France is a diverse country that offers something for every traveler: vibrant cities, historic landmarks, beautiful countryside, and world-renowned cuisine. From the romantic streets of Paris to the stunning lavender fields of Provence, or from the beaches of the French Riviera to the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, France is a must-visit destination for backpackers.
1. Cost Breakdown
France, especially cities like Paris and tourist hotspots like the French Riviera, can be more expensive than some other backpacking destinations in Europe. However, with good planning, it’s still possible to backpack France on a budget. Here’s a breakdown of average costs:
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Accommodation:
- Hostel dorm bed: €20-40 ($22-45 USD) per night
- Budget hotel: €50-90 ($55-100 USD) per night
- Airbnb (private room): €40-80 ($45-90 USD) per night
- Campsites: €10-30 ($11-33 USD) per night
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Food:
- Baguette or pastry from a bakery: €1-3 ($1.10-3.30 USD)
- Street food or fast food (e.g., crêpes, sandwiches): €5-10 ($6-11 USD)
- Cheap meal at a café or brasserie: €10-15 ($11-17 USD)
- Mid-range restaurant meal: €20-40 ($22-45 USD)
- Groceries: €30-50 ($33-55 USD) per week
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Transportation:
- Local bus/metro: €1.90-2.50 ($2-3 USD) per ride
- Intercity train: €20-60 ($22-67 USD) depending on distance
- Budget flights: €30-80 ($33-90 USD) for domestic or European flights
- Car rental: €30-60 ($33-67 USD) per day
- Gasoline: €1.50-1.70 per liter ($6-7 USD per gallon)
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Activities:
- Museum or monument entry: €10-20 ($11-22 USD)
- Guided tours: €30-70 ($33-77 USD)
- Wine tasting: €15-40 ($17-45 USD)
- Hiking: Free
- Boat tour on the Seine (Paris): €15-20 ($17-22 USD)
On average, you can budget around €50-100 ($55-110 USD) per day for backpacking in France, depending on the cities and regions you visit, especially if you opt for hostels and public transportation.
2. Top Places to Visit in France
France is incredibly diverse, with each region offering its own distinct charm, from coastal towns to vibrant cities and scenic countryside. Here are some of the top destinations to include in your French backpacking adventure:
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Paris: The capital of France and one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is a must-see. Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Élysées. Wander through the artistic neighborhoods of Montmartre, visit the Musée d'Orsay, and stroll along the Seine River. Paris can be expensive, but you can find budget-friendly accommodations and free activities like exploring parks and walking tours.
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Nice and the French Riviera: The Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) is famous for its glamorous beaches, blue waters, and luxurious resorts. Nice, the region’s capital, is more affordable than some other Riviera towns and offers beautiful seaside promenades, charming old town streets, and excellent restaurants. Visit nearby towns like Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes.
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Provence: Provence is known for its picturesque countryside, lavender fields, vineyards, and hilltop villages. Visit Aix-en-Provence, known for its markets and fountains, and Avignon, home to the stunning Palais des Papes. Don’t miss the lavender fields of Valensole Plateau if visiting in summer.
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Lyon: Often referred to as the culinary capital of France, Lyon is a historic city known for its food, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), take a walk through the beautiful Parc de la Tête d'Or, and sample traditional Lyonnaise dishes like quenelles and cervelle de canut at local bouchons.
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Bordeaux: Famous for its wine, Bordeaux is a beautiful city with elegant neoclassical architecture, lively riverside promenades, and world-class vineyards just outside the city. Visit the Cité du Vin (wine museum), take a wine tour in the surrounding countryside, and explore the Place de la Bourse.
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Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is known for its stunning châteaux (castles) and beautiful gardens. Popular castles to visit include Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Villandry. The Loire Valley is also known for its wine, making it a great destination for wine lovers.
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Normandy: Normandy is a region of beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and important WWII sites. Visit the historic D-Day Landing Beaches, the American Cemetery, and Mont Saint-Michel, a breathtaking abbey perched on a tidal island.
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Alsace: Situated near the German border, Alsace is known for its half-timbered houses, charming villages, and wine route. Visit the picturesque town of Colmar, explore the city of Strasbourg, and try the local Alsatian cuisine, such as choucroute (sauerkraut) and tarte flambée.
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French Alps: For nature lovers and adventure seekers, the French Alps offer breathtaking mountain landscapes and outdoor activities. Visit Chamonix for hiking or skiing, and take the Aiguille du Midi cable car for stunning views of Mont Blanc.
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Dordogne: This region in southwestern France is known for its prehistoric cave paintings, medieval castles, and scenic river valleys. Visit the famous Lascaux Caves, explore the medieval town of Sarlat, and canoe along the Dordogne River.
3. Travel Essentials
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Public Transport: France has an excellent public transport network, especially in cities. Paris has a reliable metro system, and other cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Nice also have trams and buses. For traveling between cities, trains (especially high-speed TGV trains) are the best option. Consider purchasing a Eurail Pass or France Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively by train.
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Car Rental: Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas like Provence, the Loire Valley, and the French Alps. However, driving in cities like Paris can be hectic, and parking is often expensive.
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Cycling: France is a bike-friendly country, with many cities offering bike-sharing programs. Cycling is a great way to explore cities like Paris and Lyon or rural regions like the Loire Valley and Brittany.
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Language: While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning basic French phrases is highly appreciated. Try to greet locals in French and use key phrases such as “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “S’il vous plaît” (Please).
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Cultural Etiquette: The French value politeness and formalities, so it’s important to greet people with a “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” (Good evening) when entering shops or restaurants. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated in restaurants.
4. Travel Tips
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Visit Museums for Free: Many museums in France, including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. If you're under 26 and a resident of the EU, you can get free or discounted entry to many museums and cultural sites.
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Eat Like a Local: While dining in restaurants can be pricey, there are budget-friendly ways to enjoy French cuisine. Visit bakeries for fresh baguettes, cheese shops, and markets to buy local produce. Also, prix fixe (fixed-price) menus offered by many restaurants can be a great way to have a full meal at a lower cost.
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Plan Ahead for Peak Season: France gets very busy during the summer months, especially in popular destinations like Paris, the French Riviera, and Provence. Book accommodations and transport in advance, especially if you're traveling in July and August.
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Wine and Cheese: France is famous for its wine and cheese, and tasting both is a must-do experience. Head to wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace, and try local cheeses such as Camembert, Brie, and Roquefort.
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Paris Museum Pass: If you’re staying in Paris and plan to visit several museums and monuments, the Paris Museum Pass offers entry to over 60 attractions, including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Versailles.
5. Best Time to Visit
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Spring (April to June): Spring is one of the best times to visit France, with pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. It’s a great time for exploring cities and the countryside.
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Summer (July to August): Summer is the peak tourist season, especially in coastal areas and major cities. The weather is warm, but prices are higher, and popular attractions can be crowded.
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Fall (September to October): Fall is a lovely time to visit, with cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors. It's also harvest season in wine regions, making it a perfect time for wine tours.
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Winter (November to March): Winter is the off-season in most regions except for ski resorts in the French Alps. It’s a good time to visit cities like Paris for lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds at major attractions.
Conclusion
Backpacking in France is an enriching experience, offering a blend of culture, history, art, and natural beauty. Whether you're strolling through the streets of Paris, sipping wine in Bordeaux, or hiking in the Alps, France has endless possibilities for every type of traveler. With careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy the country’s highlights while sticking to a budget.