{"id":486,"date":"2024-09-15T14:28:20","date_gmt":"2024-09-15T06:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/07\/20-ways-to-see-france-on-a-budget\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T09:56:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T01:56:06","slug":"20-ways-to-see-france-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/?p=486","title":{"rendered":"20 ways to see France on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"
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France is not a cheap place to visit. Alexis Averbuck, one of the authors of the new Lonely Planet <\/em>France guidebook releasing in May, shares her money-saving tips on how to experience the country without maxing out your credit card. <\/em><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need a wallet-busting budget to cruise the Seine, glass of champagne in hand. Plan right, be a bit savvy, and it’s possible to lower your costs when exploring France\u2019s wonders.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re interested in sampling the delicious food and wine for which the country is justly famous, touring the varied and gorgeous countryside or strolling through a bustling city or charming village, many of France\u2019s pleasures can be savored for cheap \u2013 or even for free. Here\u2019s how to enjoy France on a budget along with a guide to daily costs.<\/p>\n

Average daily costs in France<\/h2>\n
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    Dorm bed in a hostel: \u20ac18\u201330<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Double room in a budget hotel: \u20ac60\u201390<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Double room in a midrange hotel: \u20ac90\u2013190<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Double room in a top-end hotel: \u20ac190\u2013350<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Lunch menus (set meals): under \u20ac20<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Lunch menus in gourmet restaurants: \u20ac20\u201340<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Dinner at a top restaurant: menu \u20ac65; \u00e0 la carte \u20ac100\u2013150<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Public transport ticket: \u20ac1.80\u20137.50<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Car rental: \u20ac35\u201380 per day<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Opera tickets: \u20ac15\u2013150<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Glass of wine: \u20ac4\u201317<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    \"People
    If you don’t need to be in Paris, consider flying to Nice or Marseille instead \u00a9 Rostislav Glinsky \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Think beyond Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris<\/h2>\n

    France\u2019s largest airport is often the default arrival destination for visitors to France \u2013 but landing in the main hub can come at a premium. Instead, look into flights to Paris\u2019 Orly or a regional airport. If you are headed to Provence, and without plans to pass through Paris, it might work out to book a seat on a discount carrier into, say, Marseille or Nice.<\/p>\n

    Trains and buses also crisscross France from countries throughout the EU. What\u2019s more, train stations are usually smack in city centers, saving time and money on transfers.<\/p>\n

    Be inspired to take the train in France with these top routes<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    Pick your season well<\/h2>\n

    You will pay more to travel to France in the summer. If at all possible, aim for the shoulder and off seasons. The weather throughout France is delightful in May and September, and often in April and October, so consider a fall or spring trip. And if you\u2019re willing to bundle up and see a different side of the France you know from movies, winter has its charms, too.<\/p>\n

    Ready to start planning your trip? Choose the right time to visit France with our seasonal guide<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    Embrace the prix fixe<\/em> menu<\/h2>\n

    Different from its English meaning, le menu<\/em> in French is a two- or three-course meal at a fixed price. It\u2019s by far the best value in dining \u2013 and most bistros and restaurants offer the option, usually displayed in chalk on a board. Lunch menus<\/em> \u2013 generally the best value you\u2019ll find \u2013 occasionally include a glass of wine and\/or coffee; dinner menus in gastronomic restaurants sometimes pair a perfectly matched glass of wine with each course. (Just remember that \u201cprix fixe\u201d in French is pronounced \u201cpree fiks.\u201d)<\/p>\n

    Eat cheap with set lunchtime menus and plats du jour<\/em><\/h2>\n

    Lunchtime formules<\/em> (two courses) and menus<\/em> (three courses), plus super-deal plats du jour<\/em> (dish of the day) in restaurants, cost a fraction of the price of evening dining. If you have your eyes on a Michelin-star meal, plan to go at midday.<\/p>\n

    \"Young
    Find fresh produce at the local markets in France \u00a9 RossHelen \/ iStockphoto \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Pick up a picnic at the abundant local markets and shops<\/h2>\n

