How much does a trip to France cost?
France fits almost any budget, but Paris and the Riviera cost far more than rural Burgundy or the Dordogne. Below are realistic daily figures per person, excluding flights.
Daily budgets per person
- Budget (15-60 EUR): hostel dorm (25-40 EUR), bakery breakfast, picnic lunches, free museums on the first Sunday, walking everywhere.
- Mid-range (90-160 EUR): a two-star hotel or B&B (80-120 EUR), one bistro meal, metro passes and a couple of paid sights daily.
- Comfort (220 EUR and up): boutique hotels, restaurant dinners with wine, taxis and guided tours.
Sample prices
- Espresso at the bar: 1.50-2.50 EUR; a glass of house wine: 4-7 EUR.
- Bakery croissant: 1.20-1.50 EUR; jambon-beurre sandwich: 4-6 EUR.
- Three-course lunch *formule*: 16-22 EUR in a neighbourhood bistro.
- Paris metro single (t+) ticket: 2.50 EUR; a carnet on the Navigo Easy is cheaper.
- Louvre entry: 22 EUR; Eiffel Tower lift to the top: 35.30 EUR.
- High-speed TGV Paris-Lyon: 35-90 EUR if booked early on SNCF Connect.
Money and cards
France uses the euro. Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere, including bakeries and buses. Carry 30-50 EUR cash for markets, small cafes and tips. Always choose to be charged in euros, not your home currency, to dodge poor dynamic-conversion rates. Withdraw from bank ATMs (BNP, Credit Agricole) rather than airport Euronet machines.
Smart ways to save
- Buy a Paris Museum Pass if you plan four or more sights; many national museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
- Eat your big meal at lunch — the *formule du midi* is far cheaper than the same dishes at dinner.
- Shop at Monoprip, Carrefour or local markets and picnic in parks like the Luxembourg Gardens.
- Tap water (*une carafe d'eau*) is free and legal to request in any restaurant.
- Book TGV trains weeks ahead and travel off-peak; consider regional TER trains and BlaBlaCar for short hops.
- Tipping is optional since service is included; rounding up or leaving a euro or two is plenty.
Stay connected in France
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