Events in France
Celeb kids hit Paris in droves during 2009. Britney, Madonna they've all been to the capital with their children in tow, no doubt racking up the costs as they went.
That's fine if you've got the wallet to support the lavish lifestyle, but for most of us it's a struggle.
Keeping it real
There's no denying it can be a challenge to do Paris on the cheap. What with the city being the centre of French fashion, as well as a gastronome's delight, it's so easy to see the expenses mount in next to no time.
But here are some ideas for keeping the costs in check.
The views are free of course. Try looking at the Eiffel Tower from the Champ-de-Mars Wall for Peace, which was conceived by the artist Clara Halter and brought to life by the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte on 30 March 2000, according to the 'AA Citypack Guide to Paris'.
Then there's the Palace of Versailles – the home of the ill-fated Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI, who were prematurely relieved of their heads during the French Revolution. The gardens and château of Versailles have all been preserved to this day.
One for the kids, but if you're going to the science museum (Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie') children under the age of seven get in free, and that includes the Planetarium.
'AA Keyguide France' also points out that if you get a Paris Museum Pass, you get free entry into other attractions, such as the Château de Fontainebleu.
And watch out for the open-air film festival at the picturesque Parc de la Villette, which was formerly where the abattoirs were housed. For this and other ideas, see the 'AA Keyguide France'.
Christmas time
Paris is a veritable Mecca if you're after a spot of lavish Christmas shopping, but don't forget New Year. Join the celebrations in Paris, where crowds line the Champs-Elysées from 9pm.
The street party also proves a great vantage point for watching the Eiffel Tower fireworks at midnight. Some gather in high spirits around the Sacre Coeur cathedral too. Keep your eyes peeled for the thousands of festive fir trees erected around the city at this time of year.
Member offers
If you hold an AA Membership Card, you're in luck. We've put together some French discounts you can take advantage of during your trip.
AA Member benefits around France.
(PDF document opens in a new window)
Cheap eats
Check out Chartiers – it was 'founded in the late 19th century with the aim of serving a hot bowl of bouillon [meat and veg] at affordable prices,' according to the 'AA Keyguide France', and it has managed to maintain that ethos ever since.
For this and other need-to-know ideas, check out the AA's range of French travel guides.
According to AA Getaways, here's an idea of prices so you can gauge costs:
- 1 full-price museum admission: £4.80-£6.20
- 1 sandwich: around £3.45
- 1 pizza: between £5.48-£6.85
- 1 small coffee: £0.68 at the bar, £1.37 sitting down
- 1 full meal (starter, main dish, dessert, not including drinks): between £10.30 and £13.70 depending on the area.
- 1 baguette of bread: 54p
- 1 beer in a café: £1.37-£2.74
- 1 seat at the cinema: £6.17
Accommodation
If the budget doesn't stretch to five-star luxury, why not consider a B&B? These range from guest rooms within people's home ('chambre d'hôtes') to full guest accommodation.
According to 'Bed & Breakfast Guide 2009 France' breakfast is always included in the rate. Some may even allow you to join them for dinner. 'If you wish to have meals with your hosts during your stay, you will need to let them know in advance'. Normally, a good time to indicate your meal preferences is when you're booking.
Getting there
Paris is just under 3 hours from Calais, while Dieppe is about half an hour closer to the capital.
For other self-drive holiday options in France, try our special offers.
Breaking down in France
The main language is French of course, and while you may know enough to get by, most would struggle to diagnose what's wrong with a car, let alone know what the parts are in French.
So, it's worth considering AA European Breakdown Cover. We offer 24-hour English-speaking assistance. In the event of a breakdown, just give us a call and we'll arrange for a local mechanic to come out to you.
If the car can't be fixed, we get you, your passengers and the car home again. Cover starts from just £9.05 for a day.
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Last updated: January 2010
Prices correct at time of going to press.
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