How Much Does a Trip to France Cost?
France balances world-renowned cuisine and culture with options for every wallet. A baguette and cheese picnic by the Seine costs under $10, proving Paris need not be prohibitively expensive.
UpdatedApril 2026· Currency: Euro (€)
Cost Breakdown by Category
🏨Accommodation
Hostel dorm$30-55
Budget hotel$70-120
Boutique hotel$130-250
Palace hotel$400-800
🍽Food & Dining
Baguette sandwich$5-7
Croque monsieur at cafe$8-12
Prix fixe lunch menu$15-25
Bistro dinner$30-50
Michelin-starred meal$100-300
🚆Transport
Paris Metro single$2.20
TGV Paris-Lyon$30-90
Bus regional$2-8
Taxi (per km)$1.80
🎯Activities
Louvre Museum$20
Eiffel Tower summit$30
Wine tasting Bordeaux$30-60
Palace of Versailles$22
Cheapest Time to Visit
CheapestNovember, January, February, March
ShoulderApril, May, October
PeakJune, July, August, September, December
Avoid: Paris in August: many local restaurants and shops close for summer holidays.
Summer is peak for the south of France and Paris. Ski season (Dec-Mar) drives up Alps prices.
Tipping & Money
Tipping expected
Service charge (service compris) is included by law. Small extra tips are a kind gesture.
restaurant: 0-5%
taxi: Round up
hotel: 1-2 EUR/night
Tour guide: 5-10 EUR
bar: Round up
Cash vs Card
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in France. Contactless payments are standard.
Recommended cash: €30-50 per day
Full cash & card guide →Money-Saving Tips
- 1Order the prix fixe lunch menu at restaurants for 30-50% less than dinner.
- 2Buy a Paris Museum Pass for 2-4 days to skip lines and save on entries.
- 3Take BlaBlaCar rideshares between cities for cheaper-than-train fares.
- 4Shop at boulangeries and markets for picnic lunches instead of sit-down cafes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to France cost per day in 2026?
Budget travelers spend about $103/day, mid-range about $237/day, and luxury travelers around $560/day per person.
Is Paris more expensive than the rest of France?
Yes, Paris is 30-50% more expensive for accommodation and dining compared to smaller cities and rural areas.
Do I need to tip in France?
No. Service charge is included by law. A small extra tip for exceptional service is appreciated but never expected.
When is the cheapest time to visit France?
January through March (excluding ski areas) offers the lowest prices across accommodation and flights.
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See all country rankings →Sources: Numbeo 2025-2026, SNCF official fares, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau · Last updated April 2026