Posts by author Bryan Pirolli
Take our advice for simple ways to save big when visiting Paris. Photo: Seb Mar
As experienced budget travelers, we love to save money, but sometimes it’s just worth it to pay a bit more for something in Paris. After all, you probably flew from somewhere quite far away so why get the worst when a few cents more can get you something even better? Selective splurging won’t break the » Read more
The view of the neighborhood from Palais Garnier. Photo: jean-marc
Tucked between the chic rue St-Honoré, the brand-name department stores, and the Place Vendome, the Opera district doesn’t instill much hope for budget travelers. Crowned by the ornate Opéra Garnier, it might seem like this district is best left to the high rollers and Chanel-seekers. But fear not Cheapos, there is plenty to discover on » Read more
Steak tartare is just one of many classic dishes you should taste during your Paris eating adventures. Photo: Leon Brocard
I hate writing about food. Suggesting someone a restaurant or a café is like trying to suggest a favorite color to someone. Just because I like a place, doesn’t mean you will, even if the food is stellar or the service above par. I’ll leave you all to battle it out on TripAdvisor. Instead, let’s » Read more
Turn your dream of living in a Paris apartment into a reality with these tips. Photo: Tracy Elaine
So you visit France every year—maybe two or three times a year—and you are thinking that you’d rather just move here for a while. Airfare does add up, after all. Well there’s no easy way to stay in France legally for more than 90 days unless you are a EU citizen, but there are plenty » Read more
Disneyland Paris attracts an impressive number of visitors each year. But is it worth it? Photo: Sean MacEntee
Disneyland Paris—the words that strike fear in so many, and joy in so many others. I’ve been there. And I’d go again. But is it really worth leaving Paris to visit? Before you start rolling your eyes, know that in 2013, nearly 15 million visitors thought it was worth it to make the trip. So » Read more
Take in Notre Dame without the crowds in the rain. Photo: Malias
Travelers are spoiled when there is constant sunshine in Paris, but when the weather turns to rain complete with lightning strikes, it gives a new meaning to the name “City of Light.” Walking or biking around Paris, however, can become a drag when the sky opens up and even the most prepared tourist may be » Read more
Paris is always a paradise of cheap and fun things to do in the summer, and 2014 will be no exception. Photo: Trey Ratcliff
Looking for fun and affordable things to do this summer in Paris? Look no further. Just make sure you bring your own SPF since sunscreen can get pricey here… 1. Stroll les Berges de Seine The renovated banks along the Seine were one of the best gifts the mayor gave the city last year. This » Read more
Everyone knows Paris is beautiful, but it's also friendly, affordable and not as chic as you think. We kid you not! Photo: maziar hooshmand
You’ve heard it all about Paris, but it’s time to set some things straight. Just because TripAdvisor or Uncle Chuck says something is one way doesn’t make it so. Here are eight myths to get out of your head before coming to Paris, in case they are still haunting you. 1. Parisians are rude to » Read more
Locals soaking up the sun in the Luxembourg Gardens. Photo: Oh Paris
While the Right Bank has the Tuilieries Gardens, the Left Bank has two major green areas: The Jardin des Plantes and the Jardin du Luxembourg. The latter is the most visited and a must-see for those looking to get a taste for the pruning prowess of the French. Marie de Medici’s home in Paris, the » Read more
Follow the tips below and (hopefully) avoid chaotic scenes like this at the Louvre. Photo: Matt Biddulph
While you’re on the beaten path in Paris, it’s best to know when you can hit it while it’s the least crowded. Maximize your sightseeing time with a few easy tips on when to visit the city’s most popular landmarks. Louvre Visit late on Wednesdays or Fridays If you must, go on Wednesday or Friday » Read more
Get ready for a big Parisian party: the Eiffel Tower turns 125 this year. Photo: Scott Kublin
We know you don’t really need another excuse to visit Paris, but just in case you haven’t booked your ticket yet, maybe the thought of drinking at new hotspots along the Seine this summer or swimming under spectacular Art Deco ceilings will inspire you. Or how about the 125th birthday of that little tower you » Read more
The crowds outside of Notre Dame. Photo: Craig Nelson
Editor’s Note: Notre Dame is closed due to the 2019 fire. Read our article about finding hope amid the damage. For an 850-year old church, this Paris must-see attraction still looks pretty good. So good in fact, the crowds keep on coming to Notre Dame. It’s amazing that daily religious masses still happen here with » Read more
The Père Lachaise Cemetery is the 20th's most visited attraction. Photo: Till Krech
