Cheap Drinks: Marlusse et Lapin

(Hey, that guy's kinda cute, I should have talked to him)

Though South Pigalle is the hot new area for hipsters and dive bars these days, I'd advise you to venture a bit northward on your next visit to the red light district of Paris and snag a cheap drink at Marlusse et Lapin. This unassuming neighborhood spot is just far enough up the street from Pigalle to escape the creepy leering men beckoning you into strip clubs, and offers ridiculously affordable drinks in its snug and old-fashioned imbibing space. Grandma wallpaper and even a table centered around an old sewing machine set the decidedly un-hookerish vibe at Marlusse et Lapin, and with friendly and fun bartenders serving up glasses of wine and beers at less than 3€, there's no better spot in the area to have a cozy drink to get your night started (or ended).

Marlusse et Lapin
14 rue Germain Pilon 75018 Paris
Métro: M2 to Abbesses, M2/M12 to Pigalle

Coming Home

Though I didn't say so here on Paris Cheapskate, I spent three months last fall and winter bouncing around between Paris, New York and Arizona. The result was a new perspective on what it means to come home, and even what home, itself, is. If you'd like to read more about that, I'm thrilled to have an essay about it featured on the fantastic site Narratively. Tell a friend!

Pro Tip: Cosem Paris Walk-In Clinics

(It won't be like this... but the Google Image Search was too awesome. Illustration via Pulp International)

Here is one Paris pro tip that seemed too important not to share but one I hope you'll never need: how to find non-emergency medical help in Paris.

Disquaire Day 2013

Say what you will about it being a dying breed, but I read recently that vinyl record sales have been increasing since 1993 and continue to do so, particularly spiking in sales over the last couple of years. That news makes a hipster like me very happy, as I am comforted in the knowledge that the soft whir of dust noise and forced order of songs (complete with intermission as you turn the vinyl over to Side B) may continue to prosper, at least for a little while longer. For fellow hopeless nerds, rejoice in Record Store Day, known as Disquaire Day here in Paris, a celebration of record stores. All over town, record stores will have special prices on certain vinyls and some will even have live performances. For a complete guide to celebrating Disquaire Day in Paris, check out my article on Girls' Guide To Paris, and to find out how to celebrate near you, check out Record Store Day's official website.

More Cheap Paris Art: HPrints Vintage French Ads

(1923 La Vie Parisienne cover, $23)

I'm a huge fan of vintage ads. Many days when all of the advertising we're bombarded with every day get to me, I wonder if someday I'll look back on today's ads with the kind of marvelling wonder with which I see a Bernard Villemot print from the '60s. But right now I have good news for my fellow penny-pinching vintage ad lovers: I've stumbled upon a vertitable treasure trove of vintage French ads from all decades of the 20th century. From fashion prints to old Vogue and La Vie Parisienne covers to auto and lingerie ads, HPrints has everything your vintage-loving heart desires. You can find old ads for luxury brands like Givenchy, Balenciaga, YSL and Chanel, cosmetic ads from Lancôme and Guerlain, auto ads promoting the likes of Peugeot, Citroën and Rolls Royce, even booze ads for Hennessy, Cointreau and Campari. HPrints sell only original prints, mostly from periodicals and never later reprints, so you know you're getting an authentic vintage print. And what's more: they are cheap as hell.

Cheapskate Special Deal: Pictours Paris

(Photo courtesy of Pictours Paris)

My friend and fellow expat Lindsey Kent has the perfect job: one that takes advantage of both her talent, her passion and her temperament, is completely unique, and is perfectly suited to her adopted city. As the founder of Pictours Paris, Lindsey goes around town with visitors and takes photos of them on their Paris travels, capturing moments in front of some of the city’s most beautiful monuments as well as its hidden nooks and crannies. Photographing lovers and newlyweds as well as families and groups of girlfriends, Lindsey has seen it all in the City of Light.

Cheap Thrill: Paris Postcards To Your Future Self

As you may already know, I'm kind of a postcard fanatic. The only kinda-problem is that most of the postcards I send out I secretly wish I were receiving, because they're simply so beautiful. So here's a fun idea for a cheap souvenir: send your future self Paris postcards.

Paris Cheapskate Tours

 

I know you love Paris Cheapskate, but do you wish you could just have a cheapskate to show you around town? Kinda like your very own portable cheapskate guidebook, except alive and warm and witty? Good news: Paris Cheapskate tours are now available, during which you can benefit from my Paris expertise on a variety of topics.

Choose from:

- The "Amelie" Tour of Montmartre

- Best Thrift Stores in the Marais

- Macaron Hunting

 

If you're interested in participating in one of the above Paris Cheapskate tours for your next trip to Paris, contact me for pricing and availability at: parischeapskate (at) gmail (dot) com and let's set up a cinematic walk around Montmartre, a cheapo shopping excursion or a sugar-filled bounce around town.

JOUR DU MACARON 2013

(A transcendant experience from last year's Jour du Macaron, the chocolate-foie gras mac at Pierre Hermé)

Okay you guys, I'm trying hard to contain my excitement, but my anticipation for the annual Jour du Macaron is just too awesome to stifle. Thanks to genius (and my favorite macaron maker) Pierre Hermé, every year on the first official day of spring, macaron shops all over Paris celebrate the little pastry by giving them away for (basically) FREE. By (basically) I mean you are required to donate to a charity, but come on. 1) As if that's so bad and 2) You can just give a few coins if you like.

Cheap Eats: La Muraille du Phenix

It's an unfathomable thought: a three-course meal in Paris for 6€? A three-course meal anywhere for 6€? It just couldn't be possible! But when heard whispers of the incredible deal available at La Muraille du Phenix, I knew I had to try it for myself. And, it turns out, this may be the cheapest meal in Paris.