10 Money Saving Tips For Traveling In France

Last updated on August 11th, 2024 at 01:38 pm

As someone who spends several months of the year traveling around France, I’ve figured out some great ways to save money.

However, I would like to say that I’m not a budget traveler. I don’t like camping and never will, and I’m not a hostel type of gal either. Both have their place; they’re just not for me. I’ll always take the luxury accommodation option if it’s a good deal, but I’m equally happy in a cozy gite.

That said, I love a good bargain and refuse to pay over the odds if I can find an ethical way to get things cheaper. These money-saving tips for traveling in France I’m sharing are things I’ve discovered that enable me to travel more for less.

Saving On Flights

I’ve discovered the best way to save money on flights is to use a tried and trusted flight aggregator. Sometimes, flying domestically within France is easier than taking the train, so I use this platform for international and domestic flights.

The one I use is probably one you won’t have heard of as it’s mainly used by those in the travel industry, but I swear by it. 

Meet aviasales, the travel industry’s best-kept secret. It’s how I book my flights for my family and my travel.

A couple of years ago, I bagged a direct flight from LAX to Paris Charles de Gaulle for under $600. They also have a handy app that offers further discounts.

Other money-saving flight tips

If you can, fly on the following days, as they are cheaper: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Taking The Train For Less

If you can, always book your trains as far in advance as possible. The TGV, the high-speed train network in France, has frequent sales and rewards customers for booking early.

I always use the Trainline App, which offers the same deals as the SNCF website and is much easier to use.

Remember to check Ouigo, TGV’s low-cost, high-speed train option. For long journeys, tickets can be as little as €10.

Travel Insurance That Pays

There are so many travel insurance providers that it’s hard to know which one to choose. I’ve written an entire article on purchasing travel insurance for trips to France from the USA.

There are seven key things you need your insurance to cover:

1. Protection if you need to cancel your trip
2. Delays and interruptions during your trip
3. Lost or delayed luggage or baggage
4. Medical emergencies and illness
5. Medical evacuation and repatriation
6. Rental car insurance
7. Repatriation of your remains

The only company I recommend now, mainly because its customer service is excellent, is SafetyWing. They also cover everything—and I mean everything—and are cheaper than any others I’ve used.

The Cheaper Way To Rent A Car

In the car rental world, not all companies are created equal. I know from experience that there are some truly horrendous companies out there.

For the last few years, the only company I will use is Discover Cars. I can’t sing their praises highly enough.

Other money-saving car rental tips

• Never take their insurance offer for a damage waiver. They charge an exorbitant amount, and you don’t need it. This is covered in your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
• Request a diesel car as diesel gas is cheaper in France than unleaded.
• Many Americans drive automatics, but hiring an automatic is more expensive than a stick shift in France.
• Bring your own GPS or use your phone, as you will be charged extra for a car with built-in navigation.

Avoiding Costly Roaming Charges

Don’t get stung by huge roaming charges by using your own sim. My advice is to get an eSim before you come. They are so much cheaper and avoid those extra costs you’ll incur when you use your standard sim.

As I mentioned above, this will also help you use your phone as a GPS.

The two companies I’ve used and, more importantly, been happy with are Airalo and Maya Mobile. They both have great coverage and good price plans.

Check out Maya Mobile >>>

Check out Airalo >>>

Finding Affordable Accommodation

We’ve all heard of Booking.com, and most of us will have used them at some point. I recommend them above most other platforms because they reward loyal bookers.

Their Genius program has saved me a fortune over the years, so it’s worth sticking with them. Plus, I’ve rarely found the same accommodation for cheaper elsewhere.

The only time I don’t use them is if I’m looking for a specific gite or hotel that isn’t on Booking.com.

Visiting Museums For Free

France is proud of its history and culture, making it accessible to most people. It doesn’t charge high entry prices and offers free entry to museums in many cities.

Usually, it’s the first Sunday of the month, excluding July and August, in most places. Not all museums are included, so you’ll need to check the local tourism website.

Another alternative for cities like Paris is to get the Museum Pass, which can save you a fortune, especially if you’re there for a few days.

Eating In France For Less

Food in France is fabulous and something the country is famous for. However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy authentic French cuisine without paying through the nose for it.

If you’re willing to have your main meal at lunchtime, you can get a great deal by ordering the Plat du Jour. It’s usually a set 3-course menu for around €14-€16 per person, including a glass of wine. It’s excellent value, and the food is good.

Be warned: Lunchtime is strictly adhered to in France, and if you aren’t in the restaurant by 1:30 p.m., you’re likely to miss out. Lunch isn’t an all-day affair. It starts at noon and finishes at 2 pm. 

Haven’t you heard of the French specialty, the two-hour lunch?

If you’re in Paris, then try one of the Bouillon restaurants. They serve traditional French comfort food like beef stew, roasted chicken, and hearty soups at affordable prices.

They originated in Paris in the late 19th century as eateries serving broth (bouillon) and simple, hearty meals to working-class people. If you love the Belle Epoque period, you’ll love eating at one of these stunning restaurants.

Discounts With City Passes

I can never resist a city pass if I’m in one of the larger cities in France. They’re just such great value. I first used one on a trip to Bordeaux last year, but many of the French cities have them available, so they are worth checking out.

In Bordeaux, it allows you to use all public transport in the city for free and gives you entry to many of the top attractions. Other cities have similar offers.

Free And Low-Cost Walking Tours

One of the best ways to see any place in France is by going on a tour. They are the best way to hear stories you wouldn’t otherwise hear about. 

I wish I’d done a tour when I visited Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. I got utterly lost and missed two of the graves I really wanted to see.

Going on a guided tour doesn’t always mean you have to spend a fortune. Granted, the more in-depth tours cost quite a bit, but they are worth every penny. I did a VIP tour of the Catacombs in Paris, and it was brilliant.

There are plenty of free guided walking tours. I know a few friends who have done these; some have been great, and others not. 

Just type “free walking tours” and the name of the city you’re in into Google, and you’ll find quite a few. Remember to check reviews before booking.

Alternatively, why not try a self-guided audio tour? I’ve done one of these myself in Rouen and enjoyed it. They aren’t free but are usually under €20.

Very soon, I’ll have some audio tours to share with you. I’m currently working on tours of La Rochelle, Poitiers, Carcassonne, and the Latin Quarter in Paris. I’ll keep you posted on those.

To check out some of the audio tours available, click here >>>