Article posted: 12/16/2012 6:00 AM

5 free things to see and do in Paris

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People stroll in the Tuileries gardens with the Arc de Triomphe in the background, in Paris.

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Visitors inspect jewels and paintings at the Drouot auction's house in Paris.

Associated Press

An auction officer sells clothes at the Drouot auction's house, in Paris. The famous auction house in Paris offers 16 functioning auctions rooms and is the world's largest auction house open to the public.

Associated Press

Children play in the sand during the Paris Plages event in Paris, featuring palm trees, sand beaches, hammocks, lounge chairs, volleyball courts and a pool that will line the (2.2-mile) riverside attraction.

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A couple sits in the sun on the Seine river bank in Paris. Couples are often found kissing on park benches, street corners or walking wistfully hand in hand along the banks of the tranquil river Seine.

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The Sacre Coeur basilica, in Pari is a The landmark white domes of this basilica indelibly mark the Paris skyline, located at the city's highest point on the Montmartre hill and features the world's largest apsis mosaic designed by Luc-Olivier Merson.

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About this Article

Paris 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.