Budget for a Trip to France: 2026 Costs, Scenarios & Local Tips

Table of Contents

• Understanding What Impacts Your Budget Trip to France

  • The Weight of Tourist Seasons
  • The Impact of Air Travel

• Cost Breakdown: Accommodation, Transport, and Food

  • Accommodation in France
  • Getting Around the Country
  • Dining: From Sandwiches to Bistros

• Culture and Extras: Hidden Costs to Anticipate

  • The Price of Culture and Monuments
  • Small Hidden Fees

• Simulation: Real-World Tables for a Budget Trip to France

  • Quick Benchmarks
  • Scenario 1: One Week 100% Paris
  • Scenario 2: Tour of France (Road Trip / Regions)
  • BONUS: 48h Mont-Saint-Michel & Saint-Malo

• Our Expert Tips to Optimize Your Budget

  • Transport and Planning Hacks
  • Local Tips and Managing Visits
  • Tracking Expenses

• Summary: What is the Final Cost?

  • Recap Table (7 Days Excluding Flights)
  • Reminder of Essential Unit Costs

If I had a euro for every time someone asked me, “How much does a trip to France cost?”, I’d probably have enough to fund my own vacations for the next ten years. The most honest—and frustrating—answer is always the same: it depends. And not just by a little.

To visualize the gap, you just have to look at two radically different experiences. On one hand, take a 5-day cycling trip through the Loire Valley Castles. Here, the budget focuses on equipment rental, charming countryside accommodations, and dining that is often more affordable.

On the other hand, look at an express 2-day stopover in Paris. Even though the stay is shorter, the density of activities, the price of nights in the capital, and the constant temptation of shop windows or Parisian cafés can drive the bill up just as fast—if not faster—than a week in the countryside.

So, there is no “fixed price” for France. The final cost of your stay will depend on three levers that I see shifting daily: geography (Paris vs. The Regions), seasonality, and your pace of life on the ground. I’m going to break down the real expense categories here to help you build your estimate, rather than relying on averages that don’t mean much.

Before diving into the details, here is the quick answer (excluding flights):

Assumptions: 7 days / 6 nights, mid-season (May–June / Sept.–Oct.), excluding flights. As a couple/family, the cost per person often drops (shared accommodation); conversely, in high season in high-demand areas, accommodation can climb steeply.

Understanding What Impacts Your Budget Trip to France

Before we even talk about the price of coffee or museum tickets, we need to look at the global structure of your project. I’ve seen budgets double for an identical itinerary simply by shifting the departure by two weeks or choosing the wrong arrival airport. This is where the financial battle is won or lost.

The Weight of Tourist Seasons

This is the number one factor. In France, the price curve looks like a roller coaster, but it doesn’t go up at the same time everywhere.

Globally, High Season corresponds to July and August. On the coast (French Riviera, Brittany, Basque Country) and in major tourist areas like Provence, accommodation prices can increase by 30 to 50% compared to off-peak periods. Availability becomes scarce, and the law of supply and demand is ruthless.

But watch out for the mountain trap. If you are targeting the Alps or the Pyrenees, the logic reverses:

• Winter (especially February and Christmas) is very high season: ski resorts are full and expensive.
• Summer in the mountains is often more affordable, even very interesting for accommodation and just as magnificent! Especially if you like hiking and fresh air.

Mid-Season (spring and autumn) is often the one I recommend for the weather/budget/crowd balance. May, June, September, and October are ideal, although prices have tended to climb in recent years.

Finally, Low Season (November to March, excluding Christmas holidays and skiing) is financially unbeatable. If rain or cold doesn’t scare you, this is the dream time to visit Paris or the Loire Valley castles without breaking the bank.

The Impact of Air Travel

This is often the most volatile and unfair expense depending on your starting point. If you come from neighboring Europe (Belgium, Switzerland, Germany), the train often smooths out this cost. But if you come from further away, the plane ticket can swallow a third, or even half of the total budget if you handle it poorly.

This expense is intimately linked to the seasonality mentioned above. A New York - Paris flight can vary from single to double (or even triple) between a departure on a Tuesday in November and a departure on a Friday in early July.

I also notice that flexibility on the arrival airport changes the game. Landing at Paris-CDG is standard, but depending on your itinerary, looking at flights to Nice, Lyon, Marseille, or even Geneva (for the Alps) can sometimes hold good surprises or save you an expensive train ride later.

Cost Breakdown: Accommodation, Transport, and Food

Accommodation in France

This is often the first item that eats up the budget, and for good reason: the supply is huge, but prices soar quickly as soon as you approach the coasts or historic centers. For my own scouting trips, I find that a night in a Guest House (Chambre d’hôtes) or a small gîte generally revolves around 85 € to 130 € for two people, breakfast included. It is often the warmest option to soak up the local atmosphere.

