked by tourists but offer a glimpse into the city’s intellectual and diplomatic life.
- Institut Culturel Irlandais – Located in the Latin Quarter, this cultural center promotes Irish art and literature through exhibitions, concerts, and talks. Visitors can also step into its peaceful courtyard, a quiet oasis just steps from the Sorbonne.
Address: 5 Rue des Irlandais, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.centreculturelirlandais.com/ - Institut Culturel Italien – Housed in an elegant hôtel particulier in the 7th arrondissement, this institute regularly hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. Many exhibitions are free to visit during weekday opening hours.
Address: 50 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Website: iicparigi.esteri.it - Institut Suédois – Located inside the historic Hôtel de Marle in the Marais, this Swedish cultural institute hosts contemporary art exhibitions, design events, and cultural programming. Even when exhibitions change, the quiet courtyard alone is worth stepping inside.
Address: 11 Rue Payenne, 75003 Paris
Website: paris.si.se - Maison de l’Amérique Latine – Located in two elegant 18th-century mansions in the 7th arrondissement, this cultural institution hosts exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events dedicated to Latin America. Even if you’re just passing through, the peaceful garden is worth a short detour and feels surprisingly secluded in the middle of the city.
Address: 217 Bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris
Website: https://www.mal217.org/ - Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) – One of the most distinctive cultural institutions in Paris, the Institut du Monde Arabe promotes Arab culture through exhibitions, lectures, and performances. Even without visiting the museum, you can access the panoramic terrace for free and enjoy sweeping views over the Seine and the rooftops of the Latin Quarter.
Address: 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.imarabe.org/ - Passage des Panoramas – One of the oldest covered passages in Paris, this historic arcade dates back to the early 19th century. Strolling through its glass-roofed corridors reveals vintage shops, cafés, and small restaurants. Nearby passages like Galerie Vivienne and Passage Jouffroy offer similarly atmospheric walks.
Address: 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris
Website: https://parisjetaime.com/culture/passage-des-panoramas-p1582 - Invalides Courtyard – The courtyard of Les Invalides can be freely accessed and offers an impressive view of the complex’s grand classical architecture. While entry to the Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s tomb requires a ticket, simply walking through the cour d’honneur is worthwhile.
Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Website: https://www.musee-armee.fr/
Beautiful Free Libraries in Paris You Can Visit Free of Charge
Paris libraries are not only places to study—they are architectural and historical treasures. Some occupy centuries-old buildings with spectacular reading rooms, while others house specialized collections that attract scholars from around the world. Even if you’re not planning to sit and work, many of these libraries are worth visiting simply to admire their interiors.
- Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève – One of the most famous reading rooms in Paris, with long wooden tables, green lamps, and a spectacular iron structure dating from the 19th century. Access is free, although you may be asked to show identification when entering.
Address: 10 Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
Website: www.bsg.univ-paris3.fr - Bibliothèque de l’Histoire du Protestantisme Français – A quiet and highly specialized library dedicated to the history of Protestantism in France. It’s a fascinating place for anyone interested in religious history or archival research.
Address: 54 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris
Website: https://shpf-collections.fr/ - BNF Richelieu – The historic site of the Bibliothèque nationale de France recently reopened after major renovations. Visitors can admire the spectacular Oval Reading Room, a soaring circular space filled with books and natural light, accessible free of charge.
Address: 5 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
Website: https://www.bnf.fr/fr/la-bnf-richelieu - Bibliothèque Forney – Located inside the Hôtel de Sens, a medieval mansion in the Marais, this library specializes in decorative arts, graphic design, and crafts. Even a quick visit offers a glimpse into one of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings.
Address: 1 Rue du Figuier, 75004 Paris
Website: https://bibliothequeforney.wordpress.com/ - Bibliothèque Mazarine – The oldest public library in France, founded in the 17th century and located inside the Institut de France. Its historic reading room, lined with old volumes and wooden shelves, feels almost unchanged by time.
Address: 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris
Website: https://www.bibliotheque-mazarine.fr/en/ - Bibliothèque de l’Institut Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Art (INHA) – Located in the magnificent Labrouste Room within the BNF Richelieu complex, this art history library is considered one of the most beautiful study spaces in Paris.
Address: 58 Rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris
Website: https://www.inha.fr/bibliotheque/ - Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne – A historic academic library serving students and researchers of the Sorbonne. Access is generally reserved for students and scholars, but its grand interiors reflect the intellectual history of the Latin Quarter.
Address: 17 Rue de la Sorbonne, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.bis-sorbonne.fr/
Many of these libraries sit within historic neighborhoods, making them perfect stops during a walk through the Latin Quarter or the Marais.
