With the financial crisis still in the air and most people counting every last penny, you may not think that now is the prime time for travel. But sometimes a little trip is just the thing to boost your spirits, and there is no city like Paris to lift you out of the blues.

Paris is famous for haute couture and famous restaurants, but there’s more to the City of Lights than just spending money. Now is as good a time as any to approach Paris like a local and enjoy the French capital without putting pressure on your pocketbook.

First and foremost: walk

Paris is a beautiful historic capital filled with architecture from the Belle Epoque, and walking is the perfect way to see it. Stroll across the famous Pont Alexandre III, with its golden statues and molding. Take a stroll down the rue de Grenelle to see some of the beautiful buildings that make up the embassies and homes official French government business.

Montmartre is a completely different style, with tiny winding streets and surprises along every narrow sidewalk. Take a digital camera with you: pictures you take yourself are worth so much more than overpriced and overused postcards you can buy on every street corner.

One of the most popular walking neighborhoods as of late is the area around the Canal St. Martin. What used to be a quartier populaire filled with housing projects has developed into a lovely little neighborhood, perfect for wandering on a Sunday and avoiding the crowds along the banks of the Seine.

Eating in Paris

Of course, after all the walking you are bound to get hungry, but don’t think you always have to turn to the fanciest or most expensive restaurants: when Parisian locals get hungry, they stop by their favorite bakery for street food, redefined,: fresh baguette and pâté, ham, amazing cheeses or chicken and vegetables. Virtually every street has at least one bakery, so poke your head in and see what looks good to you: many even offer a deal that comes with a drink, a sandwich and a dessert.

If none of the sandwich offerings are to your liking, make one yourself! The Grande Epicerie is not the only supermarket in Paris (although it is the most expensive). Monoprix is essentially a Wal-Mart equivalent, but chains such as ED or LIDL are very inexpensive and still have all the delicious choices when it comes to cheeses and charcuterie. Don’t shy away from the selection in the refrigerated section: the camembert is just as stinky, and the foie gras is nearly as sweet as those you’d find in top-class establishments. Add an 80 centime baguette and a three-euro bottle of wine (hint: Bordeaux from 2005 is sure to please, no matter the price), and you’re all set for a picnic à la Parisienne.

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, don’t think that French cuisine is your only option: Paris has expanded into other areas, and some of the best and least expensive food is from another country. Try Vietnamese food at Pho Dong Huong (14, rue Louis-Bonnet), where you’re sure to have some of the best pho of your life.

Paris when you’re not on a budget is easy: all of the guidebooks are written assuming that you have the money to visit top restaurants, top boutiques and spend all your time and money paying for museum entry fees. But the real Paris can be discovered with little to no money at all, and this Paris is the one that people fall in love with and move here for.

Photo by McFlossy.