If you are targeting apartment rentals like Airbnb in dynamic cities like Lyon or Bordeaux, count instead between 110 € and 170 € per night for standard comfort. In Paris, the deal changes: for a decent base, I rarely go below the 200 € mark, especially if you want to avoid long metro rides in the morning.

Getting Around the Country

The choice of transport really depends on your itinerary. To connect major metropolises, I almost always prioritize the train. A trip by TGV can vary from single to triple depending on how far in advance you book, but starting prices often hover around 25 € to 80 € for a long distance if you plan ahead, especially with OuiGo, the French low-cost train. The bus (Flixbus or BlaBlaCar Bus) remains the unbeatable alternative for the wallet with tickets from 10 € to 20 €, even if the journey is necessarily longer.

As soon as I leave the main axes to explore the “real” French countryside, the car becomes indispensable. The supply of trains and buses in small villages is often complex, or even nonexistent depending on the region. For a car rental, plan an average budget of 380 € per week (about 55 € per day), excluding fuel.

Once in the city, I leave the car in the parking lot (expensive and stressful). In Paris, for example, the single metro ticket has gone up to 2.55 € in 2026. The simplest thing remains to walk or use self-service bicycles, ubiquitous in all major French cities.

Dining: From Sandwiches to Bistros

Eating in France is a pleasure, but no need to break the bank every lunch. If I don’t want to spend two hours at the table, I turn to bakeries. I often get away with 10 € to 13 € for a “sandwich + drink + dessert” formula. A good jambon-beurre (ham and butter) or a reheated croque-monsieur is simple but effective for busy days.

For a real sit-down meal, the “lunch formula” (formule du midi) or the daily special (plat du jour) is the institution to know. It’s fresh, fast, and unbeatable price-wise. In a basic restaurant or a neighborhood brasserie, I generally get by for 16 € to 22 € for the dish alone. If you want the full works (starter, main, dessert), the budget climbs quickly (especially in the evening) towards 28 € to 40 € per person, excluding wine. It’s the ideal opportunity to discover the regional specialties and must-try dishes in France that I’ve listed for you.

There is also an alternative I love for eating local without paying for service: markets and covered halls. You often find deli stalls selling ready-to-eat dishes. A portion of paella, a regional specialty, or the famous roast chicken with its potatoes (the smell is irresistible)—it’s perfect for an improvised picnic. Finally, if you have a base with a kitchen, supermarkets remain the most economical option to manage the budget over several days.

• Breakfast (bakery): ~5 €
• Lunch (fast formula): 12 € to 18 €
• Dinner at a restaurant (bistro): 28 € to 55 €

Culture and Extras: Hidden Costs to Anticipate

The Price of Culture and Monuments

I often repeat this to those preparing their trip: unlike the national museums in London or Washington DC, culture in France is rarely free. It’s an expense item that is easily underestimated when adding up the global total.

The vast majority of tourist sites (museums, castles, historical sites) charge admission. For a realistic budget, count generally between 10 and 25 € per adult depending on the prestige of the place. That seems reasonable per unit, but if you chain two visits a day, the bill climbs quickly.

To give you concrete benchmarks on the must-sees:

• The Louvre Museum: The rate is set at 22 € online. It’s a budget, especially for a family, but that’s the price to access the largest art collection in the world.
• The Château de Chenonceau: In the Loire Valley, adult entry hovers around 19 € (without audio guide).

Small Hidden Fees

Beyond entry tickets, there are those few euros that slip away every day without you noticing.

Toilets in stations and public places It’s often an unpleasant surprise when getting off the train: access to toilets in major French stations (Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse, etc.) is paid. The rate is standardized at 1 €. Have a 1 € coin ready or, increasingly often, your contactless bank card. In cities, public street toilets (the automatic gray cabins) are generally free, but not always impeccably clean.

Data and connectivity Relying solely on Wi-Fi in hotels or cafes is a strategic error. To use Google Maps, book an Uber, or check train schedules in real-time, you need mobile data. If your plan doesn’t include France, buying an eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) is almost indispensable; I actually detail the best options in this guide on eSIM for travel. Count between 4 and 15 € for a few gigabytes to tide you over, or more for a long stay. It’s an “invisible” cost before departure, but critical for your comfort once here.

Simulation: Real-World Tables for a Budget Trip to France

Let’s get practical. Theory is all well and good, but what does it look like at the bottom of the invoice? So you can project yourself, I have compiled these estimates based on a standard duration of one week (7 days / 6 nights).

