I love France. I visit this beautiful country multiple times every single year. Many people ask me the same question. Is france expensive to travel? My answer is always the same. It can be very costly, but you can explore it without a massive bank account. This is my personal guide for a Budget Travel France adventure. I want to share how I see the sites, eat like a king, and stay in comfort while I save money.
First of all, I must talk about the costs. A budget traveler in France can expect to spend about $50 to $70 per day. This amount covers basic needs if you are careful. However, a mid-range traveler might spend $100 to $150 per day. I have found that a total trip for a single traveler or a couple usually falls between $1,500 and $5,000 total.
The Cost of Getting There
I often start my planning with the flights. People always ask: how much does it cost to go to france by plane? If you fly from major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, you will likely pay between $500 and $1,500 for a round-trip ticket. I find the best deals when I fly during the off-season. This is from September to May. On the contrary, prices go much higher from June to August. I once saw a flight from New York to Paris for only $130 one way on a budget airline. Therefore, you should always check sites like Skyscanner to find these hidden deals.
Additionally, I suggest you book your tickets at least one month early. Budget airlines like French Bee or WestJet can save you hundreds of dollars. How to go to france for cheap? The secret is flexibility with your dates and your arrival city.
Moving Around the Country
Transportation is a big part of any budget. I get asked: how to travel around france by train? France has an amazing rail network called SNCF. I use two main types of high-speed trains. These are inOui and Ouigo. Ouigo is the budget champion. I have found tickets for as low as €10. However, these trains offer less legroom and no Wi-Fi. On top of that, you must pay extra for large bags.
Similarly, inOui is more comfortable and has power outlets. It is more expensive, but you can find deals if you book four months in advance. I use the SNCF Connect app to find these tickets. If you are under 27, you can get a carte jeune for even bigger discounts.
Sometimes the train is still too pricey. At that time, I turn to a ride-sharing app called BlaBlaCar. This app connects drivers with empty seats to passengers. It is a great way to meet locals. I once took a three-and-a-half-hour drive through the countryside for a small fee. The drivers are verified with ID for safety. Women can even choose to ride only with other women. Plus, it is often faster than a bus.
If you prefer the bus, FlixBus is my top choice. You can travel from Paris to Strasbourg for only €15 to €25. Later, you might even find a ten-hour ride to Marseille for €20. It is slow, but it keeps your wallet full.
Where I Lay My Head
I know that hotels in major cities like Paris or Nice are expensive. A mid-range room in Paris can cost €100 to €300 per night. I prefer to find gems that cost less. For example, the Ibis Paris Gare du Nord Château-Landon has rooms from $81. It is clean and close to the train station.
In the south of france on a budget, I look for spots like easyHotel Nice Old Town for only $42. It is basic but clean. Another great option is Hotel Victoria in Paris for about $122. It is better than a hostel but still affordable.
Additionally, I use Airbnb to find private rooms for $45 to $90. This is often better because I get access to a kitchen. I also look for hostels. Dorm beds usually cost €40 to €75. I like St. Christopher’s Canal in Paris or Central Hostel in Bordeaux. Finally, I sometimes use Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free. This helps me learn local tips and save on every cent.
Eating Like a Local on €20 a Day
I do not believe the myth that French food must be expensive. I follow a simple strategy to eat for just €20 a day.
First of all, I skip the hotel breakfast. Hotels often charge €12 to €22 for a meal I can get at a Boulangerie for much less. I buy a Croissant au Beurre for €1.15 or a Pain au Chocolat for €1.45. I drink my coffee at the counter. It is a French tradition called “Café Express” and it only costs about €1.50.
Later, I look for a “Formule” lunch deal. Many cafés offer a Plat du Jour (plate of the day) for €10 to €12. This is the same high-quality food they serve at dinner for double the price. I avoid places with photos of food on the menu. These are usually tourist traps. Instead, I look for a chalkboard menu.
For dinner, I have a gourmet picnic. I go to a supermarket like Lidl or Aldi because they have the best prices. I buy a Baguette Tradition for €1.00, some Brie for €2.20, and some fruit for €1.00. I take my meal to a park or the river. It is the most French thing you can do.
On top of that, I use the TooGoodToGo app. Restaurants and bakeries sell their leftover fresh food in surprise bags for only €4 or €5. I once got a bag full of pastries and sandwiches for the price of one coffee.
