Being in Paris without money (5th, 6th)

The true spirit of "flâneur": being broke.

Check the map below! Yesterday, my daughter asked for a friend where to shop on a budget in Paris. I suppose "what's below 100$?", but 100 bucks would barely give you a pair of cotton jeans, or a good cotton T shirt or a scarf (very useful in Paris, this is my all time favorite from Sezane). It's an international market with international prices, and little space for a free lunch: american prices for the real wool, cashmere and cotton are hardly beaten. Let me brighten your day still:

What would I do If I truly were on a budget in such a city? Soon I'll make another post dedicated to outlets and thrift stores. But let's start with the real thing.

• I would start my day repeating "I shall not want" to avoid compulsive buying, in a spirit to wait until something catches my eyes, without looking for it and without influences from networks. I actually only add links if I find that you won't find better for the price in Paris. This way you can truly compare and only buy what elevates your heart when you see it. I'd have a good breakfast at the hotel if it's free, or head up to the local cafe for a croissant, a paint au chocolat. and black coffee And I would mix all kind of pleasures without precise goals. Nothing really opens before 10-11am, so don't rush too early. And this means:

• FLANER! It is the french word to stroll without an aim, and see what happens. So, I would walk a lot, and enjoy free or little places with a view and a coffee, or a beer. Take sneakers and maybe an umbrella, a wool sweater (in cotton) and a trench, or raincoat, because it can still be cold and wet until June (feeling lucky? Sunglasses). Along the way you'll find small shops and make your own, personal discoveries. As for the bag, either you make a fun statement or go with a backpack, but the bag must always have a closure against pickpockets, and it's better if it is waterproof.

  
  

• What's more affordable than making art, and contemplation? This is my art itinerary with surprises: I would start my first day walking through Jardin du Luxembourg, then either towards Gibert (34 Bvd Saint Michel), Muji (30 rue Saint Sulpice notebooks and pens) or Rougier&Plé (108 Bld Saint Germain) for art supplies, all in the 6th arrondissement. I like Muji, because they have very affordable papers, inks, pencils: so easy to draw on the go! But also affordable umbrellas, hats and else if you forgot yours. Then I'd head to the Seine to have a look for two magnificent art shops: Charvin (57 quai des grands augustins) and Sennelier (3 Quai Voltaire) where you still can find treasures for the broke artist. I would look for a snack at Les Merveilleux (1 rue de l'Ancienne Comédie) or Cosi (54 rue de Seine). I would visit the magnificent church Saint-Germain des Prés, light a candle there (2 Euros) or leave them a small donation. I would also visit the Musee Delacroix (his studio, free, 6 rue de Fürstenberg), have a look at Ecole des Beaux Arts (exhibitions usually Wed through Sun, low price ticket, contemporary) and the Académie (quai de Conti). Enjoy the Seine banks!

  
  

• For the two end surprises: If you are into museums, I strongly advise the Museum de Cluny (Bvd Saint Michel / rue du Sommerard, 10eu); this is a museum about Paris and the middle age, which will give you more insights into Notre Dame. It's a must to know more about the history of France and Paris, over a more than 2000 years period. If you're not, I would target the shop Deyrolle (rue du Bac) with its natural history theme, then go up towards Le Bon Marché through rue du Bac. The Zara behind the Bon Marché (53 rue de Sèvres) offers a very wide range of clothes on top level of their overall quality. But you'll also see all the brands fashionistas are looking for in rue du Bac: Sezane, Balzac Paris, Polène (inside Bon Marché), and among them maybe the luck to find a nice affordable accessory. You definitely have to look in between these famous stores: around there are still multifashion shops where you can find a gem, "la perle rare". Follow rue Saint Placide until Rue de Rennes, or Rue du Four until saint Germain des Pres, or Rue de Grenelle towards Musée Rodin.

  
  

• I'd end up my busy with a movie around Odeon, check that the projection language is english... maybe, a last look into Les Néréides (rue Bonaparte) who offers a range of wonderful and unique costume jewelry with enameled birds and flowers: real parisian elegance and charme. Around it are many other brands: Gas bijoux, Agnes B, Lancaster, Chapelier, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Bash, Soeur, Majestic, Momoni...

Enjoy your day! And this is me with my own art.