Although 2009 is turning out to be a “budget” year for my family, there are still basic necessities that must be taken care of and nurtured. At the top of my list are family, friends, food, shelter and Paris. The first four may seem obvious, but without the joie de vivre that travel brings, life is as dull as our winter sky.
In the past few years I will admit to having spoiled myself by staying at top rate hotels and dining in Michelen two star restaurants. But faced with the prospects of not going to Paris at all, I recently set out to prove that I could have just as much fun on a budget.
Last summer my family rented a house on Nantucket Island through Vacation Rental by Owner, www.vrbo.com and had a wonderful experience. I wondered if the company might also have rentals in Paris.
As it turned out, they are one of many companies offering apartment rentals in “The City of Lights.” Size and location dictate price. I found a studio in the Marais for $1,200/week and a three bedroom houseboat on the Seine for $4,000/week.
I chose a one bedroom on Rue Dragon that had a nice eat in kitchen and windows facing the street. Part of my budget plan was to limit eating out to one meal a day, so I could afford a good one. And who wants to pay $50.00 for breakfast at the George V anyway? My Left Bank apartment was surrounded by trendy boutiques and cute mom and pop restaurants. Le Bon Marche department store with it’s basement gourmet market, Le Grand Epicerie, was within walking distance so I loaded up on my favorite cheeses, pate, wine and fruit. For bread selections, nothing beats Le Boule Miche Boulangerie/Patisserie, which just happened to be directly across the street from where I was staying. The bakery opened its doors at 7 a.m. and by 8 a.m. there was a line down the block. A shot of French espresso and a croissant became my morning ritual and on days when my budget wouldn’t allow for a sit down lunch, I would buy a ham and cheese Panini to go.
I purchased a Paris Pass which allowed me free access to all museums, attractions and the Metro. My week flew by as I loaded up on culture instead of heavy meals and flea market finds instead of luxury goods. On my last night I had saved enough to splurge on a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Champagne and Pate de Foie Gras which I spread on a fresh baguette from Le Boule Miche.
Where are the jogging tracks. Nevermind. I forgot my shoes.
Apartment rentals:
Good Value Hotels and B& B’s:
Hotel Lindbergh: 5 rue Chomel. www.hotellindbergh.com
Hotel le Clement: 6 rue Clement. www.hotel-clement.fr.
Hotel du College de France: 7 rue Thenard. www.hotelcollegedefrance.com.
Hotel Chopin: 46 passage Jouffroy. www.hotelchopin.fr
Hotel Langlois: 63 rue St. Lazarre. www.hotel-langlois.com
Hotel Prince Albert Louvre: www.hotelprincealbert.com
B&B’s: www.bedbreak.comor www.meetingthefrench.com
Tourist Passes: www.paris-pass.comincludes:
Paris Museum Pass: free entrance to Paris’ museums and monuments. Paris Attractions Pass : entrance to Paris ’ popular attractions including the Seine River Cruise. MetroPass : Unlimited travel on the metro, buses and RER in central Paris arrondissements. Shopping Pass: Galleries Lafayette , Printemps and Le Bon Marche all offer 10% discount card to non EU residents. Stop by their information desk on the main floor and show your passport to receive a discount card for the day. Good value Bistros: L’Ebauchoir: 43 rue de Citeaux. www.lebauchoir.comMetro: Faidherbe-Chaligny. La Boulangerie: 15 rue des Panoyaux. 33 (01) 14358 Metro: Menilmontant Les Racines: 22 rue Monsieur Le Prince. 33 (01) 43 26 03 86 Metro: Odeon Chez Germaine: 30 rue Pierre Leroux. 33 (01)42 73 28 34 Metro: Vaneau Vins des Pyrenees : 25 rue Beautreillis. 33 (01) 42 72 64 94 Metro: St-Paul
Chez Clement: 9 Pl St-Andre-des-Arts. 33 (01)45 48 29 94 Metro: St. Michel
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