You can still see Paris on budget

PARIS — A recent survey put Paris second only to Oslo, Norway, among the world's costliest cities. But even with the value of the dollar sinking to record lows (currently $1.35) against the euro, there are still ways to enjoy Paris on a budget. Here are a few tips:

Getting around:

A taxi into central Paris costs about $60 from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport and about $40 from Orly.

Cheaper options are the RER trains ($10-$12), the Orlybus ($8) or Rossybus ($11.25) or one of the airport shuttle services to various drop-off points in the city.

Traveling around Paris is easy and inexpensive. Walk, or ride the Metro or buses. A single Metro or bus ticket is 1.40 euros ($1.90). Buy a carnet, a packet of 10 tickets, for 10.9 euros ($14.70).

Culture on the cheap:

• Major museums, including the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and Centre Georges Pompidou, are free on the first Sunday of the month and free anytime to those under 18.

The Louvre offers reduced ($8 per ticket) prices Wednesday and Friday nights and free admission to those under 26 on Fridays between 6 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

The d'Orsay drops its prices on Sundays and Thursday evenings.

• Stop by a newsstand for a 55-cent copy of a weekly publication called Pariscope. It lists dozens of free cultural events, gallery exhibits and church concerts. It's all in French, but easy to decipher.

• Check out the free readings by English-speaking authors at the Anglo-American Village Voice bookshop at 6 rue Princesse in St. Germain des Pres. See www.villagevoicebookshop.com for upcoming events.

• Take in an art or photo exhibit with a Paris theme at the Hotel de Ville (city hall), 29 rue de Rivoli. Exhibits change often, but they're always free.

Sightseeing:

• Skip the pricey private guides and bus tours and go for a group walk with Paris Walks (www.paris-walks.com). Year-round morning and afternoon strolls through the Latin Quarter, the Marais, Montmartre and other neighborhoods are 10 euro ($13.50).

• Visit a baker, a chocolate maker, a jeweler or a designer as part of a program called "Meeting the French at Work" sponsored by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. See www.meetingthefrench.com for details. Most visits are 5 euros ($6.75).