Wine, cheese, the Eiffel Tower, snooty waiters – France is famous for a lot of things, and it happens to be one of my favorite countries in the world. It’s beautiful, has great food, delicious wine, storied history, and a carefree atmosphere. There’s nothing like a picnic along the Seine or a day through the French countryside to make life seem beautiful. France is everything that people make it out to be and then some. Its long history lends itself to beautiful ruins, castles, architecture, and culture. Traveling France is a very expensive affair, second only to traveling through Italy in mainland Europe. Those on a super tight budget will find it hard (but not impossible thanks to three Euro bottles of wine) to experience everything France has to offer. Make sure you go to France with a few extra Euros in your pocket so you can soak in all the food, wine, and beauty you see (though this guide will help you cut costs!)
Accommodation – Dorm rooms will range from 15-40 EUR per night, depending on where you’re staying in the country, with Paris being on the higher end. Private rooms in hostels will cost around 75 EUR or more. Budget hotels begin around 60 EUR per night for a double room. Accommodations are cheaper outside Paris, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera. Also look into renting rooms or apartments. In an expensive city like Paris, this will be the best value.
Food – Buying your own food in France can be very cheap. There are many bread, cheese, and meat shops around. The market is your friend! It’s common to pick up some ingredients and have a picnic. You can make your own lunch for around 10 EUR for two people including wine if you’re savvy. Pre-made sandwiches at cheap local shops will cost about 4-7 EUR. Conversely, eating at a restaurant will cost between 20-35 EUR for a meal including a glass of wine. If you shop for all your food, you can expect to spend around 45-65 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries.
Transportation – The best way to get around France is via the trains. Overnight trains cost the least, while the fast TGV lines (high-speed train) cost the most, about 90 EUR. Local transit systems are reliable and cost between 1-3 EUR per trip. Transportation to and from airport into city centers is generally affordable and user friendly. Expect about 12 EUR to get into Paris from Charles de Gaulle. Taxis will be tough on the budget, so avoid when you can.
Activities – Wine tours will be your priciest activity at around 90 EUR per day. Most attractions and museum entrance fees cost between 9-20 EUR.
Paris – Paris has everything – the Louvre, impressionist museums, the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, parks, clubs, culture, and great food. This list goes on and on. Paris is especially good for people who love art and food as the city has a long rich history with both. (Make sure to enjoy all the amazing pastries!) It’s as magical as people say and, while it would take a lifetime to really see it all, four or five days gives you a good idea. This is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I always find something new when I am here. Take your time, drink some wine, and enjoy the city of lights.
The D-Day beaches, Normandy – Learn about the WWII Allied forces D-Day landings along the beaches of northern France. There are memorials and museums detailing the history of the event. You can still see some of the old bunkers and fortifications.
The Palace of Versailles – Located very close to Paris, the old palace of the French kings was built by Louis XIV. This palace was constructed during the height of French power and seeks to show off the monarch’s tremendous wealth. It’s as awe inspiring today as it was back then. It was used by the French Kings until the French Revolution in 1789. You definitely don’t want to miss it!
See Alsace – This northeast region of France is a beautiful place to visit. Colmar is an old town, and the main attraction. Some of the buildings date back to the 1300s. It’s as picturesque a French town as one could ever one!
Go skiing – The French Alps offer some of the best ski slopes in Europe. If you’re in Europe in the winter months and at a loss for what to do, consider getting a group together and renting a ski chalet, or staying at one of the slope-side hotels or hostels. Bring plenty of beer and wine to warm you up after a long day on the hills! Note that skiing in France is not that cheap!
SOURCE: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/france-travel-tips/
