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France Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 26, 2023

Wine, cheese, the Eiffel Tower, historic castles , beautiful beaches, snooty waiters — France is famous for a lot of things.

It’s a beautiful country with stunning coastlines, picturesque valleys, world-class wine, and tons of history. And despite what you might hear, the French are a wonderful people who love to stop and smell the roses.

I love backpacking and traveling around France.

There’s nothing like a picnic along the Seine or a spending day in the French countryside to make life seem beautiful. France is everything that people make it out to be and then some. Its long history means there are plenty of beautiful ruins, castles, and cathedrals worth exploring. There’s something for every interest here.

Traveling France can be expensive and those on a super tight budget may find it hard to experience everything France has to offer.

However, having traveled around France multiple times, I’ve picked up a wide variety of money-saving tips and off-beat attractions to see. In short, it’s possible to travel France without breaking the bank — and without missing out on what the country has to offer.

This travel guide can help you plan a trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time in my favorite country in Europe !

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on France

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in france.

1. Spend time in Paris

Paris has everything – the Louvre, impressionist museums, the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, magnificent parks, jazz, and great food. It’s as magical as people say and while it would take a lifetime to see it all, four or five days can give you a good idea. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve spent time living there and I think it lives up to all the hype. And, since most tourists stay in one little area, it’s easy to get out and see the city free of crowds and filled with locals living their best life.

2. Explore the Loire Valley

The Loire is lovely and picturesque, with tons of vineyards and chateaus. The region is home to some of the best wines in the world, beautiful small towns (I love Orlean), and world renowned food. It’s an area not to be missed. It’s easy to get to from Paris and you can visit a lot of chateaus here. ( Here’s a list of my favorites .)

3. Tour Marseille

Marseille is a metropolitan city that also has a rich history filled with nightlife, great restaurants, theaters, museums, and even an international soccer stadium. While the city is a bit gritty and industrial, it’s worth a visit for its beautiful waterfront and exciting mix of cultures. Visit the port, eat fresh seafood, head to Notre Dame de la Garde, and see Vieille Charite. Marseille will give you a totally different feel than the rest of France!

4. Hang out in Nice

Nice is nice (get it?). This seaside town in the south is a popular destination for budget travelers who want to soak up some sun but might not be able to afford Cannes or Monaco. I don’t think the beach here is that great, but the central location makes it easy to explore the rest of the coast (and its better beaches).

5. Drink wine in Bordeaux

Some of the best wine in the world is made in Bordeaux . While an expensive destination, it’s beautiful and worth every penny. Bordeaux has the longest shopping street in Europe, amazing seafood (eat at Le Petit Commerce), a historic center, and of course, wine. Next to Paris, it’s my favorite place in France.

Other Things to See and Do in France

1. see the d-day beaches in normandy.

On June 6th, 1944, the allies of World War II launched Operation Overlord, the largest seaborne invasion in history. Over 300,000 allied troops were involved in the operation, which took place in Normandy (some 20,000 troops died in this operation alone). Here you can learn about the D-Day landings along the beaches of northern France and see the memorials and museums detailing the history of the event. You can still see some of the old bunkers and fortifications too. Full-day guided tours of the D-Day Landings cost around 150 EUR.

2. Wander the Palace of Versailles

Located very close to Paris , this royal palace was completed by Louis XIV in 1715 and was used by the French kings until the French Revolution in 1789. Constructed at the height of French power, the complex sought to show off the monarch’s tremendous wealth. Over 10 million people visit this extravagant palace each year. After the Eiffel Tower, it’s the most popular attraction in the country. It’s as awe-inspiring today as it was back then. Tickets to the entire complex cost 27 EUR. Plan to spend the entire day — you don’t want to miss any part of this opulent place.

If you want to beat the crowds (which I highly recommend), skip-the-line tickets are available for 55 EUR. Since upwards of 10,000 people visit per day, skipping the line will save you a ton of time. The wait to get tickets can last hours.

And for a more in-depth experience, this Versailles tour is led by a local expert guide and includes round-trip transportation from Paris at a time that avoids most of the crowds.

3. Explore history in Lyon

Located around two hours south of Paris by train, this is the third-largest city in the country. The area around Lyon is home to wonderful castles and small villages. It’s great for those looking to explore the French countryside and take a trip back to medieval France. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly feels like you have stepped back into the past. Don’t miss the relaxing 20-acre botanical garden, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (which dates to the 19th century), and touring the city’s Old Quarter.

4. Hobnob with the rich in Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera. This tiny kingdom is home to winding streets, beautiful buildings, a world-famous casino, gigantic modern yachts, and just 39,000 people (over 30% of whom are millionaires!). Hang out with society’s well-heeled who flock to the Cote D’Azur from other parts of France during the summer. Spanning just a couple square kilometers, it’s one of the smallest countries in the world. Be sure to stop by the famous Monte Carlo Casino (where several James Bone films as well as Ocean’s Twelve was filmed), which is only open to foreigners.

5. See Alsace

This northeast region along the border with Germany is a beautiful place to visit. The mixing of Germanic and French influences characterizes the region (since it has been owned and annexed by both countries), with the old town of Colmar being the main attraction. The postcard-perfect downtown is lined with cobblestone streets and old half-timber houses — some of the which date back to the 1300s. Be sure to see the Goth 13th-century church. And if you love wine, drive the Alsace Wine Route, which you can explore over the course of a few days as you visit some of the region’s best vineyards.

6. Wander through Parc de la Villette

This Parisian park — the third-largest in the city after the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne — is host to Europe’s largest science museum and some other odd attractions. There is a large collection of architectural follies (buildings constructed for decoration), theme gardens, and open spaces for activity and exploration. It was designed for children as well as adults and is a neat place to check out. It’s in the 19th arrondissement.

7. Visit the trenches of World War I

France was ground zero during World War I (1914-1918) and there are still many indicators of the damage caused during those years around the country. For example, two important battles took place at Vimy Ridge (which marked a huge success for Canadian forces) and Verdun (the longest battle of the war that saw over 700,000 people killed or wounded). Both sites have set up excellent tourist centers and visiting facilities. It’s a moving and educational experience. You can reach Verdun from Paris in around three hours by car. Vimy Ridge is just over two hours away.

8. Explore Roman ruins

France has some of the best Roman ruins outside of Italy . Orange, Nimes, and Arles all have beautiful Roman theaters, and Nimes also contains one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the entire region of the former Empire, which dates back to around 2 CE. Personally, I loved Nimes a lot. It was an old Roman outpost and has an amazing double-tiered area that dates back to 70 CE. It’s certainly a surprise to see so many indicators of Roman rule in the south of France, and these sites are definitely worth a visit. Half-day tours around the region (including admission) cost around 80 EUR.

9. Visit the Medieval town of Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval walled city. Legend has it that the town survived a siege when one of the townswomen had the bright idea of feeding the remaining food to a pig. Once they fattened it up, they threw it over the fortifications so that it appeared that they were so well-fed that they were being wasteful and gluttonous. The attacking troops gave up and went home. That’s probably not true, but this town still retains a lot of medieval character and offers plenty of interesting shops and alleys to explore. Don’t miss a tour of the castle and ramparts while you’re here!

10. Go skiing

The French Alps offer some of the best ski slopes in Europe. If you’re in Europe in the winter months and at a loss for what to do, consider getting a group together and renting a ski chalet, or staying at one of the slope-side hotels or hostels. Bring plenty of beer and wine to warm you up after a long day on the hills. Note that skiing in France is not cheap (lift passes usually cost upwards of 75 EUR per day). Some of the most popular ski resorts include La Clusaz, Avoriaz, Val d’Isère, and Chamonix.

11. See Dune de Pyla

This sand dune is located an hour outside Bordeaux in Pyla Sur Mer, a resort town where many of France’s well-to-do spend the summer. It’s the largest sand dune in Europe and the result of winds eroding one shore of the bay and blowing sand over. The dune is nearly 3 kilometers (2 miles) long and up to 110 meters (360 feet) high in some places. Visit at dawn or dusk for the best views. You can walk along the entire dune in around 90 minutes.

12. Wander the Louvre

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, with thousands of square feet of space and millions of artifacts and works of art (including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo). To see it all, you need at least two full days, but you can do the highlights in a full afternoon. Admission costs 17 EUR, while timed skip-the-line tickets are an additional 17 EUR. Due to capacity restrictions, you MUST get your ticket in advance. They sell out these days so if you don’t get your ticket in advance, you run the risk of showing up and being denied entrance.

13. Go diving

Diving may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of France, but Marseille is making a name for itself as the country’s diving capital. Take a trip out into the Mediterranean, where you can explore tunnels, caves, and admire colorful sea sponges, anemones, and sea fans. You can also spot moray eels and octopus as well as numerous of shipwrecks, such as Le Liban (1882) and Le Chaouen (1961). June to October, when the water is a bit warmer, are the best months for diving here. Prices start at 110 EUR.

  For more information on specific cities in France, check out these guides:

France Travel Costs

Accommodation – Dorm rooms in hostels with 8-10 beds range from 20-75 EUR per night. In Paris (and many other major cities), expect dorms to cost 40-75 EUR per night (even more in the summer). Private rooms in hostels cost between 100-150 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels include self-catering facilities and breakfast.

Budget hotels begin around 85 EUR per night for a double room with free WiFi and air-conditioning. Accommodations are cheaper outside Paris, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera. Additionally, during peak summer months, expect prices to start at around 120 EUR per night. In Paris, expect to pay at least 150 EUR in the summer.

Airbnb is widely available around the country. Private rooms start around 45 EUR, though they average double that price. Entire homes/apartments start at 75 EUR (but usually cost at least triple that — especially in Paris).

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country. A basic plot for two people without electricity costs around 25 EUR per night. Wild camping is illegal in France.

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to also try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re really adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails) or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

Buying your own food in France can be very cheap and the best way to experience the country’s cuisine. There are many breads, cheese, and meat shops around – and it’s how the French eat. They go to their local markets, buy food, and cook. You can make your own lunch for around 10-15 EUR for two people (including wine). Pre-made sandwiches at cheap local shops cost about 6-12 EUR.

Conversely, eating at a restaurant costs between 20-35 EUR for a meal including a glass of wine.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 10 EUR for a combo meal. A cheap meal at a casual take-out place costs around 10-18 EUR.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR while a cappuccino/latte is around 3-4 EUR. Bottled water is 1-2 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, expect to spend between 45-60 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like bread, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

France Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget, prepare to spend 70 EUR per day. On this suggested budget, you’ll be staying in hostel dorms, cooking all of your meals, using public transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free and cheap activities like free walking tours, parks and gardens, and free museums.

On a mid-range budget of 155 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the train between cities, and do more paid activities like wine tours and a visit to Versailles.

On a “luxury” budget of 300 EUR or more a day, you can stay in hotels, eat out for all your meals, rent a car to get around, drink more, and tour whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

France Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

France can destroy your budget if you aren’t careful. Accommodation is pricey, eating out can get expensive, and tours aren’t always affordable. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money while you are visiting France without sacrificing your experience. Here are some money-saving tips to help you reduce your costs:

• Have a picnic – Eating out in France is an expensive affair. Restaurants can break a day’s budget quickly. Thankfully, there’s nothing more French than a picnic. Head to the local market; buy some wonderful cheese, bread, fruits, and meats, and have a picnic and watch the day go by. You can have a great meal for less than 10 EUR.
• Take the (slow) train – Train travel in Europe is cheap and it’s the easiest way to get around France. The TGV line can be expensive, but if you get the slow train or have a Eurail pass , you’ll save money.
• Drink wine – In France, the wine is cheaper than water (well, almost!). While you shouldn’t skip drinking water, drink wine over other forms of alcohol to save big. A nice bottle can cost as little as 3 EUR!
• Shop at the markets – Want great French cuisine? Do what the locals do and head to the outdoor markets. Visit the cheese guy, the fish guy, the bread guy, and everyone else to get the best local ingredients to make yourself a perfect French meal. It saves a lot of money compared to eating out.
• Skip the clubs – Clubs in France are expensive and charge an entrance fee (it can be over 20 EUR!). Drinks cost 12 EUR or more. If you don’t want to spend 90 EUR in one night, skip the clubs.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible).
• Eat a prix-fixe meal – This is a set lunch menu where a 2-3 course meal costs about 15-20 EUR. This is a far more affordable option than just ordering off the menu. I always eat out for lunch and then cook for myself for dinners.
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the country, use Couchsurfing. There are a lot of hosts in this country. I highly recommend using the site at least once to lower your accommodation costs, make a friend, learn local tips, and have a kitchen to cook in!
• Take advantage of being under 26 – France has EXTENSIVE discounts for people who are under 26 if they have the ISIC card – be sure to get one!
• Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in France

Looking for the best hostel in France? There are tons of options in every major city. Here are some of my favorite hostels in France:

• St. Christopher’s Canal (Paris)
• Les Piaules (Paris)
• Generator Hostel (Paris)
• St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord (Paris)
• Central Hostel (Bordeaux)
• Hostel 20 (Bordeaux)
• Villa Saint Exupery Beach (Nice)
• Vertigo Vieux-Port (Marseille)

How to Get Around France

Public transportation – Local transit systems are reliable and cost between 1-3 EUR per trip. Most cities and towns have extensive train, bus, and tram systems. Transportation to and from the airport into the city center is generally affordable and user-friendly.

Paris has a “carnet” of 10 single-use tickets that costs 14.50 EUR. You can get a one-day to five-day pass (a ParisVisite) for all modes of public transportation (bus, metro, trams, and suburban trains called the RER) for between 13.20-42.20 EUR. It also gives you discounts on some major Parisian landmarks. You can buy tickets at any metro station.

Expect to pay around 12 EUR to get to Paris from Charles de Gaulle.

Budget Airlines – France has several major airports, and budget airlines are popular. It’s an affordable and easy way to get around the country if you’re not big on time.

Paris to Nice averages 50 EUR one way, and Paris to Marseille is also about 50 EUR one way. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals. In the off and shoulder seasons, you can get these flights for as low as 15-25 EUR.

Just keep in mind that most budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage and often require you to print your ticket out in advance.

Buses – France has several bus operators, including:

My recommended bus company is Flixbus .

A 10-hour bus trip from Paris to Marseille costs around 15-30 EUR while a trip from Paris to Strasbourg costs 17-25 EUR. A 7.5-hour journey from Paris to Bordeaux starts around 13 EUR, while the 3-hour journey from Paris to Tours (in the Loire Valley) is around 12 EUR. A longer ride like 15 hours from Paris to Nice starts around 35 EUR.

While the bus is great, I generally prefer to travel by train in France as it’s a nicer, more comfortable experience.

Trains – France has regular trains as well as the world-famous high-speed TGV. SNCF is France’s national railway, and you can buy tickets on their website. But even the regular train is much quicker than taking the bus!

If bought last-minute, a train trip from Paris to Nice costs 55-105 EUR. But if you buy in advance, Paris to Nice can cost as little as 25 EUR in 2nd class. A last-minute train trip from Paris to Strasbourg costs 70-80 EUR, but advance tickets in second class start around 19 EUR. Shorter trips like Marseille to Nice start around 36 EUR, while you can get from Paris to Tours for 19 EUR. Good discounts on train travel exist for travelers under 26-years-old!

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional.

Ridesharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. It’s usually cheaper than the bus too. BlaBlaCar is the most popular. There’s sometimes a language barrier but, for the most part, it’s easy to use and much more interesting than the bus or train!

Car rental – France is a great destination to rent a car and road trip (just avoid driving in cities like Paris; they can be a nightmare). Rentals start at around 30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers need to be at least 21 years of age and usually need to have a credit card in their name.

When to Go to France

Peak season in France is the summer, when France gets incredibly crowded. Prices skyrocket during this time but the overall atmosphere and weather is great so it’s still worth visiting during peak season. Temperatures average between 16-24°C (61-75°F), though they have often climbed much higher in recent years due to climate change, reaching well into the in the 30s°C (80s°F). In the south of France, daily highs hover around 30°C (80°F) and go up from there.

Just note that a lot of the country closes down in August when people go on holidays. Make sure to plan accordingly and double check opening/closing hours.

The shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October, respectively). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit France. The weather is good, the crowds fewer, and the prices are lower. Just make sure to bring a light rain jacket.

Winter in France is from November to February. It gets cold, even in the south. Average winter temperatures range from 0-8°C (32-46°F). On the other hand, the Christmas season is fantastic — you’ll find Christmas markets and festivals galore! While Paris is never empty, this is the quietest (and cheapest) time to visit the city.

How to Stay Safe in France

France is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling. Violent crime is rare so travelers should feel safe here, both day and night.

That said, scams and petty theft can occur (especially pickpocketing in Paris) so be on the lookout. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight when on busy public transportation and in crowded tourist areas.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

One common scam in Paris is to get tourists to sign a petition against some common cause. Once you sign, they’ll pester you for a donation. To avoid getting ripped off, simply decline anyone approaching you with a petition.

When using an outdoor ATM, always check to make sure a card skimmer has not been attached to the card reader. To be safe, only use indoor ATMs.

France has a history of protesting (mainly in Paris). These can turn violent so if a protest occurs during your visit, avoid taking part.

To avoid other potential scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Car break-ins are most common near the border with Spain as well as in Normandy around the D-Day sights.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

France Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of France.

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

While I have a lot of free tips on Paris, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, maps, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc.), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Paris that I got from living and running tours here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.

France Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on France travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Budget Travel in France

You can see France without spending a fortune.

A. Hocquel, CDT Vaucluse

Many people think France is expensive, but that depends on how you organize your vacation. France has some of the best hotels and restaurants in the world and top luxury shopping . Paris particularly has a reputation for being expensive. But like everywhere in the world, if you know how to plan your vacation, you’ll discover the tricks and tactics to make France travel fit within a budget and make it affordable.

Go When It’s Cheap

The season you choose for your vacation makes a huge difference, so start by factoring this in. Everything, from airfares to hotel rates, fluctuates dramatically depending on the time of year when you travel.

But remember that every season in France has its different pleasures, so you might ignore the summer months in favor of the freshness of spring or the glorious colors of autumn . Also remember that the French still mainly take their holidays from July 14 (Bastille Day) to mid-August, so resorts fill up and prices rise during that time.

So consider going in the off-season or shoulder season and you can save hundreds, if not thousands.

Get Cheap Flights to France

Book several months ahead of your trip and you will get a good fare, particularly if you’re traveling from overseas. Check out airfare/package deals; sometimes these can really save you a lot of money.

Also, consider where you want to go. If you’re only going to the south of France, then it makes sense to book a flight to one of the big French cities with international airports like Nice , Marseille , or Bordeaux .

If you’re going to Paris, then down to the south of France, look at both flights and trains for the onward journey.

Check out flights, compare prices and book on Trip Advisor  

Train Travel in France

Again, you’ll find it cheaper to book early to your destination when traveling by train . Check out Rail Europe (USA) and OUI.sncf deals in advance.

But you may also find it cheaper to book directly when you are in France, though you will have to pick up your tickets at the station.

Paris on a Budget

Paris has the reputation of being expensive; look at the lists of the world’s most expensive cities and it’s sometimes in the top 10. Beware the lists; it depends on what the criteria are and they vary wildly. But if you want an expensive vacation, then Paris can certainly oblige.

However, like every city, there are many ways to keep the budget low .

Go Where It’s Cheap

The expensive parts of France are along the Mediterranean , the Loire Valley and the Dordogne . The most expensive cities are Paris, Nice, Lyon, and Bordeaux. However, Nice comes in 29 th on the backpacker index, after mostly eastern European destinations and before other top European cities which are more expensive.

Again, whichever city you choose, you can visit on a budget. Even in the south of France, places like Nice, Antibes/Juan-les-Pins have budget accommodation and restaurants.

Much of the center of France is cheaper and glorious. The  Auvergne  is particularly lovely for its mountainous scenery and huge river valleys, its sense of peace and its slow pace of life. And it is very cheap! Try exploring a less popular destination .

Eat Well, but Cheaply

If you don’t know where to eat, look at the menus outside (all have current menus and prices), and look inside to see how many locals are eating there; they usually know a bargain! Also remember that many restaurants, even the most expensive, have set menus. So don’t ignore those Michelin-starred places ; try the lunch menu and it may be a bit more expensive than the bistro next door, but it also may be the experience of a lifetime. (Just remember that the wine lists will probably be exorbitant!)

Stay on the Cheap

Where you stay can have a huge impact on your wallet. You don't have to go grunge to save a few euros. Camping in France is a cheap alternative that is much nicer than you might think. There are four-star campgrounds that are nicer than many budget two-star hotels.

For a little more cash, stay in a  Logis de France  inn, which is often cheaper and must more fun than a chain hotel. You can even find some decent  cheap hotels in Paris , too.

Finally, look at Bed and Breakfast options. There are a vast number of them in France and they offer accommodation at every price range. You'll find top value, a friendly welcome and terrific 4-course meals with wine at many of them.

Budget Sightseeing

Start with the great cathedrals of France; most of them are free and they are quite magnificent. 

Watch the free illuminations in many towns and cities in the summer season and at Christmas . Cities like  Amiens  have spectacular sound and light shows on the cathedral.  Chartres illuminates many of the buildings and also cast figures of light, pilgrims, and washerwomen onto the walls of the narrow streets you can stroll along at night.

If you’re in a big city, consider buying a 2, 3, or 4-day City Pass which will give you free transportation, plus entry to the museums and sights. They are available at local tourist offices, attractions, and hotels. 

Budget Shopping

There are many bargains to be had in France. Start with the open-air daily markets that you’ll find in every city and town. If you’re after fresh food for a picnic or are self-catering this is the place for those staples of bread, cheese, fruit, vegetables and salads, and charcuterie .

Many towns have brocantes, or second-hand flea markets . They’re colorful, fun and the place to pick up an unusual gift. Check out the annual fairs at places like Lille , Amiens, and the great antiques town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

And don’t miss the vide greniers , a day when the inhabitants of small towns and villages empty their attics, set up stalls in the street and sell the widest range of items. You can find interesting plates, posters, textiles and odd things like wooden boxes; well worth a rummage.

Seek out the shopping malls for bargains on designer clothes, shoes, and household goods.

And finally, the winter and summer sales are always good value. They are highly organized in France; the goods on sale are controlled, and they are only allowed at set times of the year.

Edited by Mary Anne Evans

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Budget Breakdown: Real Cost of a Trip to France

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Have you always wondered how much it would cost for a trip to France? While it’s not exactly the cheapest country, especially in the city of Paris, there are ways to stretch your money and have the trip of your dreams.

Admittedly, the one week trip to Bordeaux and Paris I am about to share with you below was a pricey one! It was my third trip to France and my husband’s second, and we wanted to level up our experience from our initial 2019 Paris trip. We indulged in a few things we normally wouldn’t, like a case of wine and a view of Sacre Coeur from our hotel room (no regrets).

