Chloe, Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Louboutin – names synonymous with luxury fashion and luxury prices. A trip to Paris will put you in the land in luxury, but can you afford this type of luxury vacation? Chances are you can, if you do it right.
First step: finding a cheap flight to Paris. Why spend the money on airfare when you can spend it on shopping in the fashion capital of France? Thanks to a down economy, cheap flights are easy to come by. A quick search online for summer travel to Paris and we found airfares as low as $450 round-trip (excluding fees and taxes).
Upon arriving in Paris, we immediately stood in the cab line and waited patiently for our chosen chariot. The cab ride to the 6th arrondissement cost us approximately 20 Euro per person – a price well justified to avoid the long commute from Charles de Gaulle via subway.
Our hotel was perfectly placed in the 6th arrondissement, known as Paris’s boutique district. The quaint 23-room Jardin le bréa is placed perfectly within walking distance from Jardin du Luxembourg and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, nestled closely next to cafes, patisseries and plenty of boutique shops. Choosing a cheap Paris hotel can be a daunting experience. Forgo the luxury accommodations for a boutique hotel and save money while living like a local. The best part? With the money you save staying at a boutique Paris hotel, you’ll have extra cash to buy yourself a little something special.
The best things about Paris are the endless attractions. From the Musee d’Orsay to the Louvre Museum, to the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, Paris is packed with activities for any type of traveler. If you’re planning to stop in the famous art galleries, purchase a museum pass. The Paris Museum Pass offers free and unlimited access to over 60 museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region for a period of 2, 4 or 6 days starting at 32 Euro. You’ll have to use the pass on consecutive days, but it’s a good way to get all of Paris’s top attractions in at a fraction of the cost.
Traveler tip: Taking the first few consecutive days in Paris to tour all the must-sees is a great way to check off all the things on your list. You’ll have the last few days in Paris to relax in restaurants, mosey through gardens and stumble upon shops without rushing to stand in line at top attractions. You never know what you’ll find hidden in side streets and you just might find yourself a wonderful gift to take home.
Now that you’ve saved money on attractions and shopping, it’s time to splurge. Before you buy a new silk scarf or pair of shoes, consider the currency exchange cost. Many of the luxury goods you’ll find in Paris are easily accessible in the United States.
What you won’t find in America are the rare French wines, fresh escargot, duck pate, perfect éclairs, blocks of frommage, or cocktails that can only be conceived in the City of Light. Indulge your taste buds in Paris luxury – your wallet will thank you, and so will your stomach!
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
