With its dazzling displays of furniture, jewelry and glasswork, the Museum of Decorative Arts sets the scene for a stylish Paris day out. But step outside and you’ll discover an absolute treasure trove of free experiences: gardens tucked behind centuries-old facades, river walks that sparkle at sunset, quirky free museums and bustling market lanes. Whether you’re in the mood for green space, a brush with history or a dash of culture, there’s no shortage of ways to discover Paris’s charms—without the need to open your wallet. Ready to see the city like a local? Here are some of the best free things to do just steps from the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Jardin des Tuileries
Just steps from the Museum of Decorative Arts lies the unforgettable Jardin des Tuileries, the breathtaking formal gardens that stretch out between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. This isn’t just any park—it’s the open-air living room of Paris, designed by legendary garden architect André Le Nôtre. Strolling the broad gravel walkways, you'll be surrounded by elegant statues, along with two grand ponds where children sail miniature boats and locals bask in the sun with a book or an espresso. The sightlines here are spectacular, with views stretching straight across the city, framed by rows of mature chestnut and linden trees and flowerbeds that burst with vibrant color in spring and summer. Pick from countless (moveable) green metal chairs to take a seat by the fountains or under the shade of the trees—perfect for people-watching or sketching the scenery. Kids can run off steam at the playground, while art fans discover sculpture installations dotted throughout. The Tuileries hosts the annual Paris summer fair, and even when there’s no event, you’ll often come across spontaneous performances by street artists or musicians. Whether you want to walk, linger or picnic, this garden is the essence of Parisian leisure—and absolutely free to visit.
Cour Carrée du Louvre
While the treasures within the Louvre require a ticket (included with The Paris Pass®), its oldest and most enchanting courtyard—the Cour Carrée—is yours to enjoy absolutely free. Tucked away just behind the glass pyramid, this vast Renaissance-era square offers a rare sense of calm and regal privacy. Step inside and you’re surrounded on all sides by breathtaking facades: carved pilasters, ornate window pediments and a parade of roofline statues that seem to stand sentinel over centuries of French history. Unlike the busier areas around the main Louvre entrance, the Cour Carrée is often hushed, its wide cobblestone expanse acting as your personal stage to soak up the palace’s spirit. Pause at the central fountain, where the splash of water offers a gentle, almost meditative soundtrack—particularly at dusk when the evening lights illuminate the honey-hued stone.
It’s perfect for portraits (see if you can catch the soft golden light through the arcades), quiet reflection, and escaping the tourist crowds for a few precious minutes.
Pont des Arts
Pont des Arts
For sheer romance and some of the best views in Paris, wander over to the Pont des Arts, an exquisite pedestrian bridge crossing the Seine just outside the Louvre complex. Here, you’ll find an ever-present hum of life—painters capturing riverside scenes, street musicians serenading the sunset and couples or friends picnicking with a bottle of wine on the broad wooden planks. The bridge was once famous for its weighty ‘love locks’ and, though those are now gone, the sense of connection remains. Look both ways: east to the spires of Notre-Dame, west to the distant Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais, as the boats drift by beneath your feet.
The bridge frequently serves as a venue for free public art exhibitions, installations and small-scale concerts. Bring a book and let the city swirl around you, or just watch the sunset light dance across the gilded dome of the Institut de France on the Left Bank. Whether you spend 15 minutes or several hours here, the Pont des Arts is always a perfect spot to pause and remember why you love Paris—without ever spending a euro.
Jardins du Palais Royal
Take a short stroll from the Museum of Decorative Arts and you’ll stumble upon a magical urban hideaway: the Jardins du Palais Royal. Hidden behind colonnaded arcades and grand palace gates, this peaceful garden balances the stately with the whimsical. Rows of precisely trimmed lime trees and symmetrical lawns make for the kind of scene you’ll want to sketch or photograph, but there’s more than just beauty here. Kids climb the iconic black-and-white striped ‘Colonnes de Buren’ (aka ‘Les Deux Plateaux’), readers sprawl beside the babbling central fountain, and art lovers admire discreet contemporary sculptures that dot the landscape.
The curving arcades are home to independent galleries and quirky designer boutiques that seem tailor-made for window shopping. Rain or shine, the Palais Royal feels special, with quiet corners for introspection, temping aromas wafting from pastry shops, and ever-changing seasonal flowers. It’s easy to find solitude here, but you’ll also find inspiration: this garden has played host to duels, revolutionary debates and stylish locals for centuries—bring a book, a camera or just your curiosity.
Église Saint-Roch
A short walk along Rue Saint-Honoré, the Église Saint-Roch welcomes visitors into a world of grand Baroque design and serene artistry, all illuminated by shafts of golden Parisian light. This vast church, built over 150 years starting in the 17th Century, is remarkable both for its impressive scale and its function as a sanctuary for artists throughout Parisian history.
Explore the nave and discover a sequence of ornate side chapels adorned with paintings and sculptures, some by celebrated artists. Many tombs and memorials here pay tribute to famous creative minds—Diderot, Corneille—and you’ll often spot local artists quietly sketching or contemplating in reverent silence. Take a seat and soak in the hushed tranquility, the faint scent of old wood and candle wax, and the resonance of the Cavaillé-Coll organ—sometimes played during free recitals, which are advertised at the entrance. The striking play of light and shadow makes Saint-Roch a photographer’s dream, and with its soaring ceilings and mosaics, it’s also an oasis of calm away from the Rue Saint-Honoré bustle.
