French Travel Cost: Daily Budgets & Money Saving Tips

If you are worried that the French travel costs might be too high for your budget, you are not alone. It is the number one question potential visitors ask. The good news is that a typical mid-range trip averages around €190 ($205) per person, per day.

This isn't just a bare-bones survival budget; it includes comfortable 3-star lodging, incredible food, and sightseeing. However, that number can change drastically depending on your choices. Whether you are looking to backpack through Bordeaux on a shoestring or splurge on the Seine, this guide breaks down the real price tag of your French adventure so you can plan without the stress.

How Much Does a Trip to France Cost?

If you’re looking for a quick number, start here. These estimates cover your daily spending per person (accommodation, food, and local transport).

Note: Paris is its own beast. Expect costs there to be roughly 20–30% higher than the rest of the country.

Detailed Breakdown of France Travel Cost

Flight Costs

Your flight will likely be your single biggest expense. The price tag depends heavily on where you fly from and, more importantly, when you fly.

From North America

If you fly from the East Coast (NYC, Boston, DC), you can often find great deals. Expect to pay between $450 and $700 for a round-trip economy ticket. Budget carriers like French Bee or Norse Atlantic often drop prices even lower, sometimes hitting the $400 mark if you travel with just a carry-on.

Flying from the West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle) adds flight time and cost. You will typically see fares range from $650 to $950.

Timing is everything.

• Shoulder season (May & September): This period offers an ideal balance of pleasant weather and reasonable costs.
• Peak summer (June–August): Airlines hike prices significantly. That same $500 ticket can easily jump to $1,200+ if you book for July.

From Europe & The UK

If you are already across the pond, getting to France is cheap and fast.

• The Train (Eurostar): This is the most stress-free way to arrive. You go from Central London (St Pancras) to Central Paris (Gare du Nord) in just over two hours. Tickets start around €44 ($48) if you book months in advance. Wait until the last minute, and you might pay €200+.

   

• Budget Airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling offer flights for as low as €30 ($32) one-way. Just remember that these often land at airports far from the city center, like Paris Beauvais, which costs time and money to reach.

TravelThru Tip: You can save time and money by booking an "open-jaw" or multi-city ticket. This means you fly into Paris and out of Nice (or Bordeaux, or Lyon).

Accommodation Costs

This is your biggest fixed expense. The gap between the cost to travel to Paris, France, and the costs in rural regions is massive. Expect to pay significantly more for lodging in Paris, with costs typically 30% to 50% higher than for similar-quality accommodation in other French cities.

A budget of €150 might get you a tiny room with no view in Paris. For the same price, you can often secure a spacious room with a balcony in Bordeaux or a charming B&B stay in the French countryside.

Hostels (€30–€50 / $32–$54 per night) 

Hostels are the best friend of the solo traveler. You usually pay for a bed in a shared dormitory. Many modern French hostels now offer "pod" style beds for privacy. While private rooms are available in hostels, their prices often match those of budget hotels.

Hotels: 2-3 Stars (€100–€180 / $108–$195 per night) 

This is where most travelers stay. Expect clean but compact rooms. In Paris, "compact" means very small. You might barely have room to open your suitcase. Air conditioning is not a guarantee in this price range, so always check before you book if you travel in summer.

Hotels: 4-5 Stars (€250–€800+ / $270–$865+ per night) 

If you want luxury, France delivers. You pay for location, history, and service. A 5-star hotel in Paris often starts around €450, but world-famous spots like the Ritz go much higher.

Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs 

Apartments are great for families or groups. You get a kitchen to cook in, which saves money on food. Expect €100–€180 per night for a one-bedroom apartment.

However, watch out for cleaning fees. These fees can make a one-night or two-night stay very expensive. Rentals offer the best value when you stay for three nights or longer.

Watch out for: The Taxe de séjour. This is a nightly tourist tax added to your hotel bill. It’s usually small (€2–€5 per person), but it can be a surprise at checkout.

Food & Dining Costs

The short answer: It doesn’t have to be. In fact, food costs in France can be lower than in the US if you know the local secrets.

• Breakfast: Skip the €20 hotel buffet. Do as the locals do: a coffee and a croissant at a café counter costs about €3–€5.