In each category below I am going to share everything we spent, areas where we could have saved, or why a certain splurge was worth it. With that said, here is what our early May France trip really cost.

Here is our actual France Trip Cost (in USD):

The above shows what my husband and I actually spent while frolicking around Paris and Bordeaux for one week.  Our budget was certainly not on a shoe-string and leaned a little closer to luxury this time (though could definitely have been more so!). We enjoyed splurging in some areas, while saving in other areas.

There are many factors that will make our actual expenses higher or lower than yours will be, which I am discussing below. For each category, I will suggest ways to reduce costs, as well as tell you what splurges are worth it. After all, you may have dreamed of visiting France your whole life, so you have to live it up where you can!

Travel Savvy Tip

Don’t look at this budget as a lump sum! That’s the quickest way to get intimidated and assume that strolling Paris’s Champs-Élysées is unattainable. The truth is, you won’t pay the full amount at once. You’ll buy your flight, lodging, and rental car right away, and then likely pay nothing for a few months.

Once it gets closer to your trip, you’ll start looking at tours you may want to do, as well as make restaurant reservations. When you get back home from your trip, you’ll pay off any remaining vacay expenses you’ve incurred.

Breaking it into chunks like this is a much more approachable way to afford the cost of a trip to France!

France Trip Cost Breakdown:

To reach Bordeaux, my husband and I took two flights. This is because we first spent one week in Barcelona for his business trip before flying to Bordeaux the next Saturday. After our one week in France, Aaron had a few more business days in Belgium.

Here is the breakdown of the $1,972.61:

• Round trip flight to Europe (Cleveland to Barcelona, Brussels to Cleveland): $1,605.15
• One way flight from Barcelona to Bordeaux: $367.46

The round trip flight to Europe is for only me in economy (Aaron’s company covered his flight). Tickets to Europe generally running high for a May trip, but that’s pretty normal going into the warmer months. I paid around the same price for a round trip flight to Paris in July of 2022.

Additionally, flying out of Cleveland, Ohio can cost more than other cities. We do not have a direct flight to Paris, so we often pay higher prices for a connection. Plus, due to Aaron’s work assignment, we could not be flexible with our dates, which is one of the best ways to save money on plane tickets.

To find the best fares, vigilantly monitor flights prices on Google Flights or Skyscanner around the season you are planning to travel. Solo travelers should budget around $750-$1,500 total for airfare; everyone should read the below tips to avoid overpaying for flights:

• Be flexible with your travel days, as weekend flights can be crazy expensive. Play around with searching different departure and arrival days, and you’ll be amazed what a difference that can make.
• Travel during the low season (November through March), when there is an overall drop in prices.
• Last but not least, the tip that has helped me the most:  Sign up for a credit card with travel rewards points. We’ve gotten countless free flights thanks to our cards, simply due to points earned on every day purchases. We’ve had great experiences using both the  Capital One Venture  and the  Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Transportation

Paris’s bigger cities, like Paris and Bordeaux, are well connected by train. Within Paris, using the metro to get around is cheap and saves your legs. France does have ride sharing options as well like Uber, although we never needed to use it because the metro or walking gets you everywhere.

If you’re a little uncomfortable with the thought of public transportation, have nothing to fear. With clearly marked signs and maps in all stations and on trains, as well as the accuracy of Google Maps, the Metro is incredibly easy to figure out.  The worst that happens is you have to get off and head back in the other direction.

A single metro ticket (called a T+ ticket) costs €2.10 book, while 10 metro tickets cost €19.10. Aaron and I each bought ten tickets (total of twenty), and that was enough for five days in Paris. Airport train transfers between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris’s RER B stations are a bit pricier at €11.45 a person. All can be bought at machines at any metro or RER station.

To get between Paris and Bordeaux, Aaron and I opted for an easy 2.5-hour train ride.

In Paris, you do not need a rental car to get around.  Even if you leave Paris, there are trains and buses that can take you all over, so you still may not need drive in France. 

The Bordeaux wine region is an exception where you will need a car. The area is full of small villages with beautiful chateaux, but they are not easily reached by public transportation.

I recommend taking the train from Bordeaux like we did and picking up your rental car on arrival. For a one day rental, we paid about $145.45 for a small SUV. We did not need the car longer than that because we were fortunate to meet up with friends who were able to drive us.

Don’t forget to consider these additional rental car expenses:

• Before returning any rental car, you will need to fill the tank back up.  We did not need to fill up, as our friends offered to drive and we returned our car.
• Some places may require you to pay for parking.

Lodging options in Paris are abundant, though finding chic, affordable, and well-located ones can be tricky. The further away you are from the main tourist sights, the better for finding lower prices.

On our first visit, Aaron and I stayed at this cute Airbnb in the Marais neighborhood. However, I’ve since started to avoid using Airbnb in big cities, since the company often has an adverse effect on housing prices for locals. That said, we still use the platform in rural or less touristed cities, where it’s less of an issue.

Thankfully, over the past couple years I’ve found several hotels I’ve loved within a reasonable budget. Keep in mind that even nice hotels will often have tight quarters. Be ready for tiny elevators and narrow hallways.

Here is what we paid for lodging in both Paris and Bordeaux:

• Paris – Grand Pigalle (awesome views, close to Montmartre) – $1,717.63
• Bordeaux ( Libourne ) – spacious Airbnb with cute patio – $695.46

Here are a few places I stayed last year when I traveled solo in Paris :

• Lenox Montparnasse (Montparnasse) – $181.67 for one night
• Hotel Monterosa – Astotel (9th Arrondissement) – $297.85 for two nights
• Hôtel Sèvres (St. Germain) – $1,266.04 for seven nights

Also Read: The Perfect 2 Days in Paris Itinerary

Hot take: the food offerings in Paris are much too delicious to justify eating in during your stay. Okay, okay. I recognize that some of you may opt for an Airbnb in order to have a kitchen where you can cook your own meals. Fair enough.

Aaron and I chose to eat out during our five days in Paris and spent nothing on groceries.

Food & Drink

Food and drink is where you could let the cost of a trip to France get away from you. As you can tell in our budget, Aaron and I had some really nice dinners while in Paris. We spent next to nothing in Bordeaux because our friends covered the food since we paid for the Airbnb.

We spent the least during breakfast and lunch, which mainly consisted of pain au chocolat, coffee, and sandwiches. Our high dinner prices were usually augmented by our desire for delicious French wine.

Generally, I would advise budgeting at lease $100 a day for two people to eat in Paris. Minimal drinking helps to keep your spending down. If you’re being more frugal, maybe have just one nice night out and eat more cheaply on the other days. Restaurants serving items like crepes or Thai food tend to be easier on the wallet.

While in France, you’ll want to save room in your budget for experiences. This is especially true in Paris, where there are so many world class sights and museums!

While admission fees for the various things available can make the cost of a trip to France more expensive, it is possible to avoid overspending. The key is to see the most important couple places on your bucket list, and then mix in some free things.

Also, look for ways to save on the various sights. For example, in Paris it may be more cost effective to purchase the Paris Museum Pass , where you pay one price for access to several sights over so many days. The Eiffel Tower is not covered by the pass, but if you opt to climb the stairs to the 2nd floor, rather than ride the elevator, it’ll save you about a third of the cost.

We were able to spend only a little over $120 on activities during our 2019 two-day trip (adjusted for inflation):

This year we obviously spent a bit more, mostly because we wanted to attend a show at the Moulin Rouge . Notably, we didn’t spend anything exploring cities like Bordeaux or Saint-Émilion. Here’s what the $623.45 entails:

Also Read: How to Climb the Eiffel Tower While Scared of Heights

Free Things to do in Paris

Above, I mentioned that it is very smart to weave some free things into your itinerary to keep the cost of a trip to France as low as possible. Here are just a few ways to see incredible sights, but spend zero dollars doing so:

• Take a free Rick Steves walking tour using his Audio Europe App
• Window shop on the Champs-Élysées
• Stroll along the Seine River
• Visit Place du Trocadéro for beautiful fountains with Eiffel Tower views in the background
• Check out the iconic pyramid entrance to the Louvre
• Visit the Arc de Triomphe for a photo op
• Walk to Île de la Cité or Île Saint-Louis over one of the bridges crossing the Seine
• Visit the Tuileries Gardens or Luxembourg Gardens
• View Notre-Dame from the outside (you cannot go inside since the fire)
• Watch the Eiffel Tower glitter after sunset, every hour on the hour
• Take this charming walking route through Montmartre
• Visit Jim Morrison’s grave (among notable others) at Pere Lachaise Cemetery

France Trip Cost: Miscellaneous Expenses

• Shopping: $492.96 From fashion to wine, there is amazing shopping to be done in France! Just be careful that you don’t blow your budget! $429.73 of this was spent on nice wine from Pauillac, Bordeaux.
• Cell Phone: $80 You may need an international plan to make sure your phone works during your trip. Under Verizon, I pay $10 for every day I use cellular data abroad. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it for how often I rely on my phone for Google Maps and last minute restaurant searches. Aaron keeps his phone on airplane mode so that we only pay for my phone.
• Pet Boarding: $432.96 While it’s ideal to have a friend or family member watch your pet for free, that isn’t always possible. When Aaron and I travel together, we always pay to board our dog in a cozy little “suite” at his vet office.

There you have it – the cost to visit France based on seven days spent in Paris and Bordeaux. While spending will vary from person to person, this is a good overall idea of what prices will look like for every aspect of your trip. Whether you’d like to skimp or do it up a little more, this post is the perfect place to start when planning your France budget.

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19 France money-saving tips you should know about

Posted on August 19, 2020 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on October 17, 2023

Traveling Europe is not cheap, and France is, from far, one of the most expensive European countries to travel to. You might have been saving for months for this dream trip and might be wondering how to stretch your budget once in France. Whether you are still planning your French trip or are about to go, we have listed the best money-saving tips for a trip to France so you can save your hard-earned money while still having a blast, enjoying all of what the country has to offer.

Must-know budget tips for traveling in France on a budget

#1 – enjoy free activities.

What if I told you I could give you a day tour of Paris, seeing all the highlights, for only the price of the daily metro pass (12 euros)? It is totally doable to visit a city without spending much. For instance, in Paris, you can see almost everything for free, you don’t actually need to climb up the Eiffel Tower, you don’t need to pay 17 euros for the Louvre if you only want to see the Joconde, because trust me, the only thing you’ll see is a horde of Chinese tourists with selfie sticks.

You don’t have to go inside every building and pay an entrance fee each time. In most French cities, just walking around, you’ll see everything you need.

Take advantage of free stuff too. There are tons of places you can visit for free in France, like gardens, most churches, festivals, public museums on the first Sunday of each month… Always check the tourism office’s website for the city you’re going to visit. They often offer free guided walking tours or have a self-paced itinerary set up. They also list all the city’s attractions and events. Visiting Paris and France on a budget is easier than you might think.

#2 – Check out the City Pass

Most city’s tourism offices offer a sort of City Pass, which includes museums and main landmarks. It’s usually a good deal if you’re planning to visit a lot of museums, if not, I’ll advise comparing the individual prices for the places you want to visit to the overall cost of the pass.

#3 – Be careful with the transportation passes

Figuring public transportation in a new city can be tricky. Should you get a pass or just go with one-time tickets? You’ll have to do the math. It’s not always cheaper to get the pass. In Paris there are 5 zones, if you’re not planning to go to Disney World, you won’t need a pass for the 5 zones. Be careful with the people working at the metro station, who are there to help tourists, they get bonuses when they sell the most expensive passes.

#4 – Order the “Menu du jour” at the restaurant

French gastronomy is a whole part of a trip to France and one of the top experiences to have while there. Unfortunately, restaurants in France are not super budget-friendly. To still enjoy a good meal at the restaurant without breaking the bank, check out restaurants that offer a “Menu du jour” (menu of the day). It will usually include 2 to 3 courses, maybe a drink, and will cost around 10 to 15 euros. You can usually choose between a couple of dishes, but sometimes it’s a set menu.

Related article – Top French dishes you need to try during your trip to France

#5 – Avoid eating in touristy areas

Restaurants in touristy areas are often overpriced and sometimes not even that good. Try to find restaurants locals go to, outside of super touristy areas, especially in Paris.

#6 – You don’t always have to tip

It’s not common in France to tip, most French people don’t. The waiting staff is paid a full salary, so tipping is not mandatory, but it’s always nice to leave something if you’re satisfied with the service. Apart from restaurants, tipping is really not customary in France.

#7 – Water is free and house wine is cheap

While eating at restaurants, order the free water (“Une carafe d’eau s’il-vous-plaît”), you don’t really need to pay for mineral water. Drinks are usually a huge chunk of your food budget and can quickly add up.

Another cheap option is ordering the house wine, it’s pretty good and almost as cheap as getting it at the supermarket. You can order by the glass or by the “pichet” (pitcher).

#8 – Eat at the bakery

When out and about, you can always stop by a bakery for breakfast or lunch. Most bakeries will have good deals and are a cheaper, more budget-friendly, option to eat at. They almost always have sandwiches or quiche, with deals including a drink and a tasty French dessert , for around 5 to 7 euros. It’s also a great option for breakfast if you’re feeling like having pastries, they often sell coffee and juices as well. Some bakeries you can eat at, others you’ll have to eat outside, you can find a park and have a little picnic.

#9 – Shop at local markets and supermarkets

If you’re able to cook where you’re staying, shopping at markets and supermarkets is a cheaper alternative to restaurants. Supermarkets would be cheaper than markets, but the food quality would usually be better at the market, especially for things such as cheese or deli. At the market, you can buy directly to the producer (not always though), and find gourmet food you wouldn’t find at the super.

Buy some cheese at the market, bread at the bakery, and some wine at the grocery store, and have a great budget meal, for half of what you would pay at the restaurant. You can also check out the “traiteurs”, where they sell already prepared food, you can choose the quantity you want. It will be pricer than cooking yourself, but it will still be cheaper than the restaurants.

Markets are usually held on Sunday mornings. In big cities, you should be able to find one nearby during the week. The tourism office will list the most popular ones, just ask at your hotel, for a more local market in the neighborhood.

#10 – Buy your train tickets in advance

Traveling by train in France can be cheap if you can plan ahead. Last-minute tickets are usually super expensive and can be 5 times more expensive than they were at first. You can book a train ticket 3 months before, and it’s not cheaper to book a round trip ticket, so you can book one way first, when the tickets are available, and the return ticket later.

#11 – Carpool

Carpooling is really popular in France, it’s safe, fast, cheap, and the perfect option when you’re on a budget. The most popular service is BlaBlaCar , it’s free to sign up and you can look for trips and book them online. Prices are usually the same as a bus ticket, but you’ll go much faster, as buses are mandated to take a 30-minute break every 2 hours. Carpooling is also a great opportunity to meet locals and learn a bit more about French culture.

#12 – Avoid taxis

Taxis are expensive, and public transportation in France is excellent. You can easily go to point A to point B without taking a cab. The only exception is at night, in smaller cities where there’s no public transportation after a certain time, then you’ll be forced to take a cab. Uber is usually cheaper but not always.

From the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, you can easily take the RER train, it will get you right to the heart of Paris. You can then take the subway with the same ticket to reach your destination within Paris.

#13 – You don’t need to rent a car

While traveling in France on a budget, renting a car is really not necessary. You can go anywhere with public transportation and having a car in big cities is such a pain, it’s hard to find a parking spot near the city center and it’s never free.

#14 – But if you do, follow these tips

If you do decide to rent a car and go on a road trip, try avoiding toll roads, it will take you a bit more time to reach your destination, but country roads are so much prettier than toll roads, where you don’t get to see any landscape.

Also, get your gas at the supermarkets’ pumps, it’s way cheaper than in a regular gas station.

#15 – Use the Velib’

Velibs are bikes you can rent pretty much everywhere in Paris (each big city has a version of this, the name is just different). Daily bike rental is cheaper than a daily public transportation pass in most cities and it’s a great way to discover the city! If the weather is nice, do rent a bike to get to the city’s attractions, you’ll get to see more of the city and maybe spot a place you like you wouldn’t have otherwise.

#16 – Avoid nightclubs

Nightclubs in France usually charge a hefty entrance fee (especially in Paris), look for “Bars dansants”, bars with a Deejay, there’s no cover, and you can have drinks and dance. These bars are just smaller than nightclubs and most of them will close at 2 AM, but you can find a couple that will stay open later.

If you do decide to go clubbing in France, just take note that people never go to a club before 1 AM, usually more around 2 AM. Night clubs stay open until 5 to 7 AM.

Also, take advantage of Happy Hours, as drinks can be costly in bars. The cheapest options would be tap beers and wine.

#17 – Couchsurf

When traveling France on a budget, Couchsurfing is a great option. You get to stay for free with locals. See it as a cultural exchange. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, learn more about France, and hang out in cool places with locals. I highly recommend staying with a Couchsurfer for a couple of nights to lower your accommodation cost, and you’ll also get a kitchen to cook in.

#18 – Travel during low season

Traveling during low-season can be a game-changer budget-wise and also a perfect way to visit places without hordes of tourists. In general, avoid public holidays or big events. High and low season can vary depending on where you go in France.

#19 – Skip the most popular destinations

There are tons of beautiful cities and places in France that are often overlooked by international tourists. They are just as beautiful as the most popular French destinations, and they’re usually way more budget-friendly. Everything in Paris is way more expensive than in the rest of France, the more tourists there are, the pricier the food, transportation, and attractions.

Check out the best cities to visit in France besides Paris or the most stunning French landscapes you need to see if you like nature.

If you want more tips on traveling abroad on a budget, check out my full “ International travel budget tips” guide .

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Is France Expensive? A France Trip Cost Guide

Last Updated on September 21, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

France is consistently the most popular tourist destination in Europe, with Paris welcoming tens of millions of visitors each year and only Istanbul and London coming close to challenging for the number one spot. But is France expensive to visit? We’ve worked out a France trip cost so you have a rough idea of how much a holiday in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries will set you back.

France is a very diverse country, however, so the price of your trip will change drastically if you have a skiing holiday in the Alps, a romantic weekend in Paris , a no-expense-spared holiday on the Côte d’Azur , a relaxing retreat among the châteaux of the Loire or an action-packed adventure in the valleys of the Tarn.

France can be an expensive country to visit with an average cost of €85-580 (roughly $94-640 USD) per person per day. That said, there’s something for everyone in France, and most locations have options to accommodate all types of budgets. Let’s look at the specifics.

Table of Contents

France Trip Cost Guide

From the stunning Pyrenees mountains to the pristine Mediterranean beaches and the awe-inspiring Gorges du Verdon, to the wines of Bordeaux and the lavender fields outside Aix-en-Provence , there are many beautiful holiday destinations across France.

Our guide will compare prices between a broad range of locations to get the best idea of how expensive France is as a whole.

Accommodation Prices

When making a France travel budget, accommodation should be the first thing to research as it can be relatively expensive if you don’t carefully look at your options.

Camping is one of the cheaper options for accommodation in France, but not everyone’s idea of a relaxing holiday is sleeping on the floor in a woodland, regardless of how beautiful the landscape is…

Solo young travellers may be disappointed by the lack of hostels across France , although you can find some in big cities like Paris, Marseille and Lyon . Outside of Paris, you can expect to pay no more than €50 for a single bed in a dorm room, although it’s hard to find a bed under €30 as you can in other European cities.

Within Paris, the majority of beds in dorm rooms are over €50, so if you’re travelling with a friend or partner, it’s usually worthwhile staying in a hotel and splitting the cost of the room. In general, expect the cost of accommodation to be more expensive in Paris over other cities and regions in France.

Looking at hotels in a variety of towns and cities in France, the majority of the double rooms cost over €100 per night, while only about one-third of rooms cost €50-€100, leaving just a tiny percentage of rooms that cost less than €50 per night. You can view mid-range options here.

If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, expect to make in excess of €300-550 per night for a room – and oftentimes much more depending on the hotel and location. You can view luxury options here.

This shows that accommodation in France can be expensive, although there are many reasonable options to be found if you’re visiting France on a budget; either way, accommodation is a big factor in your overall France trip cost.

Transportation Prices

On the other hand, travelling in France is as easy, cheap and comfortable as it is highly recommended. France, especially the South, is very welcoming to tourists and travellers, so moving around in the country is very simple.

If you’re willing to take a risk, you can even hitchhike from one place to another very easily to keep your trip to France cost to a minimum; the majority of French people are very friendly and will take you as far as they can as well as recommend places to visit and things to do in the area that you might not otherwise know about.

That’s also why the ride-sharing app Blablacar works so well in France. It’s hard to book a journey many weeks in advance, but if you’re on a loose schedule, you can find many different cars to join over the coming week and choose whichever driver you have more in common with or which journey best suits your timing or budget.

A 3-hour journey can cost as little as €15, and you can even find rides over long journeys such as 9 hours from Paris to Montpellier from just €50.

France also has an incredibly well-developed train network, with high-speed trains able to transport you to all corners of the country. The cost of train tickets, however, can vary depending on the journey length and how far in advance you book. You can view train schedules here.

There is also a decent bus network that can often be a bit less expensive than the train, however, the journeys can take longer and it’s often less comfortable than a train ride. You can view bus schedules here.

If you’re planning a road trip or are keen to try your hand at driving in France, however, you can easily rent a car from French Airports or city centres from €50-100 for a small car. You can view car rental options here.

Within French towns and cities, you can use the bus, tram or metro for €1.50-2.50 for a single ticket, although there are often cheaper alternatives for 10 journeys or 24 hours if you think you’ll use public transportation in France often over your stay.

Or, for a greener and more active alternative, you can find city rental bikes in the streets of most large cities in France, which you can rent for €0.50-1.50 per hour or €5 a day to get around easily.

These city bikes do require a credit card to make sure you return the bike, so if you don’t have one or you’re in a smaller town, you can still rent a bicycle for around €20-30 a day, sometimes with an additional few euros for a helmet or basket.

Some of these bike rental shops also have e-bikes available so you can save your legs, although the price can be a lot more expensive, from €35-70 per day.

Food Prices

Dining is one of the best activities in France, and the options won’t disappoint you. Sure, you can find cheap French fast food chains and cafeterias everywhere like Flunch and Quick, but it would be a waste of a trip to the gastronomic centre of Europe to eat here.

The cost of food in France can vary depending on your habits. Breakfast is a cheap and easy affair, with bakeries on every corner selling fresh pastries and baguettes for less than a couple of euros each.

Meanwhile, you can have a cheap and cheerful lunch of a delicious sandwich for a few euros from any cafe, or turn it into a meal deal in the French cafe La Mie Caline where you can get a sandwich, cake and drink for a very affordable price. The classic French croque monsieur can also be found everywhere, as well, for low prices.

Of course, it’s always affordable and a great way to support local vendors to pick up some bread, local cheese or some meats from small delis or market stalls and have a picnic for lunch, as well!

