10 free activities to do in Paris

Stroll through the alleys of the Père-Lachaise cemetery

Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, the Père-Lachaise cemetery is a must for nature lovers and celebrities. You can simply enjoy the greenery or search for the graves of Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison or Molière.

Explore the covered passages

Particularly good on rainy days, the covered passages of Paris are full of charm. These glass-covered interior streets are full of bookshops, bucolic tea rooms and other unique shops. The most famous are undoubtedly the Galerie Vivienne, the Passage du Grand-Cerf and the Passage des Panoramas.

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Visit a free museum

A city of art and culture, Paris has a large number of private and public museums. Some of them are open to visitors free of charge, such as the recently renovated Fragonard Perfume Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Petit Palais and the Victor Hugo House on the Place des Vosges, which is also worth a visit.

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Enjoying open-air cinema sessions

Every summer, open-air cinemas are set up in different parts of the city. From the Louvre to La Villette, via Vincennes, the Moulin Rouge machine and the rails of the Petite Ceinture, don't miss these free screenings. But remember to reserve your seats and bring a blanket.

Take part in a sports class

All year round, you can take part in sports classes. Many associations, clubs, schools and even town halls offer free trial sessions. Boxing, Zumba, fitness, tennis, there is something for everyone. And to combine sport and culture, take a guided rollerblade ride through the streets of Paris after dark.

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Visit the Sacré-Coeur basilica

While the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is no longer open to the public, you can still visit the Sacré-Coeur basilica. This building dominates the capital at the top of the Montmartre hill. You can walk up to it via the many staircases or take the funicular.

Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens

Although it is very urbanised, the city of Paris has several parks, including the Luxembourg Garden. Opposite the Senate Palace, it offers a bucolic setting perfect for a picnic in the shade. Many chairs and armchairs are available for visitors.

Attend an auction

You may not think about it, but auctions are open to the public. You can attend an auction to admire the paintings, furniture or jewellery on display without having to bid. The Hôtel de Drouot, an institution since 1852, is ideal for a first session.

⋙ The Sainte-Chapelle, a "glass cage" in the heart of Paris

Take part in a giant treasure hunt

Called geocaching, this is a kind of giant treasure hunt. You have to download an application that will tell you where the other players' "catches" are hidden. This is usually a booklet that you sign to mark your passage.

Going to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market

A little way from the centre of Paris, you can take a walk to the Puces de Saint-Ouen market. Lose yourself in its maze of streets to find a poster, an old book, a vintage dress or a charming piece of furniture. But be prepared for high prices!