Paris for Free: Top Things Near the Paradox Museum

See the best of Paris near the Paradox Museum—no entry fee required!

Published: April 7, 2026
Optical Illusion

The Paradox Museum might tempt you for hours with mind-bending illusions and reality-defying exhibits, but there’s another side to Paris just outside its doors—and it won’t cost you anything to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs, snap a few Insta-worthy shots, or sink into local culture, the area around the Paradox Museum is packed with free experiences. Ready to explore Paris without opening your wallet? Here’s our curated list of wallet-proof ways to make your trip wonderfully memorable—no entry fees, tickets, or tourist traps required. 

Our favorite free things to do near the Paradox Museum include: 

  • Stroll along Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle 
  • Wander through Passage Brady 
  • Explore Square Montholon 
  • Window Shop at Passage Jouffroy 
  • Visit Eglise Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile 
  • Discover the Grands Boulevards' Covered Passages 
  • People-Watch at Place de la République 
  • Walk the Canal Saint-Martin 
  • Find Hidden Gems at Square Aristide-Cavaillé-Coll 

Stroll along Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle 

Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle places you right in the heart of Parisian life, a lively artery filled with grand façades, bustling cafés, and local characters. Exploring this boulevard costs nothing, but offers plenty: street musicians soundtrack your steps, bistros spill energy on to wide pavement terraces, and historic theatres like Le Grand Rex glow with art deco style. As you make your way along, spot architectural details ranging from sculpted balconies to ornate cornices, and keep your eyes peeled for quirky window displays and classic Paris street signs. 

The atmosphere balances the rush of the city with an almost cinematic charm. Walking here, you’ll catch snippets of local conversation, sneak glances at towering old posters advertising films or concerts, and maybe even end up with a spontaneous performance courtesy of the always-surprising Paris street scene. The boulevard feels both grand and intimately Parisian, making it the ideal warm-up lap before (or after) your Paradox Museum visit. 

Wander through Passage Brady 

Step through the arch at Passage Brady and discover a covered walkway brimming with sensory delights. This historic passageway, built in 1828, is one of Paris’s “hidden” worlds—part bazaar, part time capsule, and 100% free to enjoy. The scents of spices and incense float from fragrant Indian and Pakistani eateries, while colorful shop displays tempt you with woven fabrics, glittering trinkets, and hangings. 

Walking the passage is a feast for the eyes, with natural light streaming through the glass roof and eclectic signs advertising everything from barber shops to sari boutiques. No buying required: simply soak up the lively, cosmopolitan vibe, peek into window displays, and trace your way from one end of the arcade to the other, reveling in a Paris experience most tourists miss. 

Explore Square Montholon 

Square Montholon is a leafy respite in the 9th arrondissement, a perfect green pause amid the city bustle. Giant plane trees stretch overhead, casting intricate shadows on benches and gravel paths, while classic Parisian cast-iron railings and ornamental statues evoke old-fashioned charm. There’s a kids’ playground for families and small lawns where locals picnic with baguettes and cheese. 

We love the tranquil atmosphere—come lunchtime, you’ll spot office workers unwinding with novels, artists sketching the statue, and maybe even a flurry of birds flocking to the fountains. It’s a serene, photogenic space that always feels a world away from the big boulevards, and it’s yours to enjoy, no ticket required. 

Window Shop at Passage Jouffroy

Couple Window Shopping

Venturing into Passage Jouffroy is as close as you’ll get to time travel without a bill at the end. This polished 19th-century arcade—glass-roofed, gleaming and full of charm—hosts an eclectic mix of quirky shops, toy stores, and old-school stationery boutiques. Window shopping here beats any department store: mechanical toy animals wiggle in one display, shelves of curious snow globes catch your eye in another, and book sellers tempt with colorful vintage covers. 

There’s no pressure to purchase; simply let your curiosity guide your wanderings, admire the mosaic tilework underfoot, and look up to spot the gleaming ironwork overhead. Whether you’re a design lover or shade seeker, Passage Jouffroy provides a perfectly Parisian, atmospheric stroll in any weather—with photo opportunities around every turn. 

Visit Eglise Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile 

Hidden on a quiet side street, Eglise Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile feels worlds apart from the grandeur of Notre-Dame but offers its own unique magic. This mid-19th-century church dazzles with cast-iron columns, radiant stained glass and detailed mosaics. Step inside for a few peaceful moments: the luminous interior, with its Art Nouveau touches and riot of color overhead, is awe-inspiring and totally free to enjoy. 

