For Bastille Day, I went to Paris to visit some friends.
London to Paris is so quick on the Eurostar. I booked mine three months ago and the ticket was 140 pounds. If you book well in advance, you can get a ticket for as low as 85 pounds return.
I stayed with a friend in the Montmatre area, in a small hotel. It was ok, more of a 1 star hotel, we had a small room and had to share a bathroom, but it was really central. Hotel Bonsejour Montmartre was 144 euros for both of us for two nights. It is just off Rue des Abbesess, right by metro Abbessess.
What to do in Paris for the weekend and on a budget?
1) Visit Sacre Coeur
From our hotel it took about 20 minutes walk, up a lot of steps and a steep hill. Sacre Coeur is free to enter and there are really good views of Paris. There are loads of shops, restuarants and cafes in that area where you can grab yourself some typical French food. It is a bit of a tourist trap, with lots of souvenir “I love Paris” t-shirts and mugs.
2) Go to Les Deux Moulins
This was the cafe where Amelie Poulin was filmed. You can either go for coffee (which we did) or you can also have lunch. It is really busy but you should get served within 10 minutes if there are tables. The cafe address is 15 Rue Lepic, 18th arrondissement.
3) Visit Moulin Rouge
You can visit the place from the outside, take a walk down the Boulevard de Clichy. There are plenty bars and clubs to go to. I would be aware of your surroundings as you are in the red light district and this was a “dodgy area”. Although it has been cleaned up, I would not hang out here alone at night.
4) Go out in the Latin Quartier
My friend and I had such a fun night out. Started in the Moose bar, by Odeon metro, this is a Canadian bar and there is happy hour before 8pm (but with the euro being so strong, happy hour just means 3.90/4 pounds a pint). We met some friendly Aussies and they gave us entry into a club in the latin quarter, will send you all a link when I can find the place.
5) Walk around Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuilleries
These are both really pretty parks and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Paris. Most of the shops close on Sunday so make sure you get the shopping done on Saturday and relax away from the crowds in these parks.
I had a great time in Paris. When I next go, I will add more tips of where to visit.
