The couscous is complimentary for drinking patrons. Enjoy it all while listening to jazz or manouche in this lovable dive bar. Its location in the lively Oberkampf neighborhood makes it a good starting point for checking out the local scene.
152 rue Oberkampf, 11e. Tel. +33 [0]1 48 05 13 52
One of the most prestigious music conservatories in Europe, its students stage free concerts throughout the year.
209 avenue Jean-Jaurès, 19e. Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 46 47
Housing one of the largest organs in the world, Saint-Eustache is where Mozart held the funeral for his mother. Free concerts every Sunday at 5:30 pm.
2, rue du Jour, 1e.
Housed in two mansions in the trendy Marais district, this gorgeous museum chronicles the history of Paris from its founding to modern day. Admission to the permanent collection is always free.
23, rue de Sévigné, 3e. Tel: +33 (0)1 44 59 58 58
This bar/restaurant/club is in an old train station with windows overlooking the defunct tracks. One of the first venues to open in the Ménilmontant neighborhood, it still may be the coolest. Free admission from 8:00pm to 2:00am.
102 bis, rue de Bagnolet, 20e. Tel: +33 (0)1 44 64 01 02
The oldest square in Paris, you can lounge on the grass, listen to the street musicians, browse the art galleries and even visit the home of Victor Hugo where he wrote many of his works, including Les Misérables. Admission is always free.
6, place des Vosges, 4e. Tel. +33 (0)1 42 72 10 16
A hot new nightspot with live jazz and rock is in the unexpected location under the stunning Alexandre III bridge. President Sarkozy has reportedly already had a few parties there. Admission is free before midnight.
Pont Alexandre III, Port des Champs Élysées, 82. Tel: +33 (0)1 45 61 25 43
To many, Paris is synonymous with fashion and the quintessential Paris departmen store, Galleries Lafayette has a free fashion show every Friday at 3:00pm on the 7th floor.
Reservations are a must: email welcome@galerieslafayette.com or call +33 (0)1 42 82 36 40. 40, boulevard Haussmann, 9e.
Wander around the grounds of the most famous cemetery in the world and pay your respects to Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Colette, Molière, Modigliani, Georges Seurat, Sarah Bernhardt, Gertrude Stein, Jim Morrison and many, many more.
16 rue du Repos, 20e. Tel: +33 (0)1 55 25 82 10
Radio France presents free classical concerts on Sunday afternoons at the Petit Palais auditorium. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes before concerts.
116 av. du Président Wilson, 16e. Tel: +33 [0]1 56 40 15 16
For more on France, including travelers, local experts, organizations and volunteer opportunities, blogs, articles, and more, check out the France Page at Matador.