If you land here during choir practice or an organ recital, even better. The acoustics are gorgeous, and the atmosphere is always tranquil—ideal if you need a break from the city’s hustle or want to just sit and enjoy a quiet moment. If you appreciate history or architecture, this local gem might become your new favorite stop. 

Discover the Grands Boulevards’ Covered Passages 

Paris’s Grands Boulevards are famous for their chic energy, but the real treasures lie just down the side streets. Slip into one of the many covered passages—like Passage Verdeau or Passage des Panoramas—and you’ll find yourself immersed in retro romance. Each passage bursts with light, wrought iron and glorious Parisian detail, offering free, weather-proof exploring. 

You’ll spot second-hand bookshops, classic comic stores, charming cafés, and whimsical specialty stalls. People-watching here is a must; the crowds range from business-lunchers to eccentric collectors, and the hum hits that sweet spot between lively and cozy. Make it a game: see how many passages you can find in a single afternoon. Each has its own theme, flavor, and secrets to uncover. 

People-Watch at Place de la République

Place de la République

Place de la République, the bustling, spacious square just a scenic walk away, is Paris’s favorite urban stage. Surrounded by grand statuary, chess players, skateboarders and activists, this vast plaza offers more than a place to pass through—it’s a front-row seat for city life, free theater included. 

Pull up a spot near the central monument (a popular photo perch), or perch on the steps with a snack from a nearby bakery. Musicians, dancers, and street performers often animate the space; protests or celebrations are frequent, injecting the air with energy. Whether you’re after culture, people-watching, or simply some sun, République is a can’t-miss local hangout, and it’s yours to enjoy gratis. 

Walk the Canal Saint-Martin 

Parisians adore Canal Saint-Martin for its tranquil, tree-shaded banks and laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect route to unwind between museum visits or to soak up that sought-after Parisian joie de vivre. Grab a spot beside the water—locals dangle their feet over the edge, friends picnic on the banks, and lovers pause for quiet conversation atop willow-framed footbridges. 

Stroll north from the Paradox Museum area and watch iron locks open for vintage boats, spot quirky murals on the bridges, and browse spontaneous pop-up art shows. Whether you go for a jog in the morning mist or a golden-hour wander, the canal offers an ever-changing panorama that’s free, ultra-Parisian, and endlessly charming. 

Find Hidden Gems at Square Aristide-Cavaillé-Coll 

Quiet, compact, and edged with sculpted hedges, Square Aristide-Cavaillé-Coll is the neighborhood’s go-to spot for a moment of calm. Named after the famed organ builder, this tucked-away park offers a peaceful escape just steps from buzzing cafés and local apartments. Tall trees cast soft shade over benches that invite you to sit, linger, and soak up the Parisian rhythm. 

We love its hidden feel—stop by at midday for relaxed picnics or in the late afternoon, when golden light filters through the leaves and the pace slows. Seasonal flowers, vintage lampposts, and a gentle mix of birdsong and distant city hum make it feel worlds away. With no gates or crowds, it’s the perfect place to pause, reset, and enjoy a quiet moment in Paris—for free. 

 

Planning a Parisian day around the Paradox Museum? You’re covered for inspiration. With these free experiences, you’ll soak up neighborhood charm, art, history, and peaceful moments—all while giving your wallet a break. Whether you’re new to Paris or coming back for more, these picks are ready to make your trip fun, memorable, and full of surprises. Paris, your budget-friendly adventure awaits! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Paradox Museum vs. Aquarium de Paris or Things to Do as a Family in Paris 

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Why we love Paris in February

