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| Pavillon de la Reine |
We have had our fair share of Billecart Salmon champagne at the Pavillon de la Reine hotel situated just off the Place des Vosges. We have met fellow Texans there as well as Australian diplomats, LA starlets (wearing Juicy Couture and Uggs) and sat in on an interview with a well-known supermodel. This air is different in this hotel: it smells like money.
That's why we only drink there. Alas, we have never gotten a room.
Finances aside, the warm staff at Pavillon de la Reine knows the city and has steered us in the right direction every time we sought their guidance.
The New York Times' Frugal Traveler, Seth Kugel, heeds Pavillon de la Reine concierge Arnaud Ilisca's advice for building the ideal day in Paris with a catch: Kugel takes the budget approach. While Ilisca's designs dream days for the "money is no object" set, Kugel puts his frugal spin on it, enjoying an idyllic day in the expensive French capital for $100. It focuses on three meals, some shopping and seeing the sites.
Ilasca suggests a day that includes:
- Breakfast at Carette totalling €18.50
- A €320 tasting menu at L'Arpege
- A €100 meal of veal sweetbreads at Alain Ducasse's Allard
- A €240 guided walking tour of the Marais
- A chic nightcap at Hotel Costes
- Shopping along Avenue Montaigne, Champs-Élysées and Avenue George V
Kugel's research led him down a less expensive but rewarding path:
- Breakfast of pastry and espresso at Ble Sucré for €3.26 (David Lebovitz claims Ble Sucré makes the best Madeleines in Paris)
- A €29 plat du jour lunch at Le Timbre (plats du jour are usually an incredible deal)
- A self-guided walking tour of the Marais from Paris48.com (There are a TON of great walking tours available online. Google them, find one that's fits your style, download it and go.)
- Some flea market finds at the famous Puces at Porte de Clignancourt totaling €23
- A €32.50 dinner at Le Bistrot de Peintre
- A €5 nightcap at Hotel du Nord (actually a restaurant, not a hotel). This is perhaps my favorite tip. Hotel du Nord's location along Canal St.-Martin can't be beat.
I love Kugel's itinerary. Read the full story HERE.
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| Places des Vosges |
Some of my personal favorite "Paris on a budget" tips include:
- Enjoy a large plat du jour lunch in a restaurant followed by a light dinner, if anything
- Rent an apartment and eat most breakfasts at the apartment (click HERE for tips on renting a great Paris apartment)
- Pick up the Paris Pass if you plan on visiting a lot of tourist sites
- Omelettes at L'Ebouillanté, this is our favorite budget spot
- Crepes at Breizh Café, another delicious and wallet-friendly spot. It's popular. Expect a wait.
- Pick up a bottle of wine and enjoy the summer sunset in the Tuileries
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| Stumbling into a party outside the Louvre |
Paris does not have to be expensive. You can enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Save up for a few indulgences (Sunday tea at George V is worth every penny) but don't spend a fortune at every turn. You can, without question, have a memorable experience that doesn't cost a ton. A little research and planning will help you get there. Any questions? Email us.
Do you have a few budget travel tips? Please post them in the comments section.
Visiting Paris soon? Find out the best Paris bistros you need to visit NOW.
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