However, if you’re going to make the most of your trip to France and dine as the locals do, you can find excellent set menus for lunch for €15-30 for 2-3 courses of usually expertly prepared and locally sourced dishes.

For dinner, there are many options to be found in France in terms of price and cuisine, but you can almost always guarantee it will be high-quality food.

A mid-range restaurant will serve exquisite dishes, often prepared in the same traditional way over many generations, so you know they have the classic French cooking down to a T. Evening set menus can cost anywhere between €20 and €45 for three courses in most restaurants, with a bottle of wine costing €20-60.

So, there’s really no need to spend a fortune in a 5-star restaurant in France unless you’re out for a special occasion or want to enjoy a spectacular view, such as in the Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. Here you can have a 5-course dinner time tasting menu for €255.

Activities Prices

France isn’t just a tourist hotspot for its incredible scenery; it’s also full of museums, galleries, historic sites and landmarks that make the country such a wonderful place for a holiday.

Some small towns will have a museum or gallery that costs only a few euros to enter, however, most larger towns, cities and popular tourist destinations will charge €10-20 for an entry ticket to a museum or art gallery.

It’s best to visit the website of each museum or gallery you plan on visiting before you go, as some offer free entrance at certain hours of the day or days of the month. For example, in Paris, some of the most popular museums are open for free on the first Friday or Sunday of the month, except in July and August.

What’s more, some places with many activities offer combined tickets for a few of their popular attractions, such as in Avignon or the   Paris Museum Pass , so you can save a few euros if you’re in the area and planning to visit all of the main sights.

Historic sites also have a similar price range, with the Pope’s Palace, Lascaux Caves and Pont du Gard all priced at €12-15, while the Catacombs cost €30 to visit, and the spectacular cable car journey to and from the Aiguille du Midi in the Alps can have a hefty price tag, but it is worth it.

If you’re concerned about the cost of a trip to France and want to save on activities, then you can simply walk around the areas and enjoy the views, architecture and life in each town’s main square for free.

There are even free walking tours available in most cities, so you can learn as you wander and make some friends along the way. Keep in mind that you do need to tip the guides on these tours, so the price tag isn’t completely free.

France is also dotted with incredible churches, abbeys and cathedrals, all of which you can enter for free.

Entertainment Prices

There is also plenty of entertainment to be found across France, with spontaneous gatherings regularly popping up in parks and squares, especially in cities with young populations like Montpellier and Rennes, so there’s no chance of missing out on the action.

Just head to the nearest supermarket and get a bottle of wine for a couple of euros or a case of beer and join in the fun for a very reasonable price.

Cafés, bars and restaurants are all over France, even in the tiniest of villages, and the prices don’t change much; a coffee will cost €1-3, while a draft beer can cost €3-5 for a draft ½ pint, or €6-9 for 50cl.

A glass of wine in a bar can range from €4-6, depending largely on your proximity to a wine-making region as well as the standard of place you’re in, while cocktails are the average price for Europe, at around €10-16 each. Pastis is usually the cheapest alcoholic drink on a menu, at just a few euros per glass.

Many French cities also have excellent concert venues, which are similarly priced to other European venues, with tickets ranging from €35-100 according to who is performing and where in the arena you’re sitting.

Throughout summer you can also find many small festivals across France, although usually in the South, each at a similar price, with day tickets around €60 and weekend tickets around €100.

If you prefer something a bit more lively, you can find cabaret tickets in Paris for just €35 for the show and a drink of choice, although average tickets cost €40-50.

Is France Expensive? Average Prices in France

So, how expensive is France to visit? What are the costs in France that you need to consider?

It largely depends on where you are and what you plan to do as you can very easily pay next to nothing by hitchhiking and camping in the free camping spots in France, or driving down in a campervan from England in the Eurotunnel or ferry and saving a great deal in transport and accommodation costs. However, this is neither ideal nor feasible for everybody.

We’ll work out an average cost for one person for one whole day in France, assuming they use transport, take part in a paid activity, have an evening out, eat three meals a day and drink one coffee, one glass of beer or wine and one cocktail. This is also assuming that some costs, such as accommodation, are split between two people.

Accommodation : €30-275 / night

Transportation :  €5-30 / day

Food : €30-150 / day

Activities : €10-75 / day

Entertainment : €10-50 / day

On average, expect to spend roughly €85-580 per person per day during your trip to France. Of course, this can vary greatly depending on your habits and you can find ways to pinch pennies even further and it’s certainly possible to spend more.

France is as diverse as it is beautiful so you don’t need a strict France travel budget; you can easily have a dreamy holiday without breaking the bank. Just prioritise whatever matters most for you, and you’ll find the perfect location that fits your needs and your budget, whether that’s in the mountains, on a beach or in the city. France has it all.

Are you visiting France? Have any questions about your budget? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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Budget travel France: Best cost cutting tips from a local

Visiting France on a tight budget is possible with a little research and planning. Here are my best cost-cutting tips based on personal experience living in France.

Between food, hotels, activities and the cost of getting around, travel expenses can quickly spiral out of control, especially when considering a trip to France.

If you’re travelling to France on a budget and wondering how you can manage your expenses, I have some tips based on my personal experience living in France and travelling to other parts of France.

Some of these tips come straight from my two adult sons, who have become master budget travellers out of necessity. 

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1) Save Money on Sightseeing and activities

Consider city passes:.

A city pass is a bundled ticket or pass that gives you admission to multiple tourist attractions, museums, tours, activities, and landmarks within a specific city or area at discounted rates. It’s a great  way to save money

These passes are typically valid for a set number of days, anywhere from 2 days to a week, and sometimes include perks such as skipping lines or discounted transportation options on buses, metro or trams. 

Free Self-guided walking tours

If you want to explore France at your own pace, self-guided walking tours are a great option.

These tours come in various forms, such as maps, brochures, or digital guides. You can also download self-guided tours as a phone app, many of which have audio that tells you interesting facts about each location. 

I recently found a new self-guided tour at GPSmyCity, with over 1000 cities in its database.

Simply download their app on the iTunes App Store  or  Google Play Store , which works offline, so you don’t have to worry about racking up roaming fees. Next, select a city and choose from a list of locations you want to visit to create your self-guided walk. The app’s navigation functions will then guide you from one attraction to the next based on your selection.

For example,  here is the GPS MY city guided tour for Montpellier , where I live. 

Skip The Paid Attractions

You don’t have to pay a lot of money to see what France has to offer. 

There are plenty of other places to visit for free, such as flower markets, parks, churches, and la Seine in Paris.

Even if you don’t want to pay the admission fee to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower , you can still appreciate its beauty from a distance.

This way, you can enjoy the many attractions France has to offer without worrying about the cost of travel.

Free entry to museums and monuments once a month

Many museums, galleries and monuments such as the Louvre, Musée Rodin, Musée Picasso, and Musée d’Orsay offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Get there early because these days are popular and lines queue up fast. 

2) How to snag cheap flights

One of the easier ways to save a lot of money is on the price of your plane tickets. 

Scoring budget-friendly plane tickets isn’t rocket science. It comes down to timing and strategy. 

Book in Advance:

Start your hunt for tickets well ahead of your travel date. Generally, booking several months in advance gives you more time and a wider selection of cheaper offers. 

It pays to be flexible:

Be flexible with your travel dates. It’s amazing how much ticket prices vary from one day to the other, sometimes by hundreds of dollars.

Being open to alternative airports and nearby cities can also save you a lot of money.

And finally, consider flying on weekdays or off-peak hours to get more affordable fares.

Hunt for Package Deals and special offers:

Keep an eye out for package deals from travel companies that include flights and accommodations, which can often save you a bundle. 

Sign up for alerts or newsletters from airlines and travel websites to get notified of flash sales and promotions. Airlines frequently have special deals during certain periods, such as black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sometimes, those deals can pop up on their social media pages, too, so be sure to follow them there, too. 

3) Avoid hotels when possible.

Accommodation in France can be expensive, especially in popular tourist destinations or major cities like Paris but hotels tend to be more expensive compared to alternative options.

While most people think of Airbnb, there are many cost-effective alternatives to hotels that tourists may not be aware of, including gîtes, youth hostels, camping sites, and extended stay hotels called “hôtels long séjour”.

4) Travel In The Off-Season

June is a lovely time to visit France , but it’s also the busiest and one of the most expensive, especially in Paris. 

 Consider visiting France during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), typically from November through March. During this time, there are fewer tourists and lower prices for plane tickets, accommodations, and attractions. 

5) Dining on a budget in France

Eating out in France every day can get expensive.

Here are some tips to keep food costs down while traveling.  

Related:  A guide to tipping in France: It’s not as much as you think!

Local Bakeries:

Bakeries called ‘ les boulangeries ‘ offer more than just fresh baguettes and bread.

They often have tasty food at affordable prices, such as sandwiches, quiches, mini pizzas on focaccia bread, delicious pastries and more. 

Avoid Touristy Hotspots:

Restaurants located near popular tourist attractions are often more expensive with subpar food. Venture farther away from these areas to find more budget-friendly dining options where locals eat. 

Menu du Jour or Prix Fixe:

Look for restaurants that have a “Menu du Jour” (special of the day) or “Prix Fixe” (fixed-price menu), which are usually more affordable than ordering à la carte.

Cafés and Bistros:

Bistros and cafés  are some of the more affordable sit-down restaurants where you can get classic French dishes without the high-end prices. 

Takeaway or Street Food:

France isn’t all about fine dining. Consider takeaway options like crepes , sandwiches, or kebabs from street vendors or small eateries.

These can be quick, affordable, and delicious meals on the go, but they often have seating for customers who want to dine in. 

Grocery stores:

Explore local markets and grocery stores to buy fresh produce, bread, cheese, and fruits for picnics or self-prepared meals. 

Many grocery stores in France also have prepared food such as sushi, sandwiches and other prepared dishes. Some grocery stores even have a small sit-down area with microwaves for people to warm up their food and eat. 

6) Save money on Transportation

Buses, trains, trams and metros are much more cost-effective than taxis or rental cars.

Consider purchasing multi-day or multi-ride passes when possible for additional savings.

If you must use a taxi, consider using Uber which tend to be more affordable then taxis.

For train tickets, I always suggest “Trainline,” my favourite place to buy train tickets online or using their phone app. 

Blah Blah car:

BlaBlaCar is a popular online ridesharing and carpooling platform and mobile app that connects drivers heading to a particular destination who offer available seats in their cars to people looking to travel to the same destination.

You can find people in your area heading to the next city, and even cross country. You just need to be flexible with times and dates. 

FlixBus is a well-known long-distance bus service that operates a fleet of green-coloured buses equipped with power outlets, wi-fi, comfortable settings and onboard restrooms.

They have a vast network of routes that connect cities and towns across France for a fraction of the cost of travelling by train.

Avoid toll roads:

If you end up renting a car and plan on taking road trips, you should know that there are three primary types of roads in France: Autoroutes (motorways), National roads, and Department roads.

To save money on tolls, you should avoid the autoroutes, which almost always have tolls (péages) that can add up to hundreds of euros if you are not careful. 

Instead, opt for the National and Department roads, which might take longer to reach your destination compared to autoroutes but often take you through more scenic routes.

We’ve discovered many cities this way that we would have never considered visiting. 

• National roads have signs that start with N’ followed by a number, e.g., N7.
• Department roads have signs that start with ‘D’ followed by a number, e.g., D102.

7) Go for Budget Shopping

It’s almost impossible not to resist the irresistible urge to shop in a foreign country. Here are some money-saving tips for shopping in France.

Summer and winter sales

There are two major sales periods in France known as “Les Soldes” – the winter sales and the summer sales.

During these sales, stores and boutiques across France offer discounts of 30%, 50% or more off the original price on a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, electronics, home goods, and more.

Because locals await these two annual sales, you can expect bustling crowds. 

• Winter Sales (Soldes d’Hiver): This sale begins in January and lasts about six weeks. 
• Summer Sales (Soldes d’Été): The summer sales usually begin in the last week of June or the first week of July and last around five weeks. 

Flea markets (Brocantes and “Marché aux Puces)

France has many options for buying used and secondhand goods, which will not only save you money but is also a fun activity to do. 

• Brocantes : These junk shops of joy typically sell antiques, vintage goods, and unique or collectible items, including furniture, art, jewelry, and other objects.
• Marché aux Puces: These are Flea markets that sell various goods, including antiques, vintage items, collectibles, furniture, clothing, and sometimes newer merchandise.
• Vide Greniers: Garage sales don’t exist in France. Instead, people have something called ‘vide greniers’ (attic emptier or attic sales). They are community-based, smaller and more informal than flea markets and typically take place in open areas where locals go to sell the items they no longer need or want. 
• Les Fripperies: “These are brick-and-mortar thrift shops or secondhand stores selling pre-owned or used clothing, accessories, and household items at affordable prices.

Wrapping up visiting France on a tight budget

Budget travelling, no matter what country, is possible if you do your research and plan carefully, even in France. 

Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a 'petite commission' at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links. It helps me buy more wine and cheese. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Annie André

About the author

I'm Annie André, a bilingual North American with Thai and French Canadian roots. I've lived in France since 2011. When I'm not eating cheese, drinking wine or hanging out with my husband and children, I write articles on my personal blog annieandre.com for intellectually curious people interested in all things France: Life in France, travel to France, French culture, French language, travel and more.

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How Much Money to Budget for a Month in France?

Is the cost of traveling France is to much?  However, it is easy to travel France for cheap and every penny you spend is worth it. France is an incredible country to explore.

France instantly makes me reminisce exploring the Louvre for the first time, driving through the countryside during the  Mongol Rally , and celebrating my 27th birthday drinking wine under the white lights of the Eiffel Tower.

France is a country full of street cafes, delicious wine, and stunning Gothic Cathedrals’. Throughout the centuries, the country has become the home of famous painters and talented writers that have succumbed to the lure of France.

Honestly, doesn’t France sound unbelievable?

It is unbelievable, but it isn’t cost of  traveling France  isn’t the cheapest. Of course you can keep the cost down by sticking to unusual things to do in Paris , or picking your day trips from Paris wisely. Let’s break down the how much you need to budget when visiting France .

The Cost of Traveling in France

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The Cost of Accommodation

Hostels – What is a hostel like in France? Well, budget backpackers beware!

Hostels in France are some of the most expensive dorms and private rooms I’ve seen in all of Europe.

You also need to book far in advance to get reasonable prices.

Dorm –  Don’t expect the $20-$30 you’ve become accustomed to paying in most places in Europe. For a 12 bed dorm in France, I was paying $45 a night.

Note: Just to be accurate I took a sample of 20  Paris hostels  arranged by popularity from Hostelworld and calculated the average. It was $41.24

Private dorms –  A private room with range between $50-$90 a night !

In the off-season take of $10 for both dorms and private rooms

Personally, when looking for hostel in France I would either use hostelworld or book directly with St. Christopher (If you book directly you get free breakfast which will help you lower the cost of traveling in France.)

Airbnb – Another option for staying in France is Airbnb, It is a little more expensive than a hostel but offers privacy . Use this link and save $40 off your first stay with airbnb .

Also, read how to use airbnb promo codes to save $100’s traveling.

I can’t stress enough that you need to book your accommodation in the big cities like Paris ahead of time. Hostel fills up fast, and prices rise, and you will spend one of your limited days in France just trying to find a place to sleep. So make sure to check out alternatives for Airbnb as well.

The Cost of Eating in France

One thing you have to accept, traveling in France, is that your waistline is going to expand.

No no, don’t try to fight it, just make sure to pack a loose pair of pants, and savor every wonderful bite.

Any stroll down the street in accompanied by blankly window shopping in bakeries, the drool slowly dripping from your mouth as you stare at some of the most epic pastries every created by man.

I did a bakery crawl my first day in France  ( A term I might have just invented).

Meaning I was stopping at every bakery and trying something new.

Finally, my brother looked at me in all seriousness and said  “wow dude.”

“What?”  I questioned, the crumbs tumbling from the side of my mouth.

It was only them I realized I had lost all human decency and had to watch my pastry intake.

The food is that incredible.

However, eating out every night will kill your budget. I suggest striking a delicate balance between bakeries, cooking, and restaurants.

Bakeries –  $7 – $10 a meal.

Average Restaurants –  $20-$30 (Budget more for wine)

If you are adding wine to your meal budget at least $10 more a meal.

Groceries –  $12 per day or $84 a week.

Getting Around France

France is one of the most traveled countries in Europe, and Paris is one of the  top 5 European Cities  for first time backpackers.

France is the gateway between Europe and the UK.

One of the easiest and  cheapest ways to travel Europe  is the incredible network of trains. France is no exception to this rule.

If you are on a Eurail pass or Busabout then, you have nothing to worry about.

Train and bus travel is a little pricey if you are paying as you go.

Train and bus – Tickets can be anywhere from $20 -$100.

Local transportation – Using city buses and metros cost around $2.50 each use.

Overnight trains tend a little more expensive, but considering you don’t have to pay for a night of accommodation I recommend them.

Expect to budget a couple few hundred dollars for transportation if you’re going to move cities frequently.

A Eurail pass is a good option to help you save money, and since you pay before trip you don’t have to stress about the cost of travel.

In Paris the best deal on Metro tickets is buying them in bulk, instead of buying them as you need them.

The Cost of Traveling France

Sightseeing in France is almost overwhelming and it seems every time you turn a corner there is something else to explore. However, the more sightseeing the higher the cost of traveling France.

This is why in certain cities you need to plan. Like having a perfect Paris itinerary will help you save time and money. That way you know that free things to do in Paris and what things you need to budget for when sightseeing.

Moderate Sightseeing in France for a month will cost you around $150.

Here are some of the most famous attractions and France and their entry fees.

Norte Dame –  $11

Eiffel Tower-   Elevator to the top – $18

( Walking to the 2nd floor $7; Elevator to the 2nd floor $9)

Chateau de Chambord –  $14

Palace of Versailles Half day tour –  $30  (40 minutes outside Paris)

The Verdict.

France Budget Breakdown for a Month

Hostel Dorms = $1230

Eating (Traded between cooking for myself and eating out) = $900

Partying (One night out weekly) =$200

Transportation =$200

Sightseeing = $150

Total = $ 2,630

How much money you need to budget a month in France just clocks in a little over  how much you need for a month in Italy .

A major factor of the price is the expensive accommodation, nights out, and dining at restaurants.

Budget according and always plan to spend a little extra for unplanned expenses.

In closing, France in one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but with its history, art, castles, and cathedrals it is a country you need to explore.

Get my full list of  France Travel Tips here.

try full of street cafes, delicious wine, and stunning Gothic Cathedrals’.

Throughout the centuries, the country has become the home of famous painters and talented writers that have succumbed to the lure of France.

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I have never been to France, but when I do, I am definitely not doing it on a budget. It will be first class all the way 🙂

Those are some great ways to spend money. I would probably do a bakery crawl too.

Thanks for the great post. Although I don’t see myself getting to France any time soon, I’m bookmarking this. It’s on my bucket list, and I feel like bookmarking it makes it more of a possibility. =D

Oh my gosh that last picture is beautiful! See a bakery crawl is more up my ally than a pub crawl. I’m such a light weight I wouldn’t be able to leave the first pub without being dragged out. 😉

These pics are beautiful. I have never been to France, its on my list for sure though!

Thanks for the tips!! Your images are gorgeous, by the way. Would love to go to France one day!

I haven’t gone since I was in high school, so I think my notion of prices is severely outdated. I do want to go back!

This is a great explaination of a budget. I think I’d need to up my allowance for wine 🙂

Okay can I just say how jealous I am that you got to do this. I’ve never been to Paris, or Europe for that matter and I love this breakdown. Since I haven’t been there I feel like I need to talk to as many people as possible to know what to do, where to go, and when to do it. This is an awesome breakdown that is super helpful!

I have always wanted to go to France. It’s been a dream of mine. I hope to make it there someday.

We’re headed there in February. I am SO excited! These are great tips!

I spent only 1.500 eur / 1.702,95 USD but for two months. But I did’t sleep in the city of the center. I love France. Food and wine…wiiii

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All You Need to Visit France

Cheapest Places to Visit in France: Budget-Friendly Destinations

When planning a trip to France, you might be surprised to find there are many affordable destinations to explore.

This beautiful country is known for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and stunning landscapes – and many of its lesser-known cities and regions offer these experiences without breaking the bank account.

In this article, we will introduce you to some of the cheapest places to visit in France, helping you make the most of your travel budget.

You can still enjoy a memorable French vacation while staying in cities often overlooked by tourists. Places like Montpellier, Bordeaux, Nancy, and the Lorraine region offer a more cost-effective way to experience the beauty and culture of France.

By venturing off the beaten path, not only will you save money, but you will also get to discover the diverse regions of France, each with its own unique charm.

Believe us when we tell you that your French adventure doesn’t have to be that limited by your budget. With some careful planning and a willingness to explore lesser-known destinations, you can have a fulfilling and affordable trip.

So pack your bags and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of France at a fraction of the cost.

Best Time to Visit France on a Budget

Visiting France during the off-season or shoulder season can help you save money and enjoy a more affordable vacation.

The off-season, typically from November through March, is when many hotels significantly reduce their rates , allowing you to experience the beauty of France on a budget.

While the weather can be chilly, especially in Paris and northern France, the advantage of this period is that tourist attractions are much less crowded.

On the other hand, the shoulder season falls between the peak season and the off-season, which is typically during the months of April, May, September, and October. These months offer a balance between more moderate weather and lower prices.

Many travelers find the shoulder season more comfortable for exploring, as the temperature and humidity are often more bearable than during the peak summer months.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget travel to France during the off- and shoulder seasons:

• Accommodations : Look for off-season hotel discounts and consider staying in guesthouses or renting apartments to get the best deals. Also, book in advance, and check out if there aren’t events, such as Fashion Week, Roland Garros, Film Festival, etc.
• Transportation : Book your flights, train tickets , and car rentals in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. Traveling by bus (Flix Bus or BlaBlaBus) is another cost-effective alternative, as well as sharing car (covoiturage in French) apps like BlaBlaCar. Actually, sharing a car is cheap, well accepted, and promoted by the government by giving an extra amount of money to the car owner who shares their car with others. 
• Attractions : Many museums and attractions offer discounts during the off- and shoulder seasons. Research in advance to find the best deals and make a list of must-see places. But be careful, during the months of November, December, or January some attractions can be closed, check in advance.
• Activities : Explore the outdoors during the shoulder season with picnics in parks, nature walks, cycling, or hiking, which can be more relaxing and enjoyable without the summer crowds.
• Dining : Eating out in France can be pricey, obviously always depending on the restaurant, but as a general rule, you will not eat in a restaurant for less than 20 euros and if you like wine it can easily rise to 40 or 50 euros. You can save money though by shopping at local markets and preparing your meals or opting for budget-friendly bistros and sidewalk cafes.

