Explore France On A Budget: A Guide

Picture yourself strolling along the Seine, warm pain au chocolat in hand as the Eiffel Tower peeks through the morning mist. Sounds like a dream?

Well, you might be surprised to learn that a trip to France doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some smart planning and insider know-how, France on a Budget is more doable than you think.

Suggested Read: A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Unforgettable Adventures in France

Finding the Cheapest Flights from India to France

The first step to making your France on a Budget dream a reality is scoring a great deal on flights. Here are some tips:

• Book well in advance, ideally 2-3 months before your travel dates.

• Be flexible with your travel dates. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend ones.

• Consider flying to smaller airports like Nice or Lyon instead of Paris.

• Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions by airlines.

To give you a ballpark idea, here are some of the cheapest round-trip fares we found for flights from major Indian cities to Paris:

Departure City	Airline	Price (INR)*
Mumbai	Air France	38,000
Delhi	Finnair	41,000
Bengaluru	Lufthansa	43,000
Chennai	Turkish Airlines	44,000

*Prices are approximate and subject to change.

Suggested Read: How to Book France Visa Appointment

Wallet-Friendly Accommodation Options

Forget those pricey 5-star hotels. When it comes to finding a place to rest your head, France has plenty of budget-friendly hotels and accommodations. Here are some options to consider:

Hostels (₹1000-1500/night)

Hostels are a go-to for budget travelers. You can find clean, comfortable dorm beds for as little as ₹1000 per night. Some great hostels to check out:

• St Christopher’s Inn, Paris

• Vertigo Vieux-Port, Marseille

• SLO Living Hostel, Lyon

Budget Hotels (₹2500-4000/night)

Budget hotels offer great value for a little more privacy. Expect basic but clean rooms, often with amenities like free WiFi. Some recommendations:

• Ibis Budget, multiple locations

• Première Classe, multiple locations

• B&B Hôtels, multiple locations

Airbnb (₹2000-5000/night)

Renting a room or apartment via Airbnb can be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. You’ll get more space and access to a kitchen, helping you save on dining out.

Cheap and Free Things to Do

One of the best parts about traveling in France is that many of its greatest attractions are free or affordable. Here are some of the top free attractions in France and cheap things to do in France:

• Enjoy free views of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro or Champ de Mars.

• Walk along the Seine River and explore historic bridges and landmarks.

• Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre for free city views.

• Many museums, like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry.

• Walk along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice for beautiful Mediterranean views.

• Visit local markets like Marché Bastille in Paris for free tastings.

• Take a free walking tour in cities like Paris, Bordeaux, or Lyon.

• See lavender fields outside Abbaye de Sénanque in Provence.

• Discover the scenic beauty of Gorges du Verdon through free hiking trails.

• Some vineyards in Bordeaux offer free wine tastings.

Affordable Day Trips

• From Paris: Visit Versailles (€8–€15) (walk in the gardens for free),

  • Giverny – Monet’s home, (€25–€35)

  • or Fontainebleau home to historic château and forest (€20–€30).

• From Nice: Explore Eze which is a medieval village with stunning views, (€3–€5)

  • Monaco walk around for free, or (€8–€15)

  • Villefranche-sur-Mer – beautiful beaches. (€3–€5)

• From Marseille: Take a boat or hike to Calanques National Park, (€5–€10)

  • or visit Aix-en-Provence for its markets and old town. (€12–€20)

    

• From Bordeaux: Explore Saint-Émilion which is a wine region with free walking trails (€20–€30) or

  • Arcachon Bay Dune du Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe. (€15–€25)

• From Strasbourg: Visit Colmar which is a fairytale town (€20–€30)

  • or the Alsace Wine Route picturesque villages. (€15–€25)

• From Toulouse: Discover Carcassonne which is a medieval fortress town (€20–€30) or

  • Albi is a UNESCO-listed city with a stunning cathedral. (€15–€25)

Budget-friendly Restaurants in France

Here are five budget-friendly restaurants in France where you can enjoy great food without spending too much:

Bouillon Pigalle (Paris) – Classic French dishes like beef bourguignon and escargots at very affordable prices (€10–€15 for a meal).

