I love France. I really do. The food is wonderful. The history is deep. The cities are beautiful. I have visited France over 10 times and stayed at many different places. But I know the truth. France can be very expensive. I have found that hotel rooms in Paris are some of the most pricey in all of Europe. In fact, the average price for a hotel in France is about $264 per night. Prices for a 5-star stay can reach $693 per night. That is a lot of money. I prefer to be a smart traveler. I want to save on my room so I can spend more on a nice lunch in a bistro or a ticket to a world-class museum.
First of all, you must know that you do not have to spend a fortune. There are many Budget Travel Hotels France options that are clean and safe. I have learned that if you stay at a chain hotel, you are guaranteed a good deal even if the building has no special character.
The Real Cost of Staying in France
I look at the numbers before I book any trip. Statistical data shows that the time of year matters a lot. November is the cheapest month to visit, with prices around $206. June is the most expensive time, with average prices hitting $329. However, I also look at the days of the week. Friday is often the cheapest day to stay, costing about $248. Wednesday is the most expensive day at $290. I always try to book at least 7 days in advance to find the lowest rates. I once found a room for only $85 by booking early.
Additionally, the location changes the price. Paris is the most popular city, but it is also where you will find the cheapest hotel in france paris if you know where to look. Some spots cost as little as $45 per night. On top of that, cities like Clermont-Ferrand are much cheaper, with averages around $105.
My Guide to the Best Budget Hotel Chain France Options
I have stayed in many chains across the country. These are great for mature travelers who want a reliable bed.
Formule 1 Hotels France (hotelF1)
This brand is the lowest budget choice from the giant Accor group. At that time, it was called Formula 1, but now it is hotelF1. These are often found on the outskirts of towns or near industrial zones. First of all, the rooms are simple. You get a bed, a washbasin, a table, and chairs. However, the bathroom and showers are usually in the hall. I have stayed in one near Chartres where a fast food restaurant was just steps away.
- Cost: Prices start around 22 to 30 Euros.
- Amenities: Free WiFi and flat-screen TVs.
- Breakfast: A basic buffet with hot drinks, bread, butter, and jam for about 3.50 Euros.
Ibis Budget Hotels France
I really like these because they have been upgraded with modern decor. They used to be called etap hotels france, but now they are part of the Ibis “megabrand”. You can find 438 of these across the country. I usually find them in city centers or near train stations.
- Cost: Rooms start around 60 to 65 Euros.
- Room Setup: They often have a double bed with an overhead bunk bed.
- The Best Part: They have private en-suite bathrooms with a shower and toilet.
Premiere Classe
These are cheerful and very affordable. I have seen 245 of these in France. Most are on the outskirts of cities. The rooms are small, but many now have private showers and made-up beds.
- Cost: Prices start at 29 or 30 Euros.
- Breakfast: A buffet with cereals, juice, and bread for 5.90 Euros.
B&B Hotels
I find these offer great value. They have over 230 hotels in France, mostly in Paris and the south. The rooms are simple but pretty.
- Cost: Prices start around 40 to 44 Euros.
- Amenities: You get a private bathroom, a desk, a color TV, and free WiFi.
Ace Hotels and FastHotel
Ace Hotels are sound-proofed and have air conditioning. They start at 56 Euros. Similarly, FastHotel has about 80 locations. They are often near the city center or on the industrial outskirts. Rooms start at 43 to 45 Euros.
The Best Cheap Hotels in Paris Near Eiffel Tower
Paris is my favorite place to walk. I love the 15th arrondissement. It is lively and safe. If you want a cheap hotel in paris, france near eiffel tower, I have a few suggestions.
First of all, there is the Timhotel Tour Eiffel. It is between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. It is only five minutes from the Dupleix metro station. I love their buffet breakfast served on a terrace during good weather. Prices are around $131 per night.
Additionally, you might look at Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel. It is very close to the tower and highly rated by other travelers. On top of that, the Originals City, Hotel Lecourbe is a cozy spot in the 15th arrondissement. It has 43 comfortable rooms and is located between Montparnasse and the Eiffel Tower. It costs about $146 per night.
Finally, I found a great “dupe” for a luxury hotel. The Hotel Brighton is right next to the famous Le Meurice. It has almost the same view of the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries garden. However, it costs a fraction of the price. A room at the luxury neighbor might be $2400, but the Brighton can be around $370 to $400 in the off-season. It is still expensive, but the savings are huge.
Finding the Cheapest Hotel in France Paris
I know some travelers need to save every penny. The hotelF1 Paris Saint Ouen Marché Aux Puces is one of the cheapest at $45 per night. On the contrary, if you want something a bit more central but still cheap, the ibis budget Paris porte de la Chapelle is about $70.