Remember to consider your own preferences and interests when deciding when to visit France , as the best time will vary depending on the activities you want to experience and the level of comfort you desire.

By planning your trip wisely, you can enjoy France’s beauty and culture without breaking the bank.

Outfit Planner

EXTRA TIP : plan what you will wear in advance so you take everything you need and do not have to make extra expenses at the destination. You can download the PDF here; the price is up to you!

Top 10 Affordable Cities and Regions

Let’s be honest; Paris is expensive, period. However, there are ways to enjoy the city on a more affordable budget. 

For accommodation, consider staying in a hostel or a budget hotel outside the touristy areas.

You can search in Nanterre, Rueil Malmaison, or the southwest, we strongly advise against staying in certain areas like St Denis, and the arrondissement of the northeast (north of the 18th, 19th, and 20th).  

You can save on transportation by walking or using public transportation in Paris . The city invested a lot of money in bike lanes in 2022 and 2023, so rental electric bicycles are a great way to know the city and move around. Be careful with the traffic, it is a bit crazy in Paris.

Regarding electric scooters, Parisians have voted against electric scooters for rent, and they are going to be retired from the streets gradually.

Discover free attractions such as the outside Notre Dame Cathedral, Montmartre , Trocadero, Champs de Mars, Les Invalides, or the Luxembourg Gardens.

Visit museums with free entry, or plan your trip to coincide with the first Sunday of the month when many museums offer free admission including the Louvre Museum or Orsay Museum .

Nice offers many affordable accommodations, and hostels are concentrated in the Old Town area.

You can find as well some affordable rooms or bed & breakfasts. The last time we visited Nice we stayed in a room in a Bed & Breakfast in the old town of Nice, and it was great for less than 70€.

Enjoy the beach without paying for a sunbed by bringing your own towel and visiting the public beaches. 

Don’t miss the chance to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or explore the local markets which offer a great variety of tasty and budget-friendly food.

In Bordeaux , timing is key. In September a room, even if it’s a hostel will not cost less than €100 per night and in October you can find places to stay for €40 or €50 per night. 

Take advantage, of the beautiful downtown and its world heritage circuit for free, and enjoy beautiful places such as the Monument to the Girondins, the cathedral St-André, the Miroir d’Eau or La Place de la Bourse.

If you don’t fancy a restaurant, you can go to the Bordelais Public Garden where you can unwind and have a picnic. 

By the way, you can explore the city on foot easily. No need for a taxi or any other way of transportation.

Despite Lyon is one of the biggest cities of France it still can be affordable and offers a range of hostels and budget hotels for every budget.

Flying to Lyon from other airports in France or Europe is cheap and the train connection is really good as well but you can use Blablacar if you want to save money. 

Food in Lyon is a culture itself, you can visit a “ Bouchon ” which is the typical restaurant of Lyon and it is not that expensive. If you don’t have the budget, you can always grab a sandwich or a salad from local bakeries (boulangerie).

Boulangeries are an institution in France, you can always have multiple options of Sandwiches with a drink for less than €6.

Don’t forget to explore the picturesque local neighborhoods, like La Croix-Rousse, which offers free access to its fascinating traboules , the Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, the famous murals (the most famous is The Fresque des Lyonnais) and Bellecour square.

You can book a free walking tour with a local guide who speaks English.

In Marseille, finding budget accommodations in the city center or near the Old Port it’s not difficult; just depends on the month of the year.

Explore the historic Le Panier district with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and unique shops. Enjoy free attractions, such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the scenic Calanques National Park (the best moment is the sunset), accessible by public transportation.

Also, you can book a free walking tour , rent a bike or get the Marseille City Pass .

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a great option on a budget, with its many affordable accommodations like guesthouses and B&Bs.

Loire Valley is a very large region so you will need to decide where you want to go. 

Nantes is a very good option if you want a side trip to Mount St Michel, and if you want to enjoy the Machines of Jules Verne. 

Tours is a fascinating option that allows you to visit the charming local towns, villages, and castles, or rent a bike to explore the peaceful countryside.

You will have several castles near Tours, the most famous are Chambord and Chenonceau , but they are not the only ones. The Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau or the Chateau of Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci passed his last days are also a fantastic plan.

Normandy is a fantastic region to visit and know France better without suffering the high costs of Paris.

Normandy is a huge region, with a lot of things to do and places to visit, for starters, you have Mount St Michel in the west limit of Normandy. 

Visiting Mount St Michel is free ; you will have parking fees if you go by car and pay a ticket to visit the monastery on the top.

You can visit the D-Day beaches , or Caen and Rouen , passing through Etretat one of the most beautiful towns of France, or Honfleur with its beautiful port.

If you love cheese, this is one of your favorite regions and you can visit the town of Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l’Eveque, or Neufchatel, the 4 world-known cheeses of Normandy and France, of course.

Alsace is not an affordable region to visit, but you have many places to enjoy for free. Browse the charming local markets and try the local cuisine at a variety of budget-friendly restaurants. 

Visit the region’s scenic villages and vineyards, and explore the city of Strasbourg on foot or by using public transportation.

You can book a free walking tour in Strasbourg or Colmar , and walk around one of the most beautiful villages in France, Riquewihr. Visit many towns as you can and if you can afford it, make a wine tour.

Toulouse is a beautiful city located in the south of France and it has many things to do for free, like visit the old town and Place du Capitole. You can admire the beautiful architecture and people-watch, and soak up the lively atmosphere without spending a penny.

Walk along the Garonne River, stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, or explore the historic city center. Visit interesting museums, such as Les Abattoirs , which offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin: This ancient Romanesque church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is free to enter. Explore its impressive interior and learn about its history and significance.

Discover the street art in Toulouse: Toulouse is known for its vibrant street art scene. Take a self-guided tour through the city and admire the colorful murals and graffiti art adorning the walls.

Visit the Musée des Augustins: This art museum is housed in a former Augustinian monastery and offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Explore the collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including sculptures and paintings.

Experience the local markets: Explore the bustling markets of Toulouse, such as the Victor Hugo Market or the Saint-Cyprien Market. You can browse through fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique crafts, even if you don’t make a purchase.

Enjoy a picnic in a park: Toulouse has several parks and green spaces where you can relax and have a picnic. Bring along some local goodies and soak up the sun while enjoying the surroundings.

I can keep going talking about this awesome city, but I think you have an idea of what you can do here without breaking the bank!

Montpellier

Montpellier offers plenty of affordable and enjoyable activities that won’t empty your wallet. You can start by exploring the city’s historic center, known as the Ecusson. Wander through its narrow streets and admire the beautiful architecture, from medieval buildings to elegant mansions.

Take a relaxing stroll in the Promenade du Peyrou, a park located on a hill offering stunning panoramic views of the city. You can also visit the nearby triumphal arch, Porte du Peyrou, and the impressive Saint-Clément Aqueduct.

For art enthusiasts, the Musée Fabre is a must-visit. On the first Sunday of each month, admission is free. The museum houses an extensive collection of European art, including works by famous artists like Delacroix, Courbet, and Rubens.

Another great way to immerse yourself in the local culture is by visiting Montpellier’s vibrant markets. The Marché des Arceaux, held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, is a lively place where you can find fresh produce, local products, and delicious street food. 

The Marché du Lez is also worth a visit, with its trendy atmosphere and various stalls selling vintage items, crafts, and organic products.

If you’re a nature lover, head to the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden with free admission. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can relax, take a leisurely walk, and admire the diverse plant species.

In the summertime, the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor events. Keep an eye out for free concerts, performances, and cultural celebrations happening around Montpellier.

From music festivals to open-air movie screenings, there’s always something happening that won’t cost you a fortune.

Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of Montpellier’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. You can hop on a tram or bus and reach the nearby beaches like Palavas-les-Flots or Carnon. Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking in the coastal scenery.

Budget Accommodations

When exploring France on a budget, you’ll want to find affordable and comfortable accommodations that suit your needs. Here are some options to consider:

Finding affordable hotels in France doesn’t have to be a challenge. You can stay in budget hotel chains such as B&B Hotels, which offers good rooms at great value prices with 232 hotels all over France.

Prices for a double room in a budget hotel usually start around 60 EUR per night and include free WiFi and air-conditioning.

Also, you can find the F1 hotels, they are awful, but they are the cheapest hotels I have found in France, but let me be clear, they are awful. We stayed there once, the first time we visited Bordeaux, and it was the worst hotel I have ever stayed in but the cheapest.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts offer a more personalized experience and can be an affordable alternative to hotels. Some characterful and affordable B&Bs are scattered across France, ensuring you find something that fits your taste and budget.

Airbnbs and Apartments

Renting an apartment can provide you with options for entire apartments, private rooms, or shared living spaces.

This can offer a more authentic experience while staying within your budget. Prices vary depending on the location and type of accommodation, but plenty of affordable options exist throughout France.

Check on booking.com , and book a few months in advance if you can.

For a more adventurous and cost-effective experience, camping is a great option. France has numerous well-maintained campsites, ranging from simple tent pitches to fully-equipped caravan parks.

You can either bring your own camping gear or find places that offer pre-setup accommodations.

Choose the accommodation that best suits your preferences and enjoy your time in France without breaking the bank.

Cheap Eats in France

In France, you can find plenty of budget-friendly options for food, without compromising on taste or quality. Here are some great ways to satisfy your hunger during your travels.

When looking for affordable restaurants, consider trying the local crêperies serving delicious crêpes and galettes. These versatile meals can be reasonably priced, often around €5 to €10, in almost every city and town.

Markets are another great option for cheap yet high-quality food. France is well-known for its local markets, offering fresh products, cheese, bread, and pastries.

Stock up on these items and have a picnic in a park or scenic spot. You can also visit specialty shops to create your own cheese platter, a beloved French tradition.

If you prefer cooking your own meals, book accommodations with an equipped kitchen. This will enable you to shop at local markets and grocery stores, where you can find fresh ingredients to create delicious and budget-friendly meals.

Planning meals ahead and purchasing local and seasonal ingredients will help you save even more.

In Paris, you can find many budget-friendly eateries like street food vendors, delis, and bakeries, where you can enjoy a tasty meal for less than €10.

Look for ethnic restaurants, particularly in more diverse neighborhoods, which often offer affordable and delicious meals.

Tips and Tricks for Saving Money

When planning your budget holiday in France, there are several ways to save money while still enjoying the stunning coastlines, historical sites, and beautiful towns. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

• Choose affordable destinations : Some regions in France can be quite expensive, but others offer great value for your money.
• Travel during the low season : To avoid peak season prices, plan your trip during the off-peak months. Not only will you save on accommodations and transportation, but you’ll also experience fewer tourists in popular destinations like Avignon and the D-Day beaches .
• Take advantage of free activities : Many attractions in France offer free admission or discounted rates on certain days. For example, some museums have free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Be sure to research your destinations in advance to find out about these deals.
• Use public transportation : France has an extensive public transportation network, so consider using it to travel between cities and towns. Trains and buses can be significantly cheaper than renting a car or taking taxis.
• Stay in budget accommodations : Cut your accommodation costs by choosing budget options like Logis , which are family-run hotels found throughout France that offer reasonable prices and unique experiences.
• Eat wisely : Savor French cuisine without spending a fortune by opting for prix fixe menus, which offer a set price for a starter, main, and dessert. Avoid eating in touristy areas and try local bakeries and markets for fresh and affordable food.
• Skip designer boutiques : If shopping is on your agenda, avoid high-end stores and focus on local markets and vintage shops where you can find unique items at lower prices.

By following these tips, you can have an unforgettable experience in France without straining your budget. Enjoy your travels and soak up the rich culture and history the country has to offer.

I’m going to expand this article to help you find the best place at the best price in France. If you have any questions, write a comment below!

Plan Your Trip to France

• How to Visit France on a Budget
• Best Things to do in Caen, Normandy
• Cheap restaurants in Paris
• Paris 7-day itinerary
• Free things to do in Paris

This post may include affiliate links. This means that we will receive a small fee if you make a purchase through our links. It has no additional cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Hi there! I’m Vero! I’ve always loved traveling! I have been living in France since 2018. And traveling around this awesome country. I love road trips and traveling by van, and also, some comfy getaways :) Check out: Touristear.com

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Affordable travel does not mean going to all the cheapest places and accepting the lowest quality. Such a mode of travel is as much about finding where you can get a decent quality for a reasonable price, keeping in mind that paying twice as much is no guarantee for twice the quality.

Affordable Wining and Dining in France

Steer clear of the "tourist trap" areas and shops , typically in places like the Champs Elysees, near the Louvre, and the Left Bank near the River Seine. Often, the food is no better — if not worse — than in far less expensive areas. In Paris, many restaurants offer modest prices and decent quality on the side streets where ordinary Frenchmen work or study. A few unscrupulous restaurants serve substandard food to tourists since such visitors are not likely to return anyway. There is no easy way to identify the black sheep unless you trust your guidebook or app, or have a good instincts based on evaluating a menu and the amount of locals dining in the establishment. Locals might be willing and able to help you if you ask. It's a thing of the past that you eat well everywhere in France. Today, you can eat well if you know where to go.

You can get standard meals throughout France at chain restaurants and steakhouses. While affordable, they don't have much in common with traditional French cuisine.

Restaurants will serve free tap water with a meal — " un carafe d'eau s'il vous plait! " — if you'd rather not pay for bottled water, sometimes near the price of gold. Tap water is commonly served at ordinary restaurants. Nonetheless, suppose you order tap water at an excellent restaurant. In that case, the servers may regard you as a cheapskate and treat you accordingly, though if you are friendly and show respect, they will quite understand. A café can technically charge for a glass of water if they display the price, and so can a restaurant if you're not eating there.

In bars and cafés, servings are cheaper if consumed at the counter rather than at a table , which a waiter serves. Don't make the faux pas of ordering at the counter and then sitting at a table. You'll be charged extra the moment you touch the chair. If you want to dine at the table, it is considered traditional in France to order at the table as service is included in the price of your meal.

Gas stations on freeways, some open 24 hours a day, are convenient and have a standardized choice of food and drink, far better than what you would find in the U.S., but relatively expensive . Many little food stores in cities, known as alimentations are also more costly than markets and supermarkets.

Certain restaurants are closed over winter in typical summer tourist regions like Provence. You may have planned for a cozy little restaurant recommended online — only to find it closed — and end up at an expensive place or fast-food joint ( just say no, though often the fast-food is better in France due to the fresher ingredients and more demanding French ) instead because no other place is open.

Order wine from the region whenever possible. Most hosts like to present their local produce, so they often select what they think is the best choice of wine. Prices are most reasonable by the caraffe , even in restaurants. Describe the taste you prefer in wine, and don't pretend to be a wine expert if you aren't. They'll find out very quickly anyway, especially as the French don't generally characterize wine by the grape name. Try to avoid sticking to known big names such as the pricey Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Use the opportunity to discover little-known winemakers who produce some excellent and different wines in almost all regions of the country.

If you are cooking for yourself, check out the discount supermarkets. Supermarkets often indicate the cheapest products by placing them near the floor: Premier prix or marque de repère . The packaging of these products usually deliberately appears more cheap and unattractive. Shop at markets for fresh produce , although they are not necessarily cheaper. Select seasonal fruits and vegetables if you can. If you don't know what is in season, then it is likely what you see in the largest quantities. In the countryside, you may find producers selling directly to consumers. Street vendors of fruit and vegetables in Paris can be cheap. Other street vendors may be expensive. There are no rules without exceptions in France, like the French language itself.

Money Matters in France

Avoid exchanging cash if you can. You lose a significant percentage. Use your credit card for purchases, but check your bank or credit card's commission since that could add up to 3-5%. Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. American Express is much less so due to their higher fees for merchants. Using ATMs is usually cheaper than exchanging cash. Still, you should check your bank's fees and commissions before you arrive in France. ATMs at banks often charge twice for cash withdrawals: A currency commission and a cash withdrawal commission. Both could have a flat minimum amount.

Certain shops don’t accept credit cards for amounts smaller than 10-20 euros, so try to avoid running out of cash.

Negotiate prices. It rarely harms, and the worst that can happen is that they refuse.

Tips are usually included in any services provided. A service fee of 15% is by law included in restaurant prices as shown on the menu. Adding a few euros in coins after the meal is a polite sign of respect.

Accommodations

There are many charming B&Bs with friendly owners. However, such warm hospitality often comes at a cost. Since you likely will spend much of the time at a hotel sleeping, you should go for standard fare if your budget is limited. Chain hotels offer a clean standard product that is similar throughout the country. However, the cheaper ones are often found near out-of-town shopping malls or industrial zones. You will also frequently need a car to reach them. In all hotels, breakfast is charged in addition to the room and is optional. Not all budget hotels have bathrooms in the hotel rooms. The British English term "en suite" means "attached to the bedroom." In Europe, "bathroom" is generally not used in the sense of "toilet," but in the sense of where you wash, and your room may not even have a toilet.

Of course, with Airbnb, Homestay, and other such agencies becoming so common, you can reserve in advance and often find satisfactory accommodations since owners must be aware of online reviewers to thrive. There are also long-term vacation rentals in France through other agencies. The kitchen and size of the accommodations can make the experience very affordable, quickly booked online, and allow you flexibility with relaxation. You don't have to go out to eat every meal since you can buy local groceries and fix a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the typically better or great local ingredients.

Recreation in France

Because museums are cultural, the French love to offer free entry in various ways. There are days with free entry, and many types of visitors can get in for free or at a discount — students, young people, seniors, the unemployed, pregnant women, people with disabilities, families with many children, etc. Bring any official cards you may have that document your particular situation, and study the official websites to figure out when you can get the cheapest at each place, as there is no standardization regarding free entry. Also, beware that museums are closed one day a week.

Some sights may be more attractive outside of the high vacation season. For example, the Fontaine de Vaucluse, a spring coming out of a mountain in Provence, is dry during summer and most worth visiting when the snow melts in the early spring.

Finally, they don't close for lunch if you see sans interruption written at any restaurant.

General Advice

Avoid the high season from mid-June to the end of August. It is crowded all over southern France; along the coast, it is one long traffic jam, and prices are over-the-top. The weather is pleasant and warm in June and September, too, in southern France. March is the earliest for out-of-season travel to the south, and late October is the latest, as that is the rainy season. Paris, however, is nearly empty in August because all the Parisians are in southern France. Therefore, street parking is free in many places in Paris in August. Note that post-pandemic, many Europeans now travel more off-season than ever, so you will still encounter a few more people in guidebook hotspots.

I hope that you use this article as inspiration to find the best deals. Keeping your ears and eyes open when seeking deals in France is the best single advice I can offer to help ensure an enjoyable trip.

Finn Skovgaard , born in Denmark in 1960, emigrated in 1993 and settled in France in 1998. After over 20 years in an I.T. career, he created a business for relocation, translation, freelance writing, and minibus transport in France. He has lived in England, Luxembourg, and Germany.

First serial rights in the USA, including publishing on TransitionsAbroad.com. © Copyright Finn Skovgaard. All rights reserved.

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50 Ways to save on your trip to France

Jun 10, 2019

Planning a trip to France ? The country is wildly popular with tourists, and for good reason — it abounds with experiences for every kind of tourist: high culture, iconic sightseeing, famous shopping, and some of the world’s most popular culinary and drinking establishments.

What’s not to love? Well, the bill, for one thing. All those world-class attractions can get pricey. However, there are a number of common sense ways to save, while still allowing for a fabulous adventure in France. Listed below are 50 of our best budget tips for visiting France.

This is a “Cheapo Checklist”. We’ve included links through to more in-depth articles, where possible. Be sure to check out the comments at the end for additional tips, and please add your own in the comments at the end!

Related: • 50 ways to save in Paris • Tips for traveling to France during Covid-19

Trip timing

• OFF SEASON SAVINGS: If at all possible, save big by visiting France during the off-season (late October – March, except holidays) or during the shoulder season (late September-October and late March-early May), when the savings are still significant and the weather usually quite comfortable.

• AVOID SLEEPING NEAR THE BEACH: Traveling during the high season (June-August)? If possible, limit your exposure to the most expensive destinations (all beaches and coasts). Paris is also at its pricey peak from late May through the end of July. Consider smaller cities and villages. During June and July, for example, a week traveling through Provence or the Gard region will still be cheaper than hitting Nice , the Cote d’Azur, or sticking only to Paris. Still want to hit the beach? Sleep inland in a small village or B&B, and take day trips to the beach.

• PARIS CAN BE CHEAPER IN AUGUST: Paris empties out in August when locals go on vacation. This can be an interesting time to visit: Many smaller stores and some restaurants close, but hotel rooms tend to be easier to book and a bit cheaper than during June and July. (Here are some thoughts about visiting Paris in August .)

• AVOID FASHION WEEK IN PARIS. Are your Paris hotel searches turning up absurdly high rates? You might be planning to visit during one of the city’s fashion weeks. Although it sounds glamorous, the sky-high rates and crowds are soooooo last season. Upcoming dates: September 23 – October 1, 2019; February 24 – March 3, 2020.

Flying to France

• PARIS ISN’T THE ONLY AIRPORT: Flying from North America? Paris is not your only airport option ( although you can find cheap flights ). If much of your trip consists of travel in the south, for example, check prices on flights to Marseilles and Montpelier (which may include a transfer in Paris or a connection in another country). Even if it’s a bit more expensive, you can end up saving time and money on train tickets and rental cars by flying into an airport closer to your destination.

• OPEN JAW TICKETS SAVE TIME AND MONEY: Consider flying into one city and home through another. (For example, into Paris and back home from Marseilles.) These “open jaw” tickets can help you save money and time, as you won’t have to circle all the way back to your point of arrival in order to fly home. Best of all, the flight tickets are often about the same price as simple round-trip tickets.

• TRY A LOW-COST AIRLINE: Consider low-cost airline options from the US to France, including Norwegian Airlines  which flies to Paris from several US cities.

• CONSIDER XL AIRWAYS: With all the excitement over the low-cost carriers serving the US-France market, we feel that XL Airways sometimes gets overlooked. The carrier offers some of the cheapest fares to France from the US, and, unlike the low-cost airlines, includes a piece of checked luggage in its fare. (We just found a $353 Newark-Paris round-trip flight in September. Good deal!)

• “HUB IT” FOR SAVINGS: Not finding cheap airfare to France? Try “hubbing it”, by flying first to any cheap European destination (for example, finding a cheap flight to Dublin on Aer Lingus ) and then catching a budget flight from there to France (for example, on Ryanair ). If your schedule is a bit flexible, you could find some savings.

• AVOID TAXIS INTO PARIS: Flying into Charles De Gaulle? We’d recommend avoiding taxis into the city, unless you’ve got a big family or lots of luggage. Some of us prefer the RER, while others always take the bus into town. Here are our favorite cheapo options into Paris .

