Pre-Trip Preparation
Paris is a dream city for many. To be honest, I was shocked by the high prices when I first arrived. However, after repeated exploration and practice, I discovered that with proper planning, it's entirely possible to control a week's budget in Paris within 4000 RMB. Today I'll share my money-saving strategies with you.
You might ask: Is 4000 RMB really enough? Let's do the math. Choosing a shared room in a hostel averages 120 RMB per night; daily food expenses focusing on supermarkets budget at 150 RMB; metro weekly pass at 190 RMB. These basic expenses add up to just over 2000 RMB per week. The remaining money can be used for sightseeing and experiencing local culture.
Accommodation
For accommodation, I highly recommend hostels in Paris's 11th arrondissement. While not in the city center, this area has convenient transportation and many local restaurants and bars. According to my statistics, hostels in the 11th arrondissement are about 30% cheaper than those in the city center, with 6-8 bed dorms priced between 100-140 RMB.
Generator Paris hostel, near Colonel Fabien metro station, is excellent. It has 24-hour reception and a fully equipped communal kitchen. Being able to cook in Paris can save significant expenses. The hostel's common areas are comfortable, and you often meet backpackers from around the world to exchange travel experiences.
Transportation
Paris has a highly developed public transportation system. I recommend buying a Navigo weekly pass as soon as you arrive, priced at 22.8 euros (about 190 RMB). This ticket covers all metro, bus, and RER lines in Paris. Compared to single tickets at 1.9 euros, it's worth it if you use public transport more than three times daily.
Notably, the weekly pass is valid from Monday to Sunday, so it's best to buy it on Monday. If you arrive mid-week, you can start with single tickets or a day pass. Metro operates from 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM, extended to 2:15 AM on weekends. At night, you can take Noctilien night buses, which cover major areas.
Food Strategy
In Paris, restaurant meals generally cost between 15-25 euros per person. However, if you want to save money, you can control your daily food expenses to within 150 RMB using some tricks.
I frequently visit chain supermarkets like Monoprix and Carrefour. Local specialties like bread, cheese, and ham are quite affordable. An authentic baguette costs only 0.9 euros, and paired with 3-4 euros of cheese from the supermarket, makes an authentic French breakfast. For lunch, you can buy sandwiches or salads, and for dinner, cook in the hostel kitchen.
For authentic French cuisine, I recommend finding "Menu du Jour" (daily set menu) in the Latin Quarter. Lunch usually offers appetizer + main course or main course + dessert combinations for 12-15 euros. My favorite is Le Petit Cler in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, their duck breast with red wine sauce is unforgettable.
Sightseeing Planning
While Paris attraction tickets aren't cheap, there are many ways to save money. First, the Louvre is free for visitors under 26. Second, most museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. I suggest listing must-see attractions and planning your itinerary around these times.
Here are some reference prices for major attractions: - Louvre: 17 euros - Arc de Triomphe: 13 euros - Eiffel Tower (top level): 26.1 euros - Musée d'Orsay: 16 euros - Palace of Versailles: 18 euros
If you plan to visit multiple sites, the Paris Museum Pass is more economical. A two-day pass costs 48 euros, four-day pass 62 euros, offering unlimited access to over 60 museums and attractions. From my experience, it's worth it if you plan to visit more than 4 paid attractions.
Additionally, Paris has many free photo spots. For instance, Montmartre Hill outside Sacré-Cœur offers a panoramic view of Paris; Luxembourg Gardens is perfect for experiencing French gardens; and Seine River sunsets are unmissable. These places offer the most authentic Paris experience without spending a cent.
Money-Saving Tips
After multiple visits to Paris, I've compiled some practical money-saving tips:
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Timing is crucial. Avoid peak season in July-August, choose March-April or September-October instead. Not only are flights and accommodation cheaper, but attractions are less crowded. Statistics show low season accommodation prices are about 40% lower than peak season.
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Utilize online resources. Download apps like Too Good To Go to buy restaurant surplus food for 3-4 euros. I once got a 15-euro bakery set including croissants, baguettes, and macarons through this app.
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Find free activities. Follow "Paris Info" website for weekly updates on free exhibitions, concerts, and street art events. In summer, there are often free outdoor film screenings along the Seine.
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Use credit cards wisely. Many businesses in France accept UnionPay, but it's recommended to have a credit card without foreign transaction fees. This makes payments convenient and saves 3%-5% in exchange fees.
Real Case Study
Here's my recent one-week Paris expense breakdown:
Accommodation (6 nights hostel): 720 RMB Transportation (metro weekly pass + airport RER): 280 RMB Food (including one French restaurant meal): 1050 RMB Attraction tickets (museum pass): 520 RMB Shopping and souvenirs: 1200 RMB Emergency reserve: 230 RMB
Total: 4000 RMB
This budget allowed me to experience Paris's essence while leaving room for shopping. Remember, travel isn't about checking off locations but truly experiencing the city's charm.
Final Thoughts
Do you think 4000 RMB for a week in Paris is reasonable? Some might say it's too little, others might say it's enough. But I want to say that budget size doesn't determine travel quality. What's important is making every penny count to create the most memorable travel experiences.
If you're planning to visit Paris, try following this budget. Of course, this is just my experience sharing, and you can adjust according to your situation. After all, everyone has different travel styles and preferences.
Any thoughts and experiences to share? Feel free to tell me in the comments. Next time we'll discuss money-saving strategies for other cities.
