Cheap Eats

Many of us travel on a budget. We look for deals on airfare, deals on hotels, and deals once we arrive at our destinations. One of the associated costs of traveling that can really eat away (pun intended) at your bank account is food. Unlike some items, such as souvenirs, food is a non-negotiable. You can't do without it. Savvy travelers in Paris usually cite the baguette-and-cheese diet as a surefire way to stay nourished without going broke, and while I agree that this a practical and tasty way to save money in France, I've found another solution to this formidable quandary: crêpes.

Crêpe prix fixe meals, to be exact. A prix fixe or menu option at French restaurants means that for a set price you get to chose a multi-coursed meal from various options. I have found that a number of restaurants offer very inexpensive (often less 10 euros) crêpe menus consisting of a salty crêpe (ham and cheese, for example) and a sweet crêpe (I like mine with blueberry jam and whipped cream) plus a glass of cider. Not only do you get to try one of France's most famous culinary delights, but you also get to sit and relax at a table while enjoying your meal. What's more, crêpes are very filling so you'll definitely feel like you got your money's worth.

There are a number of restaurants offering this option near the St. Michel metro stop on the Rue Saint André des Arts. La crêperie saint germain is always a good choice, and I love their mosaic tiled interior. There are also good prix fixe possibilities on the Ile St. Louis, where you can find inexpensive deals on crêpes and menus featuring other items as well. Restrictions sometimes apply; the deal might only be available on weekdays from noon until three, for example, but if you get the timing down you can easily take advantage of these great prices. Your tummy will thank you.