Travel

Honeymoon Planning

Paris for Less

Plan a romantic honeymoon in the City of Lights without breaking the bank with these savvy money-saving suggestions. By Nicole Keen

• Print
• Email to a friend

Timing is Everything
To save big bucks on airfare and accommodations, consider heading to Paris during the off-season from November to April. Another plus to visiting this time of year? There are far less tourists out and about, which means smaller lineups and more of an authentic experience overall. FYI: most Parisians pack up and ship out during the summer months (especially August) meaning many shops and restaurants are closed.

Enjoy the View
In Paris, some of the best things in life really are free. Fantastic scenery abounds, and there are hidden parks and architectural marvels around every cobblestone corner. Take a romantic walk pour deux along the banks of the Seine and steal a kiss atop one of the famed bridges. Snap some pics at Trocadero, which offers one of the city’s best views of the Eiffel Tower. Explore the Ile de la Cité on foot and be sure to stop and stare at the awe-inspiring Notre Dame. All of these memorable—perhaps even life-changing—experiences will cost you absolutely nothing!

Ride the Rails
Walking really is the best way to see all that the city has to offer, but when you’re feeling weary, the Metro is the next best thing. At approximately €1.60 per ride, it’s a terrific value. Plus, it’s clean, efficient and surprisingly easy to navigate. If you’re going to be doing a lot of travelling around, look into one of the Metro Passes, which offers unlimited travel on buses and subways for three or five days. This is a great way to explore every single arrondissement in a limited amount of time.

Night at the Museum
Several of the major museums offer discounted rates on certain days of the week. The Louvre, for instance, costs significantly less on Wednesdays and Fridays after 6 p.m., and admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Best of all, municipal museums in Paris are completely gratuit! Must-see spots include the Petit Palais, a spectacular building with a riveting permanent collection and fabulous temporary exhibitions, and the Musée Carnavalet, which is devoted to the city’s fascinating history. Last but not least, do not miss Victor Hugo’s house, where he completed his legendary novel Les Misérables. Located right outside the house is the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, and the perfect spot for a picnic. And don’t miss all the trendy shops in the surrounding Marais district.

Cheap Chic Shopping
It goes without saying that Paris is a fashion lover’s paradise. Flagship locations of brands such as Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton take window shopping to a whole new level. Indeed, locals have a specific term for this activity, “lèche-vitrines” literally translated as “window licking!” But if you want to do more than look, without spending a fortune, of course, you’ll have to be savvy. Insiders know that Monoprix is way more than your average drugstore. Find absolutely everything here from affordable clothing and accessories to high-quality (but low-cost!) makeup, French wine and delectable chocolates. Another great place to score a deal is Tati. You’ll probably notice their signature pink-and-white gingham bags everywhere, and for good reason. The largest location, on Boulevard Rochechouart, occupies several city blocks and carries discount clothing including—wait for it—a huge bridal department! One last tidbit for you: official sales only happen in Paris twice a year in January and July, so you might want to plan your honeymoon around those dates. Otherwise, look for special in-store promotions year-round.

Post a comment