Paris on a budget

[charlie]

Not sure if this is in the right place so mods feel free to move it if its not, I am looking to go to paris with my neice and her friend (both 14) for 2 nights in late august. Does anyone have any reccomendations for acheapish hotel to stay in....we are looking at easy jet for flights as they seem to be the cheapest. They want to see all the usual touristy things like the eiffel tower mona lisa and a boat trip on the seine. Any tips and help will be gratefully appreciated xx

[SuzyWoo]

There is a great book (although in French) called Paris Pas Cher which is fantastic. I used to use it loads. I know you said end of August but if you go early September, the Louvre gives free entry to all on the 1st Sunday of each month.

IMO you can't go far wrong with an IBIS and you can usually find some deals with them.

Just found out Paris pas cher is now a blog! http://www.guideparispascher.com/ Google translate is your friend! ;)

[Waterfall]

I cant remember where I have stayed in Paris but a good Parisian restaurent for the experience is Chartier (http://www.restaurant-chartier.com/www/visit/filsdesans.php) 7 RUE DU FAUBOURG MONTMARTRE 75009 PARIS - Nearest Metro Grand Boulevards. It is an old library that has been coverted. You may well have to queque and share a table but it is all part of the experience :)

[SuzyWoo]

I used to go there Waterfall, a superb place, well worth it for the experience.

[jaybrent]

We stayed here last year and found it great value for money, we booked direct and saved a lot of money, The hotel was also used by a lot of tour companies.
Right next to the metro and great patisseries and supermarkets near.


http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g187147-d231058-Reviews-Campanile_Paris_XVII_Boulevard_Berthier-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

[Greenpen]

Keep away from the tourist spots and Paris can be cheap for a capital. If not too late, go by Eurostar, direct from centre to centre (assumes you are able to get to London easily and cheaply). Lots of cheaper hotels around the railway stations.

[geegely]

I cant remember where I have stayed in Paris but a good Parisian restaurent for the experience is Chartier (http://www.restaurant-chartier.com/www/visit/filsdesans.php) 7 RUE DU FAUBOURG MONTMARTRE 75009 PARIS - Nearest Metro Grand Boulevards. It is an old library that has been coverted. You may well have to queque and share a table but it is all part of the experience :)

It is the BEST restaurant in Paris - absolutely my favourite. Don't be put off by the sharing a table thing, it's just brilliant and not too expensive. Well done Waterfall....great sugegstion!

[SuzyWoo]

I love the way they tot up your bill and just remember everything you order!

[Gizmos]

great thread - we are thinking of trying a few nights in Paris by end of year depending on how things pan out with house move ; job move and timings of flat

[ukmonkey]

[very] Cheap hotel is the Hotel Americain on Rue Charlot. It's basic...very basic, but it's clean and it has a bed, toilet and shower, so what more would you need in a city?

It's within walking distance of Gare Du Nord (about 30 mins walk but it's pretty much along one road (past the Moulin Rouge iirc) so very easy to find.

For ease of reference, the Hotel Americain is just off the Place De La Republique.

It's within walking distance of Sacre Coure, it's a long and steep walk up the steps to the top, or I thing there's a lift you can take (may cost a € or two, not sure) ut the views of Paris are out of this world.

[Waterfall]

Another good restaurent is Noce de Jeanette (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.lesnocesdejeannette.com/&ei=XxxhTPa_O9KA4AaBjbCvCg&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dnoces%2Bde%2Bjeannette%26hl%3Den%26pr md%3Dm) We had a set menu and it was lovely food and very good value :)

[LuckyFrankie]

The Hotel Coypel is a good-value hotel that I have stayed in on several occasions.

http://www.hotel-paris-coypel.com/index.html


And if you're a bit of a foodie and enjoy visiting markets, the Rue Mouffetard is a must-see and doesn't cost a thing.

[mhoc]

great thread - we are thinking of trying a few nights in Paris by end of year depending on how things pan out with house move ; job move and timings of flat

Yes its something I've wondered about as well - I think we get reduced fares on Eurostar :confused: I actually fancy doing a really long run - going down to Lille. Might be slightly too adventurous for us

[SuzyWoo]

Lille is closer than Paris, less than an hour from Calais. Fabulous city though, used to spend a lot of time there as I had a friend ;) at the University. Lille Market is one of the best I've been to. Hot paella (for some reason) on a Sunday lunchtime, yum.

[geegely]

Mmmmmmm....i'll travel anywhere for a good paella! Never been to Lille and should try it!

[ukmonkey]

iirc Lille have a massive Christmas market...one of the biggest in Europe I believe.

[jaybrent]

We stayed here last year and found it great value for money, we booked direct and saved a lot of money, The hotel was also used by a lot of tour companies.
Right next to the metro and great patisseries and supermarkets near.


http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g187147-d231058-Reviews-Campanile_Paris_XVII_Boulevard_Berthier-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

We also bought these for travelling about, the paris metro system is fantastic, not like the claustrophobic rat run of the London Underground.

http://www.helloparis.co.uk/Getting-around-paris/1-paris-visite-card.html

[charlie]

thanks guys for all the suggestions.........keep them coming...I am making a list!!!...LOL

[charlie]

I am a bit confused about the different districts or arrondissements....are there any that people would reccommend..

[Dominic]

Another vote for Rue Moufettard. The Metro is cheap if you buy the 10 tickets and the machines have selectable languages so you can buy them with your visa card in English! You get 10 separate tickets so can share them out. You use one to get down there and the barrier takes it when you surface so can go a long way just on one ticket.

Love just wandering in the centre. I am lucky enough to have a brother who has a flat in the centre :D He has also just bought a cottage in Normandy we are all going to meet up at soon. Brilliant!

[hls22]

Really handy thread..thanks! We're looking to book a short break to do Disneyland Paris in April 2011 (have to fit in with school hols!). Can I have your thoughts on the following?
A...Do we just do Disney (planning on getting Eurostar)
B...Do we make the effort to do one day in Paris
C...Do we stay in Paris and travel out to do Disney for the day only

We've done DLP before and have stayed on site, but I fancy seeing a bit of Paris too...we have 2 DD 8 and 11 so want to do it as economically as possible!

Any thoughts much appreciated!

[LuckyFrankie]

I would vote for staying in Paris and going to DLP for the day, especially since you've already been there before. It's a really easy train journey from Paris out to Disneyland.

[cannyscot]

If you are going over the weekend there is a deal on rthe Accor hotel website you pay one price for the whole weekend. These hotels are a little bit on the outskirts but have free coffe and croissants in the morning and a fridge and a microwave so can save money. We took cereal as well. There is a bed underneath the bed and a seperate area you can curtain off so handy for letting teens have privacy.

[charlie]

thanks again everyone...some great ideas on here x