Backpacking France: Ultimate Budget Travel Guide

If you’re wondering if backpacking France is a good idea, I’m here to help!

I lived in France for over five years, first moving here for an unpaid internship, and during that time, I explored every corner of the country—mostly on a budget!

Whether you’re planning a short bucket-list trip or a month-long journey, this guide will help you discover the best places, budget-friendly tips, and unforgettable experiences across France.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

Is France a good backpacking destination?

Yes! France is an incredible destination for backpackers. 

There’s so much to see and do from world-famous landmarks to charming countryside towns! 

The country offers plenty of bucket list experiences, many hostels, and an efficient public transport system that makes it easy to explore on a budget.

PROS:

• Bucket List Destination: France is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint-Michel, and the French Riviera.
• Many Hostels: You can find budget-friendly hostels in nearly every major city and tourist hub.
• Easy to Get Around: Public transport, especially trains, makes it easy to travel between destinations quickly and efficiently.

CONS:

• Expensive: France is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and costs can add up quickly.
• Language Barrier: It’s no secret that French people avoid speaking English, especially in more rural areas.
• No Set Backpacking Route: France is a big country with no one route all backpackers take.

Backpacking France Itinerary

France is a big country with so many things to see, so your itinerary will depend on how much time you have there. 

With 7 days in France, you can see the major highlights like Paris and the French Riviera. 

Most people spend two weeks in France, enough time to see a mix of cities, coastal towns, and the countryside. 

If you have a month to explore France, you can experience its diversity, from the beaches of the south to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the Alps. 

Naturally, the longer you stay, the more careful you have to be with your budget, as France can be pricey.

France Backpackers Bucket List

So, what should you do in France? Let me tell you about some of my favorite experiences!

1. Explore Paris

Of course, Paris is a must-visit for anyone coming to France. 

Wander through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, see the Eiffel Tower, and visit famous museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. 

Having a picnic by the Seine and experiencing Parisian café culture are a must. The food in Paris is on a whole new level!

BUDGET TIP: Many museums in Paris are free for EU citizens under 26!

2. Experience the French Riviera

French Riviera is probably the second most-visited place in France after Paris. 

The Côte d’Azur offers stunning Mediterranean beaches, glamorous cities, and charming villages. 

Relax on the shores of Nice, see the luxurious casinos of Monaco, or explore the charming coastal towns like St. Tropez and Antibes. 

Luckily, public transport is great here and buses and trains make it super easy (and cheap!) to hop between towns.

3. Go Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

France is famous for its wine and Bordeaux is one of the world’s top wine regions. 

You should take a wine tour to sample France’s best reds and whites while learning about the region’s winemaking history. 

If you have time, a day trip from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion is a must, it’s a gorgeous medieval town surrounded by vineyards.

The city itself is also beautiful, and there are many free things to do in Bordeaux to balance your budget after a wine tour.

4. See the Lavender Fields in Provence

If you visit Provence in the summer, don’t miss the endless lavender fields in places like Valensole and Sault. 

It really looks like that one Windows wallpaper in real life!

While in Provence, you should also go on a day trip to explore historic towns like Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

5. Visit Mont Saint-Michel

One of France’s most magical sights, Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey perched on a tidal island. 

Walking through its winding streets feels like stepping into a fairytale. Make sure to visit during low tide so you can explore the surrounding sandbanks.

6. Discover the Loire Valley Castles

Staying on the theme of fairytale-like castles, the Loire Valley is home to some of France’s most stunning castles. 

Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau are must-sees. The best way to explore is by car or on a guided tour, as the castles are spread out.

Driving through the picturesque countryside, and stopping at charming villages and vineyards along the way is one of the best things to do in France.

7. Hike in the French Alps

If you’re on a bigger budget, skiing in the Alps is an amazing winter experience. 

But even in summer, the French Alps offer breathtaking landscapes. Chamonix and Annecy are top choices for hiking, with stunning trails and crystal-clear alpine lakes.

8. Explore Medieval Towns

France has some of the most picturesque medieval towns in Europe. 

I was lucky enough to live in Alsace and spent weekends wandering fairytale-like villages like Ribeauvillé, Colmar, and Riquewihr. 

But there are stunning medieval towns all over France! Carcassonne, for example, is a breathtaking fortified city that feels straight out of a fantasy novel.