The Place Pélissière, with statue of Cyrano, in Bergerac. Photo: cjp24

Building an itinerary

• SLOW DOWN FOR SAVINGS (AND SANITY): Resist the urge to over-pack your French itinerary with too many destinations. This is hard, especially if it’s your first time visiting the country. However, driving off to a new town or city every day is both exhausting and costly. (Some tips on planning a trip that won’t leave you exhausted .)

• THINK “DAY TRIPS”: Rather than driving to a new destination every day, consider spending two or three nights in each spot and taking day trips. For example, if visiting the Dordogne , consider basing yourself in a charming village, like Bergerac , and taking day trips to other nearby towns and wineries. Here are our 7 favorite day trips from Paris.

• HANG WITH THE LOCALS: Already visited France’s big highlights? Consider less expensive destinations that have loads of local flavor, like the Dordogne, or small villages in the southwest rather than pricier Provence. Take time to research — grab a guidebook (we’re partial to Rick Steves ), learn about the regions, and have fun planning something a bit off the beaten path. Don’t overlook cities beyond Paris like Marseille or Lille  or enchanting villages like Saint Emilion .

Here’s a suggested 10-day France itinerary from Paris to Marseille.

All aboard the TGV. Book your seats directly with the railway! Photo: yisris

• BOOK TGV TICKETS IN ADVANCE: If you plan to take the TGV, France’s high-speed train, book those tickets as far in advance as possible for the best rates and to take advantage of sale fares. The closer you get to the travel date, the more expensive the seats.

• RAIL PASSES ARE PROBABLY NOT A GOOD DEAL: Considering a Eurail Pass or other rail pass? While it’s possible that they could help you save if you plan to travel extensively by train, for many travelers it’s cheaper to purchase point-to-point tickets directly through the SNCF website (see next tip). Once you have your itinerary, price out the tickets to see if a rail pass can help you save (and don’t forget that even with a rail pass, you’ll still need to make seat reservations on the TGV).

• BOOK TICKETS THROUGH THE RAILWAY: Important: Book your TGV tickets like the locals, through the SNCF’s website , the railway’s official website. There’s no need to go through a third-party retailer or agency back in the United States. Book tickets directly for the lowest prices, and print off your tickets at home before leaving for France. Plus: Don’t forget that sometimes First Class seats are actually cheaper than Second Class seats !

• TRY THE LOW-COST TGV: Don’t forget about the TGV’s low-cost option  Ouigo (which offers high-speed train tickets from €10 — although points of departure and destinations differ).

• BUY REGIONAL TRAIN TICKETS AT THE STATION: Taking slower, regional trains? Unlike the TGV, there’s no need to book those tickets in advance online. Just buy them at the train station.

•  KEEP AN EYE OUT POTENTIAL TRAIN STRIKES: Part of traveling in Europe is keeping on top of strike updates that could affect your travel plans. 2018 is seeing a fresh batch of strikes on the French rail system. If you already booked a ticket, don’t panic. Here’s how to know if you’re affected and how to change your ticket.

• BUSES CAN BE CHEAPER THAN TRAINS: Take a look at Ouibus for super cheap fares for travel around France — and to Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Perk: Ouibus coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. Sample fare: €5 for Paris-Lille; €35 for Paris-Barcelona.

Cars in France come in all shapes and sizes. Photo: Daniel X. O’Neil

Rental cars and driving

The following tips are excerpted from our larger article, 10 tips for saving on car rentals in France.

• BOOK CARS EARLY FOR DEALS: As with train tickets, booking early is a safe bet for finding the best car rental prices. ( Search for your dates and compare car rental agencies.)

• CANCEL IF YOU FIND A BETTER DEAL: Nearly all car rentals are modifiable and able to be canceled. Thus, find something cheaper after you booked it? Cancel and re-book!

• WATCH THE START DATE: Your car reservation shouldn’t necessarily start on the first day of your trip. It should start on the first day you’re leaving the city you fly into! Pick up your car when you’re ready to drive off from Paris, not when you arrive.

• BE SMART ABOUT AUTO INSURANCE: Does your car insurance or credit company cover overseas car insurance? Call before taking off to double-check. You’ll be getting the hard sell from the rental car agency, so know in advance.

• WATCH YOUR SPEED: When driving around France, pay attention to the posted speed limits, as well as to the “speed camera” signs. Yes, you have to pay speeding tickets on rental cars!

• CAREFUL AT THE ROUNDABOUT: While roundabouts keep traffic moving, they can also be a bit dangerous for foreign drivers not accustomed to them. Avoid tickets and accidents: When approaching, you do not have priority — wait until the coast is clear before entering.

• AVOID DRIVING IN CENTER CITY: Most tourist-friendly towns in France have popular pedestrian-only center cities (“centre ville”). Only locals and delivery trucks can drive here. Don’t be the car that wanders off course and winds up trapped on a pedestrian-only cafe-lined street. It could cost (or really embarrass) you.

• PARKING IS EXPENSIVE IN THE CENTER: As you won’t be able to drive in the center city, you’ll spot underground parking garages all over the place. Center city garages, of course, will be the most expensive. If possible, we’d recommend parking farther outside the center at a cheaper garage, and walking or taking transit into the center.

Want more tips? Check out our 10 tips for saving on car rentals in France.

The Tiquetonne is the most popular budget hotel in our Paris guide — and it fills up fast.

Hotels and accommodation

• BOOK EARLY FOR POPULAR HOTELS: The good (and well-priced) accommodation options tend to go first. When it comes to Paris hotels , for example, the one-star Hotel Tiquetonne is the best deal in town — and it completely fills up. Book it, and other popular hotels, well in advance. (See all hotels in Paris ,  Lyon , Nice ,  Marseille or Strasbourg , or search all hotels .)

• ROLL THE DICE WITH LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS: Flexible with your hotel options? If you’re willing to gamble a bit, you can often find great deals at the very last minute. This is especially true if traveling during the low season or to less touristy destinations. Here are some thoughts about when to book for the best deal .

• RENT A FLAT: Hotels are not your only option, of course. Renting an apartment or staying with locals (through homestays) can offer much more room, kitchens, laundry facilities — and even save cash. Search for apartments in Paris.

• SLEEP ON THE FARM: You’ll find additional accommodation options in France, especially in smaller towns, villages, and in the countryside where “chambres d’hotes” (guestrooms) and gites (guest houses) abound. Our favorite is the “farm stay”, a sort of rural bed-and-breakfast option (although many offer delicious dinner options, often with locally sourced food). Check out the Gites de France website for more info.

More tips: Check out our tutorial to 10 ways to save on your hotel in France .

Sightseeing

• BE CAREFUL WITH PRE-BOOKING ACTIVITIES: It’s tempting, when planning your trip back home, to pre-book those tickets to the Louvre , Seine river cruise, Latin Quarter walking tour, and late-night crepe eating course. Be careful, however, as plans change once you’re on the ground. People are tired or have a blister (or are grumpy and need some downtime). All that pre-booking leaves you with less flexibility and non-refundable expenses. It’s okay to book a few things, but give yourself flexibility!

• SPEAK WITH PROFESSIONALS: Get guidance from the source! Stop by the tourist information center first thing when you arrive in a city, pick up maps, and find out about museums, events, walking tours, day trips and more. You’ll find them in the heart of every city on the tourist radar: For example, in Paris there are five in the center , Marseille (next to the old port), Nice (at the airport, train station, and center city), and Bordeaux (at the train station or center city).

• SOME OF THE BEST STUFF IS FREE: There’s no ticket necessary to explore city streets or hang out in a café, of course. However, don’t forget that some attractions are free, too. Ask at the tourist information center for free activities, free (or discounted) museum admission, and free walking tours. (In the City of Light, for example, these Paris museums are free .)

• CULTURE JUNKIE? CONSIDER A PASS: If you’re staying for a few days in a city and are serious about museums and attractions, research whether or not the city offers a tourist sightseeing card or pass. These passes often include free (or highly discounted) admission to popular museums, and cover public transit, and could save you a lot of cash. Some popular passes include the Paris Passlib’ Card , Bordeaux City Pass , Marseille City Pass, and Nice “Riviera Pass” .

Keep an eye out for great lunch deals like this delicious meal in Saint-Malo. Photo: sumidiot

• AVOID YOUR MINIBAR: That stocked minibar in your hotel room will cost you. Instead, head straight to the nearest grocery store for basics, like water, fruit, picnic supplies, and toiletries. In France, look for the following chains: Ed, Franprix, and Monoprix. (Here’s a guide to French supermarkets .)

• FEAST AT LUNCH: France has a wonderful lunch culture, kept alive by many employers who still grant proper lunch breaks and offer restaurant “tickets” to subsidize dining out. Because of this, a “corner bistro” scene still thrives, with small restaurants competing for lunch business with reasonably-priced “plats du jour”. Dinner is almost always more expensive, even if the menu has hardly changed, so take advantage of these “plats” and feast at lunch. ( Five tasty lunch deals in Paris  and how to eat your way through Paris on €20 per day .)

• WATER AND BREAD ARE FREE: French restaurants are required by law to offer a carafe of water and basket of bread to customers. Unless you’re really picky about your water (or prefer bubbles), there’s no need to order bottled water. Stick with “une carafe d’eau”.

• HOUSE WINE IS GREAT: Unless you’re a serious oenophile, ordering “un pichet de vin” (a small pitcher of house wine) is going to be fine at restaurants throughout France. You’re in France. (Read more on tips for buying wine in France .)

• TO MARKET, TO MARKET: Outdoor food markets are another French ritual that tourists shouldn’t miss out on. From Brittany to the Cote d’Azur, towns hold weekly, bi-weekly, or even more regularly (in Paris outdoor markets can be found every day ). Explore, sample, and pick up the perfect ingredients for a budget-friendly lunch or dinner.

• GO EASY ON THE TIP: Know when to tip in France. For small stuff (coffee and croissant, beer at the bar, etc.) no tip is necessary. Table service usually merits a small tip (not 15%!), and taxi drivers and tour guides deserve tips. ( Read more on tipping .)

Shopping is a sport in France, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Photo: Ignacio B

• “SOLDES” ARE YOUR FRIEND: Take advantage of the city-wide annual sales (“Soldes”) that are held throughout France in January and July. These events stretch for weeks in the winter and heat of summer, and nearly every retailer gets in on the action. Here are some tips for “soldes” success  and advice for saving on shopping in Paris .

• TAX REBATE, PLEASE: Planning to do lots of shopping? If purchasing more than €175 in the same store on the same day, you qualify for a 12% tax refund. That can add up. Here’s how it works .

• MARCHÉS AUX PUCES: Some of the best shopping deals can be found in flea markets throughout the country. In Paris, there are a number of “marché aux puces” to check out . No matter where you’re visiting, ask at your hotel for information about second-hand markets and vintage shops.

Check your smartphone plan before you get online in France! Photo: FaceMe

Staying in touch

• SIM SAVINGS: Planning to use your smartphone? We recommend buying a SIM card if you have an unlocked smartphone handy. Calls, emails, and the Web will be much, much cheaper. Even if you don’t own an unlocked phone, you can purchase one cheaply in France or before you leave. Here’s how it works  and tips for finding the best SIM Cards in France .

• CALL YOUR CARRIER: Not planning to make a lot of calls with your phone? At least call your carrier before leaving home to know how much calls, text and emails will cost you. Consider getting a special international package to avoid surprises (like AT&T’s “Passport” package). Plus, be sure to set up your phone to avoid data drains .

• GET ONLINE FOR FREE: Use free Wi-Fi whenever possible. Many cafes and international chains (like McDonald’s and Starbucks) in France offer free Wi-Fi, as well as municipal buildings, libraries, parks, and some museums. Ask at the tourist information center about free Wi-Fi hotspots in town.

Banks and money

• USE ATMS: To get the best deal on getting money in France, avoid all currency exchange counters and sketchy looking ATMs. Instead, use official bank ATMs to get the best exchange rates.

• CALL YOUR BANK BEFORE LEAVING: First, tell your bank and credit card company that you’ll be traveling (to ensure that your card will work abroad). Then, ask how much you’ll be charged for ATM withdrawals and for purchases. You may find that one of your cards has no foreign surcharge. Here are some questions to ask .

• STICK TO EUROS: When making a purchase with an American credit card in France, you may be asked if you’d like it to be processed in euros or US dollars. This is just a ploy to insert another middleman into the transaction. Always stick to the local currency — in this case, euros.

More information

Want to read more? Check out our top-rated budget hotels in Paris and Nice , or search hotels, B&Bs, and apartments in hundreds of cities throughout France .

For more tips, visit our France guide , or read more about ways to save in Paris here .

Have additional ways to save money on your trip to France? Share with us in the comments section below!

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About the author.

About the author: Tom Meyers created and launched EuroCheapo from his Berlin apartment in 2001. He returned to New York in 2002, set up office, and has led the EuroCheapo team from the Big Apple ever since. He travels to Europe several times a year to update EuroCheapo's hotel reviews. Tom is also a co-host of the New York City history podcast, The Bowery Boys. Email Tom . [ Find Tom on Google Plus ]

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8 thoughts on “50 Ways to save on your trip to France”

Very interesting article ! Travelling in Europe can actually be a lot expensive, and more particularly in the Netherlands because l was there and l know how it is. I hope to move to France one day and l will use your tips for future! thank you

You may wonder where Parisians go also in May. I had to help a car full of them last weekend understand our parking strips in PDX. Shocked them by speaking French (un peu), and they threw up their hands and, I, I believe, stayed illegally over the yellow line. Checked with the parking police lady who said yes, tourists are everywhere in the city so they don’t bother to mess around patrolling our Saturday Market. Still, this tidbit might come handy on weekdays…..if they don’t know it. In many ways they’re like us.

Try sticking instead with “une” carafe d’eau. 😀

Doh! (Or should we say, “d’eau”!) Thanks for the catch. 🙂

Just a quick hint for the driving! Some French towns still have priority from the right from a minor road, this means even if you are on the more major road (in a town) and if there are no white markings across the exit of a minor road on your right, they are in their right to pull out in front of you! This can make for interesting driving if you forget, not everyone it seems exercises this right but BEWARE!

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

If you can control the direction of your trip, finish in Paris so you don’t have to drag your shopping purchases throughout your trip. Picking up a car at an airport, and sometimes a train station, causes extra taxes. Try to hire your car at a downtown location. A “Grand Creme” coffee costs 3 euros in our section of France (Provence). Instead have a cafe (black espresso) or a Noisette (Nwah zet), an espresso with a dollop of milk. Or you can order a pitcher of milk aside your espresso. These cost 1.40 Euros.

Thanks for your comment, Susan, and your great tips. I never thought about finishing in Paris on account of the shopping 🙂 Thanks!

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How to visit the South of France on a Budget: 10 cost-cutting tips

July 9, 2019 by Steve Ertrachter Leave a Comment

Considering visiting the South of France on a budget? Experienced French traveler Steve has some helpful tips for visiting Provence on a budget for first-time visitors. We include tips on how to find cheap accommodations in the South of France, budget eating tips, and how to avoid the crowds in the South of France.

• 1 Speaking French is handy, but not necessary for navigating the South of France on your own
• 2.1 Transportation (Getting to the South of France)
• 2.2 Transportation around Provence has many options.
• 3 Rent a car for maximal flexibility and staying at less expensive accommodations
• 4.1 Ask for the local wine or just order the house wine. (It’s sometimes cheaper than water!)
• 4.2 French supermarket and budget food options for low-budget eating
• 5 If you are a student or traveling with kids, bring ID!
• 6.1 Pick the right month to travel in and book your hotels ahead!
• 6.2 The best time of the year to visit the South of France on a budget
• 7 You don’t need a tour to take in history!
• 8 Let us know if you have any more tips for visiting the South of France on a budget!

Speaking French is handy, but not necessary for navigating the South of France on your own

Regretfully, I do not speak French. One myth is English travelers must speak French because the French resent speaking any other language.  I can definitely dismiss this myth. Today, many regular French citizens and individuals employed in tourism-related fields speak excellent English.

You can easily book most of your trip online at this point and there should be no price difference whether you book your trains, hotels, or tours in French or English online. The real price difference is waiting too long to book!

Although I learned a few words and phrases, not speaking fluent French is not a concern. Over 14 days, not one person refused to answer in English. It is still useful to pick up enough French (using a guidebook or a French language guide ) to order, but your lack of French should not impede your trip! 

Embrace Train Travel and Book the TGV early for the best price

Transportation (getting to the south of france).

There are several ways of reaching the SoF by airplane and train. The TGV is the pride of the French railway system. The trains are very well run with fresh food and travel upwards of 200+ mph.  The trip from Paris to Avignon is 2 1/2 hours while the trip to Nice is 5 ½ hours. It is pleasant looking at the countryside. Since the trains are very popular, make your reservations early. The OUI provides English translations for booking reservations for the French railway system. 

Choose your seat while booking the train or you may be separated from fellow travelers. If you choose to buy food on the train, order early or the wait may be long or they may sell out, I now bring my own food aboard (as do many locals).

For an even cheaper option on how to get to the South of France, I recommend looking up OuiBus, Eurolines, and Flixbus.  These European bus companies have regular buses with minimal stops between France and other nearby countries. It should be very inexpensive to take a bus from Paris to Nice or Marseilles.  It’s not as glamorous as train travel, but great for anyone dreaming of visiting the South of France on a budget! 

For international flights, the two main airports are in Marseilles and Nice. I found an inexpensive flight to Nice but be aware that during peak season, it can be expensive.  Nice airport is a fifteen-minute bus ride from downtown Nice with frequent bus service. You’ll find numerous budget flights into Nice and Marseilles from all over Europe with airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, and Transavia (owned by KLM).  It’s best to book your tickets far in advance or during sales.

Transportation around Provence has many options.

Personally, I prefer local trains or buses since they offer the opportunity to meet locals and they’re less expensive.  The trains within Provence are frequent and priced differently depending upon the date and time that you book and the actual travel date. A train ticket can be double from the lowest priced depending upon the time of travel and whether it is direct. 

Rent a car for maximal flexibility and staying at less expensive accommodations

Renting a car is an option that allows you the flexibility of stopping wherever and whenever you want.  The petrol price is high and parking in certain large cities can be a challenge. Still, you can save big in terms of hassle, accommodation by staying outside of major cities, and skipping day tours if you have your own car. (It’s best to rent from Nice to avoid any tolls driving from Paris.)

If you are unable to drive, day tours can be a good way to visit more remote parts of Provence where you cannot easily visit without a car.  You can also take ferries between certain French cities and Monaco.

Eating and drinking well is still in your budget

Food is one of the great bargains and pleasures of the SoF.  On my first trip, I discovered the many Halles ( town markets) in many towns and Cities where fresh foods, cheeses, olives, and other locally grown produce are sold. Many of the Halles open as early as 7 am, so pass on paying for hotel breakfast and eat locally. All Halles have tables where you can sit and enjoy local food with local residents.  Otherwise, sit outside and find a nice viewpoint!

Dessert in many French restaurants involves a cheese cart, so if you’re looking for something sweeter, head out early to stop by the patisserie or a cafe with sweets for macarons bought by the piece that you can enjoy with a view.  It will be just as delicious! 

Ask for the local wine or just order the house wine. (It’s sometimes cheaper than water!)

Wine is grown locally in Provence. Many restaurants, bistros have local wine for as low as 3 euro per glass. (Organic wine can cost more.)  I always ask the server what is local and have never been disappointed. (The house wine is always typically decent.)

I encourage travelers to always try the Plat du Jour (daily special) in bistros, restaurants, and other eating establishments.  I see no reason to even ask for the menu if I see a plat du jour that I’m interested as displayed as it is always well-priced. I usually walk around numerous places until I find the right Plat du Jour with items which I would order for the price that I want to pay.

French supermarket and budget food options for low-budget eating

To cut costs, I recommend stopping off at my favorite French supermarket Monoprix .  This French supermarket and store is a great (and affordable) place to pick up cheap bottles of wine, bottle openers, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and meals to-go.  Their salads are quite affordable and usually quite tasty. It’s also possible to buy French bread and various cheeses here.   

Although Monoprix is slightly more expensive than Carrefour and other French supermarkets, I find the quality worth the cost.  Carrefour Express is also a good place to stop by for a quick shopping for the basics and a cold drink! A great budget tip is to buy your own bottle of wine to enjoy as part of a picnic or at your accommodations. 

Lunch-time is a great time to find good deals at French shops.  Typically, you can always stop by the local butcher and bakery for your picnic essentials.  I highly recommend picking up a baguette at the bakery prior to stopping by the butcher for charcuterie (cooked or cured sausage/ham).  You can always pick up crepes for a good price if you’re craving something sweeter. For a quicker and cheap meal, you can find falafel and other Middle Eastern and North African food favorites. 

If you are a student or traveling with kids, bring ID!

If you’re under 26 and a student, I highly recommend bringing your student identification as you will get into many French museums for free or a reduced rate. Similarly, those under 18 typically get into museums for free. Seniors (65+) often get a discount on tickets to attractions. Be sure to bring identification with you as it might help.

Travel in the off-season

Pick the right month to travel in and book your hotels ahead .

Hotels can be expensive everywhere especially in the SoF. Having traveled in Provence offseason and in peak season, there are numerous strategies to save money. There are many bargains offseason. For example, I stayed in a Novotel (4 stars) for 90 Euros per night in March. It will cost much more to stay at the same hotel during the peak season. 

Many nice hotel exteriors do not reveal the beauty waiting inside, so check the photos before booking! A nice courtyard is often hidden behind large doors.  A room that comes with a nice balcony with a view with seats can save you money if you prefer not to go out and enjoy a glass of wine at your accommodations! (Your accommodations should be good about finding you a wine glass and a bottle opener, but you can always pick this up at Monoprix.) 

For those on a lower budget, we recommend looking for cozy guesthouses (sometimes called B&Bs) as well as hostels. The great thing about staying at a guest house is that you’ll get to regularly interact with a friendly host who is typically happy to give recommendations.  Rooms within guest houses are typically less expensive than hotels and you’ll typically save by staying in a residential neighborhood with greater access to supermarkets and cafes without paying tourist prices.

Nice has many really nice hostels with a nice atmosphere, including Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture . If you’re on a lower budget or traveling solo, hostels are a great way to cut costs and meet people! Wanderlustingk editor Karen often stays at hostels even when traveling as a couple. She typically books a private room, so she gets a cheap yet clean place to stay and a nice social environment for socializing with other travelers.

If you have a car, you can typically save a lot by staying at least ten kilometers away from large cities in cute little villages. These stays are usually considerably cheaper (even in peak season) and just as charming. For the true French experience, look for stays within the charming history medieval centers of these beautiful French villages ! It might be a bit of a drive, but if you’re seeking a bit of R&R, a quick search with zooming out should give you some great budget options. If you’re lucky, you might even find a chateau!

The best time of the year to visit the South of France on a budget

Weather is important for planning your trip. I have traveled in late February and early May.  Generally, the region is warmer than most parts of France. Typically the weather in February in Marseilles averages 8 degrees Celsius with a low of 4 degrees.  It was pleasant with many bargain hotels and restaurants but it can be chancy.