These are not numbers pulled out of a hat, but averages of what I see when planning itineraries for my clients. I assume that the “Budget Trip” implies making concessions (accommodation further out, lots of picnics, public transport), while the “Comfort Budget” allows you to enjoy without counting every cent (central hotels, sit-down restaurants, skip-the-line tickets).

Important note: These amounts exclude your plane or train tickets to arrive in France.

Quick Benchmarks

Scenario 1: One Week 100% Paris

Paris is a budgetary universe of its own. The item that blows up the bill here is clearly housing. I often see travelers surprised by the size of the rooms relative to the price paid, especially compared to North America.

Paris — Indicative Breakdown (Concrete Examples)

Scenario 2: Tour of France (Road Trip / Regions)

As soon as you leave the capital, real estate pressure drops, but another expense item appears: mobility. If you rent a car (which I often recommend for Normandy, Dordogne, or Provence), gas and especially tolls weigh heavily.

Here, I base the calculation on a regional loop (e.g., Loire Valley or Provence) with car rental included for couples and families, and train/bus for the solo traveler (more economical).

Tour of France — Indicative Breakdown (Concrete Examples)

BONUS: 48h Mont-Saint-Michel & Saint-Malo

You asked me for a precise example on this “classic” that I plan very often. It is a dense 2 full day itinerary combining the Corsair City, Cancale oysters, and the Marvel.

Here is the cost reality for this express road trip departing from Paris (basis 2 people), following the Mont-Saint-Michel & Saint-Malo itinerary.

Our Expert Tips to Optimize Your Budget

Transport and Planning Hacks

This is often the item that weighs the heaviest, but it is also the one where my room for maneuver is greatest. Here is how I proceed to lower the bill without sacrificing comfort:

The night train: “2 in 1” savings

This is an option I prioritize enormously for long journeys, notably to go down from Paris to the south (Nice, Toulouse, the Pyrenees) or the reverse. The calculation is quick: you save a night in a hotel and you gain a full day of visiting by arriving in the early morning. Plus, it avoids costly and stressful transfers to outlying airports; you arrive directly in the city center.

Flexibility and mid-season

If you have the luxury of choosing your dates, aim for May-June or September-October.

• Weather: It is often the best compromise; the weather is nice without the heatwave.
• Price: I have seen price differences from single to double on plane tickets and accommodations compared to July-August.
• Tip: Even within a week, shifting your departure from Saturday to Tuesday can sometimes save a hundred euros per person.

Watch out for Rail Passes

I see many travelers buying the Eurail (Interrail) Pass by reflex. In France, it is not always the right move because you have to pay mandatory reservation fees on TGVs, which are added to the price of the pass. Look instead at Regional TER Passes. If you concentrate on a specific zone (like Occitanie, the Sud-PACA region, or Nouvelle-Aquitaine), these regions offer unlimited passes for 1, 2, or 3 days at ridiculously low rates during the summer or holidays. It’s ideal for radiating around a city without a car. However, it can still be a very good opportunity; it all depends on the trip you are planning.

To navigate without stress between all these options (TGV, Ouigo, TER) and avoid booking traps, I have detailed all the subtleties in my complete guide to traveling by train in France.

Local Tips and Managing Visits

Once on site, you have to be smart not to see your budget melt away in “tourist fees.”

City Passes: do the math, but often profitable

Cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, or Strasbourg offer “all-inclusive” formulas. I tested the one in Bordeaux: it includes the Cité du Vin (which is expensive on its own), unlimited transport, and other museums.

• My advice: Don’t buy it with your eyes closed. List what you really want to see. If you do at least two big paid activities and use the tramway, it generally pays for itself. Otherwise, pay à la carte.

Pick your battles (and your visits)

It is not necessary to enter everywhere. I often tell our travelers to do smart sightseeing. Sometimes, the exterior architecture of a cathedral or the free view from a hill is worth far more than the entrance ticket to a crowded monument. Concentrate your budget on the experiences that really matter to you, and dare to skip the rest.

Local expertise

This is where we come in at ItineraryFrance. Having a local contact means knowing which day the museum is free, which bus line offers the same view as a tour operator, or which little bistro still practices “local” prices. These micro-savings put end-to-end often fund a great restaurant at the end of the stay.

Tracking Expenses

It may seem rigid, but it is the key to peace of mind. I recommend establishing a clear forecast budget before leaving, including a margin for unforeseen events (tourist tax at the hotel, deposits, small treats).

During the trip, the method that works best for me is simple: the spreadsheet (or a budget app). Noting your expenses day by day allows you to realize that “small 5€ coffees” and souvenirs accumulate very quickly. If you see that you are in the green mid-week, you can treat yourself to that extra without feeling guilty.

Summary: What is the Final Cost?

