Traveling in France
Strasbourg, France
France remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The reasons are obvious. From the bustling city of Paris to the French Riviera beaches, and French Alps, this beautiful country has so much to offer. Be sure and explore the castles in the Loire Valley and sip some wine in the countryside. Some people choose to visit one or two highlights in the region before continuing on to the rest of their European tour. Others spend a month or more in this country, soaking up everything it has to offer, from its small towns to its world renowned cuisine.
Because of its popularity, the price of travel in France can be high, but there are some great tricks to help you save money. If you're on a particularly tight budget, couchsurfing or staying in hostels can be an excellent way to save money. Particularly in the larger cities you'll find plenty of budget accommodation options. Many hosts speak English and they're often eager and willing to show you around. You can also save a lot of money by shopping at local markets and picking up local produce and cheese or bread. This will help you enjoy a great picnic of local specialties without the high cost of eating out. Dinner in particular can be quite expensive at restaurants. Consider eating a nice meal out at lunch and preparing your own dinner. Many restaurants has specials at lunch and you can enjoy a three course meal for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at dinner time. French food is acclaimed the world over with good reason. Taste the fresh cheeses and fruits. Settle down to a rich meal with a glass of wine, and don't miss the decadent desserts. If you plan ahead you can experience it all for far less money than you would expect.
Both transportation and hotels in the area can be expensive. It's best to book ahead at by at least several weeks. Prices go up with time and you may find yourself paying almost twice as much for train tickets on the day of your trip. While this doesn't allow you the flexibility you may desire, it is generally well worth the money savings.
Top Tourist Attractions
Some of the highlights of France are listed here. But of course, we can't cover everything at once, so make sure you check out the listing on the various city pages, too. Paris, Lyon, Marseille, wine country, and the many chateaux of the countryside are among the top attractions here.
Pont du Gard This structure was built around 19 BC and is representative of Roman architecture. It was originally designed to carry water between Nimes and Uzes.
Eiffel Tower Probably the most famous French sight, the Eiffel Tower was originally built in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition in commemoration of the centennial of the French Revolution. Today it sees thousands of visitors every day, many of which make a trip to the top for the views overlooking Paris.
Prehistoric Megaliths The Carnac Stones are an arrangement of large granite rocks dating back possibly as far as 4000 BC. While the meaning is not known today, it is thought that they may be religious in nature or relate to the astronomical calendar. You can visit them in Brittany.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having a realistic perspective on your travel budget is very important. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers, most people are not prepared for the discomfort and lack of amenities that come with traveling on a shoestring budget. Consider what you really love about travel and thinkg about your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Do you want to visit the major sights and attractions? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit France for $108 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, France boasts a wide range of hostels. The highest concentration can be found in Paris, Nice, and Lyon. A variety of destinations have well-developed public transit systems that help budget travelers avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides. Food is a highlight for all types of visitors to France, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience this aspect of the country.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. You won't want to miss Strasbourg Christmas Market in Strasbourg, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $308 per person, per day.
France has tons of hotels and vacation rentals available. If you're traveling with a group or family, sharing accommodations with a partner, friend, or your family will cut back on the daily per-person budget. Popular family-friendly destinations like Paris and Saint-Tropez offer hotels and restaurants that cater specifically to kids. For a family-friendly stay, consider B&B Le Relais des Saints Peres in Auxerre or La Demeure Guingamp in Guingamp. For couples visiting La Bresse, check out Chez Jeanmyvonne for a romantic place to stay. You can discover more family and couples options in our hotel guide for France here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $972 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like Versailles and Avignon. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Camino de Santiago Guided *CYCLE* Tour/Packing/MTB - offered by Climbing Mountains.
France is pretty expensive, but there are tons of hostels which made it a great country for backpacking. Outside of Paris the hostels were pretty affordable as well.