I was fortunate as the following week, it plunged down to 0 degrees Celsius. In May, the average temperature is 18 degrees Celsius with a typical high of 24 degrees and 12 degrees. On average, January is the rainiest month. July is the least rainy month.  

The only issue with going in the off-season is that fewer day tours may be running and some cafes in more touristic cities may be closed, but if you hate the crowds and want to save, you can definitely go in the true off-season (January). The great thing about going in winter is that you may be able to ski nearby (La Belle Etoile) with still enjoying the French Christmas markets (December).

It’s important to note the August is the main French vacation month and it’s best to avoid traveling during this time as many restaurants and shops will be closed.  This is also still peak season, so accommodation prices will also be higher!

You don’t need a tour to take in history!

The history of Provence is long and dates back to the ancient Greeks in the 5 th century B.C.  The area around Marseilles became a large agricultural center and yielded grapes and olives.  In the 2 nd century, the Roman arrived and named Provence since it was a province of Rome.  

Many of the structures have been restored, but walking on the ground where Roman gladiators fought is magical! I also really liked walking across the largest Roman aqueduct in the world.  After the Romans left, Provence was occupied by European tribes, Moors, Spanish, and finally the current French government. 

I am a history buff so seeing large numbers of aqueducts, stadia, baths, and theaters is an incredible experience. Some are free to visit while others, I passed on paying the entrance fee as just seeing the ruins was enough for me.

If you’re very keen on taking a tour, you can typically find “Free Walking Tours” in most major French cities where all you pay is the tip. For a budget option to learn about history without paying hundreds, you can book a short two-hour walking tour of a city for a good price.  Better yet, invest in a good guidebook . 

For more tips for navigating the South of France, please check out our complete one week (or two weeks) itinerary for the South of France with more great budget tips and why you should visit Arles !

Let us know if you have any more tips for visiting the South of France on a budget!

About Steve Ertrachter

New Yorker–born and raised. Lover of tennis. Curious. Frugal and independent traveler who believes that travel yields an understanding of different cultures. 10% of the magic behind Wanderlustingk.

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How To Visit France On A Budget – 30+ Important Tips & Tricks To Know Before Visiting

The Eiffel Tower, the Sandy beaches of Saint Tropez, amazing wine, and tasty cheese… These are just some of the things that put France on the top of the bucket list for a lot of travelers. However, there are also a lot of them that don’t visit thinking that France is too expensive. Of course, France isn’t Cambodia or Vietnam price-wise and is among other things, famous for the luxurious hotels and fancy restaurants. Especially the capital, Paris, has the reputation of one of the most expensive cities in the world.  However, there are some ultimate tips and tricks that can certainly save you a lot of money and help you visit France on a budget. Let’s begin:

Finding Cheap Flights To France

If you want to visit France on a budget, the first thing you’ll need to figure out is your flight. It’s like finding the perfect moment to tell a joke – it’s all in the timing. Aim for the shoulder seasons – spring and fall – when the crowds thin out, and the airlines drop prices like hot potatoes. Summer in France is like a blockbuster movie premiere – everyone wants to be there, and they’re willing to pay top dollar for it.

Next, embrace the art of the layover. Direct flights are like front-row concert tickets – nice but pricey. Flights with a stop or two can significantly cut costs. Think of it as a bonus mini-adventure – a sneak peek at another destination before you hit the main event.

Don’t shy away from budget airlines. Sure, they might charge you for breathing too loudly, but they can offer some seriously wallet-friendly options. Just be sure to read the fine print – you don’t want to end up paying a fortune for your luggage. It’s like going to a fancy restaurant and realizing they charge extra for the ambiance.

Visiting During The Shoulder Season

If you want to visit France on a budget, you should seriously consider the shoulder season. Firstly, the weather is like Goldilocks’ porridge – not too hot, not too cold, just right. You get to enjoy the blooms of spring or the golden hues of fall without the extreme weather of the peak seasons. It’s perfect for leisurely strolls along the Seine or through the lavender fields without the risk of turning into a human popsicle or melting like a Camembert in the sun.

Secondly, the prices! Accommodation rates take a nosedive compared to the peak season. It’s like the hotel prices are on a post-holiday diet – slim and much more attractive. Plus, with fewer tourists around, you won’t have to elbow your way through crowds or queue for hours at popular attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.

But wait, there’s more! The shoulder season is also when you can experience France like a local. The cafes are less crowded, giving you a chance to enjoy your café au lait in peace. The parks are serene, perfect for people-watching or a picnic with some locally sourced cheese and wine.

Cheap Accommodation In France

As I said, France has a lot of famous luxurious hotels but these probably won’t be your go-to option if you’re planning to visit France on a budget. Instead, we’ll discuss the myriad of different low-cost lodging options  France has to offer. Some of them are:

Gîtes de France  features listings of different types of low-cost accommodations in France. Most of these are how the French call them;  Chambres d’hotes,  which is an equivalent to bed and breakfast. Some of these allow visitors to rent an apartment or a house and this also allows you to save a few extra bucks cooking for yourself.

Logis is a network of 2,000+ hotel-restaurants in France. The places which are part of this network are mostly small inns and they are relatively cheap. However, most of these are located in small cities and villages . If you’re a food lover , this is a great way to experience the amazing French cuisine, as most of the facilities have meals included. 

Want to learn more about traditional food? Check out my list of the best food destinations in Europe .

Bienvenue à la Ferme  is a program supported by the French government that allows travelers to stay at farms . There are different accommodation options, ranging from no-electricity camping to bed and breakfast arrangements. This is also a great option for food lovers. You will be able to have a homemade meal with fresh ingredients from their own farms.

Hostels and Couchsurfing is always a great option to save a few bucks and meet a lot of new friends and let’s not forget about house swapping where you swap your house with holidaymakers from the country you’re visiting.

Cheap Transportation In France

France has a superb infrastructure and a very well-connected rail line and this is good news for all backpackers who wants to visit France on a budget. Therefore, there are a lot of ways for budget travelers to save money when traveling around the country.

Buses are also a cheap and convenient alternative. France’s bus system is very extensive and there’s practically no place that can’t be reached by bus, whether local or regional. If you’re planning to visit more places in France , buses are a good option as you can get tickets for short duration bus rides only for a few Euros. However, like it’s always the case: when something is so extensive, it can be a bit complicated to understand. So make sure you plan ahead and make sure you check the schedule for the local bus system.

Rail passes are, in my opinion, the way to go for longer trips. You can buy a month’s pass for $202 USD and travel wherever you want and if you’re 27 or younger you can get a 20% discount. This ticket also includes a discount on ferry crossings from Cherbourg to Rosslare (Ireland). You can also use the ticket to go to Mannheim, Nurnberg, and Prague . The rail pass is obviously a good choice if you want to thoroughly explore France and are planning to stay longer.

But if you’re thinking about just covering a few cities and taking a couple of one-day trips around these big cities don’t go for it. However, if you want to travel deeper, from the lavender fields, through the Alps, to the charming small villages, the rail pass is the way to go.

If you’re on a tight schedule and just want to visit a few touristy places, the best way to go is by flight. For domestic flights, the best discount airlines are Ryanair and EasyJet. Surprisingly, oftentimes the fairs provided by these companies can be even cheaper than a train ticket. However, don’t forget about the big airlines either.

For example, I just came across Qatar Airways’s Discover the World at a low price program that has flights around the world some of which are even cheaper than the price offered by budget airlines! If you’re looking for a cheap flight to or from France, make sure to check it out. On the other hand, if you’re traveling around France via train, you can get some good deals on Trainline . 

Finally, if you’re thinking of renting a car in France, use this link and save up to 30% on a car rental for your upcoming trip.

Cheap Dining In France

The cuisine is certainly one of the main reasons to visit France, a country that’s known for being the gourmand’s paradise. France is home to some of the world’s finest chefs and French restaurants are famous throughout the world. However, the refined meals served in some of these restaurants are normally accompanied by an exorbitant check. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t experience the French cuisine if you’re on a budget.

Let’s start with breakfast. B oulangerie  (bakery) and  patisserie (pastry shop) are part not only of the typical French’s day but they’re also part of French culture. Get ready for displays that are a feast for the eyes and taste even better than they look. The typical breakfast of croissant/bakery and a coffee will cost you around 5-6 euros. Another option for cheap morning meals are the local markets, where you can find a variety of locally-grown, fresh fruits.

For the rest of the day, you can combine a large meal with a couple of snacks. If the locals can do it, so can you. If you want to eat in a fancy restaurant, I suggest you go there for lunch instead of dinner. The reason: to avoid the tourist rush .  Also, consider a picnic. It’s a great way to have a decent meal with less than 10 Euros. It’s really cheap if you buy all of the ingredients from the market and there’s nothing like a picnic along the Seine…

Always Ask For Prix Fixe Menu

Another tip for people who want to visit France on a budget is to always ask for a prix fixe  menu. Prix Fixe provides a mix of starters, main dishes, and desserts for a fixed price. This is always much cheaper than ordering  a la carte , or off the menu. And don’t miss on the house wine, which might be cheap but the quality is just as good as bottled wines in most countries. A glass of this type of wine will cost you even less than ordering a Coke. Needless to say, there’s a house wine for practically every meal you can imagine.

Visit France on a budget: Sightseeing

If you’re in one of the big cities, get a  2 or 3-day Pass which will allow you to use public transport for free. Another benefit of the pass is the free entry to the museums and tourist sights. You can buy the passes at the local tourist offices and even in some hotels. France also has a lot of stunning cathedrals and the best part is: most of them are entry-free which is again, great for people who plan to visit France on a budget. If you’re not spending a lot of time in a city, going on a sightseeing tour that covers most of the city highlights might be a good idea.

You might still think that France is an expensive country but there are actually a lot of bargains you can get in France. The first thing that comes to my mind is the  open-air daily markets . You can find these in every city and small town. Go out there, explore the markets, buy some fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, staples of bread and have a picnic. A lot of locals do that too.

Almost every city has a brocantes or a flea-market. These are vibrant, colorful places where you can find a lot of cheap souvenirs and authentic unusual gifts . The most famous brocante in the country are probably the ones at Lille and the island city: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Just like every European country, France has a lot of free walking tours in most popular tourist destinations. Aix en Provence, Lille, Nice, Marseille, Bordeaux, Beziers, Nimes, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Paris. All of these places have free walking tours covering the most popular local sights. I know you might think that most of these cities are expensive, especially during the spring and summer but like I mentioned traveling on a budget is completely possible. One good example of that is this article with cheap things to do in Nice and this one featuring some hidden gems in Paris , which are, by the way, two of the most expensive cities in the whole country.

Related: How to visit Paris in a day

Free Walking Tours In France

This guide to visiting France on a budget couldn’t be complete without mentioning a few popular free walking tours across the country.

• Sandemans New Europe offers a classic free walking tour that meanders through the heart of Paris, taking you to landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Seine River.
• Free Tour Lyon will take you through the hidden traboules (passageways) and the vibrant Vieux Lyon (Old Town).
• Riviera Bar Crawl & Tours offers a glimpse into the blend of French and Italian influences, the famous Promenade des Anglais, and the charming Old Town.
• Free walking tours in Bordeaux, like the one from Bordeaux Free Tour, will take you through the neoclassical quays of the Garonne River and the bustling Saint-Pierre district.
• The Marseille Free Walking Tour leads you through the vibrant Vieux Port, the historic Panier district, and offer views of the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde.

France Travel Costs

Exploring France on a budget is like savoring a fine wine – it’s all about quality, not quantity. Let’s uncork the costs and see how you can experience the charm of France without your wallet waving the white flag of surrender.

• Accommodation: Hostels can range from €20-€40 per night for a dorm bed, offering a mix of affordability and a chance to meet fellow travelers. Budget hotels and guesthouses hover around €60-€100 per night.
• Transportation: Train travel, especially on the high-speed TGV, can be pricey, with tickets ranging from €30-€100. Regional trains are more budget-friendly. Buses are the wallet’s best friend, with companies like Ouibus and Flixbus offering fares as low as €5-€20.
• Food: A simple baguette sandwich or crêpe can cost about €3-€7. Casual bistros offer plat du jour (meal of the day) for around €10-€15. And don’t forget the local markets – they’re a goldmine for fresh, affordable produce.
• Sightseeing: Many of its marvels, like Notre-Dame (pre-fire) and the Champs-Élysées, are free to explore. Museum entry fees range from €10-€15, but look out for free entry days.
• Miscellaneous: Set aside a little for those oh-la-la moments – like a fancy pastry or a glass of Bordeaux. About €10-€20 per day should cover those little splurges that make the trip memorable.

A Few More Money-Saving Tips

• Drink wine –  In France, wine is literally cheaper than water. Don’t stop drinking water but choose wine over any other alcohol. You can get a decent bottle of wine at the market for as low as 3 EUR.
• Pre-drink before going out – French bars are ridiculously overpriced, especially in the metropolitan cities like Paris . You can save a lot of money on drinks by drinking some wine before going out.
• Use the benefits of being under 27 –France has an array of extensive discounts for young people under the age of 27. This is applicable to train tickets, museum passes and a lot of other things.
• Save in café bars – having a quick drink and a snack while standing at the counter/bar will also help decrease your bill.
• Search for group tours – you can find a lot of group tours where you will travel with strangers but it’s going to be much cheaper than traveling alone. One good example is the Best hop on hop off Paris tour .
• Find free things to do- from street art attractions to historic sights and fascinating museums, there are a lot of free things to do in most big French cities. Just do your research before you go and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of interesting free or cheap activities. 

France is everything that people say it is- and much more. The rich history, castles , the amazing architecture, the charming villages, the mesmerizing Alps, the culture in the metropolitan cities… All these make France one of the most beautiful countries in the world . And the French people aren’t at all arrogant as people normally assume they are.

However, keep in mind that it can be quite difficult to fully experience France on a super tight budget even if you’re applying all these tips. Have some extra Euros in your pocket when visiting so you can see the best France has to offer.

Helpful Resources For Visiting France On A Budget

Get the cheapest flights to France using this Qatar Airways special offer . Yes, this is an affiliate link, but the flights are so affordable, even I use it when booking my flights.

For the best travel insurance deals for your trip to France, I always choose and recommend SafetyWing .

If you want to rent a car in France, this AutoEurope coupon gets you 15% off on all car rentals.

And last but not least, if you want to save on all booking.com rentals in France, use my discount code . Alternatively, if you want to stay in some of the nicest hotels in France, use this special offer to get you great discounts on all Radisson hotels in France.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like this guide to visiting Thailand on a budget .

Have you ever visited France? Do you think this article gave you some good tips on how to visit France on a budget? Let me know in the comments!

Like it? Pin it.

MEENAKSHI J

Sunday 18th of November 2018

These are some wonderful tips for first timers and travellers to France. Prix fixe menu sounds like the Thalis of India, Dan! I am sure you must have indulged in one on your numerous trips to India. buying passes and going for picnics are indeed great ideas to save money.But, as a traveller, I would like to pamper myself and indulge in some good food at an affordable resto. Overall, a very informative and useful article as usual from you :)

Passport Symphony

Monday 19th of November 2018

Indeed I have, Meenakshi- I'm a big fan of thalis :D indeed there are many was to travel France on a budget while not breaking the bank. That's why I wrote this article and I'm glad you could get some useful tips out of it

Medha Verma

With expensive countries like France, it's always good to know the tricks to save money. Getting a 2 or 3-day sightseeing pass is one of those things I do whenever I travel to any country. Also, France, as you mention, has a very well developed public transportation system such as buses and trains which definitely helps in cutting the budget. Also, the boulangeries and pattisieries are the best places to pick up delicious looking, fresh bread that isn't expensive either!

Definitely, Medha! Thank you for your comment :)

Saturday 17th of November 2018

Wow I didn't know about the train pass! I will definitely check it out since I would love to visit the Provence as well as Normandie, which are in totally opposite directions. The only thing that I find a bit worrying is that the French love to strike. The last time I was in Paris the SNCF was on strike, complicated things for so many travelers! Other than that, I love how you showed people that it's possible and even easy to travel to expensive destinations on a budget. We did a lot of picnics while in France, with cheap but delicious baguettes and wine :)

Thanks for commenting, Aryane! In that case, the train pass will definitely be the way to go for you! Indeed, strikes in France are not uncommon. I remember once I visited Marseille, the city's public cleaning company was on a strike and the city was filled with garbage. These things do happen unfortunately but I hope it doesn't happen when you decide to visit.

Sinjana Ghosh

There are so many amazing places in France beyond Paris. the landscape is so beautiful with mountains , grasslands, sea and great architecture. I completely agree with you on using public transport passes. It helped me a lot on my Europe trip. Thanks for the tips on cheap dining too!

Thanks, Sinjana - I'm glad to hear you liked the article

Krasen Jelyazkov

Friday 16th of November 2018

I am a fan of budget traveling too. Actually, traveling cheap can not only save your money, but it has some benefits that luxury travel lack. For example- using AirBnB or Couchsurfing can allow you to meet new friends, and to understand better the local culture. If I have to spend more money- only for destinations and routes. Never for hotels or luxury restaurants. And when I go to France in the future, I will try to apply your tips. Thank you for sharing! :)

Thank you, Krasen- I'm glad to hear you found some useful tips in this article.

• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Paris Visit Paris on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Paris Costs

• Paris Hotel Prices
• Best Party Hotels in Paris
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• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Paris
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• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Paris
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• Best Hotels for One Week in Paris
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• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Paris
• Best Luxury Hotels in Paris
• Is Paris Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Paris cost?
• Free Activities and Things to do in Paris
• Is Paris Worth Visiting?
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Paris
• The Best Versailles Day Trips and Tours in Paris
• The Best Cheap Louvre Tours in Paris
• The Best Seine River Boat Tours in Paris
• The Best Montmartre Tours in Paris
• The Best Affordable Wine Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours of the Marais in Paris
• The Best Monet's Garden Tours in Giverny
• How to Skip the Line at the Eiffel Tower in Paris (Advance Tickets)
• How to Visit the Loire Valley from Paris
• France Costs
• Northeastern France
• Central France
• Southeastern France
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• Western France
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• Aix-en-Provence
• How much does it cost to travel to Paris? (Average Daily Cost)
• Paris trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Paris expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Paris?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Paris?

You should plan to spend around $252 (€232) per day on your vacation in Paris. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $45 (€41) on meals
• $23 (€21) on local transportation
• $327 (€302) on hotels

A one week trip to Paris for two people costs, on average, $3,522 (€3,251) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 252 € 232
• One Week Per person $ 1,761 € 1,626
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 3,522 € 3,251
• One Month Per person $ 7,548 € 6,967
• One Week For a couple $ 3,522 € 3,251
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 7,045 € 6,503
• One Month For a couple $ 15,095 € 13,934

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Paris cost?

A one week trip to Paris usually costs around $1,761 (€1,626) for one person and $3,522 (€3,251) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Paris on average costs around $3,522 (€3,251) for one person and $7,045 (€6,503) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Paris will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Paris on average costs around $7,548 (€6,967) for one person and $15,095 (€13,934) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Paris has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Paris are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Paris is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Reykjavik or Bern.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Paris Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Paris?

The average Paris trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Paris travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Paris

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Paris is $164 (€151). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Paris is $327 (€302). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 164 € 151
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 327 € 302

Hotel Prices in Paris

Looking for a hotel in Paris? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Paris based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $126. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Hotel des Arts - Montmartre Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 132
• Splendide Royal Paris Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 544

Transportation Budget in Paris

The cost of a taxi ride in Paris is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $23 (€21) per person, per day, on local transportation in Paris.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 23 € 21

Recommended Services

• Private Transfer to Disney Land Paris Viator $ 149
• Private Transfers from Paris City to Paris Airport CDG Viator $ 99

Flights to Paris

Rental cars in paris, what did other people spend on transportation in paris.

Typical prices for Transportation in Paris are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Paris, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Metro € 6.40
• Train from Airport € 9.00
• Metro tickets € 6.80
• Train € 20

Food Budget in Paris

While meal prices in Paris can vary, the average cost of food in Paris is $45 (€41) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Paris should cost around $18 (€17) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Paris is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 45 € 41

Recommended

• Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Paris Saint Germain Viator $ 182
• A Gastronomic Dinner with a MasterChef winner in Paris Viator $ 225

What did other people spend on Food in Paris?

Typical prices for Food in Paris are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Paris, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Ice Cream € 8.00
• Breakfast € 7.00
• Breakfast for 2 € 30
• Dinner on River Cruise € 86
• Dinner € 57
• Cheese € 13

Entertainment Budget in Paris

Entertainment and activities in Paris typically cost an average of $84 (€77) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 84 € 77

The Go City Paris Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Paris. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.

Recommended Activities

• Paris in a Day - Private Experience Viator $ 287
• Paris - Historic City Center Walking Tour Viator $ 142

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Paris?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Paris are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Paris, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Louvre Entry for Two € 18
• Admission to Pantheon € 5.00
• Catacombs (2) € 23

Tips and Handouts Budget in Paris

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Paris is $25 (€23) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Paris is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 25 € 23

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Paris

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Paris is $201 (€185), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 201 € 185

Alcohol Budget in Paris

The average person spends about $26 (€24) on alcoholic beverages in Paris per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 26 € 24
• Paris Wine Tasting Experience in Montmartre Viator $ 142
• Paris St Germain Wine Tasting Viator $ 43

What did other people spend on Alcohol in Paris?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Paris are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Paris, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Wine € 14

Water Budget in Paris

On average, people spend $2.70 (€2.49) on bottled water in Paris per day. The public water in Paris is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 2.70 € 2.49

Related Articles

Paris on a budget.

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30+ France Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

With a committed legion of croissant-loving, champagne-chugging Francophiles spread across the globe, France may well be one of the most romanticized countries in Europe.

But unfortunately for many first time visitors, with high expectations comes inevitable disappointment, especially when they realize that the streets do not , in fact, smell permanently of baguettes.

But France is an amazing country to visit… so long as you come prepared.

Packed to the brim with cultural quirks and frustrating traps, France isn’t a destination that you can just show up and blindly enjoy. But that’s exactly what makes a visit here so rewarding… and addictive.

After many, many visits over the past decade and a half, I’ve learned the hard way what not to do in France, and how to navigate the country in a way that keeps you crawling back for more.

So, read on for a list of my best France travel tips for first-timers, with all the French must-knows I wish I knew before my first visit, almost 15 years ago.

Save this list of France Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Remember: France is more than just Paris!

With its status as the EU’s largest country, France is so packed with sights, it’s a miracle that Paris has managed to hog the limelight this long.

Metropolitan France is made up of thirteen regions and is often referred to as l’Hexagone, or the Hexagon thanks to its hexagonal shape. And what a ridiculously attractive hexagon it is.