Free Outdoor Walks and Hidden Nature Spots in Paris
Paris parks aren’t just green spaces—they’re part of daily life. Locals meet friends, read in the sun, sail toy boats with their children, or simply sit and watch the city unfold around them. If you want to experience Paris like a resident, spending time in its parks and along its canals is one of the easiest and most enjoyable things to do for free.
Paris Parks and Scenic Walks
Luxembourg Gardens – One of the most beloved parks in Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens offer tree-lined paths, fountains, and the famous green metal chairs scattered around the central pond. On Sundays, locals gather to relax, read, or watch children sail miniature boats on the water. On Sunday mornings (around 9 am), you may also see enthusiasts sailing handmade miniature boats across the pond, a tradition that has existed in Paris for generations.
Address: 75006 Paris
Website: https://jardin.senat.fr/
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – One of the most dramatic parks in Paris, with steep hills, waterfalls, and a picturesque temple perched on a rocky cliff. The park offers sweeping views and winding paths that feel far removed from the busy city streets.
Address: 75019 Paris
Website: https://www.paris.fr/lieux/parc-des-buttes-chaumont-1757
Canal Saint-Martin – A favorite gathering spot for Parisians, especially in the warmer months. Locals sit along the canal’s stone banks with friends, often sharing wine or a simple picnic while watching boats pass through the locks.
Address: 115-109 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris
La Coulée Verte René-Dumont – Often described as the original inspiration for New York’s High Line, this elevated garden walkway runs through the 12th arrondissement along a former railway line. It offers peaceful greenery and unusual perspectives over Paris rooftops.
Address: Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris
Website: https://www.paris.fr/lieux/coulee-verte-rene-dumont-1772
Petite Ceinture (14th arrondissement section) – A partially reopened segment of Paris’s historic circular railway line, now transformed into a semi-wild urban nature path. It’s one of the city’s more secret walks and attracts locals looking for a quieter escape from the crowds.
Address: 124 Av. du Général Leclerc, 75014 Paris
Website: https://www.paris.fr/lieux/petite-ceinture-du-15e-pc-15-16841
Bring a baguette, find a chair, and take your time. Sitting and observing is part of how Parisians enjoy the city.
Historic Cemeteries You Can Visit for Free
It may sound unusual to visitors, but cemeteries in Paris are often visited like open-air museums. Many feature remarkable sculpture, elaborate tombs, and winding tree-lined paths that make them both historically fascinating and surprisingly peaceful places to walk.
Père Lachaise Cemetery – The most famous cemetery in Paris, known for its labyrinth of stone paths and the graves of cultural icons including Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. The cemetery is vast, quiet, and filled with remarkable funerary sculpture.
Address: 75020 Paris
Website: https://www.paris.fr/dossiers/bienvenue-au-cimetiere-du-pere-lachaise-47/
Montmartre Cemetery – Smaller and often quieter than Père Lachaise, this romantic cemetery sits beneath a large bridge near Montmartre. Its shaded avenues and historic tombs give it a slightly hidden feel.
Address: 20 Av. Rachel, 75018 Paris
Website: https://www.paris.fr/lieux/cimetiere-de-montmartre-5061
Montparnasse Cemetery – Located in the heart of the Left Bank, this historic cemetery is the resting place of writers, philosophers, and artists including Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. It’s calmer than Père Lachaise but equally rich in literary history.
Address: 3 Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris
Website: https://www.paris.fr/lieux/cimetiere-du-montparnasse-4082
They are peaceful, historic, and completely free to explore.
Free Markets in Paris Worth Visiting (Even If You Don’t Buy Anything)
Markets are an essential part of Parisian life. While many visitors focus on museums and monuments, locals often spend their weekends browsing neighborhood markets, antique stalls, and outdoor artist stands. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, wandering through a Paris market is one of the easiest ways to experience the city’s atmosphere for free.
- Marché d’Aligre – One of the liveliest neighborhood markets in Paris, known for its mix of outdoor produce stalls and the covered Beauvau Market. Expect vendors calling out prices, locals doing their weekly shopping, and a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.
Address: Pl. d’Aligre, 75012 Paris
Website: http://pucesaligre.unblog.fr/ - Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen – The largest antique market in the world, located just outside Paris. While some pieces can be very expensive, it’s completely free to wander the maze of vintage furniture, design objects, and collectibles.
Address: 124 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine - Marché des Enfants Rouges – The oldest covered market in Paris, dating back to the 17th century. While the food stalls attract lunchtime crowds, visitors can freely walk through and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this historic space.
Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Website: https://www.paris.fr/lieux/marche-couvert-des-enfants-rouges-5461 - Marché Saint Pierre – A paradise for fabric lovers at the foot of Montmartre. Even if you don’t sew, the colorful rolls of textiles stacked floor to ceiling make it a fascinating place to explore.
