Is There Free Parking in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, one of the questions you might have is whether or not there is free parking available in the city. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward and depends on various factors.

On-street Parking

Paris has on-street parking available, but it’s important to note that most of it isn’t free. In fact, Paris has one of the most expensive parking fees in the world. The cost varies depending on the location and time of day, but generally, you can expect to pay around €4-€8 per hour for on-street parking.

Paying for On-street Parking

To pay for on-street parking in Paris, you can use a credit card or cash at a nearby parking meter. You can also use the PayByPhone app to pay for your parking from your smartphone. Once you’ve paid for your parking, make sure to display your ticket on your dashboard.

Free Parking Areas

While most of Paris’ on-street parking isn’t free, there are some areas where you can park for free. These areas are usually located outside of the city center and are often limited to a certain amount of time.

Park-and-Ride

Another option if you’re looking for free or low-cost parking in Paris is to use one of the city’s park-and-ride facilities. These facilities are located outside of the city center and offer affordable rates for long-term parking. You can then take public transportation into the city center.

  • One example is Porte de la Chapelle park-and-ride facility which costs €1 per day.
  • Another example is Pont de Sèvres park-and-ride facility which costs €1 per day with a Navigo pass (public transport pass) or €8 per day without it.

Conclusion

In summary, while there are some areas of free parking available in Paris, they are limited and usually located outside of the city center. On-street parking in Paris is generally expensive, but you can use park-and-ride facilities as a more affordable option. Make sure to check the parking regulations and fees before you park to avoid any fines or penalties.