After dissecting each expense item, I know it is sometimes difficult to keep a big-picture view. Between the price of coffee on the terrace and car rental, the scale quickly tips one way or the other.

To help you decide, I have grouped the key figures we have seen throughout this guide here. This table summarizes the estimates for a budget trip to France of one week (7 days / 6 nights) according to your profile and destination.

Recap Table (7 Days Excluding Flights)

Reminder of Essential Unit Costs

If you are building your own custom itinerary, keep these few benchmarks in mind for your daily calculations:

• Accommodation: From 85 € to 130 € (Guest house in the regions) to more than 200 € (Hotel in Paris).
• Meals: 12 € for lunch (bakery/formula); 28 € to 55 € for dinner at a restaurant.
• Urban transport: 2.55 € for a metro ticket in Paris (2026 rate).
• Car rental: About 55 € / day (base 380 € per week excluding fuel/tolls).
• Visits: Plan an average of 15 € to 25 € per major monument or museum.

Remember that the price of serenity often comes through good preparation. If all this seems complex to orchestrate, I can help you design a roadmap that respects your envelope while maximizing the experience on the ground.

FAQ

Is traveling in France expensive?

It depends mostly on your flexibility. The budget can double depending on three factors: seasonality (summer is 30 to 50% more expensive), geography (Paris is in a league of its own), and your pace. From experience, the regions remain affordable, whereas a dense stopover in Paris drives up the bill. The good news? You can modulate: I often compensate for a nice hotel night with very economical bakery lunches (which are just as good).

What average budget should I plan per day and per person?

For a realistic budget trip to France (accommodation, meals, transport included, excluding flights), here are my field-based estimates:

• Tight Budget: Count about 85 € to 100 € per day in the regions (B&B, shared car) and 120 € in Paris (hostel, metro).
• Comfort Budget: Plan 170 € to 200 € per day in the regions (nice gîtes, restaurants) and up to 230 € in Paris to really enjoy it. Everything plays out on housing: it is the item that weighs the heaviest.

What is the cheapest time to go to France?

Financially, Low Season (November to March) is unbeatable. It is the ideal time to visit castles or museums without crowds and at soft prices, provided you avoid the Christmas holidays and ski resorts (February). Be careful, however; some monuments may be closed during this period, which is notably the case for places dependent on almost exclusively seasonal tourism.

• The Good Deal: Aim for “intermediate” months like late September or April.
• To Avoid: July-August (High Season) and the month of May, where numerous long weekends cause train and hotel prices to flare up.

Is there a big price difference between Paris and the provinces?

Yes, the gap is glaring on accommodation. In Paris, finding a decent and central room under 200 € has become a challenge in 2026. Outside Paris, I easily find charming guest rooms between 85 € and 130 €. On the other hand, don’t forget mobility: in the regions, car rental (about 380 €/week) and fuel often come to rebalance this gain made on housing.

Are there tourist passes or discounts for cultural visits?

Absolutely, it is the best way to save on the culture budget (often 10 to 25 € per entry).

• In Paris: I recommend the Paris Museum Pass if you do more than 4 visits (Louvre, Orsay, etc.).
• In the Regions: “City Passes” (Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg) often include unlimited transport and museums.
• Youth: If you are under 26 and reside in the EU, most national museums are free.

What are the best tips for eating cheaply in France?

Eating local doesn’t necessarily cost much if you follow the rhythm of the French:

• Lunch (Bakery): A sandwich + dessert + drink formula costs about 10 € to 13 €.
• Lunch (Bistro): Aim for the “daily special” (plat du jour) or the lunch formula, unbeatable between 16 € and 22 €.
• Dinner: Attention, prices go à la carte (28 € to 55 €). To save, I prioritize markets or delis for a picnic dinner.

Is tipping mandatory in France?

No, tipping is never mandatory. In France, “Service Compris” (15%) is included in the bill by law. Unlike in the USA, servers have a fixed salary. However, leaving a “tip” (a few coins or rounding up the bill) is an appreciated tradition if you liked the service, but no one will hold it against you if you leave nothing. It is a pure bonus.

Are French highways toll roads?

Yes, the majority of highways are toll roads. It is a significant “hidden” cost for road trips. To give you an idea, a Paris-Loire trip or a major liaison axis often adds 10 € to 40 € in tolls per trip. National roads are free but often add to your travel time. I advise you to include this line in your global budget from the start.

Can I pay everywhere by bank card or should I bring cash?

The bank card (Visa/Mastercard) is accepted almost everywhere, from the highway toll to the small café, often contactless. I advise you, however, to keep 20 € to 30 € in cash on you for:

• Small merchants on rural markets.
• Some bakeries for very small amounts (baguette).
• Some places that only take the card starting from a certain amount (often 5 €).