How to Go to Paris for Free: How I Did It – And How You Can Too!

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Paris—the capital city of France, the City of Light, the land of croissants, the ultimate bucket list destination. But let’s be real: it’s also expensive. A trip to Paris can cost thousands of dollars between flights, accommodations, and daily expenses. However, what if I told you that you could go to Paris for free—or at least very close to it?

I did it, and in this post, I’ll show you exactly how I made my dream trip happen without spending a fortune, using travel hacking techniques and credit card points.

Before we dive in, I have to give this disclaimer: Use credit cards responsibly. If you carry a balance and pay interest, earning travel points is not worth it. However, if you can pay off your balance in full each month, this strategy could help you travel for next to nothing!

Planning Your Trip to Paris

Planning a trip to Paris can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting. However, with some research and planning, you can have a fantastic time in the City of Light without breaking the bank.

Step 1: How I Flew to Paris in Business Class for (Almost) Free

I love to travel, but I’m also a cheapskate at heart. You will never catch me paying full price for a business class ticket. But when it comes to using points? That’s a different story!

For my recent trip to Paris, I flew Air France business class using points earned from my Capital One Venture X credit card. Let me tell you—it’s going to be really hard to go back to economy flights now!

Here’s what I loved about business class:

• A lie-flat seat (which meant I actually slept on an overnight flight for the first time ever!)

• Champagne as soon as I sat down

• Delicious food that didn’t look like high school cafeteria mystery meat

• Extra legroom (even though I’m only 5’3”, I appreciated being able to stretch out)

• Priority boarding and lounge access before my flight

For my flight from Miami (MIA) to Charles de Gaulle (CDG), it cost me 100,000 points for a business class seat. I did have to pay a small amount of cash to cover taxes and fees, but it was cheaper than an economy ticket to Paris.

How You Can Do It:

• Sign up for a travel rewards credit card like the Capital One Venture X, Chase, or American Express Platinum.

• Use your card for everyday purchases and pay it off in full each month to maximize points.

• Look for transfer partners like Air France/KLM Flying Blue, United MileagePlus, or American AAdvantage to book flights using points.

• Be flexible with your travel dates to find the best award availability.

Step 2: How I Stayed at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile for Free in a Club-Level Room

When it comes to hotel loyalty programs, I’m usually a Marriott Bonvoy girl. I have Titanium status thanks to an unexpected home renovation that had me living in a Courtyard Marriott for 72 days (that’s a long story for another day!).

But after hearing all the hype about Hyatt points, I decided to give them a try. I opened a Hyatt credit card, hit the sign-up bonus, and quickly racked up enough points to book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile.

This hotel is a Category 4 Hyatt property, meaning it cost me a total of 60,000 Hyatt points for three nights (plus about €9 in city tax). Even better? I booked a club-level room, which meant:

• Free breakfast every morning

• Access to the club lounge with free snacks and drinks throughout the day

• An incredible view of the Eiffel Tower from my room!

How You Can Do It:

• Sign up for a travel credit card

• Earn a sign-up bonus to quickly accumulate points.

• Redeem points for free nights at Hyatt hotels, including luxury properties.

• Consider booking a club-level room for added perks like free meals and drinks.