Paris is regarded as one of the most expensive cities in the world. And while that is true, we learned that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it.

We spent the morning at the Louvre, browsing the greatest collection of art on earth. Like most Parisian attractions, the Louvre charged an entrance fee. However, our 35 euro Carte Musee-Monuments (Museum & Monuments card) allowed us access, just as it had at several other attractions. The pass turned out to be an extremely economical way to see everything we wanted in Paris.

After the Louvre, we walked a couple blocks until we found a small market and bakery. Although the many bars and brasseries on nearby Rue de Rivoli were average-price for Paris, they seemed expensive to us. So we bought our food and picnicked in the (Unesco-listed) Jardin des Tuileries, a beautiful park located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. The food was good, the weather great, the location beautiful, and the cost low.

Joylani and I decided to explore the Left Bank before dinner. As we walked through the labyrinth that Paris is, we found a supermarket. We decided to buy our food there, rather than eat out. For just under five euro, we bought: a half-liter water, a bottle of wine, a box of crackers, a thing of camembert, a box of dessert cookies, and four yogurts. We stopped by a bakery afterwards and bought a three-foot baguette for one euro, as well. So we spent less than six euros and enjoyed the best Paris has to offer: wine, cheese, and bread.