What to Do in Paris: Activities and Deals

Visit the Iconic Monuments

Visiting the iconic monuments of Paris as a student is an accessible experience for everyone. The city offers many discounts for young people and students, allowing you to discover its treasures without breaking the bank. Reduced rates are offered to those under 26 for major attractions such as the Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower. 

At the Louvre, you can admire masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Continue with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral and its surroundings, enjoying the historic and lively atmosphere of the Île de la Cité. 

Don’t miss the Arc de Triomphe, which is free with the Education Pass, and enjoy the panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées. Climb to Montmartre to discover the Sacré-Cœur and stroll through the artistic alleys of the neighborhood. 

The Musée d’Orsay, also free for those under 26, offers an impressive collection of Impressionist works. Finish with a walk along the Seine, where you can admire monuments like the Sainte-Chapelle and the Pont Neuf.

As a student, enjoying these visits enriches your general culture and offers a deep immersion into the history and art of Paris, all at a low cost.

Enjoy Parks and Gardens

As a student in Paris, enjoying parks and gardens is an excellent way to relax and escape academic stress. These green spaces not only offer peaceful places to study or read but also fantastic opportunities for sports, especially running.

The Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, is an ideal place to combine relaxation and physical activity. Its wide paths are perfect for jogging, and you can also join running groups. After your workout, sit around the basin to get back to your studies.

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its hills and winding paths, offers a more challenging running course. The ups and downs will vary your training while offering stunning views of Paris. The park is also a pleasant place for a picnic or a relaxing walk after your run.

The Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes are perfect for long-distance runners. These parks offer numerous running trails, ideal for long running sessions. Their vast expanses will allow you to immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city.

The Tuileries Gardens, between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, are also an excellent spot for a morning run. The wide paths and beautiful sculptures provide an inspiring setting to start your day.

On sunny weekends, you can fully enjoy these parks by strolling, doing sports, or bringing your computer and books to review your lessons outdoors.

By incorporating running into your routine in these parks and gardens, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the beauty of Paris.

Exhibitions and Cultural Events

Paris, a city of culture and art, offers a multitude of exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. Parisian museums regularly host world-renowned temporary exhibitions. For instance, the Louvre offers thematic exhibitions that immerse visitors in various eras and civilizations, while the Musée d’Orsay presents Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections.

The Centre Pompidou, a temple of modern and contemporary art, organizes bold exhibitions highlighting innovative artists and avant-garde movements. Additionally, the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Palais de Tokyo are must-visit places for contemporary art lovers, offering immersive and interactive exhibitions.

Paris is also famous for its cultural festivals. La Nuit Blanche, for example, transforms the city into a vast open-air museum for one night a year, with art installations and live performances in various neighborhoods. The Festival d’Automne in Paris celebrates contemporary arts with theater, dance, and music performances.

Concert halls like the Philharmonie de Paris and the Opéra Bastille offer a rich and varied program, ranging from classical music to ballet performances. Reduced rates are also available for students.

Finally, the many Parisian theaters offer a range of plays from classics to contemporary creations. The Festival d’Avignon, although held outside of Paris, attracts Parisians eager to discover the latest theatrical trends each summer.

Nightlife and Shows

Nightlife and shows in Paris offer students numerous options to discover the lively cultural life of the City of Light at a lower cost. Many iconic venues like the Opéra Garnier, the Philharmonie de Paris, and the Théâtre de la Ville offer special discounts for students upon presentation of a valid card. These discounts can sometimes reach up to 50% off the original price.

Additionally, several apps such as Lastminute.com, BilletReduc, and Bons Plans Spectacles Paris allow students to buy discounted tickets at the last minute. These platforms offer special deals for concerts, plays, musicals, and other cultural events, making it easier to access a diverse and often prestigious program.

Neighborhoods like the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter are also full of small independent theaters and bars offering cabaret shows, stand-up comedy, or live music at affordable prices. It’s the perfect opportunity for students to discover new talents and immerse themselves in an artistic and convivial atmosphere.

Original and Fun Activities

As a student in Paris, explore original and fun activities like French cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional dishes. Take bike rides along the banks of the Seine to discover the city from a different angle. Visit contemporary art exhibitions in independent galleries in the Marais. Attend slam or stand-up evenings in artistic cafés. Explore flea markets to find vintage treasures. Finally, take part in student nights organized in bars and clubs in lively districts like Bastille and Oberkampf.

Creative Workshops and Courses

Explore painting and drawing classes in artist studios in the Marais. Learn the art of French pastry in specialized courses. Take part in sewing and fashion workshops to create your own clothes. Discover pottery and ceramics techniques in dedicated workshops. These activities not only allow you to learn new skills but also to meet passionate people and share unique experiences in Paris, a city of creativity and innovation.