The start of the new school year often means the return of good resolutions… and bank accounts that look grey after the vacations! Fortunately, Paris is full of good ideas for treating yourself at low or no cost. From free museums and stylish thrift shops to mini dishes, discover our must-have addresses and tips to make the most of back-to-school in Paris, without blowing your budget.
Take advantage of free nights at Paris museums
Admire Parisian works of art for free, in the calm of the late afternoon: it’s a dream come true every Friday, in front of the treasures of the permanent collection of the Musée des Arts et Métiers, between 6pm and 9pm. Don’t miss the Musée du Louvre‘s free nocturne , every first Friday of the month until 9pm. It’s a magical time when you can admire mythical works and current exhibitions!
📍 Location: Musée des Arts et Métiers – 60 Rue Réaumur, 75003 Paris / Musée du Louvre – 8 rue Sainte-Anne, 75001 Paris
A tasty €1 coffee at Café San José
Just a stone’s throw from the Opéra, Café San José has been serving coffee for over 175 years. And if the place hasn’t been empty since, it’s because of its warm atmosphere, retro decor and coffee (of course!). Choose from 11 varieties of coffee, mainly Arabicas. The best deal is the classic Italian-style coffee for €1, which is very aromatic, or the cappuccino for just€2. Excellent… and unbeatable!
📍 Locations: Café San José Paris IIᵉ – 30 rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris / Café San José Paris Xᵉ – 13 rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris
Prepare your back-to-school look in one of Paris’ thrift stores
While the capital is overflowing with thrift shops where you can unearth vintage nuggets, we obviously have our own favorite addresses. One of these is Momo le Moins Cher, a true Republic nugget that lives up to its name. Here, Levis jeans rub shoulders with leather gloves and 70s dresses at unbeatable prices. A place to shine at the trade fair with a unique style, without emptying your bank account!
📍Location: Momo le Moins Cher – 31 boulevard de Magenta, 75010 Paris
Treat yourself to new back-to-school reading at low prices in second-hand bookshops
What if your back-to-school resolution was to read more, without spending too much? We’ve got a tip for you: head for Paris’s second-hand bookshops. Novels, comics, mangas or magazines… You’re bound to find what you’re looking for as you browse the shelves: from near-new works to passionately annotated ones, not forgetting antique bindings… We love it!
📍Locations: see our favourite second-hand bookshops in Paris
Eat the best poulet-frites in Paris for just a few euros
This Parisian bistro’s Sunday staple takes pride of place at the table, much to our delight… and that of our wallets! Because at Bar Fleuri, a poulet-frites costs just €6.86, and has done for 20 years! A small price for a big comfort: juicy chicken, homemade mashed potatoes and friendly service, all of which make this place a success.
📍Location: Le Bar Fleuri, 1 rue du Plateau, 75019 Paris
Visit inaccessible places during the European Heritage Days
Every year, the European Heritage Days open the doors of exceptional places, from historic monuments to institutional buildings, free of charge . Among our favorite addresses are the superb Sorbonne Library in Paris and the prestigious Château de Neuville, to be discovered from September 20 to 21, 2025 on the theme of architectural heritage.
📍 Locations: Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne – 47 rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris / Château de Neuville – 78890 Gambais
Enjoy a free sports session
Getting back to school off to a good start with a sporting activity is one of the many resolutions Parisians have made, and it’s possible without spending any money ! Would you prefer to go running in the Buttes Chaumont, skateboarding on rue Léon Cladel or street workout in the Parc de la Villette? It’s up to you to choose from the many possibilities for exercising for free in Paris. And if you’d rather be surrounded by others at a boxing, badminton or fitness class, the City of Paris is offering a number of free options from September 22 with Paris Sport Proximité. Get your sneakers on!
Admire the stars on special evenings
One of the capital’s most magical events is undoubtedly “Paris sous les étoiles” (Paris under the stars), a marathon of free astronomy evenings held in several of the city’s parks. An opportunity to learn more about the nebulae and planets that surround us, with star-spotting workshops. Emotions guaranteed!
📍 Locations: Square Léon Serpollet (18th arrondissement) on August 29, Arènes de Lutèce (5th arrondissement) on August 30 and Parc Montsouris (14th arrondissement) on September 13.
Marvel at masterpieces, free of charge
Dedicated to the history of Paris, the Musée Carnavalet houses over 600,000 works and objects in two superb buildings, masterpieces of classical and Renaissance architecture. The icing on the cake: its permanent collection is accessible free of charge, all year round! An opportunity to (re)discover its treasures and admire its incredible Frenchgarden. And why not take advantage of one of the capital’s current free exhibitions?
📍 Location: Musée Carnavalet – 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
Take a bucolic break at the Jardin des Rosiers
Nestled in the famous Rue des Rosiers, in the heart of the Marais district, the Jardin des Rosiers – Joseph Migneret never ceases to fascinate. Like a secret garden, between shady corners, wooden benches and leafy trees, it is surprisingly calm and uncrowded, despite its hyper-central location. The ideal place to relax with a book… and almost forget about the recovery!
📍 Location: Jardin des Rosiers – Joseph Migneret – 10 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
(Re)discover Paris by bike
One of Parisians’ best allies for getting around the city, away from traffic jams and metro problems, is the bicycle! It’s a great way to get some exercise, get some fresh air and enjoy Paris with fresh eyes. From the parks to the banks of the Seine, we’ve got our favorite routes for you. And if you’re short of a speedy bike, it’s easy to rent one of the city’s Vélib’ bikes, available without a subscription for as little as €3. Roll on youth!
Decorate your Parisian apartment with pretty plants, at low cost
Enjoying the capital also means creating your own Parisian cocoon. And what better way than with a touch of greenery? With our back-to-school bargains, you’re bound to fall in love! A variety of plants and planters are available from €0.99 at Plantes pour Tous events. On September 20, don’t miss the Fleurs en Seine event in Les Mureaux: a meeting of enthusiasts with free sales and entertainment.
📍 Where: Plantes pour Tous – next sales from September 5 to 7 at the Jardinerie République, then from September 12 to 14 at the Jardinerie Beaugrenelle and at the Centre Commercial Italie 2 / Fleurs en Seine – Parc de l’Oseraie, 1 Rue des Gros Murs, 78130 Les Mureaux