Exploring the Sights Without Breaking the Bank
I love that many of the best things in France are free. You can look at the Eiffel Tower or walk through the Tuileries Garden without paying a dime. I also visit the major cathedrals like Notre-Dame or Sacré-Cœur for free.
However, some museums do have fees. The Louvre costs about €17. The Palace of Versailles is about €20. I suggest you buy a sightseeing pass if you want to see many things. The Paris Visite Pass gives you unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.
In the south of france on a budget, I spend my time at the beaches. Most of them are free. I also hike up to la Colline du Chateau in Nice for a view that costs nothing. I avoid the expensive clubs where drinks cost €12. Instead, I buy a bottle of wine at the supermarket for €3 and enjoy it with a view.
A One-Week and Two-Week France Travel Cost Calculator
I want to help you visualize the total cost. How much is a trip to france for a week? If I stay in budget hotels and eat mostly at bakeries and markets, I spend about $1,100 to $1,500 per person including the flight. This includes transportation and a few museum visits.
Now, what about a 2 week trip to france cost? For a longer trip, I might explore more regions like the Loire Valley or Bordeaux. My total would likely range from $2,500 to $3,500. I save money by taking the slow trains and staying in smaller towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer instead of Cannes.
Essential Tips for Your Trip
I have a few more rules that I follow on every trip.
- Bring a water bottle. The tap water in France is safe and free. I always ask for “Une carafe d’eau” at restaurants. This is free tap water. Never pay for bottled water in a café.
- Use public transit. A single metro ticket is about €1.90. It is much cheaper than a taxi, which can cost €50 from the airport.
- Shop at the markets. I go to the local outdoor markets to buy fresh produce. I can get a week of groceries for €45 to €60.
- Learn basic phrases. I always say “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you). Locals are much nicer when you try to speak their language.
- Travel in the off-season. I love the months of April, May, or October. The weather is still good, but the prices for hotels are 30% to 50% lower than in summer.
FAQ
How much should I budget for a trip to France?
A person on a tight budget should plan to spend about $50 to $70 per day. If you want more comfort, you should budget between $100 and $150 each day.
Is $1000 enough for a week in Paris?
This amount is tight because most trips cost between $1,500 and $5,000 total. However, you can survive on $80 per day if you stay in hostels and cook your own food.
Is France budget friendly?
It is not the cheapest place, but it is not the most expensive either. You can enjoy it without a huge bank account if you avoid tourist traps and follow local advice.
What is the cheapest month to go to France?
The off-season from September to May offers the lowest prices. Specifically, the winter months of November to February are the quietest and cheapest times for a visit.
How much does a 7 day trip to Paris cost?
A typical trip usually ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 per person. You can lower this if you use public transit and eat supermarket meals.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
Yes, this amount is at the high end of the expected cost range for most travelers. You can live very well with this budget in any region.
Is 300 euros enough for 3 days in Paris?
A three-day budget trip usually costs between 250 and 450 EUR. Therefore, 300 euros is enough if you are careful with your choices.
Is it better to carry cash or card in Paris?
Credit cards work almost everywhere, and ATMs are easy to find. However, some small cafes or stores only accept cash.
How much is a meal in France?
Street food costs about €5 to €10, while casual restaurants range from €15 to €30 per meal. Mid-range places can cost up to €60.
How much money is required for a France trip?
You should expect to spend between $1,500 and $5,000 total. This depends on your style and how much you want to see.
Is a 4 day trip to Paris worth it?
Yes, a visit of four or five days gives you a good idea of what the city offers. You can see the main sites like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in this time.
How much money for 3 days in Paris?
You will likely need between 250 and 450 EUR for a budget-style visit. This covers your bed, food, and basic travel.
Where to spend 3 days in France?
I suggest Bordeaux for wine lovers or Lyon for those who like history. Nice is also a great spot to enjoy the seaside.
Concluding words
Budget Travel France is possible for anyone who plans ahead. Simple steps save you a lot of money. You do not have to wonder is france expensive to travel when you eat like a local and stay in hostels. Learn how to go to france for cheap by choosing the off-season. Use a france travel cost calculator to see how a 2 week trip to france cost stays low with the right apps. Plus, you can master how to travel around france by train with budget rail lines.
Experience the south of france on a budget by visiting free beaches. Your how much is a trip to france for a week total will surprise you. Cheap bread. Free views. Great memories. France waits for you.
