How much does it cost to go to France on holiday?

What is the average daily cost for a trip to France?

A realistic daily budget for a trip to France is about $305 (€262) per person. This average, drawing from what past travelers have spent, typically covers:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transportation
• Sightseeing

So, what does that look like for a full vacation? A one-week trip for two people costs around $4,265 (€3,668).

Compared to neighbors like Switzerland, France offers better value, but it's generally more expensive than traveling in Spain or Portugal. Of course, your final tally comes down to how you travel, when you go, and where you splash your cash.

How much does a budget trip to France cost per day?

Exploring France on a budget of around $107 per day requires some careful planning. You'll need to stay in hostels, use public transport, and prepare meals from grocery stores. As an example, a 3-night trip could break down like this: $165 total for lodging, $66 for food, $44 for transportation, and $55 for attractions, bringing the total to around $330. Make the most of free activities like visiting parks and exploring neighborhoods on foot to keep costs low.

What is the daily cost for a mid-range trip to France?

A mid-range trip to France averages about $305 per person daily. This budget allows for a more comfortable travel style, covering decent hotel rooms for around $80 per night and expanding your dining options to local cafés and bistros, where a meal costs about €15.

Now, let's put that daily cost in perspective: a 5-day mid-range trip to Paris, including flights from North America, can total around $2,900 for a solo traveler, or $4,500 for a couple.

How much should you budget for a luxury trip to France?

For a luxury trip to France, budget at least $963 per person daily. This budget supports a luxury experience, including stays in high-end hotels and access to top-tier service. You can expect high-end hotels with rooms from €300 to €600 per night. The budget also allows for dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and using private transport. A 5-day luxury trip to Paris can exceed $6,300 for one person, while a similar-length trip focused on the French Riviera with exclusive tours could easily cost over $6,300 as well.

How much do flights to France typically cost?

Airfare's often the single largest transportation cost for a trip to France. As you'd expect, prices swing wildly depending on where you're flying from, when you go, and how early you book. From North America, round-trip flights to Paris range from $450 in the off-season to $1,200 during peak season. Traveling in the summer will be much more expensive.

Booking ahead is the best way to snag a deal. If you're already in Europe, you can find more affordable flights or trains, often for around $100 per person.

What are the accommodation costs in France?

After flights, accommodation will likely be your biggest expense in France. In popular cities like Paris, budget options such as hostels and guesthouses range from $25–$70 per night. A mid-range hotel room costs about €80 per night, while luxury hotels on the French Riviera can cost $300 to over $1,000.

Vacation and apartment rentals offer more affordable alternatives, especially outside major cities. You can find options for as low as $60 per night in places like Lourdes. Here's a tip I always share with friends: choosing an apartment with a kitchen's a great way to save on food. All lodging is most expensive during peak season, so traveling in the off-season saves money. Remember to factor in hidden costs like local tourist taxes, which hotels often add on per person, per night.

How much does transportation within France cost?

From my experience, public transport's the most cost-effective way to get around. In Paris, a weekly Navigo pass for zones 1–5 costs about €30–€35 and offers unlimited metro and bus travel. While daily transit within Paris can be as low as $5 with a weekly pass, a budget for inter-city train travel might average around $40–$50 per travel day.

For intercity travel, France’s efficient train system, including high-speed TGV trains, balances speed and cost. Frequent trips, however, can increase your daily average. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore rural areas but adds expenses for fuel, tolls, and parking. Taxis and rideshare services're the most expensive option.

What is the cost of train travel versus car rental?

While high-speed TGV trains are usually more economical and efficient for connecting major cities, a car rental offers crucial flexibility for exploring rural regions like the Loire Valley or Normandy. While base rental fees can seem reasonable, your total costs'll rise with fuel, highway tolls, and parking.

What is the average cost of food in France?

The average daily food cost in France is about $83 (€71) per person. It's easy to keep your food budget in check while still enjoying authentic French cuisine. A budget traveler might spend just $34 per day by shopping at grocery stores, bakeries, and for street food. A simple bakery meal costs around €6–€7, while a bistro meal's about €15.

Dining out, particularly at Michelin-starred restaurants, will raise your budget significantly. Staying in an apartment with a kitchen is a great way to prepare your own meals and save money. This is one of my favorite ways to eat affordably in France: buying bread, cheese from a fromagerie, and meat from a charcuterie can provide a few days' worth of picnic lunches for two people for around €20–€25.

How much does dining out compare to buying groceries?

Dining out's much more expensive than buying groceries, especially with hidden costs. While a bistro meal might seem like a reasonable €15, drinks can quickly inflate the bill—think €5–€6 for a beer or €12–€15 for a cocktail. To save money, shop at local bakeries and grocery stores for picnics, allowing you to enjoy authentic French food without high restaurant prices.

How much should you budget for activities and sightseeing?

The average daily spend on activities in France is about $37 (€31) per person. Of course, that number can swing dramatically depending on which museums and tours are on your must-do list. Individual entrance tickets for popular sites include:

• Eiffel Tower: approximately €16
• Louvre Museum: €15
• Seine cruise: €14
• Palace of Versailles: €25

To save on sightseeing, consider a pass like the Paris Museum Pass. It costs approximately $102 for a 2-day pass or $128 for a 4-day pass and covers entry to top sites like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. A budget of $250–$340 per person for a 5-day trip can cover several museums and a day trip. For a balanced budget, mix paid attractions with free activities like exploring Paris's parks and neighborhoods.

How can you stay connected in France with an eSIM?

Reliable cell service's essential for any trip to France. Using an eSIM is a convenient way to save money. An eSIM, or digital SIM, gives you mobile data without a physical card, helping you avoid high international roaming fees. This technology lets you keep your primary phone number for calls while using the eSIM's data for navigation, booking tickets, or finding restaurants.

For travelers who want easy internet access, you can easily activate an eSIM for France upon arrival. Including an eSIM in your budget is a practical step to keep communication costs low and predictable.

What other expenses should you budget for in France?

Beyond the main categories, it's smart to budget for miscellaneous and hidden costs. You'll also want to set aside money for:

• Travel insurance: Covers unforeseen events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
• Tourist taxes: Often added to hotel bills, these typically range from $1 to $5 per person per night.
• Tipping: While service is usually included, a 5–10% tip is customary for exceptional service.
• Personal expenses: Set aside funds for souvenirs and nightlife. Drinks can cost about $22 (€19) per day.

Setting aside an extra $40–$50 per day for these extras is the best way to avoid any nasty surprises when you check your bank account.

How can you save money on a vacation to France?

Beyond the basics of booking in advance and using public transport, there are a few clever tricks to make your money go further. For big-ticket purchases, non-EU residents can claim a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund, putting a significant percentage back in your pocket. Another great tip is to plan your museum visits strategically; many national museums in Paris offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

To save on food and travel, look for restaurants offering a "formule déjeuner" (set lunch menu), which gets you a multi-course meal for much less than dinner prices. If you plan to explore beyond your arrival city, consider budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet for quick and affordable side trips. These can sometimes be cheaper and faster than long-distance trains.

When is the cheapest time to visit France?

Timing's everything for a budget trip. You'll find the biggest savings in the off-season (like November through February) and the shoulder seasons. These periods, including spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), offer lower flight and hotel costs and fewer crowds. For the best prices, avoid the summer peak season (June-August) and major holidays like Christmas.

Sources

• https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/france
• https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs/detail/forfait-navigo-semaine
• https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/eligibility-vat-refunds-pablo