What could be better than a trip to the City of Love for Valentine’s Day? If you’re wondering if February is a good time to visit Paris, the answer is hell yes! Whilst Paris in February may not have the new growth of spring or the heat of summer, it does have a surprising number of events to look forward to. What’s more, although you might think Paris in February would be packed out because of the presence of Valentine’s Day, the month sits firmly within the city’s low season meaning there’s fewer other visitors and the possibility of cheaper hotel rates too. Here are just some of the reasons we love Paris in February. Paris without the crowds Although you can never say that Paris is free of visitors, it certainly can seem like that when comparing the flow of people into the city’s museums in February to that during the months of July and August. So why not take advantage of the reduced crowds to get up close with the Mona Lisa in the Louvre or climb the 674 steps to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower with a guide in tow. The one exception is the big day of February 14 itself, when entry to the tower is regularly booked up months in advance. If you’re planning to pop the big question, don’t get caught out by this! Celebrate Crepe Day One of Paris’s lesser-known celebrations, Crepe Day nonetheless holds a special place in the hearts of many Parisians. Taking place on February 2, it stems from the Catholic festival of Candlemas or La Chandeleur. It seems to have developed out of the Popes of centuries past giving food to the poor as part of the mid-winter holy day. It has become a way of marking the last days of winter and the first days of spring. Look out for special dinner menus incorporating all things crepe, or grab one from a stall during the day. Discover the bizarre love stories of Versailles Perhaps the grandest estate ever built, the Palace of Versailles and its expansive gardens became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979 such is its importance. The main residence of the kings of France for 200 years, its rooms and corridors have seen their fair share of strange love stories. For instance, Louis XIII never allowed his queen to spend a single night here. To wander these historic spaces, where gold glints off crystal, marble and old master paintings, is an ideal thing to do on an overcast February day whether you’re traveling as a couple, as a group or if you’re a solo visitor. See Paris at its most glamorous The end of February welcomes many of the world’s top models to the boulevards of the French capital for the half-yearly Paris Fashion Week. The country’s top designers and fashion houses – the likes of Chanel and Dior – host lavish events to coincide with the release of their latest collections. Many take place in unique settings such as the Grand Palais exhibition hall and the Carrousel du Louvre underground shopping mall. Should you arrive in Paris at the beginning of the month instead, you don’t have to miss out on the opportunity for some retail therapy. Great savings can be had with the end of the winter sales period – stores of all budgets slash their prices even further. Revel in the Chinese New Year festivities Firecrackers popping around Paris. Performers leaping to the sound of cymbals. Colorful parades taking over the streets. It can only be Chinese New Year, which falls at the start of February (or very end of January). Paris’s size means it’s able to boast several ‘Spring Festival’ celebrations. The largest happens in the 13th arrondissement’s Asian Quarter (Quartier Asiatique). The area’s street parade usually has around 2000 participants with ancestry in China and its neighboring countries. But that’s nothing compared to the 200,000 who turn up to get involved and admire the meticulously choreographed lion dances and sample traditional New Year cuisine. Join the carnival parade Chinese New Year isn’t the only street festival to take place in Paris in February. There is also the small matter of the Paris Carnival, or La Promenade du Boeuf Gras, coinciding with Mardi Gras. Held in one form or another since the 16th Century, the carnival starts with a parade of masked figures at Place Gambetta in the 20th arrondissement. It makes its way to the Place de la République where the celebrations continue as a street party. Make a day of Paris’s monuments to love Offering views of Notre Dame Cathedral,, the Pont des Arts is better known to many as love lock bridge. Literally millions of padlocks marked or engraved with lovers’ initials have been attached to its railings – creating a sea of metalwork estimated to weigh around 45 tons. Amidst the winding streets of Montmartre lies the 40 square meter Wall of Love. Made up of over 600 individual ceramic tiles, they include the words ‘I love you’ roughly 300 times in 250 different languages, including Inuit and Esperanto. No words are needed to visit the heart of Voltaire, situated beneath a marble statue of the writer-philosopher in the Salon d’honneur (Hall of Honor) at the National Library. But if that’s a little bit ghoulish, you can instead hover above the buildings of Paris with a romantic balloon ride on the Ballon de Paris Generali – the world’s largest. Explore the hidden side of Paris Taking place over a long weekend, the Face Cachée (Hidden Side) event is another wonderful thing to do in Paris in February. Around 120 venues and organizations are involved in creating unique experiences. They allow the public to enter parts of the city usually closed off, or experience events they would never otherwise be able to. There are no such limitations with the Palais Garnier Opera House – the reputed home of the Phantom of the Opera. It opens its doors throughout February for self-guided and guided tours of its extraordinary interiors. Ways to save in Paris in February Checking out the discount rails of the department stores isn’t the only way to save in Paris in February. Go City All-Inclusive and Explorer passes get you a great deal on admission to many of the city’s top attractions. All you need to do is pick the right pass for you and start exploring to save!
Ian Packham
Two women enjoy a walk along the banks of the Seine
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Cheap things to do in Paris