Le Comptoir du Palais (Lyon) – A cozy bouchon serving authentic Lyonnais specialties like quenelles and sausages (€12–€18 for a main).

Petit Mignon (Bordeaux) – Great-value burgers and sandwiches with fresh local ingredients (€8–€12 per meal).

• Opt for prix-fixe menus at lunch, which often cost around €15-20 for 2-3 courses.

• Grab a baguette sandwich or quiche from a boulangerie for a cheap, tasty meal on the go.

• Shop at local markets and cook your meals if you have access to a kitchen.

• Picnic in a park with supplies from the supermarket or a local traiteur.

• Drink the excellent (and affordable) house wine at restaurants.

Best Time to Visit France on a Budget

The best time to visit France on a budget is during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October) when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are thinner.

You’ll find lower prices on flights and accommodations compared to the peak summer months.

If you don’t mind chilly temperatures, consider visiting in the winter (November-March, excluding holidays).

This is the cheapest time to travel, with rock-bottom airfares and hotel rates. Plus, nothing beats sipping a vin chaud at a cozy Parisian café on a crisp winter day.

Suggested Read: France In February

Budget-Savvy Trip Planning Tips

Here are a few more tips to help you plan your France on a Budget adventure:

• Get a rail pass if you plan to take multiple train journeys.

• Take advantage of free walking tours in major cities.

• Use a reusable water bottle and fill up at public fountains.

• Buy a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit several paid attractions in Paris.

• Avoid touristy restaurants with multi-language menus; opt for local spots instead.

• Take advantage of free events like Fête de la Musique (June 21) and Bastille Day fireworks (July 14).

Budget-friendly travel options across France

1. Trains (SNCF & OUIGO)

• OUIGO – Low-cost high-speed trains (TGV) with tickets starting from €10 (Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, etc.).

• TER (Regional Trains) – Great for short trips; fares vary but often €10–€30 per journey.

• SNCF Advantage Card (€49/year) – Discounts of up to 30% on train tickets.

2. Buses

• FlixBus & BlaBlaCar Bus – Budget-friendly long-distance buses with fares from €5–€20 between cities.

• Local City Buses – Many cities offer unlimited day passes for €2–€5 (e.g., Marseille, Nice, Lyon).

3. Carpooling

• BlaBlaCar – Ride-sharing app with rides between cities starting at €5–€20, depending on distance.

4. Metro & Trams (In Major Cities)

• Paris Metro (Navigo Pass) – Unlimited weekly travel for €30 (€2.15 per single ticket).

• Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, etc. – Day passes €5–€10 for unlimited tram, bus, and metro travel.

5. Bike Rentals & Walking

• Vélib’ (Paris), Vélov’ (Lyon), V3 (Bordeaux) – Bike-sharing with first 30 minutes often free.

• Free walking tours – Available in most cities; just tip your guide!

FAQs

1. What is the cheapest time to fly to France?

The cheapest time to fly to France is usually during the low season (November-March, excluding holidays). You can also find good deals by booking well in advance and being flexible with your dates.

2. Is France an affordable travel destination?

While France has a reputation for being expensive, it’s possible to travel there on a budget. By staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating at affordable restaurants, and taking advantage of free attractions, you can keep your costs down.

3. Can I visit wine regions in France on a budget?

Yes! Some vineyards in Bordeaux, Alsace, and Beaujolais offer free tastings. You can also explore vineyard routes by bus or bike instead of pricey guided tours.

4. When is the cheapest time to visit France?

The off-season (November to March) has lower prices for flights, accommodation, and attractions. Avoid summer (July–August) for the best deals.

5. How much should I budget per day for a trip to France?

Your daily budget will depend on your travel style and the cities you visit but plan to spend at least €50-70 per day for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.

6. What are some affordable souvenirs to buy from France and from where?

Affordable souvenirs from France include macarons and pastries (€5–€15) from local bakeries or supermarkets, and French cheese (€3–€10) from open-air markets or stores like Carrefour. Lavender products (€3–€10), such as soaps and sachets, can be found in Provence markets or Monoprix.