Not everything in Paris has to cost you money. There are several iconic sites, museums, and monuments that are free to everyone, all the time.
Free Museums:
Museums in Paris are either run by the national government, government of Paris, or are private. Many of those that are run by the city of Paris tend to have free general admission. While they may charge a fee for certain temporary exhibits, their regular collection doesn’t cost a thing. All you need to do is go to the ticket window (often market as “Accueil” or “Billets” in French) for a no-cost entry ticket. Many of the Paris-run museums have very limited information in English, but when you’re looking at art, architecture, or eye-catching exhibits, sometimes the words don’t matter. Here’s a list of some select museums you can visit for free. Most are open from Tuesday through Sunday but you should check their website (hyperlinked below) to make sure:
Le Petit Palais – The Little Palace is the city of Paris’ fine arts museum that sports a collection of masters including Rembrandt, Gaugin, and Cézanne. Its manicured courtyard, stunning architecture, and nice coffee shop make it a great place to stop and relax if you find yourself near the Champs Elysées or the Alexandre III Bridge.
Palais de Tokyo (a.k.a. the Paris Museum of Modern Art) – The eastern wing of the Palais de Tokyo is a free Paris museum of modern art, while the western wing is a national museum (which means they charge admission) dedicated to contemporary arts. The free “modern” art side houses a collection of more than 10,000 works from the 20th century’s various art movements. Masters like Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani are on display.
Musée Cognacq-Jay – This turn-of-the-century mansion in the Marais was the home of a department store mogul and art collector that was turned into a museum after his death. Fashion designer Christian Lacroix advised on the museum’s 2015 renovation. Painting, sculpture, furniture, tapestries, porcelain, and sculpture are among the fine arts on display.
Maison de Victor Hugo – the author of Les Miserables and the Hunchback of Notre Dame lived in a multi-story apartment on the magnificent Place de Voges in the Marais. The museum’s permanent collection (the free part) are the main apartment where Hugo lived and worked.
Fragonard Perfume Museum – Museum tours are free and led by a professional guide and expert in perfumery and its history. After discovering the manufacturing techniques and history of the precious elixirs, you can test your nose with an olfactory game available free of charge at the end of the tour. It, of course, ends in the boutique where you can purchase fragrances, but it's not obligatory.
Musée Curie – Dedicated to the life and discoveries of Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the museum is housed in the former laboratory where Marie made some of her most important discoveries about radiation. It contains a permanent historical exhibition on radioactivity and its applications, notably in medicine. (Only open Wednesdays through Sundays from 1pm – 5pm)
Musée Cernuschi (a.k.a. Museum of Asian Art) – Housed in the converted grand mansion of Monsieur Cernuschi, a wealthy banker, this museum to the arts of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam is regularly topping lists of Paris’ best museums. And it doesn’t cost a thing.
Churches:
Most of Paris’ most famous churches are also free. Each is full of history and art that can often rival many of the city’s museums. Some of the most interesting to visitors include:
The Basilica de Sacré Couer, which sits atop Montmartre and has incredible views over the city. If you go in, know that this is a particularly devout church that does not tolerate tourists who make noise or are disrespectful. The Basilica is devoted to the perpetual worshipping of the Blessed Sacrament, and worshippers have been continuously praying, day and night, its construction in 1885.
Saint-Sulpice is Paris’ second largest church, behind Notre Dame. Its grandeur draws many tourists, as do the murals by the famous artist Eugène Delacroix.
La Madeleine is a built to resemble a Greek temple and was originally constructed by Napoleon as a monument to the armies. Today, it’s a church devoted to Mary Magdalene.
Saint-Germain des Prés church is one of the oldest in Paris, dating back to the year 543.
Saint-Eustice is one of those churches that grew from a small chapel to a massive basilica over the centuries. It is popular for its interesting architecture, stained glass, and paintings.
Free Monuments and Sites:
In a city as beautiful as Paris, simply strolling along the Seine River or getting lost in the many intriguing neighborhoods is an incredibly rewarding way to enjoy an afternoon. But here are a few particular destinations that don't cost anything and are perfect to add to your wanderings:
Père-Lachaise Cemetery – Yes, it’s a cemetery. But it’s also one of the largest and most visited garden parks in Paris. Tons of famous people from all over the world are memorialized here in elaborate tombs… from Oscar Wilde to Jim Morrison. Free maps are available at the cemetery entrances.
Arènes de Lutèce – Hidden in the corner of the Latin Quarter, this old Roman theatre doubles as a public park. Today, you’re more likely to see teens battling over a soccer ball than gladiators fighting to the death.
Promenade Plantée – this elevated garden walkway built on a former tramway is similar to New York’s Highline park. It’s a great place to stroll outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Arc de Triomphe (ground level) – while it costs €12 to go to the observation platform atop the Arc, the ground area is open to the public, free of charge. You can have great views of the monument without spending a dime. This is also where the French Tomb of the Unknown Solider sits.
Luxembourg Garden – This large park sits on the edge of the Latin Quarter. Manicured gardens, statutes, fountains, and even a palace all make it a very French version of Central Park.
Enjoy the Parks!
All Paris parks are free and open to the public. While many may have gates, if it’s closed during daylight hours, feel free to just open the gate and walk in. Parisians are prolific picnickers, and it’s very common for tourists and locals alike to bring their own sandwiches, pastries, or bubbly and just watch the world go by. It’s also cool that there is free Wi-Fi in all parks!