Traveling alone in Paris can be daunting, but pleasant. However, trying to
enjoy the City of Light, in all its richness and glory, while on a budget,
can be downright discouraging. Every place of quality comes with a price
tag to match. However, with a bit of an inventive spirit and a desire to
just have fun, it is possible to experience all the sumptuousness that is
Paris, and still have a few Euros left at the end of the day.
Restaurants
One of my favourite places for an inexpensive elegant meal, is Le Bistrot de
l'Université. This tiny, 1930's, bistro is located at the north-eastern
corner of the 7th arrondissement among antique shops and ministries. The
'modernised' interior is not entirely successful; but it is a charming place
and has good food and friendly service. The evenings are quiet, while at
lunch; this modest-sized restaurant is usually filled to capacity. The
menu
selections include fresh salmon with herb butter, sardines marinated in
dill, or for a heartier fare, kidneys cooked in mustard seeds, in addition
to a good selection of cheeses and desserts.
If you are in the mood for a luscious, reasonably priced vegetarian meal,
then the Verte Tige is the place to go. This pleasant little restaurant
is located on a narrow side street in the 3rd arrondissement. The setting is
intimate with slightly under a dozen tables. The friendly service makes
it an ideal place to go if you are dining alone. Try the exquisite spicy
vegetable couscous served with some very flavourful Soy sausages. 9.45
euros (62FF)
Cheap Chic
One of the many exciting things to do in Paris, besides eating, is shopping
for clothes. The city has some of the richest shopping districts in
Europe with many of the capital's great fashion houses and luxury shops located onthe Right Bank. However, 'Buying on a Budget' need not exclude the haute
couture of the fashion houses.
At Mouton a Cinq Pattes, located in the
6th
arrondissement, you can find top quality, second-hand designer clothing in
mint condition. With inexpensively priced selections from Adrienne
Vittadini, Klaus Thierscmidt, Hugo Buscati, Donn Adriana, in addition to
Chanel and Lagerfeld: this boutique is a must. The selections change
regularly, so if you see something you like, do not count on it being there
later on. In addition, it is to your advantage to arrive early, otherwise
you may find yourself pulling an Hermés-bag-carrying Frenchwoman's elbow out
of your ribs as you both battle for the same suede-silk apparel.
Le Bistrot de l'Université
40, rue de l'Université, 7th
Tel: 01 42 61 26 64,
Metro: Rue du Bac.
Open: Mon-Fri noon-2: 30pm, 8-10:30pm:
Sat noon-2:
30pm.
Closed Aug.
Average cost around 12-25 euros 79-160FF ,
Credit MC, V.
Verte Tige -Restaurant Végétarien
13, rue Sainte Anastase, 3rd
Tel:
01 42 77 22 15.
Open: Tues-Fri noon-2: 30pm, 7-10:30pm:
Sunday,
12:30-4:00pm.
Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday
Mouton a Cinq Pattes
8,rue Saint-Placide, 6th arrondt.
Tel: 01.45.48.86.26,
(shop) 01.45.48.20.49 (recorded message)
Metro: Sèvres-Babylone,
Open: Mon-Sat 10:00am to 5:00pm.
