Hello,
We invite you to share some information regarding leisure activities that are free or low-cost in France. This information will give future expats (or even current expats) an idea regarding some of leisure activities that they might not be aware of.
Is there a way to find out about free or low-cost fun activities in France, such as a specific app, or a newsletter, or magazine, tourism board, etc.? How do you find out where events are organised?
What are the most common free leisure activities in France?
Which free activities do you recommend for children, for teenagers, for adults, and for seniors?
Are there certain days where access to paid activities are offered at a lower price or even for free, such as museum entry, or exhibitions, or a theme park, etc.?
How do you maximise your leisure activities in the most cost-effective manner?
Thank you for sharing your experience,
Priscilla
Free and low-cost leisure activities in France
Certain museums are free on Sunday. Flea markets, regular markets, Christmas markets, all kinds of markets, are quite lively and musicians often play there. In the summer many villages in the south will have international folklore events in the streets, or musical and cinema events that are open air and free. Read the papers! Ask at the tourist office! There are the Nuits de Musees also. Just keep your eyes open. Newspapers like the Montpellier and Nimes Gazette have a column of free activities. Of course, hikes and promenades in lovely places are free and can be quite enjoyable. Have fun!
In addition to Jean's excellent advice:
- many towns have ongoing mini-events intended to get their populace more active. Sète, for instance, has free yoga/parcourse/walking/etc classes most Saturdays and some Thursdays. Watch the town's website, and/or subscribe to their Facebook page
- join an association (usually 10-30€ per year) related to a hobby. I now go hiking (free except for covoiturage), sailing (30€ per outing), paint with feedback (free), exchange English/French (cost of coffee or potluck meal), and tour local and not-so-local landmarks (between 5€ and 74€)
- try local restaurants for lunch (cheaper than dinner); check the local Halles (covered markets) for lunch, usually smoke-free and somewhat climate-controlled; make a picnic in a forest, park, or beach
- check out the 1€ train! Usually sold out fast in Summer; can't book more than 3 weeks ahead, but a great way to explore. Failing that, try ouigo - often 10€
Associations are a great idea. Meet people too. In the Herault and some other areas - I know in Brittany, the Pyrenees Orientales - buses are 1.50/1 euro with a book of ten. You can take a bus to some charming place, of which there are many, and wander about. Wonderful outing. There are ride shares like Blabla car for an adventure, and even the SNCF is catching on. There are so many lovely towns and villages and landscapes that just exploring - on a nice day of course! - can be very cool indeed....
Articles to help you in your expat project in France
I am an incorrigible sportif. A total addict. I’ll play any game, with anyone, anywhere. It’s just ...
‘To a Brit gun ownership seemed as unlikely as walking on the moon’
Paris is probably the worst city you can go to if you don't have friends and only a guide book for nightlife ...
If you’re looking to play Rugby in Paris, we’d like to invite you to join the British Rugby Club ...
City of love, city of light, Paris never ceases to shine visitors and locals alike. Bubbling with arts and ...
Top 6 Places to Buy your Concert Tickets in Paris