Paris has a reputation for being très cher – very expensive. But, au contraire, it doesn’t have to be. There are a huge number of fun things to do which don’t cost the earth. If you’re heading to the City of Light on a budget – and even if you’re not – check out these cheap things to do in Paris. You won’t regret it! Feel like a local Budget travelers are likely to find themselves in the further reaches of the Paris suburbs, meaning potentially expensive taxi fares to the world-famous landmarks dotted on and around the River Seine. However, as you might expect, there are a variety of cheaper alternatives. Not only that, but some can become attractions in themselves. A great addition to trips aboard a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus are the city’s public buses. Route 89 takes in the sights of the Latin Quarter, including the Panthéon and Jardin du Luxembourg. The north-south route 69 incorporates the Bastille, Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. When the sometimes-fickle Paris weather holds, one of the most charming ways to explore Paris is by bike. The bike-sharing stations of Vélib’ are located across greater Paris. A mix of pedal and hybrid electric cycles, they have rates starting at just €1 for 30 minutes use. Whilst covering 41 square miles, the majority of Paris’s major landmarks are centrally located, making an afternoon stroll an excellent way to absorb the city’s atmosphere. So why not wander along a portion of the Seine, or follow the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe towards the masterpieces of the Louvre? Check out the markets You’re unlikely to discover a lost artwork by Monet or Degas among the stalls of Saint-Ouen flea market, located in the same neighborhood as the Sacre Coeur and Moulin Rouge. But even if you don’t, a bit of friendly-haggling with the stallholders can still get you a bargain. One of the largest flea markets in the world, stalls hold everything from vintage fashion to diamond bracelets. There’s no better place to discover Parisians’ love of food and fine ingredients than the oldest covered market in Paris. Founded in 1628, the Marché des Enfants Rouges – or Market of Red Children, after the orphanage of the same name – is a great place to pick up some freshly-baked bread or a bunch of flowers. Should it get your stomach growling, there are also a good selection of cafés and restaurants, many of whom use produce direct from the market’s stalls. Thursdays and Sundays sees another market appearing in the park to the north of Place de la Bastille. In addition to groceries, there’s also a good number of tempting objet d’art and other trinkets you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Discover the city’s green spaces No list of cheap things to do in Paris should be considered complete without mentioning the city’s array of parks and gardens. Among one of the best is the Jardin des Plantes botanic garden. Largely formal in style, there are few better places for a romantic walk, whilst the small zoo’s collection of animals is sure to enthrall the kids. It’s easy to forget about the city beyond once inside Parc Monceau too. Created by the Duke of Chartres in 1778 as one of the world’s first public parks, it contrasts with the Jardin des Plantes because of its informal English landscaping style. But for a park like few others, head to the Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée verte René-Dumont. Similar to New York’s High Line, but opened a full 15 years beforehand, this elevated park gave a long-abandoned railway viaduct a new lease of life as an urban oasis. Take in the views In a city without the skyscrapers of New York or London, the Eiffel Tower has been the main vantage-point for citywide views since it was first erected in 1889. But for views of the Iron Lady herself you’ll need to turn your attention to the opposite end of the Champ de Mars and the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower). Although its observation tower is not the cheapest thing to do in Paris, the bar on the 56th story has equally beguiling vistas plus lively conversation for the cost of a drink. Paris is also an excellent place to grab a street-side cup of coffee or plat du jour as you watch the world go by. If you’re keen to break through the frosty exterior some Parisians exude, many bars host a happy hour. Usually sometime between 5PM and 8 PM, just look for the advertising boards outside. Grab a bargain It’s unlikely you’ll have such luck with the stores of Rue Faubourg du Saint-Honoré outside of January or July, but there are several ways to feel a million dollars without having to splash that sort of cash. For instance, top department store Galeries Lafayette hosts regular 30 minute fashion shows curated by some of the biggest names in the industry and complete with catwalk models. Elsewhere, Shakespeare and Company has been supplying the English-speakers of Paris with reading material since 1951. As well as the new books you would expect, you’ll also find a treasure trove of secondhand tomes and also a free reading library. Would-be authors can even stay the night in exchange for helping out – it’s been estimated that more than 30,000 people have stayed since the store first opened its doors. Seeing Paris on a budget Just because you have a budget to stick to doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Paris’s big-ticket attractions. It’s possible to fully explore with Go City – allowing you to save on attraction admission and expensive overseas credit card charges without having to say goodbye to flexibility. Together with our recommendations for cheap things to do in Paris, Go City can help create an unforgettable vacation. You can stay up to date with all the latest tips by connecting with @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook.
Ian Packham
The Eiffel Tower from across the River Seine
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Should you visit Paris in August?

