Cheap short breaks to Paris 2025: Save Big!
Open uping Affordable Paris Adventures
Dreaming of Paris but worried about the cost? A cheap short breaks to Paris is not just a dream, it’s totally possible with smart planning. Here’s a quick look at how you can make it happen:
- Best Time to Visit: Aim for the low season (November to March, excluding Christmas) or mid-week travel for better deals.
- Affordable Travel: Book Eurostar tickets well in advance (from ยฃ39) or consider budget airlines, factoring in extra fees.
- Budget Accommodation: Look for stays in neighborhoods like Belleville or the 9th district, which offer better value than the city center.
- Free Activities: Enjoy countless free attractions like parks, Seine strolls, and museums on their free entry days.
- Cheap Eats: Save money by eating at local markets, “bouillons” (traditional French restaurants with low prices), or packing picnics.
- Daily Budget: Expect to spend โฌ50 to โฌ80 per day on food, local transport, and minor admissions, excluding travel and accommodation.
As Ella Fitzgerald sang, Paris is a timeless town, beautiful any time of year. And with a little know-how, you don’t need a huge budget to experience its magic.
I’m Ramy Saber, and as the founder of GoTravelHunt, I specialize in showing travelers how to experience dream destinations affordably. This guide is crafted from my expertise in finding the best cheap short breaks to Paris, proving that the City of Light is accessible to all budgets. Ready to dive deeper into making your Parisian adventure a reality?
Basic cheap short breaks to paris vocab:
How to Plan Cheap Short Breaks to Paris
Getting to Paris on a budget is possible with smart planning. The secret to cheap short breaks to Paris is making strategic choices that can save you hundreds. At GoTravelHunt, we make travel planning easy and affordable. For more general advice, check out our travel planning guides.
Best Times of Year for a Budget Trip
To save money on your Paris trip, timing is everything. The best time for cheap short breaks to Paris is the low season from November to March (excluding Christmas and New Year’s). You’ll find cheaper flights and hotels, and fewer crowds at attractions like the Louvre.
Another tip: travel mid-week instead of weekends. A Tuesday to Thursday break is often cheaper than a weekend trip, and Paris feels more authentically local.
The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer a middle ground with pleasant weather, fewer visitors, and moderate prices. They’re ideal for value and comfortable sightseeing.
Avoid major events like Fashion Week, the French Open, or school holidays, as prices skyrocket. July is peak season, but deals are possible with flexibility. See our guide on finding cheap flights in July for more strategies.
Most Affordable Ways to Travel from the UK
For UK travelers, affordable travel to Paris means choosing the right transport and booking at the right time. You have several solid options.
Eurostar is the most convenient, taking you from central London to Paris in about 2h 16m. Book months ahead to find tickets from ยฃ39 return. The earlier you book, the better. For spontaneous trips, Eurostar Snap offers last-minute deals up to 50% off but requires flexibility on departure times.
Budget airlines can seem cheap, with flights from ยฃ40. However, remember to factor in baggage fees (ยฃ20-ยฃ40) and airport transfers (โฌ13-โฌ17). The RER train from Charles de Gaulle is โฌ13, and the Beauvais shuttle is โฌ17. If you travel light and book far in advance, they can be a good option. Our cheap flight deals guide has more tips.
Ferry plus train is an often overlooked but affordable and scenic option. A foot passenger ferry from Dover to Calais is about ยฃ45 return. An onward TGV train to Paris costs around โฌ32 if booked ahead. The journey is longer (3-3.5 hours) but offers a unique experience.
| Travel Method | Estimated Cost (Return) | Estimated Time (One Way) | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostar | ยฃ39-ยฃ200+ | 2h 16m (London-Paris) | Fast, city-centre to city-centre, direct. Booking in advance is key. Look for Eurostar Snap for flexible last-minute deals (up to 50% off). |
| Budget Airlines | From ยฃ40 + ยฃ20-ยฃ40 for extras | ~1 hour flight + airport transfers (1-2 hours) | Can be very cheap if booked far in advance and you travel light. However, baggage fees and airport transfers (RER train to central Paris ~โฌ13, Beauvais shuttle ~โฌ17) can add significant cost and time. See our cheap flight deals for general tips. |
| Ferry + TGV | ~ยฃ45 (ferry) + ~โฌ32 (TGV) | ~1.5 hours (ferry) + ~1.5-2 hours (train) | A slower, more scenic, and potentially very cost-effective option. Foot passenger ferries from Dover to Calais can be around ยฃ45 return, with an onward TGV to Paris around โฌ32 if booked in advance. |
The golden rule is to book as far in advance as possible. The best deals on Eurostar and flights disappear fast. Set up price alerts and be flexible with dates to maximize savings on your cheap short breaks to Paris.