BUDGET TIP: Take day trips from Strasbourg by regional bus, it’s much cheaper than trains!

10. Visit Christmas Markets

French Christmas Markets are one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, making them a must-visit if you’re in France during winter.

 While most cities have festive markets in December, the ones in Alsace are by far the best.

Imagine a storybook Christmas brought to life—that’s exactly what you’ll find in places like Colmar, Strasbourg, and Riquewihr!

BUDGET TIP: Visit Christmas Markets during the week. They get packed on the weekends!

Best Time To Visit France

The best time to backpack in France is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are smaller. 

Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit to enjoy the beaches in the south and lively backpacker scenes, but it’s also the most expensive. 

Winter (November-March) is the cheapest time to visit, but expect gloomy and cold weather with not that much to do in most of the country.

Getting Around France

Now that you know what to do in France, let’s figure out how should you get around.

Getting To France

France is easy to reach from all over the world. 

Most larger cities in France have an airport, so you can really start your trip from anywhere in the country. 

However, most people choose to fly into Paris, as it is a major international airport with flights from basically everywhere in the world.

If you’re coming from neighboring countries, you can fly or take a train, like the Eurostar from London or Thalys from Brussels.

I also took a bus from Belgium to France once, Flixbus is always an option!

✈️  Find the cheapest flights to France here!

How to Get Around France

You don’t need to rent a car to get around France. In fact, driving is not even a good idea if you want to explore the entire country because it would take way too long!

Traveling by Train

France has an excellent rail network, and the TGV (high-speed train) is the best way to travel between major cities. 

You can reach destinations like Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux from Paris in around two hours. 

The main issue with trains is that prices can get very high very quickly if you don’t book in advance. You should get train tickets directly on the SNCF website for the best price.

Consider getting a Eurail pass if you plan to take trains last minute during the high season. I found them a bit pricey and you can get individual train tickets for cheaper if you plan well.

Buses are a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to trains, especially bus journeys under three hours. 

You have two companies, FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus and bus journeys take a bit longer than trains, but it can be worth it if you’re not in a rush.

For example, a bus from Paris to Strasbourg takes around 6 hours but can cost as little as €10, while a train can often cost over €50 but gets you there in 2 hours.

Domestic Flights

While flying is the fastest option for long distances, you probably won’t fly much around France because France banned short-haul flights.

Still, it’s good to know that budget airlines like Ryanair, Volotea, and easyJet offer cheap domestic flights between cities that are more than a 3-hour train journey. 

I took several domestic flights in France and they can even be cheaper than taking a train!

For example, I took a flight from Strasbourg to Montpellier, from Bordeaux to Lyon, and from Lille to Bordeaux.

France Backpacking Budget

We reached the most controversial part of this guide, the budget!

It’s tough to pin down exactly how much a trip to France will cost because it really depends on your travel style.

I’ve taken many trips around France, and on some days I spent just €50, while on others, I went over €100.

In general, staying under €50 per day is pretty challenging since hostel dorms alone can cost around €50 per night in many places.

If you stay in one spot for a few days, you’ll save on transportation, but if you need to move around, keep in mind that a train from Paris to Nice can easily cost €100.

If you’re on a tight budget, save money by staying in dorms and eating from supermarkets or local bakeries.

For activities, you can opt for free attractions like parks and museums on free entry days. 

Taking buses instead of trains for short distances can also cut costs.

Is France safe for solo female travelers?

I lived in France for five years and generally felt safe. However, like any country, it’s important to stay vigilant. 

Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas—I even had my phone stolen in Bordeaux. 

Also, you should watch out for common scams in Paris, like people trying to tie a ‘friendship bracelet’ on your wrist or fake petitions near tourist sites. I’ve seen it so many times in real life it’s crazy!

That said, coming from Croatia (one of the safest countries in Europe), my safety standards are quite high. 

Overall, France is safe for solo female travelers, but take precautions, especially in big cities.

Final Thoughts: France Backpacking Guide

France is an amazing country that is absolutely possible to explore on a budget. 

Whether you’re visiting Paris, hiking in the Alps, or enjoying the beaches of the French Riviera, your itinerary will be packed with unforgettable experiences. 

While the costs of travel in France can be high, you can save by staying in hostels, cooking your own meals, and taking buses.