Cost To Visit France: Travel Budget Guide (2026)

France is one of the most visited countries in the world, but it is not a cheap destination overall, especially compared to many parts of Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia. That said, the total cost varies massively depending on your travel style, destinations, and season.

In this guide, you’ll find the average cost to visit France, including daily budgets, transport costs, and what to expect across peak, shoulder, and off-season travel periods.

Is France Expensive To Visit?

Yes, France is generally considered expensive to expensive, especially in major cities like Paris and along the French Riviera. However, it can be more affordable if you travel strategically.

France becomes more affordable when you:

• Stay outside city centers or in smaller towns
• Use regional trains and budget airlines instead of last-minute high-speed tickets
• Eat at bakeries, cafés, and markets instead of full-service restaurants
• Mix paid attractions with free museums, parks, and walking tours

Most Affordable & Expensive Destinations

The most expensive areas in France are typically:

• Paris (especially central districts)
• French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Monaco area)
• Popular wine regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy

More affordable areas include:

• Smaller cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Nantes
• Rural regions and countryside villages
• Northern and eastern France outside peak tourist routes

A balanced itinerary mixing cities and smaller destinations can significantly reduce your total travel cost.

France Vacation Costs

Below is a full breakdown of accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions—followed by day trip costs and realistic budgets.

Avg. Accommodation Cost

Peak Season (June–August)

• Budget: €70–140 ($75–$150) per night
• Mid-Range: €140–320 ($150–$345) per night
• Luxury: €350–900+ ($375–$970+) per night

Shoulder Season (April–May, Sept–Oct)

• Budget: €55–110 ($60–$120)
• Mid-Range: €120–260 ($130–$280)
• Luxury: €280–700+ ($300–$750+)

Off-Season (Nov–March)

• Budget: €45–90 ($50–$100)
• Mid-Range: €100–220 ($110–$240)
• Luxury: €220–550+ ($240–$600+)

Note: Paris and Riviera destinations sit at the higher end year-round.

Food Cost

Budget Travelers

• Breakfast: €3–8 ($3–$9)
• Lunch: €8–15 ($9–$16)
• Dinner: €12–25 ($13–$27)

Mid-Range Travelers

• Breakfast: €8–15 ($9–$16)
• Lunch: €15–30 ($16–$32)
• Dinner: €25–60 ($27–$65)

Luxury Travelers

• Breakfast: €15–30 ($16–$32)
• Lunch: €30–70 ($32–$75)
• Dinner: €60–150+ ($65–$160+)

Reality: France can be surprisingly affordable if you rely on bakeries, supermarkets, and casual cafés.

Transportation Cost

Airport → City

• Train or metro: €8–15 ($9–$16)
• Taxi: €30–60 ($32–$65)
• Private transfer: €60–120+ ($65–$130+)

Getting Around France

Trains

• Regional train: €10–40 ($11–$43)
• High-speed train (TGV): €40–150+ ($43–$160+)

Local Transit

• Metro/bus ticket: €1.90–€3 ($2–$3.20)
• Daily transport: €5–12 ($5–$13)

Taxis / Ride Services

• Short ride: €10–20 ($11–$22)
• Longer ride: €20–50+ ($22–$54+)

Rental Car

• Off-Season: €40–70/day ($43–$75)
• Peak: €70–120+/day ($75–$130+)
• Fuel + parking: €15–35/day ($16–$38)

Attractions

• Eiffel Tower: €11–29 ($12–$31)
• Louvre Museum: €17 ($18)
• Palace of Versailles: €21 ($23)
• Seine River cruise: €15–30 ($16–$32)
• Mont Saint-Michel: €11 ($12)
• Wine tastings (Bordeaux/Burgundy): €10–50+ ($11–$54+)

Many museums offer free entry on certain days, especially in Paris.

Day Trip Cost

Daily Budget Needed For France

Weekly Budget (7 Days)