Address: 2 Rue Charles Nodier, 75018 Paris
Website: https://en-us.marchesaintpierre.com/ - Marché aux Fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II – Located on Île de la Cité, this charming flower market is filled with seasonal plants, gardening supplies, and small decorative objects. It’s one of the most picturesque markets in central Paris.
Address: Place Louis Lépine, All. Célestin Hennion, 75004 Paris - Marché de la Création – Held every Sunday along Boulevard Edgar Quinet near Montparnasse, this open-air art market features painters, illustrators, and sculptors selling their original work. It’s a wonderful place to see local artists at work.
Address: 11 Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris
Website: https://marchecreation.com/ - Marché du Livre Ancien et d’Occasion – Located in Parc Georges Brassens, this weekend market specializes in rare books, vintage magazines, and antique prints. Bibliophiles can spend hours browsing the stalls.
Address: 104 Rue Brancion, 75015 Paris
Website: https://marchedulivre.paris/ - Marché aux Puces de Vanves – A smaller and more relaxed flea market compared to Saint-Ouen, known for vintage objects, old photographs, furniture, and collectibles. It’s one of the most pleasant antique markets to wander through on a weekend morning.
- Address: 21 Av. Georges Lafenestre, 75014 Paris
- Website: https://pucesdevanves.com/
Free Historic Churches and Chapels in Paris You Can Visit
Paris is home to some of the most beautiful historic churches in Europe, many of which welcome visitors free of charge. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, or simply looking for a quiet moment away from the busy streets, these churches and chapels offer remarkable spaces that are open to everyone.
- Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés – One of the oldest churches in Paris, dating back to the 6th century. Its Romanesque architecture, colorful interior frescoes, and historic atmosphere make it one of the most fascinating churches to visit on the Left Bank.
Address: 3 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Website: https://eglise-saintgermaindespres.fr/ - Sacré Coeur Basilica – Perched at the top of Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur offers one of the most iconic interiors in Paris. Entry to the basilica is free, allowing visitors to admire the vast mosaic of Christ in Majesty and the luminous white stone architecture.
Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
Website: https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/ - Notre-Dame de Paris – One of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. While climbing the towers requires a ticket, entry to the cathedral itself is free. Visitors can admire the restored interior, soaring vaults, and remarkable stained-glass windows.
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Website: https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/ - Église Saint-Sulpice– The second-largest church in Paris after Notre-Dame. Visitors come to see the dramatic Delacroix murals in the Chapel of the Holy Angels and the impressive historic organ. Free guided tours are sometimes available with reservation.
Address: 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris
Website: https://www.paroissesaintsulpice.paris/ - Collège des Bernardins – A beautifully preserved 13th-century Cistercian college located near Notre-Dame. Its vast vaulted hall and minimalist stone architecture create a striking and peaceful space that often hosts free cultural exhibitions and events.
Address: 20 Rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.collegedesbernardins.fr/ - Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont – Located next to the Panthéon, this church blends Gothic and Renaissance styles and houses the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Its ornate rood screen is one of the last remaining examples in France.
Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.saintetiennedumont.fr/ - Église Saint-François-Xavier – A lesser-known but elegant 19th-century church in the 7th arrondissement. The richly decorated interior features large religious paintings and impressive architectural proportions.
Address: Esplanade Jacques Chaban-Delmas, 12 Pl. du Président Mithouard, 75007 Paris
Website: https://www.sfx-paris.fr/ - Église de la Madeleine – One of the most unusual churches in Paris, designed to resemble an ancient Roman temple with massive Corinthian columns. The interior contrasts with the exterior, offering a warm and atmospheric space filled with sculpture and light.
Address: Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris
Website: https://lamadeleineparis.fr/ - Chapelle de la Congrégation du Saint-Esprit– A discreet chapel located near Saint-Sulpice, known for its refined interior decoration and quiet atmosphere. It’s rarely crowded and offers a glimpse into a more hidden side of Parisian religious architecture.
Address: 30 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.spiritains.org/ - Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul – Located within the historic motherhouse of the Lazarist congregation, this chapel contains the glass reliquary of Saint Vincent de Paul. The richly decorated interior makes it a unique stop for those interested in Parisian religious history.
Address: 95 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris
Website: https://cmission.fr/maison-mere/chapelle-saint-vincent-de-paul-paris/
For a deeper dive into Parisian ecclesiastical architecture, check out our full guide to 10 stunning churches in Paris you’ll want to visit.
The Best Free Views in Paris
You don’t need to buy a tower ticket to enjoy spectacular panoramas of Paris. Several locations across the city offer beautiful views completely free of charge, especially at sunset.
The Steps of Sacré-Cœur (Montmartre) – The wide staircase in front of the basilica offers one of the best panoramic views in Paris. From here you can see rooftops stretching across the entire city, making it a popular place to watch the sunset.
