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France

What can you expect from France

France is a country that effortlessly blends history, world-class cuisine, art, and breathtaking landscapes. From romantic Parisian streets to sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, rolling vineyards to snow-capped Alpine peaks, France has it all. Expect charming medieval villages, a strong urban culture, and a proud heritage visible in every corner.

Whether you’re savoring a buttery croissant in a local boulangerie, exploring landmarks like the icon Eiffel Tower, or enjoying a lazy afternoon in Provence’s lavender fields, France invites you to indulge. It’s a place where culture meets leisure and every trip becomes a sensory experience.

Things to See and Do in France

Visit the Eiffel Tower and take in panoramic views of Paris
Explore the fairytale castles of the Loire Valley
Walk through Provence's lavender fields
Ski the French Alps or hike in the Pyrenees
Cruise along the Seine River or the Canal du Midi
Taste wine in the Bordeaux or Champagne regions
Discover the beaches and glamour of the French Riviera
Wander through the medieval streets of Carcassonne
Catch waves on the Atlantic coast in Biarritz

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: Hostel dorms range from $27–$43 per night, while budget hotels start at around $65. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses usually cost between $110–$160 per night.

Food: A bakery breakfast might cost $5.50–$8.50, a casual café lunch $11–$16, and a bistro dinner $22–$38. Opting for groceries and picnic-style meals can cut costs significantly.

Transportation: Local metro and bus rides cost around $2 in cities like Paris, while high-speed trains (TGV) can cost between $33–$110+, depending on destination and booking time. Regional buses and BlaBlaCar rideshares offer cheaper alternatives.

Suggested Daily Budget

$55–$85 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Get a transport pass Cities like Paris offer daily and weekly metro/bus passes.
2
Have a picnic Buy local cheese, baguette, fruit, and wine at the supermarket or a market for a delicious meal at a fraction of restaurant prices.
3
Book trains early TGV tickets are significantly cheaper when bought weeks in advance.
4
Visit museums on free days Many major museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month or reduced tickets in the evenings.

Travel Tools for France

Use Omio to find the best transport connections and book trains.

For accommodation, Booking.com has options from hotels, while Hostelworld works well for hostels.

Use GetYourGuide to book tours, and don’t forget to get a Holafly eSIM to stay connected across the country.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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