AUSTIN'S SAINT-LAZARE HOTEL
★★★
Do not miss
dO NOT MISS
No stay in Paris is complete without a visit to the Louvre. Among the must-sees are the museum’s three grandes dames, who draw visitors from around the world: the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Mona Lisa. If you’ve never seen them, or would like to admire them anew, you can do so for free. The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month from October to March.
Looking for a little-known rooftop from which to admire Paris spread out at your feet? Head to the terrace of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, which offers a superb view of some of the most beautiful sights and places in the French capital, including the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. Make your way to the 8th floor of the store and you’ll find yourself in seventh heaven.
Running is the sport of choice in Paris these days. Everyone seems to be taking it up, so why not you? One of the top spots for runners is the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is an enchanting setting, and you can admire the sculptures in various parts of the gardens each time you stop for a breather. An excellent – and free – way to combine a workout and art appreciation.
If you’ve always wanted to sail along the Seine, you can fulfil your wish for free on your birthday. Vedettes de Paris will provide you with a free cruise + Champagne or + Gourmand to celebrate your special day. Give yourself a birthday treat !
A ride along the canals of Paris is a good alternative way to explore the city. And now there’s a free way to experience a short trip on a canal. Le Millénaire, a shopping centre in the town of Aubervilliers (93), has started up a free boat service on the Canal Saint-Denis, running from the Corentin-Cariou metro station (Line 7) to the shopping centre. Hop on board !
Vous avez une petite soif ? À Paris, il est possible de se désaltérer sans sortir son porte-monnaie : en effet, on compte près de 260 fontaines qui distribuent de l’eau potable. Parmi elles, les célèbres fontaines Wallace, depuis longtemps associées à l’image de la capitale.
Si vous aimez les bulles, il existe également sept fontaines d’eau pétillante en libre-service dans la ville : berges de Seine (7e), jardin de Reuilly (12e), fontaine La Pétillante, siège d’Eau de Paris (13e), parc André-Citroën (15e), parc Martin-Luther-King (17e), jardin d’Eole (18e), Square Séverine (20e).