8. Bargain buys. There are some real deals to be bagged -- especially at high-end department stores such as Le Bon Marche and Franck et Fils -- during the annual sales. The government sets the dates, although the winter sale is usually in January and the summer edition in June or July. Even if you don't want anything, it's fun to window shop and watch Parisians in buying mode.
At other times of the year, stick with Monoprix for groceries and sundries. You'll find a Monoprix superstore cleverly tucked into almost every quarter.
For bargain apparel -- gently used -- try the Chercheminippes stores, chercheminippes.com, on Rue du Cherche Midi in the Sixth arrondissement; for cut-rate, brand-name clothing and accessories, there's Espace Alma, espacealma.fr, at 181 Rue de l'Universite in the Seventh arrondissement.
9. Park it here. There's no better place to drink for free in the soul of the city than in its exquisite parks, decorated with sculpture and flowerbeds, surrounded by historic palaces and museums. They are beloved by Parisians and visitors alike. At the Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg, you can claim a lawn chair by fountains where kids launch miniature boats and lovers kiss. There are cafes bowered by handsome old trees, jogging paths (the one around the Jardin du Luxembourg is especially popular with Paris jocks), pony rides for the kids and beautifully landscaped vistas. Mind you, though, keep off the grass.
10. Armchair Paris. Although it might sound heretical, you could save a bundle by staying home and renting Ratatouille. Every major site in Paris -- the sewer as well as the Eiffel Tower -- turns up in the charming 2007 animated film about a French rat, Remy, who knows how to cook.
Susan Spano writes for the Los Angeles Times.
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