France is one of the most visited countries in the world, but traveling here does not have to drain your budget. With the right tools and a little planning, you can explore cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux without spending a fortune.
Traveling smart and affordable in France means combining budget intercity transport, low-cost accommodation, simple food strategies, and smart sightseeing hacks. Two of the best tools for cheap travel across the country are FlixBus for long-distance buses and BlaBlaCar for carpooling rides.
Here is a practical, easy-to-follow guide to help you save money while still enjoying everything France has to offer.
1. Save Big on Intercity Travel
Booking FlixBus in France
FlixBus connects major French cities and even smaller towns at very competitive prices. If you book 1 to 4 weeks in advance, tickets often start from 5 to 20 €. For example, Paris to Lyon can cost around 15 € if you choose off-peak times.
How to book:
- Download the FlixBus app or visit flixbus.com
- Search your route and compare departure times
- Choose off-peak hours for lower prices
- Receive a digital QR code ticket for boarding
What you get on board:
- Free WiFi
- USB charging ports
- Toilets
- One carry-on and one checked bag included
- Real-time tracking via the app
Bus trips are slower than trains, but they are much cheaper. For travelers with flexible schedules, this is one of the easiest ways to cut transportation costs.
Using BlaBlaCar for Carpooling
BlaBlaCar is a popular ridesharing platform in France where drivers share empty seats and passengers split fuel and toll costs. Prices are often about 50 percent cheaper than trains.
For example:
- Paris to Orléans can cost around 14 €
- Paris to Lyon can range between 10 and 20 €
How to use it:
- Download the BlaBlaCar app or visit blablacar.com
- Create and verify your profile with a phone number
- Search by city and date
- Filter for drivers rated 4.5 stars or higher
- Pay securely in the app
Always message the driver to confirm the meeting point, which is often a parking lot or train station. If possible, choose rides with 4 or more passengers for better value. BlaBlaCar is especially useful for last-minute trips or routes with fewer bus options.
2. Sample Routes and Budget Estimates
Here are some typical price ranges when booking early:
- Paris to Lyon
- FlixBus: 15 to 25 €
- BlaBlaCar: 10 to 20 €
- Paris to Marseille
- FlixBus: 20 to 40 €
- BlaBlaCar: 25 to 35 €
- Lyon to Bordeaux
- FlixBus: 25 to 35 €
- BlaBlaCar: 20 to 30 €
- Bordeaux to Nice
- FlixBus: 30 to 50 €
- BlaBlaCar: 25 to 40 €
A smart strategy is to combine both options. For example, fly into Paris, take FlixBus to Lyon, then use BlaBlaCar to head south. A full week of intercity travel can cost under 100 € if planned carefully.
3. Budget Accommodation Tips
Accommodation is often the biggest expense in France, especially in Paris. However, you still have affordable options.
- Hostels: 20 to 40 € per night via Hostelworld
- Monasteries or convent stays: 30 to 50 € including meals
- Budget hotels: Use Booking.com filters for rooms under 50 €
In Paris, look for Auberges de Jeunesse or stay slightly outside the city center near metro lines. Avoid peak summer months when prices increase significantly. Traveling in February or mid-week can save 20 to 30 percent on accommodation.
4. Cheap Food Strategies in France
Eating well in France does not have to be expensive.
Smart options include:
- Supermarkets like Monoprix for picnic supplies
- Baguette, cheese, fruit, and yogurt for 5 to 10 € per day
- Formule midi lunch menus at bistros for 12 to 15 €
- Boulangeries or kebab shops for 5 to 8 euro meals
Avoid restaurants located directly next to major tourist attractions. Walk a few streets away for better prices. Also, check happy hour deals if you want affordable drinks.
5. Save on Local Transport and Sightseeing
Use city passes when available. In Paris, the Paris Visite pass can cost between 13 and 40 € depending on zones and duration. It includes metro and bus access and sometimes attraction discounts.
You can also:
- Walk whenever possible
- Rent bikes through services like Vélib’ for about 5 € per day
- Visit free parks, markets, churches, and neighborhoods
If buses are full, use the SNCF app to check regional train options as a backup.
To travel smart and affordable in France, plan ahead and make simple but effective choices. Book your transport early to secure the lowest fares, and try to travel mid-week or during the off-season when prices for buses, accommodation, and attractions are generally cheaper. Combining budget options like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar can help you reduce intercity travel costs while keeping flexibility.
You can also save money by eating like a local at bakeries, markets, and lunch specials instead of tourist restaurants. Use public transport and city passes to lower daily transportation expenses. With smart planning and the right tools, you can explore France’s culture, food, and landscapes comfortably without overspending.