I have also stayed at the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais in Le Marais. It is a small boutique hotel with only 19 rooms. I love the location. Rooms without a view start at $192. If you want a view of the street, it goes up to $312. Later, I tried the Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain in the 6th arrondissement. It was super clean and had a view of the rooftops for $175 a night.
Cheap Hotels France Motorways: The Road Trip Choice
I often drive through France to get to the coast. Cheap hotels france motorways are a life saver. These 1-star and 2-star hotels are perfect for a quick stop. Gradually, I learned to look for the signs on the “autoroute” to find them.
First of all, these hotels offer key access even if you arrive late. You use an electronic machine to get your key. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the reception being closed. hotelF1 and Premiere Classe are the kings of the motorway stop. They are basic. They are clean. They are near the road. Plus, there is usually a chain restaurant nearby for an easy dinner.
Smart Strategies for Hotel Prices in France Per Night
I use data to stay ahead. Recent reports show that the huge growth in hotel prices has stopped. However, independent hotels often set their prices too high early on. They then drop them at the last minute to fill rooms. On the contrary, branded hotels like Ibis or Novotel start with lower prices to get guests early. They raise prices as the date gets closer.
I suggest checking Lighthouse data or using HotelsCombined to compare hundreds of sites at once. I also look at short-term rentals. Sometimes a wave of rentals can flood a city and force hotel prices to drop. This happened during the Olympics in Paris. Travelers learned that waiting can sometimes pay off.
Alternative Stays: Gîtes and Camping
Sometimes a hotel is not what I want. I want the countryside. I want peace.
Booking a Gîte
The word gîte means “a place to lie down”. These are rural homes that farmers or villagers rent out. I love Gîtes de Charme. They are country guesthouses with beautiful views and home-cooked meals.
- Cost: You can find top-rated gîtes for 90 to 200 Euros a night.
- Ratings: They use a 1 to 5 star system, just like hotels.
- My Experience: I stayed at Le Sens des Merveilles in Mane. It has a spacious clawfoot bathtub and an Australian shepherd named Tia. It was a dream.
Cheap Camping in France
I find camping is the best way to be close to nature. You can find municipal campsites run by local towns. They are very cheap.
- Cost: A pitch for a tent costs between €100 and €300 for a full week in the low season.
- Glamping: If you want a mobile home or a fancy tent, it costs €200 to €400 for a week.
- Best Places: I recommend Camping Municipal du Colombier near the sea.
Other Tips for Smart Travelers
I always keep these small details in mind.
- Tourist Taxes: Most cities charge a tax of $1 to $5 per person per night.
- Tipping: It is not required, but 5-10% is nice for good service.
- Transport: Use the Metro in Paris. A day pass is only $8.10.
- Food: Buy a baguette and cheese from a bakery for $5. It is a perfect lunch.
Finally, I want to remind you that travel is about the experience. Do not let high prices stop you. Therefore, use these tips. Book early. Stay in a budget chain. Enjoy the “joie de vivre” of France without the stress of a huge bill.
I hope you have a wonderful trip. I will see you on the road. Or perhaps in a cozy bistro in Paris. Safe travels!.
FAQ
How to stay cheaply in France?
I recommend that you book your stay at least 7 days in advance to save money. You can also stay in hostels, where shared dorms start around $27 per night. Municipal campsites are another great way to save, as a tent pitch can cost between €100 and €300 for a week. University rooms are available from June to September for a fun “student vibe”.
Where is the best affordable area to stay in Paris?
I suggest looking at areas just outside the city center, like Choisy le Roi, Vitry sur Seine, or Ivry sur Seine. You can stay in these spots for about $60 to $65 per night. Montmartre is also a lively place with affordable options like Hotel Regina Montmartre for $78.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
Yes, this amount is plenty for a wonderful trip. A 3-day budget itinerary in Paris costs about $330 per person. Even a 5-day trip with mid-range options would only cost a small part of a $5000 budget.
Where to spend 3 days in France?
A 3-day itinerary is perfect for seeing the main sights in Paris. You can visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral during this time.
What is the cheapest way to travel in France?
The most affordable way is to use public transport. Metro and bus tickets in cities like Paris cost about $2.10 per trip. A day pass for unlimited rides is only $8.10. Trains between cities like Paris and Bordeaux can be as cheap as $22 if you book early.
Where to spend 5 days in France?
You can use 5 days to see both the city and the countryside. You might spend a few days in Paris and then take a train to Bordeaux or Normandy.
How much should I budget for a trip to France?
A smart traveler should budget between $55 and $165 per night for a room. For food, street meals cost about $5 to $16. A total budget for a 3-day basic trip is roughly $330.
Concluding words
Smart travelers do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the beauty of France. You can save by booking rooms in budget hotel chains like hotelF1 or Ibis Budget. Camping and staying in rural gîtes are also great ways to find peace for a low price. Always try to book your stay at least a week early to get the best deals. With a little planning, you can have a wonderful French vacation without a giant bill.
