Cheap hotels in Paris

Paris

Lastminute

Paris is a world-renowned and revered destination and it isn’t hard to see why. This romantic city is a cultural hub with a dizzying array of attractions and sights, as well as offering plenty of things to do for the young and energetic who want to while the nights away in a club. Best of all, visitors from the UK can get there by simply hopping on the Eurostar from London and travelling right into the heart of the great city. Alternatively, the Channel Tunnel will take you to Calais and Paris is just a drive away. Given the cheap and fast transport, there’s no reason not to book any of the number of cheap hotels Paris offers to enjoy either a weekend break or an extended holiday.

The idea of a cheap hotel instils fear into many people who hold the antiquated belief that ‘cheap’ is a byword for tatty rooms, unchanged bedding and surly staff. In actual fact, the reality is vastly different. Cheap accommodation can offer the same standard of living as more expensive hotels, from homely rooms with comfortable beds, a television, en-suite and air conditioning, as well as a satisfying breakfast and friendly members of staff. The foyer may not be decorated with a 15th century chandelier to welcome you over the threshold, but if you want somewhere warm, comfortable and inviting with a homely atmosphere to escape the cold night temperatures and rest after a long hectic day sight-seeing, cheap accommodation is the perfect solution. By merely logging onto the Internet and browsing some websites, you can browse the Paris hotels and find the ideal one at a price that is not only suitable for the budget but allows plenty of leftover cash to really enjoy the wonderful sights, sounds and offerings of this marvellous city.

For a couple, Paris cannot be beaten for romance. It doesn’t matter if you have just hooked up, have been together for years or are seasoned veterans having been married for 50 years; travelling to Paris with your other half will increase those feelings of love and make you cherish one another that bit more. Explore Notre Dame hand-in-hand, gazing at the mind-boggling architecture and pondering the hunchback of folklore before heading over the road to Berthillon to sample a revered Parisian ice-cream made of natural ingredients and tantalising flavours; peruse the 35,000 pieces of the finest artwork of some of the World’s greatest minds in the Louvre, not forgetting the breathtaking design of the museum itself. The fact is that Paris is second to none. This city gave rise to such prominent minds as Jean-Paul Sartre, who one can imagine sitting quietly in a little cafe, pipe in hand, pondering life the way he saw it.

After a day absorbing the cultural offerings, you can find a quaint restaurant to sample some of France’s most famous gastronomic delights and a refreshing glass of wine or a pint of European beer. Follow that by heading back to whichever one of theParis hotels you opted to stay in to watch the twinkling lights of the cars and surrounding buildings, or cast an eye over the landscape before you if your room offers such a view and get a good night’s sleep before the next big day. There’s no denying it; each day will be big indeed, because even with one of the World’s most famous cathedrals and museums under your belt, you have yet to ascend the Eiffel Tower to take in what would have to be the single most complete and stunning view of Paris. You must also enjoy a stroll down the Champs-Elysses, scene of so many classic movies, love tales and travelling friends who managed to get there before you did.

In the evening, you can take advantage of Paris’s thriving jazz scene thanks to the variety of live venues it has, from the Caveau de le Huchette on the left bank to the Au Duc des Lombards across the river in Les Halles. Or to really impress with your jazz knowledge, try the New Morning which offers cutting-edge jazz embracing world music and blues. If you love music, or just enjoy a drink and some background noise, it’s essential to visit at least one of the jazz clubs; not doing so would be like visiting London and not viewing Buckingham Palace.

The other thing that simply must be done on a trip to Paris is frequenting the flea markets, not just for bargains but to really get into the spirit of the French way of life. By getting involved with the almost bohemian manner of living, you can appreciate what France is all about and enjoy your stay that much more. Not that there’s anything wrong with bargains, and chances are you’ll find some really good ones. Flea markets are overflowing with unusual items, from trinkets to a must-have collectable, from an antique pocket-watch to stained glass windows; there isn’t much you won’t find at a Parisian flea market. If flea markets sound interesting, Marché aux Puces de Vanves has a tranquil atmosphere courtesy of the trees surrounding it, while Marché d'Aligre will let you unearth some genuine gems for almost criminal prices.

By the time you return to Dover or London from the train it’s safe to say you will feel completely recharged and exuberant, with the city break having done a world of good. That’s not to say you won’t be gasping for a proper cup of tea and your own bed, but they will be well-deserved rewards for a truly incredible holiday that opened your mind, enriched your soul, and if nothing else then be content all the walking was good for the waistline.

We may think holidays are a low priority, but they should be near the very top of the list to make sure we don’t burn out. Head online, find a good cheap hotel and book it for a break you’ll never forget.