Affordable Stays: Budget-Friendly Neighbourhoods & Accommodation
Where you sleep in Paris greatly impacts your budget. While the city centre is romantic, it’s expensive. For cheap short breaks to Paris, stay in neighbourhoods locals love, where you can pay half the price of tourist-trap hotels.
Remember to factor in the Paris tourist tax. Budget hotels add โฌ1-โฌ2 per person per night, while rentals can be up to โฌ15. It adds up, so include it in your budget. For more advice, see our guide to cheap hotels in Paris.
Cheapest Accommodation Options in Paris
Paris offers several great budget accommodation options.
Hostels aren’t just for backpackers anymore. Paris has accepted the modern hostel movement, with clean, stylish places offering both dorms and private rooms. They’re a great way to save money and meet fellow travellers, especially if you’re solo.
Budget hotel chains like ibis are clean, reliable, and well-connected. They are often in less-touristy neighbourhoods, saving you money on both the room and local expenses.
Private room rentals can save money and offer a taste of local life. Always check reviews before booking and be aware of the potentially higher tourist tax. Our cheap hotels in Paris guide 2025 walks you through finding the best deals across all these options.
Most Budget-Friendly Neighbourhoods to Stay In
Here’s where Paris gets interesting. The best cheap short breaks to Paris happen when you stay where Parisians actually live, not where tour buses congregate. These neighbourhoods offer character, affordability, and excellent connections to the centre.
Montmartre (18th arrondissement) gives you postcard-perfect Paris without the postcard prices. Yes, the area around Sacrรฉ-Cลur gets touristy, but venture a few streets away and you’ll find affordable hotels tucked into cobbled lanes. The neighbourhood still breathes that bohemian spirit, with artist squares and incredible views over the city. You’re trading a few extra Mรฉtro stops for genuine charm and lower prices.
Belleville (20th arrondissement) is Paris’s worst-kept secret. This multicultural district buzzes with street art, authentic restaurants, and locals going about their daily lives. The Parc de Belleville offers stunning Eiffel Tower views without the crowds, and you’ll find accommodation prices that make you double-check the booking. It’s hip, it’s real, and it’s wonderfully connected by Mรฉtro.
The Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) might surprise you as a budget option, but its student heritage means affordable pockets still exist. You won’t get the cheapest rates in Paris, but you’ll be in the heart of intellectual Paris, surrounded by bookshops, cafes, and the beautiful Jardin des Plantes. Street food here is excellent and wallet-friendly too.
Near Gare du Nord (10th arrondissement) makes practical sense if you’re arriving by Eurostar. It’s not going to win beauty contests, but you’ll find numerous budget hotels within walking distance of the station, and the Mรฉtro connections are superb. You can be at the Louvre in fifteen minutes.
The Opรฉra to Pigalle area (9th arrondissement) stretches from grand boulevards to edgier nightlife districts. Budget hotels have popped up throughout this zone, giving you easy access to major sights while keeping costs down. The neighbourhood has personality without pretension.
One word of caution: don’t stay too far out thinking you’re saving money. If you’re spending โฌ10 daily on transport to reach anywhere interesting, those savings vanish quickly. The neighbourhoods we’ve suggested all balance affordability with convenience, keeping your cheap short breaks to Paris genuinely affordable from start to finish.
The Parisian Experience for Less: Activities, Food & Transport
Experiencing Paris doesn’t require an unlimited budget. Many of the city’s most memorable moments are free or very affordable, making your cheap short breaks to Paris feel rich with experiences, not expenses. For a comprehensive look at what awaits, see our guide on things to do in Paris.
Best Free Activities and Attractions
Paris is a treasure trove of free experiences. Accept the art of the “flรขneur” (stroller) in the city’s parks. Don’t miss the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Tuileries Gardens. For stunning views, head to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Other peaceful spots include Parc Monceau, Parc Montsouris, and the Jardin des Plantes.
Iconic churches like the Sacrรฉ-Cลur Basilica offer free entry and panoramic views. The exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral also remains a powerful sight.
Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month (Nov-Mar), including the Musรฉe dโOrsay and Musรฉe Picasso. The Louvre sometimes has free entry on the first Friday evening of the month (reserve online). The permanent collections at the Petit Palais and Musรฉe dโArt Moderne are always free.
Simply walking around is an experience. Wander the Seine riverbanks, cross the Pont des Arts, browse the bouquinistes’ stalls, or window shop on the Champs-รlysรฉes. For free panoramic views, visit the rooftops of Galeries Lafayette or the Institut du Monde Arabe. Exploring Montmartre‘s streets is also free, and many companies offer “free” walking tours where you just tip the guide.
For more ideas, check out our guide to fun things to do in Paris top activities attractions unique experiences.
How to Eat Affordably in Paris
Eating well in Paris on a budget is easy, with many delicious options for your cheap short breaks to Paris.
- Start your day at a local boulangerie (bakery) with an affordable croissant or baguette. Look for local favourites like Mamiche or Du Pain et des Idรฉes.
- For a budget picnic, head to a supermarket like Carrefour. Stock up on cheese, charcuterie, bread, and wine to enjoy in a park like Jardin du Luxembourg or along the Canal Saint-Martin.
- Many restaurants offer a “formule midi” or “menu du jour” (set lunch menu), often a two or three-course meal for โฌ20 or less. Also, visit a bouillon like Bouillon Pigalle or Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse. These traditional restaurants serve full meals often under โฌ20.
- Don’t forget street food. Paris has accepted more than just crรชpes. Find delicious falafel in the Marais or bรกnh mรฌ near Canal Saint-Martin. Try pittas from Miznon or buckwheat crรชpes from Breizh Cafรฉ.
- Stay hydrated for free at Paris’s 200+ free drinking water fountains, some even dispensing sparkling water.
Saving Money on Transportation Within Paris
Navigating Paris affordably is easy if you avoid pricey taxis.
Walking is the best way to experience Paris. The city is incredibly walkable, and you’ll find hidden gems you’d otherwise miss.
When you need a rest, the Paris Mรฉtro is efficient and affordable. A single trip is โฌ2.50. Save money with a “carnet” (10 tickets for โฌ18) or a Navigo Easy Pass (โฌ2 card, top up with 10 tickets for โฌ17.35).
The Paris Visite travel pass offers unlimited travel for 1-5 days. It’s convenient but can be pricey (โฌ30/day), so compare its cost-effectiveness against other options. Children under four travel free; under 10s get half-price tickets.
The bus network is more scenic and uses the same tickets as the Mรฉtro. The Vรฉlib’ bike-sharing scheme is an affordable way to explore, especially on paths like the Coulรฉe Verte Renรฉ-Dumont, an liftd park on an old railway line.
For a unique perspective, the Batobus is a hop-on, hop-off boat on the Seine (โฌ23 day pass). Late at night, after the Mรฉtro closes (around 1:15 am), the Noctilien night buses provide affordable transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Paris Breaks
We know planning a trip brings up plenty of questions, and we’re here to help you find the answers! At GoTravelHunt, our mission is to empower you with everything you need for unforgettable and affordable journeys, including cheap short breaks to Paris. Let’s tackle the most common questions we hear from travelers like you.
What is the average daily budget for a budget traveller in Paris?
Here’s the honest truth: Paris doesn’t have to drain your bank account. For a budget-conscious traveler, you can comfortably explore the City of Light on โฌ50 to โฌ80 per day. This estimate excludes your flights and accommodation costs, focusing instead on what you’ll spend while you’re there.
So what does this daily budget actually cover? For food, you’re looking at around โฌ20-โฌ30 if you accept the local wayโgrabbing fresh pastries from boulangeries, shopping at supermarkets, enjoying picnics in beautiful parks, and dining at bouillons or street food stalls. Your local transport might run โฌ5-โฌ10 daily, especially if you’re using carnets or a Navigo Easy Pass and doing plenty of walking (which we highly recommend!). For admission costs, focusing on free attractions and taking advantage of free museum days keeps this minimal, though you might budget โฌ10-โฌ20 if you want to splurge on one paid attraction or specific museum entry.
Don’t forget a small buffer for incidentalsโthat afternoon coffee at a charming cafรฉ, a small souvenir, or an unexpected treat that catches your eye. Looking at the bigger picture, a solo traveler planning a three-night stay, travelling light by air or rail, and staying in budget-friendly accommodation while shopping smart at supermarkets, could expect an overall trip cost of around ยฃ400. For couples seeking a romantic weekend, you could enjoy cheap short breaks to Paris for less than ยฃ700, including advance-booked Eurostar tickets, a comfortable mid-range hotel, all your food, transport, and activities.
