Are you longing to roam the beautiful streets of France? Do you want to experience posh Parisian lifestyle and culture? Well you are definitely not alone.
Millions of people want visit France every year but lots don’t due to worries about the cost. Paris specifically is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world.
But don’t despair there are still ways for budget travellers to enjoy an amazing trip to France without spending a fortune.
Check out our top tips on how to travel in France without spending a fortune below.
1. Prepare in Advance
Nothing beats a good plan. Bring everything that you might need to avoid overspending and research everything about this country way before your trip comes. Work out how much money you have and plan a budget.
Your itinerary must be carefully planned so you’ll know where to go, what to do and the cheapest way to do it. Be sure to book flights, transport and accommodation as far in advance as you can as prices are usually more experience the closer to the time you leave.
2. Shun Hotels
It won’t hurt if you stay in a cheaper accommodation than in a high-class hotel. Besides you only need a place to stay sleep and you will probably spend most of your time outdoors sightseeing and exploring.
There are lots of affordable hostels throughout the country which are very modern. If you don’t mind staying in dorm rooms you can save a lot of money compared to private hotel rooms.
3. Try Camping
If you like the great outdoors one way to really save money is camping which is fairly common in France and the government has a standardised star rating for campgrounds.
Rather than stay in hotels and Airbnb’s, try camping. Some four-star campgrounds provide more facilities than three-star hotel counterparts.
4. Visit Other Cities in France
Of course, if you have never been to France before you really need to spend a day or two in Paris.
Seeing some of the most popular attractions in France like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must do things on a gap year in Europe, but if you are on a budget limit your time in the French capital.
If you want to see more of France, you can visit much less expensive cities where your money goes much further. There will also be less tourists too so food and sightseeing activities are more affordable.
Cheaper cities in France can include: Chartres, Bordeaux, Lyon and Montpellier – just to name a few.
Or if the French capital really is alluring to your taste buds, view our budget travel tips for Paris.
5. Visit France in Off-Peak Season
Airfare and hotel rates all rise during peak seasons like summer and Christmas when most people want to book a getaway.
To avoid the more expensive rates, schedule your trip during Spring and Autumn, hotels for example during these periods are much cheaper.
6. Enjoy Cheap Breakfast
If you do stay in hotels, decline the offer of some hotels of breakfast because this usually is expensive usually just includes coffee, breads and pastries.
You can sometimes expect to be charged around 8 – 20 euros per person! Instead eat breakfast at a local bakery or pastry shop, you’ll get more and tastier food at more than half the price.
7. Getting Around
Instead of using expensive means of transportation like rental car, taxi rides, and long-distance point-to-point tickets to go from place to place in France, try the following alternatives: rail passes and buses. If you are keen to explore more of this continent you might like to view our interrail tips.
8. Avoid Restaurants
French food is among some of the best in the world, but eating out everyday can really cost a lot. Instead, why not buy food at local supermarkets and cook yourself if you have access to a kitchen.
Even if you don’t you can still buy sandwiches and alternatives which will save you a lot of money compared to eating in cafes and restaurants.
9. Do More Than Sightseeing
If you are keen to be more than just a tourist, there are lots of opportunities which offer a free/affordable way to visit France.
Gap year jobs in France are very popular, options can include seasonal and winter ski season work. Another option in volunteering abroad in France, most programs offer free accommodation.
10. Take a Reusable Bottle
Instead of buying water everyday, take a reusable bottle and fill it up. This is much better for the environment and your wallet.
View our France gap year programs for trips and experiences if you are planning a trip.