Paris has a reputation for luxury. From its five-star restaurants to its haute couture boutiques, “traveling on a budget” is often thought difficult when planning a holiday here. But don’t worry! Not only is it possible to experience the City of Lights without taking out a bank loan, you can travel inexpensively without having to sacrifice good meals and great memories.

Spend a wonderful day in Paris on the cheap by exploring some of the large parks which grace the city. Start with the Jardin du Luxembourg located in the 6^th arrondissement.  Check out the Parisian children sailing small wooden boats in the central basin, using long sticks to move them along…the image is right out of a Doisneau photograph! Stroll the immense grounds and see the older folks engaged in a game of pétanque (lawn bowling), or visit the beehives at the southwest end of the gardens. In the fall, the beekeeper bottles up the honey and sells it to the public; if you visit at the right time, you could bring back this very original souvenir.

Another restful spot is the Jardin des Tuileries. This is a great place to take a load off after you’ve trekked through the Louvre. Situated between the museum and the Place de la Concorde, it is home to manicured gardens, modern sculptures, a children’s play area, reflecting pools and outdoor cafes. Grab a bench and have a peek at Parisian life unfolding all around you!

After you’ve gone up the Eiffel Tower, take some time to explore the garden at its base.  The Champs de Mars runs from the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire in the 7^th arrondissement. As you walk from the Eiffel Tower eastward, stop for coffee and a snack in an outdoor café and watch the well-heeled children of the 7^th arrondissement play on the swings or race around in one of the pedal-cars. If you are lucky, you can catch a concert in the central gazebo.