Pinching Pennies in Paris

Everyone should see Paris at least once in their lifetime.
  For many of us, on paper at least, the world's cultural palace on the Seine
looks pretty unattainable from the standpoint of our bank account. 
True, it's an expensive endeavor, far from home
  and too many extravagant amusements to count.
Unfortunately, for some, this makes a trip nothing more than a pipe dream, particularly those who perceive Paris as a once-in-a-lifetime blow-out.

But look beyond.
  If you can figure out how to pay for the flight and some decent digs,
there's a whole lot you can see and do in this fairy tale city of wine & roses.
I'm not just referring to free museum tickets the first Sunday of every month
or hanging out at a café all day with the proverbial cup of coffee/glass of wine.
  The most glamorous city in the world offers ample opportunity for those
with limited means to enjoy and experience a whole host of Parisian delights.

Think about it. 
Not all Parisians are rich --- and yet you'll find plenty of
self-fulfilled working folk who know how to extract the best
from the city many assume is out of bounds on the affordability scale.

Paris food markets provide hours of entertainment on the cheap.
  The Bastille market, shown here on a lovely Sunday in June, is always jumping.  From fish to flowers to frisée, this market oozes the best that France has to offer.

  Quality is in abundance and you'll be amazed at the prices.
  You see, in Paris, this gorgeous stockpile costs less
than what you'll find at the grocery store.
  At home, I often find it to be the opposite.
It's a festive atmosphere where folks from every part of the city
make their way to their favorite market stall.
  It's easy to pick out the favorites, whether it's a long line for a fresh croissant
or an ample serving of steaming paella -- everything is fresh and in-season.

A marché is a great place to pick up a few inspired gifts for friends at home, too.  Pretty scarves, soaps from Provence, and luscious caramels from
Brittany are all on hand to satisfy your diverse wish list. 
And while you're there, go ahead and order lunch.
You can't beat the color, aroma and quality of the fun food
 begging to be tasted -- at prices you can easily swallow.

Parks, gardens, green spaces and playgrounds dot the city.
Make your way to Luxembourg Gardens.
Whether you choose to relax with the latest bestseller or prefer to admire
the pony parade, this blooming field of dreams has something for everyone.
And if that doesn't sound exciting enough for you,
check out the sci-fi-chic beekeepers or join the mommy march at the carousel.

Or cross the river and take a walk with the Mayor of Paris. 
This once private garden at city hall (Hotel de Ville) has recently opened to the public.
  The roses alone are worth the effort.

In Paris, there's a different park for every day of the week -- for weeks on end.
  Make the effort to seek out some of the less touristy ones, too,
so you can see how real Parisians spend their leisure time.

Just a few to consider:
  Parc Montsouris - old-fashioned & romantic - weeping willows & swans.
Parc de la Villette - young, hip & relatable -  soccer games and a dragon slide.
Jardins des Plantes - brainy & cultivated - botanical gardens & botany students.

  You will never regret one step in these magically diverse settings.

Window shopping may not sound like a penny-pinching pursuit
but once you get into the groove, it's a thrifty distraction
that can provide hours of pleasure without opening your wallet.
Think of the wasted hours you've spent at home idly
staring at Amazon and Etsy on your PC.
Those electronic gotchas don't hold a candle to the
ingenious window displays in playful Paris.

  Whether it's high fashion, classic, droll or low kitsch, the city that invented
style has it all -- and even if you can't afford to buy it, you can
drink in the pleasure of its originality.
Think of it as boutique art, akin to spending an hour of two
perusing your favorite gallery.

Whether you're turned on by Cartier, Deyrolle or Tati,
Paris window art will satisfy your imaginative side.

Paris is chock full of free museums, surely the best bargain in all of Paris.
There's no trick, no sticker shock in the promotion of French culture.

The amazing Musée Carnavalet is worth the price of your plane fare.
  This can't-miss museum tells the story of Paris with a vast array of paintings, sculpture, furniture, street & shop signs, maps, letters, costumes,
jewelry, geological artifacts.... whew, you need to come back
a couple of times to take it all in.
  There's something for everyone here.
The stately mansion (actually it's housed in two adjoining Renaissance jewels)
and classic gardens will enthrall even those who are
normally allergic to art and history.
  Paris comes alive at the Carnavalet and remember -- it's free!*

I've encouraged you (in other blogs) to visit a number of duty-free museums.
 Le Petit Palais, Musée Bourdelle and
the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris all come to mind.
  Astonishingly, there are countless more --- which may make
you wonder how and why they do it.
You see, lucky for us, there's nothing more French than sharing and
promoting their own undeniably rich cultural history and identity.

So take full advantage of this generosity.
Discover and enjoy the magnificence & frugality of these cultural treasures.
*often there are temporary exhibits at these museums which have an entrance fee; visits are optional.

---

Inexpensive does not mean unexceptional.
  Paris is always easy on the eyes -- but if you look in the right places and do
a little up-front planning, it can be easy on the pocketbook as well.

There's nothing modest about Paris -- it's outright fabulous. 
Filling your day with worthwhile distractions is both frugal and fun.

Often, it's the simplest things that offer the biggest pay-off.
- Study the minute details of Notre Dame's massive arched entrance-ways.
- Find the legendary art nouveau door at 29 avenue Rapp.
- Pay your respects to General Lafayette, a hero of
the American Revolution, at Picpus Cemetery.
- Dance the tango at jardin Tino Rossi.
It's these little gifts to yourself that make lifetime memories
and none of them come with an entrance fee. 
Heart-stopping pleasure on the cheap.

Paris certainly isn't for paupers.
  But trust me, your heart will sing when you figure out how to enjoy Paris for a song.

THE POOR PEOPLE OF PARIS

Just got back from Paris, France
All they do is sing and dance
All they got there is romance
What a tragedy

Every boulevard has lovers
Every lover's in a trance
The poor people of Paris

I feel sorry for the French
Every guy has got a wench
Every couple's got a bench
Kissing shamelessly

Night and day they're making music
While they're making love in French
The poor people of Paris

Milk or water from a sink
Make a true Parisian shrink
Wine is all he'll ever drink
And it worries me

For with wine as cheap as water
Oh, it makes one stop and think
The poor people of Paris
Sister Madam Pierre
Had the craziest love affair
And the day they parted there
He cried bitterly

Pierre was there to bid her farewell
But he brought his new girl Claire
The poor people of Paris

So don't go to Paris France
Not unless you like to dance
Not unless you want romance
Like those poor inhabitants of Paris

In the meantime, I got to hurry back there
I think I forgot something

Songwriters
MONNOT, MARGUERITE/ROUZAUD, RENE GUSTAVE

Published by
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Read more: Dean Martin - The Poor People Of Paris Lyrics | MetroLyrics