   

• Lunch (The Golden Rule): This is your biggest money-saving hack. Look for the Menu du Jour (Menu of the Day). This is a fixed-price lunch offering, typically including two or three courses, available at many French restaurants. You get incredible food for €16–€25.

   

• Dinner: A la carte dining in a casual bistro usually runs €25–€45 per person, including wine.

   

• Michelin Dining: Want to splash out? Lunch menus at 1-star Michelin restaurants can be found for as low as €50–€80. Dinner will be significantly more (€150+).

Water & Tipping: Tap water in France is free and safe to drink. Tipping is also simpler: service is included (service compris). You can leave a few coins if the service was amazing, but 20% tips are not a thing here.

Transportation Within France

Moving around France is efficient, but the costs can creep up if you aren't careful.

Trains (TGV)

The high-speed trains are brilliant, but use dynamic pricing (like airlines).

• Book 3 months in advance: Paris to Bordeaux can be €40.
• Book last minute: That same ticket could be €120.

Car Rental & Driving

Rental rates average €50–€90 per day for a manual transmission compact car (automatics cost more). But the real killer? Tolls (Péage). French highways are privately owned and expensive. Driving from Paris to Nice can cost over €80 in tolls alone.

Getting Around Paris

Public transport prices in Paris are streamlined:

• Single Metro/Bus ticket: €2.55.
• Airport transfer: A dedicated ticket for the RER train or RoissyBus is now €14 one-way.
• Taxis: Taxis from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport have flat rates: €56 to the Right Bank and €66 to the Left Bank. If a driver tries to use the meter for an airport trip, remind them of the flat rate immediately.

Sightseeing & Activities

You didn't fly all this way to stare at the outside of the Louvre. Here is what the big tickets cost:

• Eiffel Tower (Summit): ~€35
• Louvre Museum: ~€22 
• Palace of Versailles: ~€20–€30 depending on the day (Garden days cost more).
   

Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it? If you plan to visit more than 4 museums in 2 days, yes. It costs around €60 for 48 hours and lets you skip the ticket lines (though you still often need to book a time slot).

Free Activities

You don't have to spend €30 every time you leave your hotel. Some of the best experiences in France cost nothing.

• Paris Parks: The Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are open-air museums.
• Churches: Entry to Sacre-Cœur (Montmartre) and the stunning Saint-Sulpice is free. You only pay if you want to climb the domes/towers.
• Markets: Browsing the Marché d’Aligre or the flower markets costs zero euros (unless you succumb to the cheese stalls).

Hidden France Travel Costs to Watch For

Budgets often break because of the small things you didn't plan for. France has a few unique quirks that can chip away at your funds if you aren't careful.

The "Currency Conversion" Trap

This is the most common mistake travelers make. When you use your credit card or an ATM, the machine might ask a simple question: "Pay in Euros or Pay in USD?"

Always choose Euros.

If you choose your home currency (USD), the merchant or bank sets the exchange rate. This rate is usually terrible and includes a hidden markup. By choosing Euros, your own bank handles the conversion at a much fairer market rate.

Driving Fines Follow You Home

Do not speed in France. The French government uses automated radar cameras aggressively. You often won't even see a police officer. The camera flashes, and the system sends a ticket to your rental car agency.

The rental agency will then charge your credit card a "processing fee" (usually around €30 or €40) just to give your info to the police. Then you still have to pay the actual fine. A simple mistake can easily cost you €90 to €135.

Public Restrooms Aren't Free in France

Restrooms in major train stations (like Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord) and some shopping centers charge an entry fee. This usually costs €0.50 to €1.00.

Keep a few coins in your pocket for this exact reason. While many museums and restaurants have free facilities for customers, finding a free public toilet on the street can be a challenge.

Miscellaneous Costs of Travel in France

Beyond the bed and the bread, there are a few final costs that tend to slip through the cracks. 

Entry Requirements: The ETIAS Update

You may have read headlines about a new €7 travel authorization fee for non-EU travelers. As of now, the launch has been pushed back to late 2026. Once active, it will be a small online fee, similar to the ESTA in the US.

Note: If you hold a passport from a country that requires a Schengen Visa (like India, South Africa, or China), budget €90 for the application fee.