Galerie Véro-Dodat
Step into another era with a visit to Galerie Véro-Dodat, a perfectly preserved covered arcade just north of the Louvre and easy walking distance from the museum. Completed in 1826 and later classified as a historical monument, this gallery is an architectural treat: think chequered marble floors that gleam beneath ornate glass ceilings, vintage shop fronts adorned with gold leaf, and elegant lamps that glow softly in the evening. Strolling through, you’ll catch glimpses of exquisite handmade shoes (including the flagship Christian Louboutin boutique), antiques, art galleries and perfume workshops, all set behind original glass.
Occasionally, in-store exhibitions spill out into the arcade or are visible through the windows, providing an ever-changing dose of art and design for passersby. Even if you don’t enter the boutiques, simply strolling the arcade and admiring the details feels like opening a Parisian time capsule. In summer, the doors are typically open for cool air, and in winter, the arcade’s shelter makes it a cozy (and ultra-photogenic) escape. The Galerie Véro-Dodat remains a beloved local shortcut and a treat for the eyes, with plenty of visual delight at every turn.
Jardin du Carrousel
Wedged between the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries, the Jardin du Carrousel is an open, sculpture-filled space featuring works by Henry Moore and Maillol displayed among meticulously maintained hedges and gravel paths. The green lawns are ideal for picnics, while the wide walkways provide great perspectives for photographing the Louvre’s western facade or simply admiring the impressive Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel—an elegant pink-marble gateway topped with Napoleon’s gilded horses.
Seasonal flower beds add bursts of color—from tulips in spring to dahlias in autumn—while the plane trees offer dappled shade and an excellent spot to pause during the city’s hotter months. The Jardin du Carrousel is also perfect for people-watching—the foot traffic is a lively mix of tourists, students, city workers and children from nearby schools. Look out also for occasional free photography or contemporary sculpture exhibitions dotting the lawns, often supported by the nearby Louvre or other public art organizations.
Rue Saint-Honoré window shopping
Rue Saint-Honoré window shopping
Take a stroll down the legendary Rue Saint-Honoré, which runs parallel to the Museum of Decorative Arts and offers one of Paris’s most vibrant open-air ‘galleries’ for fans of fashion and design. This famous street is lined with everything from flagship boutiques of world-renowned maisons like Hermès and Goyard to avant-garde concept shops and smaller ateliers. As you meander, the windows themselves become works of art—luxury brands swap displays monthly, featuring elaborate props, original artwork and stunning lighting.
Beyond the big names, you’ll find quirky gift shops, lush florists and the intoxicating aroma of Parisian patisseries showcasing edible masterpieces behind glass. Keep your eyes open for pop-up art exhibitions in some storefronts, especially around Fashion Week and holiday seasons. Whether you fancy yourself a style maven or simply enjoy people-watching, this stroll delivers inspiration, discovery and a window into local trends that won’t cost you a cent.
Place Vendôme
For pure opulence (without the price tag), wander north to Place Vendôme, Paris’s ultimate address for historic grandeur and high-end window shopping. Approaching from Rue de la Paix, you’ll notice the harmonious architecture immediately: stately, uniform facades encircle the square in warm stone, punctuated by elegant arcades and tall French windows reflecting the ever-changing light. At the center rises the famous Vendôme Column, modeled after Rome’s Trajan’s Column and wrapped in bronze bas-reliefs depicting Napoleonic military triumphs. Treat yourself to a slow circuit of the square—there’s plenty to see, even before you catch a glimpse of the glittering jewelry and watch displays at Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Boucheron and other legendary houses. The Ritz Paris presides over the north end, its façade as storied as its guest list. Soak up the plush ambiance from the outside, snap photos with the iconic column and enjoy a flavor of the understated elegance that defines Place Vendôme—especially marked in the late afternoon or just after dark, when the square glows with golden lamplight.
Seine riverbank promenade
Round out your exploration with a classic Paris pleasure: a walk along the Seine’s riverbank promenades, just a short stroll from the Museum of Decorative Arts. Descend from street level at Pont Royal or Pont du Carrousel to discover beloved ‘les berges’: broad, car-free quays that hug the river, lined with benches, wildflowers and a series of gentle ramps and steps. Wander east towards Pont Neuf or west towards the Eiffel Tower, and you’ll find floating gardens, pop-up open-air libraries and an ever-changing roster of public art installations. Pause on a bench to watch the famous péniches (houseboats) glide by, or cross a pedestrian bridge for spectacular panoramic city views. Along the way, find reading nooks and little cafes at which to rest your feet—or bring your own picnic for a riverfront lunch with views of Paris’s historic heart. In the evenings, the city lights shimmer across the water, and buskers play jazz and pop classics beneath the bridges. The Seine’s riversides are where Parisians come to relax, chat and share the moment—and it’s all open to you, too, no ticket required.
Looking for more things to do in and around Paris? Discover all the best attractions in Batignolles, and find out what else you can do near the Palace of Versailles.
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