    With its bucolic scenery and outstanding produce, France is a picnicker\u2019s paradise. Buy a baguette from the boulangerie<\/em> (bakery) and fill it with Camembert, p\u00e2t\u00e9 or charcuterie (cold meats) from the local street market. Finish sweet with macarons (in Paris), buttery kouign-amann<\/em> (Breton butter cake), cherries (southern France) or \u2013 for blue-blooded gourmets \u2013 champagne and biscuits roses<\/em> (in Reims).<\/p>\n

    Keep the kids on the menu enfant<\/em><\/h2>\n

    Two- or three-course kids\u2019 meals at a fixed price (generally for children up to the age of 12) are usually a steal. They also often include a drink.<\/p>\n

    Wine taste on a budget<\/h2>\n

    Wine can be bought direct from the producteur<\/em> (wine producer) or vigneron (winegrower), most of whom offer an on-site d\u00e9gustation<\/em> (tasting) that allows you to sample two or three vintages with no obligation to buy. Thanks to ample production, wines in France cost pennies on the dollar compared to most other places. Lists of estates, caves<\/em> (wine cellars) and cooperatives are available from tourist offices and maisons des vins<\/em> (wine houses) in main towns in wine-producing areas. And supermarkets offer delicious vintages at bargain prices.<\/p>\n

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    For even cheaper reds and whites (vins de table<\/em>, which can still be delicious by international standards), spend \u20ac2 to \u20ac4 per liter to fill up your own container at the local wine cooperative: every wine-producing village has one.<\/p>\n

    \"Gay
    It\u2019s hard to resist a few scoops of ice cream during a summer day in France \u00a9 LeoPatrizi \/ iStock \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Savor France\u2019s delicious bargain foods<\/h2>\n
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      Chestnuts come served piping hot in paper bags on street corners in winter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Socca<\/em> are chickpea-flour pancakes typical of Nice on the C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Pan bagnat<\/em> is the crusty Ni\u00e7ois tuna sandwich that comes dripping in fruity green olive oil.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      A Flammekueche<\/em> (tarte flamb\u00e9e<\/em> in French) is an Alsatian thin-crust pizza dough topped with sour cream, onions and bacon.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Croques monsieur<\/em> are toasted ham-and-cheese sandwiches; cheesy croques madame<\/em> come topped with an egg.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      The best glaciers<\/em> (ice-cream makers) in France include Berthillon in Paris, Glaces Geronimi and Raugi in Corsica and La Martini\u00e8re in St-Martin-de-R\u00e9. A scoop of myrtle, chestnut, lavender, artichoke or Camembert ice cream, anyone?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Cr\u00eapes \u2013 the large, round, thin sweet pancakes renowned throughout the world \u2013 are cooked at street-corner stands while you wait.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Galettes are their savory, usually gluten-free cousins, made with buckwheat flour and typically served with fromage<\/em> (cheese) and jambon<\/em> (ham).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Pissaladi\u00e8re<\/em>, the traditional Ni\u00e7ois \u201cpizza,\u201d comes topped with salty anchovies and sweet caramelized onions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Beignets au brocciu<\/em> are Corsican deep-fried doughnuts, sweet or savory, filled with the island\u2019s local cream cheese.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Goug\u00e8res<\/em>, the utterly irresistible, cheesy pastry puffs associated with Burgundy, usually accompany an aperitif but are delicious as a cheap snack too.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Be strategic in where (and how) you sleep<\/h2>\n

      There\u2019s no need to book multiple rooms for your family. It\u2019s cheaper for families staying in hotels to ask for a double room with two beds rather than a triple-occupancy room. Families of four or more will find self-catering accommodation cheaper, and if you plan ahead you\u2019ll be spoiled for choice.<\/p>\n

      \"A
      One of the best free experiences is simply soaking up French street life \u00a9 Marc Piasecki \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Linger in cafes and wander the streets for a dose of French culture<\/h2>\n

      Remember that in France, once you pay for a drink at a cafe, the table is yours indefinitely. Settle in and people-watch, post your Insta pics or text the night away.<\/p>\n

      Since so much of the magic of France resides in its village streets, country lanes and historic buildings, soaking in the culture of the country can be straight-up free. Wander freely on your own \u2013 or if you\u2019d like to know more, enjoy free walking-tour brochures or even audioguide apps from the local tourist offices.<\/p>\n

