Dining on a Budget, French Style

Since you're staying in an apartment, you have the advantage of a small kitchen. You get the wonderful experience of shopping in the local markets, and bringing home some fresh local produce and meat or game. It's easy to prepare a simple meal with a little meat, a couple of potatoes and fresh vegetables and a few fresh herbs. Add a loaf of bread and a bottle of French wine, and you'll have a very romantic dinner in your own pied a'terre.

Pick up some prepared souffles from your local boulangerie, and heat them up in the morning to enjoy with your fresh coffee and some local fruit, while you watch the sun rise over the tops of the buildings surrounding you. Or stop downstairs in the local cafe and order a basket of fresh bread with a cup of coffee as you lean against the counter, as the locals do.

While you're out and about, grab a sandwich made with a crusty baguette and fresh cheese, or a delightful croque monsieur, which is sort of an inside out grilled ham and cheese sandwich. These can be purchased everywhere for around $3. Add a bottle of wine, head to the park, and have a leisurely lunch while you people watch. Another romantic option is to sit along the banks of the Seine while you enjoy a sandwich purchased from a sidewalk vendor. Just remember, if you sit down at an outdoor cafe, you can't bring your own food- you'll need to order theirs. However, lunch time options are very inexpensive.

Don't forget to try a delicious crepe while you're in Paris - the vendors prepare them in front of you, and will fill them with your choice of filling; be sure to try a fresh crepe dripping with nutella... This delightful concoction will only cost about $2 most places.

With all of the money you've saved, you'll be able to splurge for that very special dinner you've always dreamed of, watching the sun set from high in the Eiffel Tower, as the ever so professional waiters cater to your every wish. The only concern you'll have is making your dinner reservations far enough in advance!

Or perhaps you'd like to treat your lover to a romantic dinner cruise. During this cruise you will enjoy a fabulous, gourmet dinner and experience an unforgettable night floating through the heart of Paris in a unique setting. From the Eiffel Tower starting point, the cruise follows the left bank of the Seine all the way to the Finance Ministry at Bercy, and returns to the Eiffel Tower via the right bank, passing by the Statue of Liberty. Completely transparent, the boats provide total comfort and perfect viewing of the beauty of Paris at night. Paris is known as the City of Lights, and you'll have the chance to experience first hand, the archtectural lighting of the beautiful buildings along the River Seine. During the cruise, musicians, interpret celebrated French and international classics. Enjoy "Ave Maria" as you pass Notre-Dame and "La vie en Rose" as you sail under the bridges of Paris, for a unique and unforgettable evening.

There are so many ways to have a fabulous trip to Paris, if you just take a little time to plan in advance. Start planning today for the trip of a lifetime!

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