\\u201cParis is a city made for spending money, there\\u2019s temptation around every corner.\\u201d That\\u2019s a quote from Leah Walker, this week\\u2019s guest, a luxury travel writer who knows Paris inside out.
She joins me in the studio to explain how to have an extravagant trip in Paris. But, even if you\\u2019re not in a position to go all in (join the club), then there are still a few good tips in there for how to splurge without spending too much.
Of course, as always, listen to the podcast episode for the full picture. We also talk about Shakespeare, Texas, and basketball. But if you\\u2019re in a hurry to get to Paris and spend your money then here are three of the main tips to get you going:
Shop during the sales
You can save mega euros by waiting until the twice-a-year government regulated sales (or\\xa0soldes), which take place in July-August and January- February. The savings can be beyond 50 percent, even at the big department stores. And if you\\u2019re not living in the EU, you can get the VAT refunded (12 percent) if you spend more than 175 euros in one day. More info on that here,\\xa0via Galeries Lafayette\\xa0
Eat lunch (not dinner) at a good restaurant
A fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris with have you salivating, but it might it might also leave you in tears if you look at the prices. Leah recommends that you stop in for lunch instead, when it\\u2019s typically less crowded and a lot cheaper. Look out for the set menus in the low season, like January and February, and you\\u2019ll find some great savings.
Go to a Palace Hotel for a cocktail
Yes, you can go to the Ritz Hotel for just 30 euros. I mean, you won\\u2019t be staying the night, but you\\u2019ll be in a very luxurious setting with a great cocktail for a few hours. Some of the hotels mentioned in the episode: Georges V, the Ritz, Le Meurice. Four Seasons, Shangri-La, the Bristol.
They\\u2019re the tips. Listen to the show for the full story and be sure to follow Leah on her site\\xa0Leah Travels here.
Now, at the end of the episode you will hear Leah and I agreeing to do a live video at the Place Dauphine in Paris. Good news \\u2013 it\\u2019s going to happen! We will be strolling the charming square then seeing it from above from the terrace of a beautiful apartment from rental company\\xa0Paris Perfect,\\xa0where Leah also works.\\xa0
The Monbazillac apartment via Paris Perfect.\\xa0More info here.
Please join us for the walk on Monday 11th of February at 2.30pm, Paris time. Click the play button below, it\\u2019ll take you to the YouTube page, where you\\u2019ll be able to comment and interact if you time it right! And heck, why not subscribe to the channel so you can watch the other six videos this week!?
Thanks for listening!
***********
The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its Patreon members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.\\xa0
Membership takes only a minute to set up. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.\\xa0
For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links:
Weekly newsletter\\xa0
Instagram - Facebook - TikTok\\xa0
Find our books\\xa0
\\xa0