      Check out free-admission days and discount passes for city sights<\/h2>\n

      Most cities in France offer a single pass offering bundled and\/or discounted admission for museums and other attractions. Check online at the local tourist office site (or in person) before you buy individual admission tickets to see if the pass will net you savings on what you want to visit. In many cities, some museums and municipal sights offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month.<\/p>\n

      Bring your student or senior ID to get in free or cheap<\/h2>\n

      If you are a student, a youth or over 60, be sure to travel with your ID: many sights offer free admission provided you can prove your status.<\/p>\n

      \"A
      Book well ahead to snag cheaper tickets for France\u2019s famed TGVs \u00a9 amoklv \/ iStockphoto \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Book in advance for the most affordable train tickets<\/h2>\n

      France\u2019s train system is extensive, easy to use and affordable. With rail passes and slower intercity services, you can ride the network for less (while keeping in mind that national rail company SNCF\u2019s cheapest tickets are non-refundable).<\/p>\n

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      The SNCF\u2019s most heavily discounted tickets are called Prem\u2019s, and they\u2019re available online, at ticket windows and from ticket machines. Look for \u201c100% Prem\u2019s,\u201d which are available from Thursday evening to Monday night, for last-minute travel that weekend. Saturday-return Prem\u2019s are valid for return travel on a Saturday, while three-month Prem\u2019s can be booked a maximum of 90 days in advance. Prem\u2019s are nonrefundable and non-changeable.<\/p>\n

      Intercit\u00e9s 100% \u00c9co can be booked from three months to the day of departure, and offer cheap tickets between any stops, in any direction, on four main lines: Paris\u2013Toulouse, Paris\u2013Bordeaux, Paris\u2013Nantes and Paris\u2013Strasbourg. A single fare costs \u20ac15 to \u20ac35.<\/p>\n

      The most expensive services are high-speed trains (the famous TGV), but if you book well in advance or when there are promotions, you can snag super-discounted tickets even on these.<\/p>\n

      Look into regional-train discount fares<\/h2>\n

      Some of these fares don\u2019t require a discount card or advance purchase. For example, Loisir rates are good for return travel that includes a Saturday night at your destination or involves travel on a Saturday or Sunday. And D\u00e9couverte fares are available for low-demand \u201cblue-period\u201d trains for people ages 12 to 25, seniors and the adult travel companions of children under 12.<\/p>\n

      See if your family or friends can travel as a group<\/h2>\n

      Mini-Groupe train tickets in some regions bring big savings for five to nine people traveling together, provided you spend a Saturday night at your destination.<\/p>\n

      If you\u2019re over 60, get a Carte Avantage Senior for train travel<\/h2>\n

      For \u20ac49, the Carte Avantage Senior pass offers many discounts, including 30% off trips year-round and 60% off tickets for up to three children traveling with you. Also, you\u2019ll enjoy free ticket exchange and refunds up to three days before your departure.<\/p>\n

      \"Tram
      It can be easier, and cheaper, to park on the edge of a city and travel in by public transport \u00a9 Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Park strategically<\/h2>\n

      Many medium-sized towns have concentric parking zones, with the highest per-hour fees and shortest time limits in the city center, with cheaper, less restricted parking a bit farther out. It often makes sense to park on the edge of town and take public transit into the center. Some towns even have free shuttles \u2013 navettes<\/em> \u2013 from parking lots to the center.<\/p>\n

      Fill up the car away from the freeway<\/h2>\n

      Filling up (faire le plein)<\/em> is most expensive at autoroute rest stops and is usually cheapest at super- and hypermarkets such as Carrefour, Intermarch\u00e9, Leclerc and Super U.<\/p>\n

      In city centers, stick to public transit<\/h2>\n

      It\u2019s a fool\u2019s errand to try to drive and park in the center of Paris or other larger French cities. Train stations are super-convenient to metro stations, tram lines and bus routes., so buy a local transit pass and hit the pavement.<\/p>\n

      Oh, and that Seine river cruise with champagne?<\/h2>\n

      BYOC (bring your own champagne) from the supermarket and hop on Paris\u2019 Batobus to head down the Seine. A day pass costs \u20ac23 with stops at nine places along the way<\/p>\n