For those who have been to Paris and feel like they’ve seen it all, head to the city’s 20th arrondissement for a change of pace. While not necessarily an “it” place to go, it’s just this lack of luster that makes it appeal to locals as a place to live and hang out. To see: » Read more
The Bateaux Parisiens offer a perfectly fine, if touristy, experience. Photo: Fabrice Terrasson
The “bateaux mouches,” Paris’ pleasure boats, are a surefire way to spend an hour or so any evening or night. The Seine is best experienced by night, when monuments are illuminated and feet are generally tired and ready for a break. Originally from Lyon, these boats have been a top attraction for tourist since the » Read more
Planning a trip to Paris this summer? Your won’t be alone–or wanting for things to do. From “beaching it” along the Seine to exhibits of Titanic proportions, the city offers summer visitors plenty of opportunities to relax, indulge, learn and be entertained. Here’s my list of 10 reasons to visit Paris this summer: 1. Paris » Read more
Relax, dine and enjoy the street theater from a cafe table. Photo: Mike Fleming
Paris is a city for couples, and the countless number of lovers embracing in the streets is a constant reminder. But solo travelers needn’t shy away from the City of Light. Take it from an expert – there are plenty of ways to indulge in Paris on your own! Here are some tips I’ve developed » Read more
Tour Paris like a local on a city bus. Photo: Les Chatfield
There is a certain, almost voyeuristic charm to taking the buses in Paris. While plenty of tourist buses pack visitors in and offer them headsets to learn about the history of the major monuments, why not opt for a more local soundtrack? If nothing else, at €1.80 a ticket, riding the public buses is definitely » Read more
The romantic and practical Gare de Lyon wins our award for "Best Overall Station." Photo: Sabin Paul Croce
With six major train stations including two of the busiest in Europe, it’s time to take a look at all of Paris’ historic “gares” that may – or may not – play a vital role in your French escapes. Airplanes can sometimes be cheaper, but nothing beats the experience and convenience of taking a train » Read more
A well-stocked Vélib' station in Paris. Photos by EuroCheapo.com
The Parisian Vélib’ program is still the standard for bike share programs worldwide (or at least we like to think). Fortunately for visitors, the service has become simpler than ever. Those without a puce, or microchip in their card, were once out of luck when trying to take a bike from a stand. But over » Read more
Ouigo, France's new low-cost high-speed rail service, is offering tickets for just €10. (All images from Ouigo.com)
Well, it has finally happened. The SNCF, France’s national railway monopoly, is launching a new low-cost rail service christened “Ouigo” that will begin service on April 2, 2013. Ultra-cheap introductory tickets are now officially available through the Ouigo website. At just €10 (ten, dix, diez, X – just to be clear, it’s not a typo!) » Read more
Warm up with molten chocolate and dessert at Jean-Paul Hévin. Photo: Machu
It’s cold. It’s snowy. It’s winter. Hey, it’s Paris. There’s no reason to stay inside even if the weather would suggest otherwise. A few easy suggestions will still allow you to stroll the famous streets and avenues of Paris even if subzero temperatures try to foil your trip. 1. Dress the part It’s funny how » Read more
What are you reading to understand Paris? Photo: Marcus Meissner
Now is the time to plan your next trip to Paris while the Parisians are suffering through cold wet days under dreary gray skies. It’s a mess here. Come now if you must, but otherwise take a bit of time to prepare your next trip by reading up on those who have already explored the » Read more
Birthday girl! Notre Dame turns 850 in 2013. Photo: Jadeilyn
The New Year is upon us and it’s once again time to start planning that next trip to Paris, n’est-ce pas? Start searching for cheap airfare and the perfect hotel (in our Paris guide, naturally!) and, in case you need a little push, consider some of these 13 reasons to visit Paris in 2013: 1. » Read more
Treasures await! Photo: Carl
It’s time for a French lesson in shopping. While tourists in Paris love heading to the city’s flea markets for treasures and inexpensive gifts, they might not be aware of how many different types of flea markets there really are in the city. Here’s a quick overview of the markets selling secondhand goods in Paris: » Read more
Skate at the Hotel de Ville for only €5. Photo © EuroCheapo.com.
Paris will again transform into a winter wonderland as the holiday season kicks into high gear. This is possibly Paris as its best, with a cup of hot wine at one of the many outdoor markets or a stroll through the lights in the various shopping districts. It’s enchanting, it’s whimsical, and, above all, it’s » Read more
