Many people think that France is expensive, but that depends on how you organize your vacation. France has some of the best hotels and restaurants in the world and the best luxury shops. Paris in particular has a reputation for being expensive. But, like everywhere in the world, if you know how to plan your vacation, you will discover the tricks and tactics to make France travel on budget and be affordable.
Go when it’s cheap
The season you choose for your vacation makes a big difference, so start by keeping this in mind. Everything from airfares to hotel rates fluctuates dramatically depending on the time of year you travel.
But remember that each season in France has its different pleasures, so you can ignore the summer months in favor of the coolness of spring or the glorious colors of fall. Also remember that the French still take their vacations mostly from July 14 (Bastille Day) to mid-August, so the resorts fill up and prices go up during that time.
So consider going off-season or off the shoulder and you can save hundreds, if not thousands.
Get cheap flights to France
Book several months before your trip and you will get a good rate, especially if you are traveling from abroad. Consult the offers of air tickets / packages; sometimes these can really save you a lot of money.
Also, consider where you want to go. If you are only going to the south of France, then it makes sense to book a flight to one of the big French cities with international airports like Nice, Marseille or Bordeaux.
If you go to Paris, then to the south of France, look at both flights and trains for the next trip.
See flights, compare prices and book on Trip Advisor
Train travel in France
Again, it will be cheaper to book early to your destination when traveling by train. Check Rail Europe (US) and OUI.sncf deals in advance.
But it may also be cheaper for you to book direct when you are in France, although you will have to collect your tickets at the station.
Paris on a budget
Paris has a reputation for being expensive; Look at the lists of the most expensive cities in the world and sometimes it is in the top 10. Be careful with the lists; It depends on what the criteria are and they vary wildly. But if you want an expensive vacation, then Paris can certainly oblige you.
However, like all cities, there are many ways to keep your budget low.
Go where it’s cheap
The expensive parts of France are found along the Mediterranean, the Loire Valley and the Dordogne. The most expensive cities are Paris, Nice, Lyon and Bordeaux. However, Nice comes in 29th in the index backpacking, after European destinations mostly eastern and before other sites in Europe that are more expensive.
Again, whatever city you choose, you can visit on a budget. Even in the south of France, places like Nice, Antibes / Juan-les-Pins have cheap accommodation and restaurants.
Much of central France is cheaper and more glorious. The Auvergne is particularly charming for its mountainous landscapes and huge river valleys, its sense of peace and its slow pace of life. And it is very cheap! Try exploring a less popular destination.
Eat well, but at a low price
If you don’t know where to eat, look at the menus outside (they all have current menus and prices) and look inside to see how many locals are eating there; They usually taste a bargain! Also remember that many restaurants, even the most expensive ones, have set menus. So don’t ignore those Michelin-starred places; Try the lunch menu and it may be a bit more expensive than the bistro next door, but it can also be the experience of a lifetime. (Just remember that the wine lists will probably be outrageous!)
Stay cheap
Where you stay can have a huge impact on your wallet. You don’t have to go to grunge to save a few euros. Camping in France is a cheap alternative that is much better than you think. There are four-star camps that are more pleasant than many cheap two-star hotels.
For a little more money, stay at a Logis de France inn, which is often cheaper and should be more fun than a chain hotel. You can even find some decent cheap hotels in Paris, too.
Finally, look at the bed and breakfast options. There are a large number of them in France and they offer accommodation at any price. You’ll find the best value, a warm welcome, and fabulous 4-course meals with wine in many of them.
Economic tourism
Start with the great cathedrals of France; most of them are free and pretty great.
See the free illuminations in many towns and cities in the summer season and at Christmas. Cities like Amiens have spectacular sound and light shows in the cathedral. Chartres illuminates many of the buildings and also projects figures of light, pilgrims and washerwomen onto the walls of the narrow streets that you can stroll through at night.
If you are in a large city, consider purchasing a 2-, 3-, or 4-day City Pass that will provide you with free transportation, plus entry to museums and attractions. They are available at local tourist offices, attractions, and hotels.
Inexpensive purchases
There are many bargains in France. Start with the daily open air markets that you will find in every city and town. If you are looking for fresh food for a picnic or you are in a food house, this is the place for those staples like bread, cheese, fruits, vegetables and salads, and deli .
Many cities have second-hand brocantes or flea markets . They are colorful, fun, and the place to pick up an unusual gift. Check out the annual fairs in places like Lille, Amiens, and the great antique town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
And don’t miss the video greniers , a day when the inhabitants of small towns and villages empty their attics, set up street stalls and sell the widest range of items. You can find interesting plates, posters, textiles, and strange things like wooden boxes; Well worth the rummage.
Search the malls for bargains on name brand clothing, shoes, and household items.
And finally, the winter and summer sales are always a good value. They are very organized in France; goods for sale are controlled and only allowed at certain times of the year.
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