I worked for a French travel company one summer which brought me to a ton of destinations I never would’ve otherwise thought to visit. And I’m obsessed. Paris is truly just scraping the surface, so if time allows, be sure to add other French destinations to your itinerary.

Here are a few of my personal favourites:

• Alsace: Fairytale storybook villages come to life, famous for its wineries and Christmas markets.
• The French Riviera: A glitzy coastline that gets 300+ days of sunshine each year, dotted with luxurious resorts, plus easy access to Monaco .
• Lyon: An amazing city with an epic gastronomy scene, plenty of cool sights and surprises (like how it was the birthplace of cinema!)
• Normandy: Dramatic landscapes along the The Alabaster Coast, and lots of cool unique sights like Mont St Michel. Capital is Rouen, a gorgeous medieval city.

You can see my full list of places to visit in France (besides Paris) for more inspo.

NOTE: One really great way to research new French destinations is by using Google Translate and searching in French. By doing this, you’ll find a lot more content that is geared towards domestic travellers, who tend to explore more than just the most famous spots known internationally.

2. Don’t assume all French people are rude

Now, let’s address the éléphant in the room. You’ve probably heard it before – one of the most jarring culture shocks for first timers visiting France is that locals can be… a little mean.

And I get where that impression comes from. First off, it’s important to note that unhinged enthusiasm and over-friendliness is simply not baked into French culture the same way it is in many parts of North America, so they’re just generally more demure.

More importantly though, French people like things done their way… and unlike other countries in Europe that may be more willing to bend and cater to tourist crowds, French locals are more steadfast in maintaining their norms, often to the embarrassment and woe of clueless visitors.

Oftentimes, it feels to me like locals in touristy areas have pre-conceived notions about ‘ignorant tourists’ and so it’s assumed you are one of the bad eggs, unless you prove otherwise.

This is why learning basic French phrases and etiquette is SO crucial. Once you can show you’re putting in the work, you win instant respect points in the eyes of tourist-wary locals, and you’ll certainly have a much better time.

On that note…

3. Learn some basic French before your trip

Unlike in many other European tourist hubs where English is welcomed and spoken widely, France is a country where learning the local language can go a long, long way.

If there ever was a cheat code to unlocking French ‘friendliness’, it’d be speaking the language.

While many French locals (especially in big cities) speak more English than they let on, they often refrain from speaking it unless absolutely necessary, maintaining the (fair) belief that when in France, you should be speaking French.

So, here are some key French phrases you should 100% commit to memory, along with rough pronunciation guides:

• Hello: Bonjour (bon-zhoor)
• Good evening: Bonsoir (bon-swahr) -> [ say this after 6pm-ish, people kind of get snobby if you say “bonjour” in the evening]
• Thank you: Merci (mer-see)
• Please: S’il vous plaît (see voo play)
• Can I get the bill please?: L’addition, s’il vous plaît (lah-diss-yon, see voo play)
• Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais? (par-lay voo ong-lay)
• Excuse me (like, sorry/when you’re trying to move past someone) : Pardon (pahr-dawn)
• Excuse me (like, when you’re trying to get someone’s attention): Excusez-moi (ex-kews-ay-mwah)
• Bye: Au revoir (oh rev-war)

4. Familiarize yourself with basic French etiquette

Similarly, just as locals lack patience for those who don’t speak their language, they lack even more patience for those who aren’t familiar with French “ Us et coutumes ” (AKA habits and customs).

And, fair enough, there are a lot of cultural norms in France that (when breached) can come across as incredibly rude.

So, if you’d like to avoid being “yet another rude tourist”, here are some France etiquette tips to keep in mind:

Say “bonjour” (before 6pm) or “bonsoir” (after 6pm) when entering a shop: Failure to greet people when entering a shop is considered the peak of rudeness in France, so don’t forget!

When greeting friends, go for “La Bise”: In France, the standard informal greeting among “friends” is La Bise, which is basically an air kiss on each cheek while making a slight kissing sound. Hugging is actually considered more intimate than this!

When in doubt, go with “vous” : In French, there’s a difference between a formal you (vous) and informal you (tu). The latter should only be used among friends, so when addressing strangers, always go with the “vous” form!

Avoid speaking too loudly in public: When in doubt, try to match the overall volume of your surroundings. North Americans in particular have a reputation for being loud.

Moving past people? Say “Pardon”: I know a lot of tourists default to “excusez-moi”, which would be understood but is more meant as “excuse me” in the context of getting someone’s attention, so say “par-DON” when moving past people instead.

Avoid joking about clichés and stereotypes: French humour isn’t very self-deprecating, so avoid making jokes about common clichés and stereotypes, and certainly don’t go quoting infamous lines that start with “Voulez-vous coucher avec…”

5. Prepare for plenty of jaywalking and cutting in line

Based on the cultural nuances above, it may be easy to assume that French culture is simply more formal than most.

There are two main exceptions however: jay walking, and cutting in line.

The concept of line-ups (or queuing, as the Brits like to say) is non-existent in France, so don’t be surprised if a local comes shoving past you on public transport or jumps ahead of you at the boulangerie while you wait for your 7th pastry of the day.

And as for jaywalking, while technically forbidden if you’re within 50m of a crosswalk, most people do it anyway.

Once upon a time I was travelling with a French friend who practically acted as if traffic lights were invisible. When I asked him why, he simply told me “I am French. I do not wait!”

That just about sums it up.

6. Keep in mind the depth of cultural diversity within France

While many France travel guides (this one included!) make reference to “French people” or “the French way of doing things”, it’s important to note that France itself is home to a lot of regional diversity.

Brittany for instance is very different to the Basque Country which is very different to Alsace which is very different to Paris.

There are of course broad similarities (which this article covers), but when it comes to researching more specific things like what to eat, what wine to drink, etc. it may be worthwhile to research for the specific destinations you’re visiting.

7. Prepare yourself for strikes

Another important France travel tip I have for you is to simply get used to ‘going with the flow’, because trust me: France is a country where even the best laid plans can go awry with just a single word: ‘grève’ (AKA strike).

The right to strike is considered by many to be Frencher than even the Eiffel Tower itself, and odds are, a strike may impact your trip in one way or another.

For instance, a sudden train strike on my first trip to France meant we had to take a 12-hour bus ride instead of the much quicker train from Nice to Paris. It also took me literally FOUR tries over many years to visit the Arc de Triomphe, because of random strikes and closures every time I attempted to go.

And while there are some sites like this one that announce strikes, many of them are planned with little notice, so there’s not much you can do as an international visitor besides mentally preparing yourself for the possibility.

Overall, just don’t be too upset if your plans get thrown in a raging trash fire… and try your best to make the most of the situation in any case (like this couple who chose to calmly sip wine next to said trash fire).

8. And expect random closures

Related to the point above, another important France travel tip is to prepare yourself for unexpected closures.

From personal experience, I can confirm that even if Google Maps says a shop, restaurant, or attraction is open, there’s always a chance that it might be closed when you arrive. So, it’s important to stay flexible and have a plan B ready to go.

And if you’re planning on visiting during peak vacation periods like August, be prepared for even more closures since many locals will be out of town.

8. Consider planning your trip for the shoulder or off-season 

I know a lot of people dream about visiting France in the summer, but with the higher prices and the heat, I’d actually recommend shoulder/off season instead.

Especially for big cities like Paris, winter is a much quieter (and perfectly pleasant) time to visit… plus Paris at Christmas time is every bit as magical as you’d imagine.

NOTE: If you’re looking to score some sweet deals while heading to France, you should know that sales (Les Soldes) are no joke over there. They’re heavily regulated and only happen twice a year – once in June and once in January. Learn more here.

9. Go to Alsace for Christmas markets!

While Christmas in Paris is undoubtedly magical, the Alsace region of France has some of the most absurdly amazing Christmas markets in Europe.

Go to them.

I’ve already written out a full list of the best Christmas markets in Alsace, but here are some of my guides to specific markets so you can read more:

• Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide
• Colmar Christmas Market Guide
• Obernai Christmas Market Guide

This is one of the most magical times to visit France, and if you plan your visit for earlier in the season (late November, rather than close to Christmas), you’ll usually be able to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Here are my top must-knows for visiting Christmas markets in Europe if you want to learn more.

10. Expect at least some scaffolding/restoration work

The lengthy history of France is one of its most enticing selling points.

But, it has to be said, for every drool-worthy building that boasts centuries of tales, there’s a scaffolding company ready to make a fortune.

So, just to get your expectations in check, expect scaffolding. And lots of it. Old, beautiful buildings require maintenance, and you’ll probably encounter the byproduct of said maintenance during your trip.

11. Be wary of petty theft and scams when you visit France

For first-time visitors, another important France must-know is that there are many professional pickpocketers and scammers frequenting tourist hubs.

Your best defence against them? Learning all their tricks beforehand.

You can learn the most common pickpocket techniques and how to avoid them in my post about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe , but overall, the key is to always be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.

Pickpockets thrive on distraction, and tend to operate in high-traffic areas that have a lot of people/tourists (e.g. train stations), so be especially careful to not let anyone get too close.

Here are some other ground rules to keep in mind for avoiding scams in France:

• Do not take free stuff: Often scammers will offer you a rose or a friendship bracelet for “free” then demand money. In more extreme cases, they may even forcibly tie a friendship bracelet on you then demand payment, so be cautious in busy touristy areas.
• Don’t sign any petitions: In touristy areas, there is often a scam (usually run by groups of young women) where they ask you to sign a petition and then either demand a donation from you, or distract you as someone else picks your pockets. Be sure to ignore and avoid!
• Do not blindly accept help from strangers: Generally, French locals will not approach & help you unless you ask for it. In cases of overly helpful strangers that come to YOU, often this is a scam, i.e. offering to help you buy a Metro ticket, then buying you the wrong one (e.g. a child’s ticket) while pocketing the profit.

12. Prioritize public transport for city to city travel

Now, onto France transport tips!

First off, if you are mainly visiting French cities during your trip, renting a car will likely not be necessary.

The French train system is robust and covers over 3000 stations across the country. For those on a budget, there are also bus companies like Flixbus, Eurolines and BlaBlaBus that offer affordable connections, and for quicker commutes, there are also 30+ airports in France, many of which are well served by budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet.

So, I’d recommend hopping on Omio to compare all the different options at a glance.

That said, if you want to frolic in nature nature, explore remote villages or roll around in glamorous chateaux, you will probably need to rent a car, in which case here is a post to help you figure out how much renting a car in Europe really costs .

13. Book train tickets in advance for the best deal

For train travel, the national rail company in France is known as the SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français).

The crown jewel of their offerings is the TGV (Train à grande vitesse, or “high speed train”), which are fast trains that can get across the country at truly alarming speeds, like this world record-setting ride which hit 574.8 km/h (or 357.2 mph).

There are also Intercity trains and TER trains that are less quick but serve regional and local routes.

In any case, booking in advance is the best way to ensure good deals, particularly on TGV trains, where reserved seats are mandatory and can sell out.

14. Consider Ouigo trains if on a budget

If you’re on a budget, another option to look into is Ouigo trains, which are like a budget version of the TGV.

They’re a bit less fancy and you need to pay extra for additional perks like extra bags but it can be really cheap if you book in advance.

15. Use the SNCF Connect website to your advantage

French train stations can be stressful, so whenever possible, I’d recommend booking your tickets beforehand… unless you particularly enjoy panicking in crowded spaces.

Luckily, the SNCF Connect website makes it easy.

You can easily see their best offers here , or search up your departure point/destination to see a price calendar that helps you identify the cheapest dates and times.

16. Know the ground rules for public transport

When it comes to using public transport in France, there are a few important must-knows that I think will make your experience smoother and more affordable.

So, here are some tips for using public transportation in France:

• Look for deals: Depending on the city, you’ll often special discounted tickets which can save you a lot of money compared to paying full price (e.g. youth tickets, special weekend tickets), so be sure to look into discounts and see if any apply to you.
• Always validate and hold onto your ticket: In France, there are ticket checkers who make sure you’ve paid for and validated your fare correctly. Sometimes they will even check you after you’ve gotten off the train (e.g. at the top of escalators at Metro stations), so do not throw your tickets away until you’ve left the station.
• Avoid public transport during rush hour and during big events like sports games: Trying to hop on Metros or buses when thousands of locals are trying to get to/from work (or to a big event) is truly one of the biggest travel mistakes you can make in France, so plan around it!
• Lastly, let people exit trains/buses first before storming in: This is common sense, but unfortunately not so common, so remember this little France etiquette tip!

17. Learn the tricks to saving money on French attractions

There are a few things that are inevitable when you visit France for the first time. For instance, you will probably eat enough pastries to fed a small village. You will probably also drop a lot of dough (heh) on pricey attractions.

They have to pay for all that scaffolding somehow, after all.

Don’t worry though, there are a lot of secret (and not so secret) ways to save money on attractions when visiting France. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Book in advance: This will save both time and (sometimes) money.
• Age-based discounts: Usually there are discounts for children, youth (under the age of 26) and seniors (usually 60+)
• Residency-based discounts: Many major museums offer free or discounted admission for EU residents under the age of 26.
• Student discounts: Be sure to get an  ISIC Card  as this is an internationally recognized student ID that costs about twenty bucks, but will save you at least that much in discounts. Some attractions won’t accept your local student ID, so having this is important.
• Attraction passes: Many cities will offer passes that bundle multiple attractions into one price. If you plan to see a lot of stuff, this can save you a LOT of money.

18. On a budget? Prioritize free museums and sights

Of course, the ultimate way to save money sightseeing in France is to simply prioritize all the amazing free things there are to see and do. This is one of my top Europe backpacking tips .

All over the country, there are free things to ogle and experience, from grandiose museums and architecture to street art and fun festivals, all of which are stunningly gratuit. .. like these amazing free things to do in Paris .

So, from one cheapskate to another, please milk them for all they’re worth.

PS:  Many of museums across France offer free admission on particular days of the month, so be sure to give those dates a Google prior to your visit.

19. Learn how to avoid mediocre, tourist trap restaurants

French cuisine is world-renowned, but it can be a bit of a struggle to find the right places to eat when visiting France for the first time.

The reason is simple: good, authentic restaurants are unlikely to make themselves easily accessible to tourists. In contrast, the restaurants with English menus, free WiFi and big photos to explain their specialties are (as you might assume) not the best in quality or price.

SO, what are some ways to avoid getting tourist trapped when dining out in France? Here are some ground rules.

• Dine far away from tourist attractions: Generally, these will have a poor price to quality ratio. Instead, walk a few blocks over before starting your food hunt, or do some prior research to find well-rated restaurants near you.
• Be sure to check reviews: Reviews aren’t always 100% accurate, but they can be helpful in showing you immediate red flags like scammy prices.
• Avoid places with big photos and menus in a bajillion languages: This is usually a sign that the restaurant caters to tourists, so will likely be (at best) overpriced or (at worst) lacking in quality food.
• Steer clear of places with an over-eager host: If there’s a pushy server outside asking you to sit down, odds are this won’t be the best place to eat.

20. Know the tricks to saving money on dining out in France

So once you’ve found your (non tourist trappy) restaurant of choice, what are some ways you can enjoy while saving money?

As someone who loves food and saving money in equal measure, here are a few tricks to take advantage of:

• Splurge at lunch: Many places will offer special deals for lunch, so keep an eye out for those!
• Learn how to correctly ask for tap water: If you’re looking for free hydration, be sure to ask for “une carafe d’eau” or they will assume you want bottled water, which can be as much as 7 euros per bottle! Although take note that it’s common/expected to have a paid drink with your meal as well, like wine or beer.
• Try the plat du jour (dish of the day): Many restaurants in France will offer this as a special in addition to the regular menu offerings – it’s usually cheaper or unique in some way, so nice to try if it sounds good!

21. Familiarize yourself with the structure of a French menu/meal

Dining out in France can be intimidating for first-timers, and also confusing due to words that are different in English vs. French.

For instance, a menu in France can refer to a paper list of dishes, but it more often refers to a combo that includes multiple things for one set price.

So in a restaurant for instance, this may be a meal that comes with an appetizer, main course, dessert and wine for one price, or in fast food restaurants for instance, often a “menu” will mean a combo that comes with fries and a drink.

The more common word for the menu in France is “ la carte”. This is why there’s sometimes the distinction between ordering the “menu” (e.g. the set meal that comes with multiple courses for one price) or ordering “à la carte” (e.g. ordering individual things off the list of dishes they offer).

Another confusing thing is the word entrées. Whereas in North America, entrée refers to the main course, in France it refers to the starter or appetizer and the main course is the plat principal (often shortened to just “plats” on menus).

So, to be clear, the structure of a French meal usually goes like this:

• L’Entrée: An appetizer
• Le Plat Principal: A main course
• Le Fromage: Cheese (Self explanatory), sometimes served with a light salad before
• Le Dessert: Sweets that finish the meal

There’s a misconception out there that French people eat cheese for dessert, which isn’t entirely true – it’s just that they believe cheese should come after the main course, and many choose not to (or have no room for) a sweet dessert after.

For particularly indulgent evenings, many will also enjoy an Apéritif before eating the meal, which is a pre-dinner drink that whets the appetite, as well as a Digestif after the meal, which is a post-dinner drink that aids digestion.

22. Learn French restaurant etiquette

Alright, now that you know how the menu works, here are some additional French travel tips related to the science/art of dining out in France:

Make reservations: If you’ve got your heart set on a particular restaurant during your trip in France, it’s best to reserve a table in advance, especially for peak periods like weekends.

Wait to be seated: Seating yourself is not common France, so don’t do it unless there’s a sign saying so (or face the wrath of your server).

Get your server’s attention if you need something: Generally speaking, the ultra-friendly and proactive customer service you get in North America doesn’t really exist in France, so if you need anything after your order has been taken/after your food has arrived, you must take the initiative to flag down your server.

Avoid customizing your order with substitutions: This is not very common in France, as it’s usually assumed the chef knows best.

Ask for the bill when you want it: It will not come automatically, as they consider it rude to interrupt you during your meal.

23. Learn how to tip in France

In France, a 15% service charge is included in your bill, so the tipping culture here is definitely less prominent than in North America.

Opinion is divided on whether or not you should still tip on top of this service charge – younger locals often won’t bother with a tip at all. For me personally, it comes down to what “feels right” (so Canadian, I know!)

If you feel your server deserves a bit extra, then 5-10% would be acceptable… but you don’t need to feel obligated like you might in North America.

24. Have a quick search of regional specialties before you go

A lot of first time visitors to France will be familiar with some classic dishes – from the infamous escargot and frog legs to beloved classics like French onion soup and pastries.

Of course, it goes without saying that there is much more to French food than that.

French cuisine (much like its culture) has a lot of regional differences, so wherever you travel, be sure to sample the local specialty wherever you are instead of simply picking what you consider to be “typical French dishes”.

… and for the best results, pair them with local wine too.

25. Revamp your concept of “casual”

In terms of what to wear in France, contrary to popular belief, or what you see from fashion bloggers and Emily in Paris, not everyone in France is a fashion model dressed to the nines everyday.

That said, the default casual look in France is definitely elevated when compared to the standard ‘sweatpants, flip flops, and athleisure’ casual commonly seen in North America.

So if you want to blend in a bit more while in France, focus on clean neutral basics, and things that emulate a sort of effortless chic.

Although of course, at the end of the day, just wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Trust me, they’ll be able to tell you’re a tourist no matter what you wear.

26. Don’t bring any suitcases you can’t carry

But speaking of France packing tips, another important must-know is that any bag you bring should be one you’re comfortable carrying yourself.

Sure, you might think that there’s no need for lifting your bag if you’re checking it, but there are a million and one scenarios where you might have to end up carrying your suitcase in France, like…

• Your hotel or accommodation unexpectedly has no elevator
• The elevator you were counting on at the train station is out of order
• You need to carry your bag up some ancient staircase to get to your accommodation
• You need to lift your suitcase on/off the train you’re taking

So yes, get that strength training in now, and pack as light as possible.

27. Carry (at least a bit) of cash

While cards are accepted in many places around France, it’s still important to carry around cash, whether for small purchases or for essentials like using the washroom. Keeping coins is also a good idea!

28. Claim VAT refunds at the airport

France is a popular destination for shopping, especially if you’re into French brands and luxury goods.

SO, if you’re from outside the EU and plan to do a lot of shopping, you may qualify for a VAT tax refund when you leave France. This can amount to huge amounts depending on what you buy!

To qualify, you have to be a non-EU resident older than 15 years of age, and you need to spend more than 175 euros in one store in one day.

Here’s more info on how to claim your VAT refund before you leave France.

29. Floors start at zero so don’t get confused 

Another random France tip (which will be no news to you if you’ve seen Emily in Paris) is that the floor system in French buildings is different to what we see in North America.

Whereas in North America, the ground floor is often considered the 1st floor, the ground floor is considered its own separate entity in France (i.e. Floor 0) and then the next one above that would be the 1st floor.

… So, if your hotel key isn’t working, this might be why!

30. Try to buy your alcohol (from shops) before 10pm

This is a rather niche France travel tip, but one that has gotten me one too many times, so I’m sharing it anyway.

While there are no official alcohol sale restrictions in France, some supermarket chains and gas stations won’t let you purchase booze after a certain time (usually around 9 or 10pm).

So, if you’re hoping to get a bottle of wine to finish the evening, make sure you do so early. Although if you’re desperate, Uber Eats can deliver alcohol, as well as some “convenience stores”, although you can expect inflated prices from both these options.

31. Know that Disneyland Paris is not in Paris

Lastly, if you’re planning on adding Disneyland Paris to your itinerary, I would definitely recommend doing some additional research because despite the name, the park is actually about an hour away from Paris proper.

And while I personally think Disneyland Paris is a great time, a lot of visitors from abroad who have been to other Disney parks often find it disappointing.

So, when choosing day trips or planning your itinerary, definitely consider if there are other places that might be a better use of your time… because as you should know by now, there’s a lot to discover in this country!

Keen on seeing Disneyland Paris? Here are some of my best guides to help you out:

• 20+ tips for visiting Disneyland Paris
• An insider guide to Disneyland Paris’ best secrets and hidden gems
• How to plan a day trip from Paris to Disneyland Paris
• A guide to the Disneyland Paris Castle

I hope this list of France Travel Tips was helpful!

The fact that you’re still reading this is both an honour and a miracle. This was a VERY long list of travel tips for France, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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How to enjoy Nice on a budget: the best transportation tickets, meal deals, and cheap experiences

May 4, 2022 • 6 min read

From hitting the beach to staying somewhere on the cheap, you can have a fun time in Nice on a budget © Carol Yepes / Getty Images

The French Riviera might be known for its glitz and glam, its old-world opulence and its elegant villas, but Nice needn’t be an expensive destination to visit.

Getting around is easy and inexpensive, entry to the main sights and attractions doesn’t cost much (if anything at all), with plenty of free things to see and do. You can also dine on delicious Mediterranean and Niçoise cuisine without breaking the bank. Follow our tips to make the most of your visit to Nice on a budget.