A few short years ago August would have been seen as a terrible time to visit Paris. And whilst some still stick to this old cliché, many others, us included, now see August as one of the best times of year to visit the French capital. Why the about face? It’s simple really. Although hotels might ratchet up their prices, Paris in August enjoys great weather and a plethora of events sure to have you returning year after year. Relive Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte The River Seine rightly takes the limelight when it comes to the best loved things to do in Paris in August. And let’s face it, why wouldn’t it? What could be better than enjoying a drink or late-night DJ set from aboard one of the peniche boat bars moored along its banks? Or opting for a river cruise passing by the city’s most famous sights on a warm mid-summer evening? Or even the chance to flop into a deckchair, as if you’re in the south of France rather than the center of the capital? The latter is possible thanks to the Paris Plages program of beaches and pools which crop up along the right bank of the Seine in July and August each year. If you prefer your seas a little warmer, head instead to the Aquarium de Paris. Suitable for adults as much as younger visitors, its tanks contain everything from jellyfish to sea turtles and no less than four species of shark. Delve into the capital’s history One of the most important occasions in Parisian history is marked on August 25 – at the Liberation of Paris Festival. It commemorates the surrender of Nazi forces in August 1944 to a mix of Free French, British and American troops. The festival kicks off at midday with firemen replicating the climb up the Eiffel Tower to unfurl the French tricolore. This is followed by a parade and then music at the Hôtel de Ville. The Order of the Liberation Museum is open daily for anyone interested in the full story. To pay your respects to the great and the good of French history, consider instead the Latin Quarter’s Panthéon. Built by King Louis XV to house the relics of the city’s patron saint, after the French Revolution it was converted into a national mausoleum. Among the 80 burials and memorials are those to philosopher Voltaire, writer Victor Hugo and Nobel prize winning scientist Marie Curie, one of just a handful of women honored. On the western edge of the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg stands one of several replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris. It’s one of around one hundred statues dotted about the garden, at 1/16th the scale of the New York original. Paris in August with the kids Younger visitors to Paris may not appreciate the significance of events such as the Liberation of Paris Festival. But they certainly won’t get bored with the number of child-friendly things to do in Paris in August. With the added bonus of soothing tired legs, an open-top Hop-on Hop-off bus is a great way to connect up sights from the storefronts of the Champs-Élysées to the gothic masterpiece of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has survived revolution and fire during its 800 year history. Thrill seekers should instead turn their attention to Parc Astérix. The second-largest theme park anywhere in France, it boasts over 40 attractions, including seven rollercoasters and a further seven water rides. All are based on the comic book series following the lives of ancient Gaul’s tribes. Meanwhile, the Place de la Concorde is occupied from July until the end of August with the Fête des Tuileries. An authentic traditional funfair, attractions here include a tin can alley, hook-a-duck, carousels and stalls selling candy-floss and freshly-made donuts. Make the most of the summer weather Yet another reason to stay in Paris in August is the giant screen belonging to the open-air movie theater which stands amongst the trees of Parc de la Villette in northern Paris. Bring a picnic, rent a deckchair and a blanket, and enjoy evening screenings of everything from French indie cinema to cult classics. Movies are shown in their original language with French subtitles as necessary. Few subtitles are needed for the Rock en Seine festival, which literally rocks the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud park at the historic gates of Paris over three days in August. Creating a memorable contrast with their 17th-Century surroundings, the five stages host internationally-renowned bands such as Royal Blood and Eels alongside homegrown up-and-coming talent. Summer in Paris doesn’t come to an end until the arrival of the Tréteaux nomades traveling festival at Montmartre arena. Almost impossible to pigeon-hole, the festival uses French characters you’ll know and love from classic works – for example Quasimodo and Cinderella – in totally new and sometimes subversive ways. Enjoy first class art It’s difficult to visit Paris in any month of the year without a stop at the Louvre, dominating the right bank of the Seine. With enough artworks to keep you busy for an entire lifetime, highlights include the da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Almost immediately opposite on the rive gauche (left bank) stands the beaux arts edifice of the Musée d’Orsay. Built as a railway station in 1898, it has been a gallery dedicated to French art since a major renovation in 1986. Monet, Degas and Gauguin are all well represented. Fans of modern art need look no further than the Musée National d’Art Moderne at the Pompidou Center – Europe’s biggest modern art museum. A who’s who of the 20th-Century art world, its walls hang with greats including Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Willem de Kooning. Save on attraction admission in Paris in August One of the sunniest months of the year in the French capital, Paris in August is not to be avoided as some would have you believe. Alive with summertime activities and outdoor events, it is in fact a great time to visit Paris. Make the most of your trip by saving on admission to many of the top attractions with Go City. The All-Inclusive Pass allows you to see as many attractions as you like within a given period at reduced cost. The Explorer Pass gives you 60 days in which to marvel at up to seven different attractions.
Ian Packham

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