I am looking for any ideas that people have for things to do in Paris that are relatively inexpensive, seeing as I am on a student budget. Anything that you might have discovered, or that aren't in the tourist books would be great. Thanks!

So it isn't just that it be very cheap or free, it has to be something very unusual, also, and not mentioned in guidebooks? The usual things that might be good would be in a guidebook (ie, city of Paris museums have free entry, you can always stroll in a park for free, look around open-air markets, etc.).

There are usually some free concerts or recitals in churches each week. Not a lot are free, but at least a couple. You can just find them in a weekly entertainment guide like Pariscope.

I know of free performances by students of a clown school, is that unique? they don't do that in winter, though, and it's out in Bagnolet.

Spend a couple hours in the evening on one of the bridges near Notre Dame (they seem to change bridges from time to time) watching the amazingly talented skaters put on a free show.

We spend less money in Paris than any other major city we visit -- mainly because our entertainment is primarily walking and "people watching" all over the city which costs nothing at all. Walks in any of the parks and along the "Boulevard of Plants" are especially worthwhile.

Parks and gardens and city museums (not national museums) are generally free. National museums are not free but they are very inexpensive (a few euro).

Walking is free and very interesting. Shopping is also interesting and free (if you don't buy anything).

These activities alone can occupy virtually an entire trip to Paris.

A great walking city, any time of the year. If going when it's not too cold, definitely spend time in parks.

Here are some of my favorite free destinations:

A great street (food) market is Rue Mouffetard (not too far from Montparnasse; in the Jardin des Plantes Quarter). Also some good middle eastern and greek restaurants near there.

A converted railroad trestle called the "Viaduc des Artistes" in the Bastille area (Ave Daumesnil) is well worth a stroll. The arches have all been converted to shops for various artisans, furniture designers, and other eclectic things. The top of the trestle is lined with gardens and benches, and is a great place for a walk.

My favorite little park is Place des Vosges. Other good parks are the Luxembourg gardens in the left bank and the Tuileries near the Louvre.

The Galeries Lafayette is just a department store, but I always like going there to watch Parisians try on hats etc., and their food shops are increadable.

Walk along the River.

There are some impromptu parties at night (weekends?) along the Sein, one at the tip of Ille St. Louis.

There is swing (salsa?) dancing, at night, at the outdoor sculpture park near Quai de la Tournelle (along Seine). Need to go into the archives to see what nights this was..

When will you be there? Thru August 21st the Paris Plage is going on (where they close a street by the river and fill with sand to make a beach!).

Once you arrive pick up the weekly entertainment guide(s) to find free music etc.

As other have mentioned, most of what I do in Paris is free anyway. Walking ALL over the place, sitting in parks and gardens, street markets. Seeing a movie in French is always fun.

KGL, So many things to do for free in Paris involve watching other people enjoying Paris, I just love being around happy people

Going to the Champ-de-Mars and watching the children taking pony rides and riding pedal cars around a track.

Going to the Trocadero area and watching the skating exhibitionists

Walking through Pere Lachaise or Montparnasse Cemeteries, it gives you not only a sense of perpetuity but fine examples of art, sculpture and whimsy. Deborah