The Rooftop Terrace at Galeries Lafayette – The department store’s rooftop terrace provides a surprisingly impressive view of Paris landmarks, including the Opéra Garnier and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Access is completely free during store opening hours.
Parc de Belleville – Located in the 20th arrondissement, this hillside park offers one of the best lesser-known viewpoints in Paris. The terrace at the top provides a wide panorama over the city skyline.
Trocadéro Plaza – One of the most famous viewpoints in Paris, facing directly toward the Eiffel Tower. It’s particularly spectacular at sunset or when the tower begins its evening light sparkle.
These viewpoints are among the best free things to do in Paris at sunset.
Free Political and Cultural Sites in Paris (Some With Reservation)
Paris also offers occasional access to important cultural and political institutions. While some visits require advance booking, entry itself is often free.
Assemblée Nationale – The lower house of the French Parliament offers guided tours that allow visitors to see the historic chambers and grand interiors. Tours are free but must be reserved in advance.
École des Beaux-Arts de Paris – One of the most prestigious art schools in France. At certain times of the year, the school opens its courtyards and exhibition spaces to the public.
Gardens of the Palace of Versailles – The famous gardens are free to access during much of the year. However, during the Musical Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens events in spring and summer, entry requires a ticket.
Journées du Patrimoine – Every September, the European Heritage Days allow visitors to enter buildings that are normally closed to the public, including government offices, historic residences, and private mansions.
Arènes de Lutèce – Hidden in the Latin Quarter, these Roman amphitheater ruins date back nearly 2,000 years and are one of the oldest historic sites in Paris. The park surrounding the arena is freely accessible.
Simple Free Things to Do in Paris Like a Local
Some of the most enjoyable experiences in Paris cost nothing at all. These everyday activities reveal how locals actually spend their time in the city.
Open-air cinema at Parc de la Villette – Each summer, the park hosts free outdoor movie screenings where visitors gather with blankets and picnics to watch films under the stars.
Free museum entry on the first Sunday of the month – Many major museums, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Expect large crowds, but it can be a great way to see world-class art for free. Planning to visit several museums? Our Paris Museum Pass guide explains what’s included and how to save money on tickets.
Browsing independent bookstores – Paris has some of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Wandering through shelves of books is a cultural experience in itself, even if you leave empty-handed.
Exploring the grand magasins – Historic department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are architectural landmarks as much as shopping destinations. Visitors are welcome to admire the interiors and displays without spending anything.
Fountain walks – Paris has more than 260 public fountains providing free drinking water. Some even offer sparkling water, making them a refreshing stop while exploring the city.
Self-guided cariatide walk – Architectural enthusiasts sometimes hunt for sculpted female figures, known as cariatides, that decorate many historic Parisian buildings. Creating your own walking route to spot them can turn an ordinary stroll into a unique architectural treasure hunt.
Final Thought: The Best Free Thing to Do in Paris
The best free activity in Paris is also the simplest: walking.
Stroll along the Seine at sunset.
Sit on a bench in a neighborhood park.
Watch café terraces fill as the evening begins.
In a city like Paris, the atmosphere itself is part of the experience—and enjoying it doesn’t cost anything.
FAQ: Free Things to Do in Paris
What are the best free things to do in Paris?
Some of the best free things to do in Paris include visiting historic churches like Notre-Dame and Saint-Sulpice, exploring free museum collections at the Petit Palais or Musée Carnavalet, walking through the Luxembourg Gardens, browsing markets, and enjoying panoramic views from Montmartre or Parc de Belleville.
Are museums free in Paris?
Several museums in Paris offer free access to their permanent collections, including the Petit Palais, Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, and Musée Carnavalet. Many major museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay also offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, although crowds can be significant.
Is Notre-Dame free to visit?
Yes. Entry into the cathedral itself is free. However, certain experiences such as climbing the towers or visiting special exhibitions may require a ticket.
Are there free viewpoints in Paris?
Yes. Some of the best free viewpoints in Paris include the steps of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, the rooftop terrace at Galeries Lafayette, Parc de Belleville, and the Trocadéro plaza facing the Eiffel Tower.
Can you visit Versailles for free?
The Gardens of Versailles are free to access during parts of the year, particularly in the low season. During the Musical Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens events, however, visitors must purchase a ticket to enter the gardens.
What are the best free markets in Paris?
Popular markets that are free to explore include Marché d’Aligre, Marché des Enfants Rouges, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market, and the Marché de la Création where local artists sell their work every Sunday.
For your next Paris trip
Shop Saint-Germain Like a Local
30+ hand-picked boutiques, an interactive map, and 10 years of Left Bank insider knowledge — so you can skip the tourist traps and spend your time actually discovering. $17, instant download.
Get the Guide