Avoid traveling to Nice in peak season or during carnival

Summer – August especially – is the worst time to visit Nice if you want to remain budget conscious. Most of Europe is on vacation, and prices for flights and accommodations tend to skyrocket. Popular tourist spots get very crowded, and even the heat can get too much. You should also avoid visiting during carnival season in February (unless you’re specifically visiting to see Nice’s rightly famous Carnaval ) – flights might seem affordable but accommodations get booked up fast and prices tend to rise accordingly.

Visiting Nice in May, June, or September is a safer bet, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds and more wallet-friendly flight, food, and accommodation costs.

Consider staying in a hostel or self-catering apartment

Let’s be honest, hotels in Nice are seldom cheap, but there are ways to save. If your budget can stretch a little, there are many worthy boutique hotels and lovely hip places to stay – although a double room will often cost you at least € 50–100 per night at best.

Travelers on a tighter budget (think €20–40 a night) should opt for a cozy guesthouse such as La Maïoun Guesthouse , a stylish hostel like Ozz Hostel or Villa Saint Exupéry Beach Hostel , or a self-catering apartment with Airbnb .

Buy the transportation or sightseeing pass that’s right for you

Buy your pass wisely, factoring in how long you’re going to be in the city for, how you’re planning on getting around, and what sort of attractions you’re going to visit.

For example, if you’re only in town for 2 or 3 days and are thinking of packing in as many cultural attractions and activities as possible, you should consider getting a French Riviera Pass (1 day €26, 2 days €38, 3 days €56), which gives free access to many of the city’s top sights, including the MAMAC , the Musée Matisse , the Palais Lascaris and more – from walking tours to electric scooter hire. For an extra €4 per day, the pass can also cover unlimited travel on the city’s trams and buses. Alternatively, the Pass musées Ville de Nice is a steal, at only €15 for 3 days of unlimited access to the city’s museums and galleries.

If you're not much of a culture vulture and want to spend your time shopping or laying on the beach, you'll want to buy the €10 for 10 rides transport ticket from Lignes d’Azur . It's valid for transportation to and from the airport, as well as travel between different parts of the city using the local bus and tram network. If you’re staying for longer, then the €15 7-day transport pass is better value, with unlimited travel on the bus and tram network for a week.

Browse the stalls at local food markets for the perfect picnic

Head to the city’s famous Marché du Cours Saleya or Marché de la Libération to cobble together a tasty lunch for under €10. From colorful fruits and vegetables, to creamy cheeses, olives and breads, find the best local produce and treat yourself to a gorgeous picnic on the beach or in one of the city’s many green spaces.

At both markets, you can also buy cheap and delicious Niçois street snacks (under €5 a pop), including socca (chickpea-flour pancakes), pissaladière (caramelized onion and anchovy tart), and pan bagnat (round-shaped sandwich filled with tuna, raw veggies, eggs, and olive oil). Try Chez Thérésa at Cours Saleya and Kiosque Tintin at Libération.

Choose restaurants wisely

Generally, avoid restaurants in busy, touristy spots with lengthy menus and eye-watering prices. Prefer places favored by locals and anywhere with a Lonely Planet sticker. Lunch menus can often offer excellent value, too.

For a special treat, here are a few places with excellent grub and reasonable prices that are definitely worth checking out: Olive & Artichaut in the old town (excellent 3-course menu for €34), La Maison de Marie in the city center (3-course Niçois menu: €27.90; 2–3-course lunch menu: €17.90–21.90), and L’Uzine near the port (go at lunchtime for the great-value, 2–3-course lunch menu: €18–23).

Make the most of discounted happy-hour drinks

Most pubs and bars in Nice, especially those in the old town, by the beach, near place Garibaldi and in the port district, offer discounts on pints, bottled beers and cocktails during “happy hour”, which is usually between 5pm and 8pm (sometimes from 6pm to 9pm in summer). That’s a whole three hours to enjoy an “apéro” drink or three in the sunshine for around €5 a pop. We’ll cheers to that!

Avoid Nice’s private beaches

Nice’s seafront is split between 15 private beaches and 20 public ones (including two that are wheelchair accessible). The rows of perfectly lined comfy sun loungers on the private beaches may look appealing, but they will set you back a good €20 a day. If you’re budget-conscious, they’re not worth splashing your cash on.

Nice’s beaches are all pebbles, with the exception of a sandy beach-volleyball court at the eastern edge of the seafront. Our tip? Bring along a beach mat or a fold-up mattress. You can ask your accommodation if they could loan you one (hostels and hotels often do), or buy one for next to nothing in a tourist shop near the beach, most supermarkets or a sports store like Decathlon. Jelly shoes might come in handy too!

Make the most of Nice’s free sights and scenery

Nice is a lovely city to explore on foot, and taking in all the beautiful scenery along the way is of course completely free.

Stroll along the palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais , climb up to the Colline du Château for unparalleled views of the city and the azure sea, explore every corner of the quaint old town and relax in the city’s many free parks and gardens.

Daily costs in Nice

Hostel room: €20–30 (dorm bed) Basic hotel room for two: from €50–60 Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €30–40 Public transport ticket: €1.50 for 1 ride, €10 for 10 rides, €5 for 1-day pass, €15 for 7-day pass Coffee: €2–4 Sandwich: €4–5 Dinner for two: €40–60 Beer/pint at the bar: €7–8 (around €5 during happy hour)

You might also like: 7 of the best day trips from Nice: see more of the Côte d'Azur    14 places to go to enjoy the best of France    First-time France: where to go and what to do   

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Your Ultimate Guide to Day Tripping on a Budget Around the South of France

• By Catherine Rickman
• June 26, 2023

The South of France might conjure images of long, lazy summer days, where boredom is only interrupted by beachside bottles of wine and inappropriate romantic affairs. Think, And God Created Woman , or Bonjour Tristesse . But for the more active traveler, the proximity of the pretty beach towns along the Côte d’Azur makes the region ideal for day trips. Without any effort at all, you can bop about all over the Riviera without breaking a sweat. Here’s how:

Marseille is an ideal basecamp for exploring the Riviera. France’s second largest city, Marseille is a busy port town that dates back to Roman times, and has been influenced over the centuries by Italian, Spanish, and North African cultures due to its role as a major trading hub. It’s cheaper than many other cities on the coast, and most trains in the region connect at Marseille Saint-Charles, so it’s perfectly positioned for those wanting as much access as possible. You could easily spend a week in the city, but it might serve you to set aside three days or so for Marseille, and the rest of the week for day trips. Here are some worth traveling out of the city for: 

From Marseille, one of the best things to do is see the Parc National des Calanques, which sits in between Marseille and the village of Cassis. Calanques are a type of inlet walled off by steep cliffs on either side, a natural feature of the region. They’re beautiful for hiking and swimming in the clear blue waters, or seen from the deck of a boat.

There are two ways to see the calanques. The first, which is cheaper, requires a whole day. Take the M08 bus (which costs €2.20) from Marseille to the town of Cassis, then hike the trail through the three major calanques: Port Miou, Port Pin, and d’En-vau. Bring some proper hiking shoes, a bathing suit for Port Pin, and pick up a paper map at the tourism office, because you’ll lose service the second you reach the trail. Port Miou and Port Pin are light hiking and family friendly, but the trail from Port Pin to d’En-vau will require a little more hiking cachet. Check bus schedules in advance, because you could get stuck waiting several hours for the next one. (There is a train to Cassis, but the station is far from the town and the national park.) Cassis isn’t much more than a pretty little harbor, so if you end up waiting there’s not much to entertain yourself with aside from the beach and a few restaurants.

The shorter option is to take a cruise boat through the Croisières Marseille Calanques . The two-hour “essential” trip costs €25 roundtrip, while the three-hour “integral” trip costs €30. You’ll get to visit 6 calanques between Sugiton and Sormiou with the “essential” trip, and 12 calanques between Port Miou and Sormiou with the “integral” trip. In this version, you skip Cassis altogether, and can do as many calanques as you could possibly want in an afternoon.

Aix-en-Provence

Technically part of the same metropolitan region, Aix-en-Provence can be viewed as Marseille’s snootier little sister. It’s about 45 minutes by train, or 30 minutes by bus ( the L050 ). Aix is a beautiful little town, kept impeccably cleaned and preserved by a thriving tourism industry. The city center can be walked in about 15 minutes top to bottom, but it’s worth getting lost in for a day. Very posh and a little pricey, it’s set up for a walking tour in the morning (check their tourism office ), a long lazy lunch, an afternoon of museums or shopping, and maybe an apéro or a light dinner before catching the train back to Marseille.

Glitzy, glamorous Cannes is known for its world-famous film festival in May, which kicks off the summer season with a bang. Pristine beaches dotted with restaurants where the beach umbrella alone will cost you a hefty fee make it a fabulous place to splurge for a weekend. But it’s also a convenient jumping off point thanks to the ferries that run from Cannes to places like Saint-Tropez and Juan-les-Pins during the high season.

Saint-Tropez

If you’re traveling without a car and dreaming about playing Brigitte Bardot in the resort town of Saint-Tropez, there’s only one main option to get there. From the end of May through the end of September (with only two trips per week in October and none in the winter or early spring), you can take a boat with the Trans Côte d’Azur ferry company from Cannes to Saint-Tropez. Depending on the month, there’s one ferry there in the morning, and one back in the evening, giving you about five hours to explore the town. It’s not cheap, at €55 roundtrip, and it’ll take you one hour and fifteen minutes each way.

Halfway between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is less flashy but just as prestigious. It’s fifteen minutes from Cannes by train, and costs about €3 each way. The Port Vauban, where the wealthy stash their Maltese superyachts, is larger than you might expect, so take your time meandering around it. Spend the morning hiking up the trail to the medieval Fort Carré, before the sun gets too hot, and take in the postcard views from the top of the fortress. Climb back down and get lunch in the village, then spend the afternoon looking at art in one of the city’s many small galleries, or in the Picasso Museum on the water. Stick around for dinner, or head back to Cannes at any time.

To complete the Riviera trifecta, once you’ve explored Cannes and Antibes, it’s time to go to Nice. Once a resort town for English and Russian aristocracies, Nice retains its old world, old money charm, while remaining true to the Italian, Corsican, and Occitan influences of the region. It shouldn’t take you more than two days to wander the Old Town, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, snack on socca from a cart at the market , and try to get comfortable on the city’s rocky beaches. But it’s a good connection point for seeing some of the smaller villages on the Côte d’Azur. The best way to do this is to rent a car (the smaller the better), though driving up the narrow, winding cliffside roads, with their razor sharp turns, is not for the faint of heart.

The medieval village of Èze is visible from a distance thanks to its hillside perch. There is technically a bus from Nice to Èze, but it drops you at the bottom of the mountain, and it’s an hour walk uphill from there, so you’re much better off going by car. It’s a truly magical place, with its tiny cobblestoned streets lined with stone houses, dripping with flowering vines. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a fairytale, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity for a photo op. After you’ve spent the morning posing, stop at Deli’ for a delicious lunch, and don’t forget to pick up some local olive oil on your way out. (We mean it.)

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Since Èze can be done in half a day, use your afternoon to explore Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which is just a quick 15 minute drive south. Explore the Villa Ephrussi , a stunning pink Belle Époque mansion with expansive gardens, each inspired by a different country or theme. There’s also the “Greek Villa,” the Villa Kérylos , nearby. Finish up with dinner in Saint-Jean’s pretty little port. If you prefer an outdoorsy adventure, you can walk the trail around the peninsula of Saint-Jean, which takes roughly two hours, and gives you an option of beaches: the lowkey, local Plage des Marinières; or the upscale Paloma.

If you want to make a full-day trip to Saint-Jean, take the local train from Nice to Beaulieu-sur-Mer (about 10 minutes), do the villas in the morning, and save the hike or the beaches for the afternoon.

You actually don’t need a car to visit Menton from Nice, as you can take a local train that’ll get you there in about 40 minutes (about the same as the driving time). The bright reds, yellows, and oranges of the village’s houses, with their Italianate red tiled roofs, stand out strikingly against the rich blue of the ocean. It feels like stepping into a painting. Great for a half day of exploration and a gelato on the beach before taking the train back.

Saint Paul de Vence

Another half-day adventure, Saint Paul de Vence is a gorgeous bonus trip if you have the time. With similar medieval stone architecture to that of Èze, it’s a surprisingly arty little town full of galleries and pop art that really “pops” in its anachronistic setting. It’s a 40-minute drive east of Nice, far from the sea but surrounded by picturesque forests dotted with larger, more modern houses. Walk in the footsteps of artists like Marc Chagall, who spent the last three decades of his life in this little town.

What is the most affordable way to travel in South of France?

Many cities in the South of France can be reached by train, including Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence, which is far more affordable than renting a car.

What is the most affordable destination in France to visit?

France has many smaller towns that are beautiful but don’t have tourism economies, making them more affordable to visit.

Catherine Rickman is a writer and professional francophile who has lived in Paris, New York, and Berlin. She is currently road tripping around France, and you can follow her adventures on Instagram  @catrickman . All photos in this piece are hers, with the exception of Saint-Tropez, which was borrowed from Wikimedia Commons.

Also Read: 8 Tiny French Beach Towns to Escape to This Summer

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Budget Travel in France: How much do you need per day

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on March 23, 2024

Categories France

France is a country famous for its sophisticated cuisines, array of different types of wines, art and culture. You’ll have to go and visit the country to find out more. Did you know that France is referred to as the Hexagon and also it has 12 different time zones.

France is a famous place for tourist to visit many people may have the word France in some of their place’s to visit or in their goals. Many people from all over the world choose to visit this beautiful country, but a lot are coming from western countries. In this post we hope to give you information about what’s gonna be your budget travel in France and how much do you need per day. Hope this will help’s big time!

Read here  things to know before visiting France , France and Switzerland 14 Days Itinerary and Instagrammable places in Paris .

Table of Contents

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance:  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of  Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review  and the comparison  Heymondo vs Genki

Is it safe/difficult to travel in France

During our stay, we definitely enjoyed our stay and felt very much safe exploring the country. We’ve been traveling all throughout France to take pictures of this beautiful country and never experienced any problem. So guys, yes it is safe to travel in France.

Best time to visit in France

Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter is mainly the season in France. In France, every season brings out a different side of the personality of the city when it comes to the color of nature. Summer takes place during the months of June-August in these months you’ll experience a high temperatures, expect to wear sunglasses because it is a must.

From September to December the temperature cools down quite a bit and it is the perfect time to enjoy long walks through stunning neighborhoods. And the Spring season during the months of March-May is the best time to visit   France . It starts out with chilly and gets warm, it is a perfect time to spend the day exploring the city’s beautiful garden, at night it remains pretty cold.

Click here to know more about the weather in France.

Visa in France

If you belong to a country that does not belong to a Schengen Agreement it is a must to apply for a visa to grant entry to France. Even if you choose to only stay for a short time you are required to apply for a visa. Good news for US Citizen, they may enter France for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes.

Also click here to know more about the visa policy of France .

Cash in France

The currency used all throughout France is Euro just like all European countries. The exact currency of Euro to the dollar is A €1 = $1.0678 USD . You can use debit cards everywhere in France. ATMs are available and accessible in all parts of the country.

Click here to know the exchange rate between the Euro and your currency!

Internet in France

Internet is not that hard to access nowadays, may it be free from cafes, shops, stores and maybe your hotel rooms. It is everywhere!

There are 4 major network providers in France: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free Mobiels.

SIM CARD AT PARIS ORLY AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you buy a sim card at Paris Orly airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Paris. Read here France sim card for tourist

You can find the cheapest French eSim with Airalo France eSim prepaid for  $5 USD with 1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ). And Nomad France eSim with similar data packages for  $26 USD   Nomad France eSim with  10 GB  data.

Holafly France eSim for less than $60 USD  if you use our code  GAMINTRAVELER  you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in France for just  $2 USD  per day.

Food budget travel in France

There are many foods to choose from in the county. Remember that France is famously known for its delicious foods. One of which is their usual breakfast named “petit déjeuner” which consists of coffee or hot chocolate milk with a breakfast pastry like a croissant. You wouldn’t leave France without having to taste macarons its colorful and tasty its nice to try this kind of delicacy in France where it originated, you can buy them in corner bakeries for €2-3.

You should also try a baguette is a long, thin loaf of French bread that is commonly seen in the country, the price of thus is around €0.90 in bakeries and € 0.45 in supermarkets. We really loved cheese and salads in France!

Accommodation budget travel in France

Accommodation in France is very expensive than any other countries around Euro. You can access a dorm that can go up to €18-30. And while a hotel that is a double room in a budget can go up to €90 .

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN FRANCE

Tour/Entrance Fees in France

There are many famous tourist spots that you can access in France, like for example you can access the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower for €15 . Or you can Hop on and off on a Bus Tour  around Paris for €38 . You can also visit the famous glass triangle museum famously know as the Louvre Museum , the normal entrance Fee for adults is €15.

Local transportation in France

France has all sorts of public transportation from trains, metro, buses and taxi’s. Trains is France is highly centralized, reservation cost for about €30 and a standard premier is €40. Remember that night trains within France are rare.

If you want a more convenient ride you can choose to ride taxi, taxi’s fare will depend on where is the pick up place and where is the departure are, for example you’ve been picked up in Nice the starting meter would be €6.50 and as it goes it will add €1.50 for every 1km. In Paris, a metro ticket costs €1.90  and can go cheaper if you buy 10 tickets. For long distances journeys bus is cheaper than trains which are so efficient but little bit expensive.

Budget Travel in France per day

France is country considered to be quite expensive compared to other countries around Europe maybe because it is the most visited location in Europe. And this may be the reason too why it is expensive in Europe.

For accommodation, a dorm room’s price ranges from France France €18-30 and a budget hotel can get up to €90. But this still depends on where and what kind of hotel you want to stay in. For foods there are lunch meals that can be less than  €20 .

You can buy a pre-made sandwich for  €7 and have a snack in a  €5. Again this will depend on where and what you’ll eat. For transportation, the average price would be   €7.

For more budget travel guides in Europe: read our budget travel in Portugal, Spain and Malta .

Happy Travels

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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Politics latest: Keir Starmer responds to news of Angela Rayner police investigation

Police confirm they have launched an investigation into Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and whether she broke electoral law. Listen to the latest Electoral Dysfunction podcast as you scroll.

Friday 12 April 2024 15:20, UK

• Rayner 'welcomes chance to set out facts' after police confirm investigation into whether she broke electoral rules
• Starmer 'fully confident' deputy has done nothing wrong
• What you need to know about Rayner
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Over a year ago, Rishi Sunak made five pledges for voters to judge him on.

The prime minister met his promise to halve inflation by the end of 2023.

But with the general election approaching, how is Mr Sunak doing on delivering his other promises?

You can see the progress for yourself below:

By Alexandra Rogers , political reporter

Sue Gray's ascension to the Labour Party - from civil service partygate investigator to Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff - has delighted and rankled colleagues in equal measure.

Since her arrival last autumn, Ms Gray has been subject to praise from shadow cabinet members and mayors, whom she is said to have brought closer to the Labour leader.

But there have been negative briefings from Labour insiders too - including a story leaked to the press that she reduced staff to tears with a heavy-handed approach in an internal leak inquiry over the party's decision to ditch its £28bn green investment pledge.

However, one ally Ms Gray has found herself with is Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, with whom she is said to have established a good relationship based on mutual respect.

You can read more from Sky News below:

As the fallout from the Westminster honeytrap scandal continues to unravel, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson explain why contacts are so valuable in Parliament and ask what William Wragg's resignation tells us about Rishi Sunak's leadership.

And, with Labour riding high after two major polls predicted landslide victories at the upcoming election, should Keir Starmer be worried about voter complacency?

Plus, Beth, Ruth and Jess talk about the impact of Dr Hilary Cass’ review into gender identity services for under-18s in England.

👉 Listen above then tap here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈

Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at [email protected] , post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.      

Warning: some strong language. 

Police are investigating allegations that Angela Rayner may have broken electoral law over information she gave about her living situation a decade ago.

Tory MP James Daly informed Greater Manchester Police (GMP) of claims made by neighbours that contradicted the Labour deputy leader's statement that her property, separate from her then-husband's, was her main residence.

Asked whether she should resign if she has broken the law, Sir Keir Starmer refused to say.

He told ITV: "She's given answers on the issue many, many times over, she's clearly said she'll co-operate with the police.

"I do think now is the time to let the police get on with their investigation, get on with the work they need to do, she'll co-operate with that which is exactly what you’d expect of her."

Angela Rayner is set to become the UK's deputy prime minister if Labour wins the next general election.

Here's what you need to know about the party's deputy leader - from her early life and career in politics to the abuse and controversy she has faced.

Born in Stockport in 1980, Ms Rayner was brought up on a council estate. She left school at 16 with no qualifications and pregnant with her first son.

She says she was told she would "never amount to anything".

"When I was young, we didn't have books because my mother couldn't read or write," Ms Rayner said in an interview with the Financial Times.

The government should use TikTok to help combat misinformation directed at young people, a group of MPs has said.

Members of the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee said ministers need to adapt to new apps and platforms that appeal to those who are increasingly turning away from traditional news sources.

The call comes despite the app being being banned from official electronic devices and the UK Parliament's network.

According to data from Ofcom, one in 10 people aged between 12 and 15 cite TikTok as their main source of news, while 71% of 16 to 24-year-olds use social media instead of or in addition to news websites.

The recommendation from MPs is part of a wider report published on Friday that calls for more use of "trusted voices" such as scientists and doctors to communicate important information and combat conspiracy theories and other misinformation spreading on social media.

Sir Keir Starmer is in Barrow-in-Furness today, where he was asked about the news police are investigating his Labour Party deputy Angela Rayner.

He said the police investigation will allow a "line to be drawn" on the issue of her council home.

The Labour leader said: "We welcome this investigation because it will allow a line to be drawn in relation to this matter.

"I am fully confident that Angela Rayner has not broken the rules. 

"She will cooperate with the investigation as you would expect and it is really a matter for the police."

People voting in local elections in England on 2 May will need to provide photo ID.

It is the second year the requirement has been in place - but in 2023,  14,000 people couldn't cast their ballot because they didn't take ID to the polling booth.

There are 22 different types of ID you can use - and if you don't have any of them, you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Here's everything you need to know to avoid being caught out:

More reaction now to news that Greater Manchester Police are investigating Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner.

The force is looking into claims Ms Rayner may have broken electoral law over information she gave about her living situation a decade ago.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has said he is fully confident one of his "best friends" will be cleared.

He said: "I fully support Angela Rayner, I'm confident that she'll be vindicated in relation to the police investigation.

"Of course there's an investigation now, which gives Angela a chance to explain to the police what went on."

Mr Khan added: "I'm fully confident in Angela, she's one of my best friends and I'm sure she'll be cleared."

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