Cheap Paris Vacations

From Avenue Montaigne and sidewalk cafes to Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Arc de Triomphe, Paris seduces with its glamour, mystery and style. But a Paris vacation doesn't have to mean one big, costly affair. Au contraire. Even on a budget, you can cruise the Siene between visits to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.

Let CheapTickets help you plan your getaway to the City of Lights. We'll share top free things to do in Paris (or just downright cheap) with these great money-saving tips.

The best time for Paris vacations is during the summer. Because summer is the peak season, expect to book your hotel and flight early. The perks of summer Paris travel include events like the Fete de la Musique festival and the sales season all round. The wintertime may not be a favorite in terms of weather, but airline and accommodation prices are at its best, and you can still visit tourist attractions while avoiding the crowds.

Treat yourself to the great food and wines at Les Halles. With a unique array for your palate, such as the Basque country trout with avocado and coriander flowers, and a basement filled with the best wine selections, prepare yourself for a treat to remember.

Take a boat tour along the river Seine for great views of Paris’ city architecture.

With more than 3800 historical monuments to its name, expect to be enchanted by ancient structures like the cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, built circa 12th century and the Tuileries Garden, located near the Louvre and the banks of Seine.

Visit the Louvre museum that houses the most amazing antiquities and artwork in the world, from the famous Mona Lisa portrait to the statue of Venus de Milo.

Want to check out the Parisian nightlife? Check out Menilmontat and Gambetta, nestled around Oberkampf and Belleville. Its bars are still relatively clear of tourists and offers affordable pricing.

While having a Paris Museum Pass in your arsenal will save you money (unlimited visits to over 60 museums) and time (skip the long lines), you may want to center your art hops around free admission days. The Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou are free on first Sundays. (Better still, some of the city's masterpieces are on display in Paris churches at no cost.)

You can splurge on an elevator ride to the top, but if you're willing to take the stairs, you can reach the 2nd level for only a few Euros. Then again, the best things in life really are free: View the tower at night when it sparkles each hour with thousands of glittering lights.

Lace up for the temporary rinks set up at the Hotel de Ville and the Gare Montparnasse each winter. Pay a small fee for skate rentals, and then glide with a clear conscience: Admission is free.

Discover flying buttresses, relics and artwork inside Notre-Dame at no charge. But for that priceless gargoyle's-eye-view of the city, visit on first Sundays from October through March when climbing the North Tower is free.