Five freebies in pricey Paris

PARIS - This is one of the most beautiful cities in the world - and it sure knows it. That's why the French capital - ranked among the world's priciest and most visited - can afford to charge tourists so dearly for sampling its timeless beauty and world-class cuisine.

But if you are willing to give up your foie gras and champagne, there's a whole world out there for the budget-conscious traveler.

Here are five things that prove that the city of romance knows better than most the best things in life are free.

1. Tuileries Gardens. In search of a haven away from the stresses of the city? Paris has just the answer with the Tuileries Gardens - sitting tranquilly in the heart of the capital between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Looking down the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, the 400-year-old gardens offer not only one of the best city-views in the world, but a place to relax with ornate fountains, magical statues and fresh air. Despite their age, the old public gardens keep their eye on the younger generation, boasting a wonderful children's play area and a carnival in summer.

2. Sacre Coeur. The landmark white domes of this basilica indelibly mark the skyline, located at the city's highest point on the Montmartre hill. Come here to experience a panoramic view of Paris' historic rooftops or to be entertained by street artists. There are equal delights to be found inside the church, which features the world's largest apse mosaic, in the dome above the altar, designed by Luc-Olivier Merson.

3. Paris Beach and ice rink. Paris is 93 miles from the sea, but that doesn't stop cash-strapped tourists in search of that beach holiday. Every year since 2002, the city has run "Paris Plages" or "Paris Beaches," a free summer event that transforms several spots along the Seine river into complete beaches, thanks to more than 1,000 tons of sand that's trucked in. So, pull up a lounge chair, and don't forget your sunscreen along with your croissant.

For the winter traveler, Paris offers a free ice rink outside the Hotel de Ville (city hall) from December to March.

4. Drouot Auction House. Going, going, gone. Marie Antoinette's slippers, the iconic hat of mime artist Marcel Marceau, Edith Piaf's black dress, even a piece of the Eiffel Tower - you can see it all going under the hammer at this famous auction house in the central Ninth Arrondissement. With 16 auction rooms, it's the world's largest auction house open to the public. Anyone can simply stroll in for free from Monday to Saturday to delve into the fascinating establishment's cabinet of curiosities. If you do happen to have a little money to spare, you can get yourself a piece of French history for as little as one euro.

5. Romance. Marilyn Monroe once said that the French are glad to die for love. Paris is proof that they're also glad to live for it - with amorous couples often found kissing on park benches, street corners, or walking hand in hand along the banks of the tranquil Seine. There is nothing more beautiful than taking the person you love for a romantic walk along the banks of Paris' two magical islands, the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité, with the haunting sight of Notre Dame cathedral in the distance.