A Mother and Daughter in Paris for 48 Hours–Is a Weekend Trip Doable?–and on a Budget?

As Audrey Hepburn’s infamous quote states, “Paris is always a good idea”..we cannot agree more…especially traveling as a mom and daughter–and her amazing Godmother.

If you think you need a lot of money and a lot of time in Paris, it’s not necessarily true.  While a longer stay and a bottomless wallet would have been a tad more desirable, two nights in Paris was totally doable for this then 12-year-old, 28 year-old and myself.  Yup, we’re leaving it at that.

To proceed, we each saw most of the highlights on our independent bucket lists and certainly did not break the bank.

I have  promised Brooke we would return to Paris for her sixteenth birthday, staying for a full week at least,  but until then, this petite taste of the City of Lights was magnifique!

So What Was Free–

1. Walking, walking and more walking.  (I literally lost 11 pounds in two days in Paris).  Strolling down the Champs-Elysees doesn’t cost a thing unless you are tempted to shop in the most beautiful boutiques and shops along the way…we won’t get into that now:)

 

If you cannot walk for hours on end, public transportation is the way to go!

What else is free:

2. Sightseeing -Unless you need to view Paris from up high or down below, you can see lots of sights for free from ground level.

A bonus sans payer:

3. The Louvre–One of Paris most visited attractions and home to Mona Lisa and Venus.  The cost is anywhere from 10 to 14 Euros but FREE for children under 18 and school teachers–that’s us!  The Louvre is also free to all the first Sunday of each month.

So here is the basic itinerary  of our Two Days:

Day one:

The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre, , Champs-Elysees, The Arc De Triomphe

Day Two: The Latin Quarter,  Le Marais, Sacre Coeur, cafes, bakeries, spas, soaking up local color

With regard to the cafes and bakeries here’s our advice:

How to Eat in Paris on a Budget:

1.Find a hotel with breakfast included

2. Share a Panini or Crepes for 4 Euros for lunch–and wine is so cheap so indulge!

3. Order all inclusive meals–you get more bang for your buck–appetizer, main course and dessert! (Of course Brooke had to try French Fries in France:)))

 

So even in such a short amount of time, memories were made, the magic of Paris has flooded our hearts and the desire to return is overpowering.  Did we get to see all we had hoped? Of course not. Are e disappointed. Heck no because we will return to Paris in two years–if we can wait that long.