Travel Insurance 

Is it mandatory? No (unless you need a visa). Is it smart? Absolutely.

Healthcare in France is excellent, but it is not free for tourists. If you twist an ankle on a cobblestone street, you will pay out of pocket.

• The cost: Expect to pay 4% to 8% of your total non-refundable trip cost.
• The estimate: For a standard $2,000 trip, a solid insurance plan (covering medical + cancellation) will cost you about $80 to $150.

Shopping and Souvenirs 

You will want to bring a piece of France home. Here is what the classics actually cost:

Wine 

You don't need to go to a fancy "cave" (wine cellar) to find great wine. Walk into a Monoprix or Carrefour. A bottle that costs €6 to €10 is often excellent. In France, spending €15+ in a supermarket is considered "splurging" on a very nice bottle.

Macarons 

If you want the famous green box from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé:

• The Price: A box of 6 to 8 macarons costs around €25 to €30.
• Per Piece: Individual macarons usually cost €3.50 to €4.00.

Pharmacy Skincare 

French pharmacies are legendary for beauty products (brands like Caudalie, La Roche-Posay, Avene). These brands are often 30% to 50% cheaper in France than in the US. A bottle of micellar water that is $18 in New York might be €8 in Paris.

Total Trip Cost Scenarios

Let’s put it all together. Is France expensive to travel in? It depends on your style.

Scenario A: 1 Week in Paris (Couple, Mid-Range)

• Flights: $1,200
• Hotel (7 nights): $1,400
• Food & Drink: $800
• Activities & Transport: $400
   

TOTAL: ~$3,800 ($1,900 per person)

Scenario B: 10 Days France Explorer (Solo Backpacker)

• Flights: $700 (Deal hunting!)
• Hostels (9 nights): $400
• Food (Supermarkets + Street Food): $300
• Train/Bus: $150

TOTAL: ~$1,550

Tips to Save Money on Your France Trip

France can be expensive, but it doesn't have to break the bank. A few smart choices will free up hundreds of euros. Use these strategies to stretch your budget further.

Travel in the Shoulder Season

Timing is your biggest money saver. July and August are the most expensive months in France. Try visiting in May, June, September, or October. You'll benefit from lower flight and accommodation costs. The weather is still great, and you'll find way fewer crowds.

Ask for a "Carafe d'Eau"

Never pay for water in a restaurant.

When the waiter asks what you want to drink, ask for a "carafe d'eau" (kah-raf doh). This is a pitcher of tap water. It is free, cold, and safe. If you just ask for "water," they might bring a bottle of mineral water that costs €6.

Book Trains in Advance

French train tickets work a lot like airline fares; they get more expensive the closer you get to the departure date.

Book your TGV (high-speed train) tickets three months in advance. You can often snag a ticket for €40 that would cost €120 on the day of travel. If you are flexible, look for Ouigo trains. These are the budget options that offer huge discounts.

Get Your Tax Back (Détaxe)

If you plan to shop, the French government might owe you money.

Non-EU residents are eligible for a VAT (sales tax) refund on many purchases. If you spend more than €100 in a single store, ask for a "Détaxe" form. You scan this form at the airport kiosk before you fly out. You could get up to 12% of your money back. That is a significant discount on a new handbag or a case of wine.

Use the "Navigo Easy" Pass

Skip the individual paper tickets in Paris. Buy a Navigo Easy card for €2 at any metro station.

Load it with a "carnet" (a pack of 10 digital tickets). This lowers the cost per ride. It is also much easier than fumbling with loose change at the machine every time you want to ride the subway.

Embrace the Picnic Culture

You do not need a restaurant to eat well.

Go to a local market or supermarket. Buy a fresh baguette, some Comté cheese, a paté, and a basket of strawberries. Take your haul to a park or the banks of the Seine. You will have a memorable meal with a million-dollar view for less than €10.

Target Free Museum Days

If you love art, check the calendar. Lots of major museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. This usually applies from October to March. Always check the specific museum website before you go, as rules change often.

>>> Read more: How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Italy?

Your dream French trip is closer than you think. You now have the tools to build a budget that works for you, not against you. Book those tickets, enjoy the wine, and relax knowing you have mastered your total French travel cost.