Hello friends, welcome to Trip Trek Tales, your go-to travel planner. So, today we will tell you about how to travel in France on a Budget. As you all know, France is a costly country when it comes to vacations. But do you know you know there are certain ways that can help you travel affordably in France? Be with us till the end as we are going to save your pocket for sure.
A Small Overview Of France
There is no doubt about the romantic charm of France. Its historical landmarks and picturesque countryside are what make this country luxurious. There are various places to travel in France such as Paris, Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, and many others. You can travel to these lovely destinations at a cost-effective price. So be ready to get the budget tips for France.
10 Tips to Travel in France on a Budget
Here are some amazing France budget trip tips you must follow.
1. Travel During the Off-Season
It is always a good idea to visit France during the off seasons – April and May, or September and October. Visiting in these months will certainly save you a lot. During these months, flight charges and hotel charges are affordable and you will find less crowd thus make you explore the places more.
Tip: Look for discounts on airfare in January and February, often the cheapest months to fly.
2. Opt for Budget Airlines and Trains
France has an excellent transportation network that can be budget-friendly:
- Budget Airlines: Choose budget airlines over luxury ones. Also, do all the bookings early, this will save a lot of money and you will get deals too.
- Trains: The SNCF (French National Railway) offers discounts for early bookings. Consider regional TER trains for shorter journeys, which are cheaper than high-speed TGV trains.
- Buses: Choose buses over private cabs. Companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus provide affordable intercity connections.
Tip: Purchase a Eurail France Pass if you plan to visit multiple cities, as it offers unlimited train travel.
3. Stay in Budget Accommodations
Accommodation costs can quickly add up, but there are several affordable options:
- Hostels: Rather than staying in a hotel, you can go for hostel or dormitory style rooms starting from €20 per night. Do the pre-booking from websites like booking.com.
- Airbnb and Budget Hotels: You can also look for shared apartments or small hotels in suburban areas. They are more affordable than those in the city centre.
- Camping: France is a good place for camping, they have well-maintained campsites. You can do camping as well.
- Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free by using platforms like Couchsurfing, which also provide cultural exchange opportunities.
4. Explore Free Attractions and Activities
In France you will get plenty of free attractions to keep costs low:
- Museums and Monuments: There are many museums in France where you can go for free on first Sunday of the month, this includes famous the Louvre museum. Students under the age of 26 can also access several museums for free with a valid ID.
- Walking Tours: Free walking tours are available in most cities. Guides work for tips, so you can pay what fits your budget.
- Beaches and Parks: You may relax at the French Riviera’s public beaches. You can even stroll through gardens like the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.
- Churches and Cathedrals: There are iconic sites in France like Notre Dame and Sacré-Cœur Basilica, these sites are free to enter.
5. Eat Like a Local
You do not need to spend a lot on French cuisine. Here is how to eat well at a cheap price:
- Street Food: Try crêpes, baguette sandwiches, and pastries from local bakeries for €3–€5.
- Markets: Visit local markets for fresh produce, cheeses, and wines, perfect for a picnic.
- Prix Fixe Menus: Many restaurants offer affordable set menus (entrée, main course, and dessert) for €10–€15 during lunch hours.
- Self-Catering: Stay in accommodations with kitchen access and cook your own meals using ingredients from supermarkets like Carrefour or Lidl.
- Water: Tap water in France is free and also safe to drink, so carry a reusable bottle to avoid buying bottled water.
6. Save on City Transport
- Walk or Rent a Bike: You can use bikes while roaming around the city. There are cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux which are pedestrian and bike-friendly. Use bike-sharing services like Vélib’ Métropole in Paris.
- Public Transport Passes: To travel cheaply, you can buy day or week passes for metro, trams, and buses. Paris’ Navigo pass is cost-effective for unlimited travel.
- Carpooling: Use BlaBlaCar for affordable ridesharing between cities rather than choosing a private cab.
7. Consider Budget-Friendly Day Trips
Instead of staying in expensive hubs like Paris, take day trips to charming towns and villages:
- Versailles: A quick train ride from Paris, entry to the gardens is free.
- Annecy: Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” this lakeside town is stunning and affordable.
- Colmar and Strasbourg: Explore the Alsace region’s fairytale-like villages without high costs.
8. Take Advantage of Discount Cards
- Paris Pass or Museum Pass: This pass is great as it offers entry to multiple attractions at a reduced price.
- Youth and Student Discounts: There are many attractions that provide discounts for students and travellers under 26.
- City Cards: Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille offer city cards with transport and attraction access included.
9. Use Budget-Friendly Apps
- Omio and Trainline: Compare transportation costs to find the cheapest tickets.
- Maps.me: Download offline maps to save on data roaming charges.
- Too Good To Go: Find discounted food from cafes and bakeries at closing time.
10. Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible
Booking flights, trains, and accommodations in advance usually secures better prices. However, flexibility with your travel dates can also help you grab last-minute deals.
Final Thoughts
So, we have provided you with the best tips to travel in France on a budget. The aforementioned tips are useful to enjoy the sites as well as keep a check on your budget. From enjoying free museum days to indulging in picnic lunches by the Seine, France offers numerous ways to experience its magic without overspending. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of France without breaking the bank!
