We might all hanker after a 5 star visit to the city of light but for most of us, it’s way beyond our budget. However, with a little know-how, you can enjoy 5 star style and not have to take out a bank loan.
5 Star Paris Dining and Drinking without breaking the bank
If you’re in Paris on your birthday, then head to the river Seine by the Eiffel Tower and the Vedettes de Paris river boat trips kiosk. They offer a free sightseeing tour and a glass of Champagne for your birthday. Just take ID such as a passport as proof and enjoy those bubbles – totally free.
Website: www.vedettesdeparis.fr
The Paris Peninsula Hotel is rated amongst the top hotels in the world – with restaurants and prices to match. Get in on the action at a fraction of the price by booking at the Peninsula’s Lobby restaurant where you’ll get a course lunch or dinner prepared by a top chef for just €48. In a dining room that’s gilded and lit by chandeliers and was a former ball room in an iconic building – that’s a real bargain. (Read our review of The Lobby, Paris Peninsula, here)
Café de la Paix is a legendary restaurant right next to the Paris opera house, Opera Garnier. Dine inside and you’ll be shelling out a small fortune for the famous seafood dishes this place is known for. Ask for a table on the terrace though and the menu is much cheaper, plus you get the view of the opera house.
Look out for Happy Hour signs. Parisians love their Happy Hour and many bars and hotels now offer it, take advantage of two for one offers, lower prices and make like the locals.
Free Tours of Paris
Greeters are volunteers who are passionate about their cities. There are Greeters groups all over France including Paris. You need to book in advance so you can make sure you get an English speaking greeter if required. This sort of tour enables you to get the locals view, they’re friendly people who don’t have a set route, just what they like and know in their area. You’ll feel like you’re visiting with a mate and you’ll get a 5 star tour. The tours are free but the Greeters website welcome donations to enable them to keep going. Details on their website: greeters.paris
Parks in Paris
Perk up in the park – there are loads of beautiful parks with benches and the iconic green chairs in Paris, perfect for spending a few hours enjoying the scenery and people watching. Some parks were once the gardens and hunting grounds of Kings and Queens – and it doesn’t get much more 5 star than that! Several parks hold free Tai Chi, Yoga and Qi Gong classes (See Paris Info Tourist website for up to date information).