Are there specific deals or packages for cheap short breaks to paris?
Absolutely, and finding these deals is one of our favorite ways to help you save! Securing cheap short breaks to Paris often comes down to knowing where to look and being flexible.
Package holidays are worth serious considerationโmany travel providers bundle flights and hotels together at prices that beat booking separately. These combined deals can present exceptional value, sometimes offering multi-night getaways including transport and accommodation for surprisingly reasonable rates. Train and hotel bundles are another smart option, with Eurostar frequently offering packages that combine your journey with accommodation at discounted rates. Check their website directly for these offerings.
Timing matters enormously. Off-season deals during the low season (November to March, excluding Christmas) or shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) naturally bring more attractive prices on both transport and hotels. The key word here is flexibilityโif you can be open about your travel dates and times, you’ll open up significant savings. Remember Eurostar Snap? It offers up to 50% off tickets for late deals if you’re flexible on specific travel times. Booking well in advance remains crucial for the best prices across the board.
We constantly track and share insights on travel packages for Paris France, helping you find the best options available for your budget and schedule.
What are some lesser-known, budget-friendly attractions?
This is where Paris truly shines for budget travelers! Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, the city is absolutely brimming with charming, often free, lesser-known spots that offer authentic glimpses into local life. These hidden gems are perfect for enriching your cheap short breaks to Paris with memorable experiences that won’t cost you a euro.
The Coulรฉe Verte Renรฉ-Dumont is a peaceful, liftd park built on an old railway lineโimagine a green escape floating above the city streets. This walking path actually inspired New York’s High Line and offers a completely different perspective on Paris. Similarly, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement is a local favorite featuring a lake, waterfalls, a grotto, and stunning city views, all completely free to enjoy.
For a more bohemian vibe, stroll along Canal Saint-Martin, where you’ll find trendy cafes, locks, bridges, and a perfect spot for picnics or grabbing affordable street food. The atmosphere here feels authentically Parisian without the tourist crowds.
While everyone flocks to the major museums, Paris has wonderful smaller museums that are often free or very affordable. The Musรฉe de la Vie Romantique is a charming museum dedicated to the Romantic era, housed in a beautiful 19th-century townhouse with free permanent collection access. The Musรฉe Carnavalet showcases the entire history of Paris from prehistory to present, also with free permanent collection entry. The Musรฉe Cognacq-Jay displays exquisite 18th-century art and decorative arts in a historic mansion, again with free permanent collection access.
Beyond museums, the Marchรฉ aux Puces de Saint-Ouenโone of the world’s largest flea marketsโand smaller neighborhood markets offer free browsing and the chance to find unique souvenirs or vintage treasures. Don’t overlook Pรจre Lachaise Cemetery, which isn’t just a cemetery but a beautiful, sprawling park and the final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf. It’s free to wander and offers a serene, historical experience unlike anywhere else.
Finally, the tiny Square du Vert-Galant, located at the tip of รle de la Citรฉ, provides a romantic spot to sit by the Seine and watch boats drift by, especially magical at dusk. These are the kinds of places where Paris reveals its true characterโand your wallet stays happy.
Conclusion
So there you have it! As we’ve journeyed through the ins and outs of budget travel, it’s clear that experiencing the magic of Paris doesn’t have to be an extravagant affair. The dream of taking cheap short breaks to Paris is not just a fantasy โ it’s a wonderfully achievable reality, and one that promises just as much delight as any high-end trip.
It all boils down to a little foresight and a dash of insider knowledge. By picking the perfect time to visit, choosing smart travel and accommodation options, and embracing the city’s countless free and affordable activities and dining experiences, you can truly soak up all the charm of the City of Light without breaking the bank. Think about those early bird Eurostar tickets, the joy of a picnic by the Seine, or finding a vibrant local market โ every clever saving adds up to a grand adventure.
Smart planning really is your best friend when it comes to Parisian escapades. Here at GoTravelHunt, we’re absolutely dedicated to helping you find incredible destinations and plan journeys that are both stress-free and wonderfully affordable. We believe everyone deserves to experience the world’s beauty.
So, are you ready to turn that Parisian dream into a tangible itinerary? The City of Love is calling, and it’s more accessible than you think!
