How to Live and Travel in Paris for Free

There are many reasons to visit Paris, including the sights, the food, and the incredible neighborhoods. It would be easy to spend a year exploring this city.

The only thing is that accommodation can get pricey. Whether you are staying for a short time or a long time, there are ways to reduce the cost of accommodation.

If you’d love to find a way to stay in Paris for free, keep reading. You’ll learn the exact ways to get free accommodation in Paris.

Work Exchange

If you have a skill, you can use it in Paris or experience the charm of the French countryside just beyond the city.

Some locals offer free accommodation in exchange for your help. Opportunities range from gardening and construction projects to caring for pets or assisting with family needs.

There’s also a high demand for English speakers who are willing to help with language practice. It’s a great way to connect with locals while covering your stay. Several websites make it easy to find these opportunities. We’ll explore some of the most popular ones for work exchanges in Paris.

House Sitting

With house sitting, you will not only get a free vacation but also get to experience Paris like a local. We have had many house sits where the homeowners were overjoyed to let us know where their favorite markets, bakeries, cafes, and bars are.

However, house-sitting involves some work. You will have some responsibilities, which could include pet care, plant care, or general upkeep of the home. You just need to discuss all these expectations with the homeowners and only agree to the house-sitting if you think you can fulfill all these.

Nomador and Trusted House Sitters are popular house-sitting websites to use in Paris.

Workaway

Workaway offers many opportunities to share a skill in exchange for accommodation. There are even a few paid positions. There are also many service projects.

However, most of the positions are for language exchanges or cultural exchanges. For instance, if a family wants their kids to practice some of their language skills, they may look for someone through Workaway to have conversations with their children.

Worldpackers

Worldpackers is a website that connects travelers with volunteer opportunities. You can filter in where you want to stay and look for opportunities that sound good to you.

Picking an opportunity is similar to applying for a job. But instead of a paycheck and benefits, they give you a place to stay. You might stay in a hostel, a home, a farm, or more through this website.

helpStay

helpStay is a website where you can find projects you can do in exchange for free accommodation. There are a variety of projects that need several different skill sets.

You could help renovate, volunteer with animals, or work at a service desk. There is something for everyone!

NGO

While an NGO isn’t a website, it is short for a non-governmental organization. If you’re passionate about any NGOs, you can see if they need volunteers in Paris.

Maybe you want to help with education, public health, or building something. Find an NGO that you support and ask about volunteering for them. They may be willing to let you stay in someone’s home if you will help them with a project.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is an app that matches travelers with locals. Travelers will stay at a local’s home for absolutely free. Although paying for your stay is prohibited, it is customary to give them something. You could bring a souvenir from your home country or cook a popular meal in your country.

You will also make a new friend when you use the Couchsurfing app. They can tell you about Paris and ensure you discover the local gems. While the Eiffel Tower is lovely, visiting lesser-known locations is also great.

Home Exchange

There are several apps and websites for home exchanges in Paris.  These sites connect travelers who will let someone stay in their house so they can stay in someone else’s.

You can search online for the program that sounds best to you. One popular home-swapping website in Paris is Home Base Holidays. You can even contact the homeowners directly if you use a site like Craigslist Paris or FUSAC.

Tips to Stay in Paris on a Budget

When in Paris, there are more expenses than just accommodation. If you’re on a budget, then you may need to save money in other areas as well. We’ll share a few insider tips to save money on food, transportation, and activities in Paris.

Food in Paris

The easiest way to save money on food is to cook at home, but it’s also essential to enjoy French food at the rooftop bars and restaurants in the city center. But getting most of your food at the supermarket is a great way to save money in Paris.

This is especially true if you need a cup of coffee at breakfast. Buy some excellent coffee and a French press, and you can skip the coffee shop most mornings and watch your bank account grow!

Transportation

Public transportation is your best option—it’s affordable and covers most areas. Walking is also convenient for exploring popular parts of town, like the city center.

You’ll probably also need to buy some flight tickets. If you’re flying in and out of Charles de Gaulle Airport, you’ll want to watch flight deals. You can use points systems through your favorite booking site, airline, or credit card.

Activities in Paris

Many museums, gardens, and cemeteries in Paris are free to visit. However, for entry to well-known museums, consider buying a Paris Museum Pass. While it costs more upfront, it can save you money over time, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions. The same applies to the Paris Pass.

Before visiting specific places, check their websites for discount days or special deals.

You can also join free walking tours, which cover many iconic landmarks at no cost. Spending money at places like the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe is only necessary if you’re interested in souvenirs.

While a Paris trip may be full of glamor, European travel doesn’t need to be expensive. With these insider tips, you can easily stay in Paris for free.

Need Help Getting Started With House Sitting?

Have we got you excited about house-sitting? We love sharing our experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys. 

So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.