Overview: Affordable 2-Week France Itinerary
Trip Duration: 14 days
Ideal Budget: €1,200–€1,800 (excluding flights)
Travel Style: Budget/mid-range (mix of trains, Airbnb, hostels or 2–3 star hotels, self-catering where possible)
Travel Months: April–June or September–October for good weather & lower prices
🗓️ Day 1–4: Paris
✅ Budget Tips:
Buy a Paris Museum Pass (2 or 4 days)
Stay in areas like Montmartre or Belleville for cheaper stays
Walk instead of using taxis — Paris is extremely walkable
✅ Must-Sees:
Eiffel Tower (free to view, picnic at Champ de Mars)
Louvre Museum (free on first Sunday of the month)
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur (free)
Seine River walk + Latin Quarter
Budget-friendly dinner at Rue Cler or a boulangerie picnic
🗓️ Day 5–6: Loire Valley (via train)
🚄 1.5–2 hrs from Paris
✅ What to do:
Rent a bike and explore Château de Chambord or Chenonceau
Stay in Tours or Blois for cheaper accommodations
Try a wine tasting in a cave for ~€10
🗓️ Day 7–9: Lyon
🚄 2 hrs from Tours or Paris
✅ Why go:
France’s food capital — but on a budget! Try "bouchons" (local restaurants)
Old Town (UNESCO site), Parc de la Tête d'Or
Explore Croix-Rousse area for art & affordable eats
🗓️ Day 10–13: Provence (Avignon or Aix-en-Provence)
🚄 2–2.5 hrs from Lyon
✅ Ideas:
Stay in Avignon (less expensive than Nice/Marseille)
Take day trips to Arles, Gordes, or Les Baux-de-Provence
Lavender fields if visiting late June/early July
🗓️ Day 14: Return to Paris or fly out from Marseille
💸 Budget Breakdown (per person):
Item Estimated Cost
Intercity Trains €120–€180 (book in advance on SNCF)
Accommodations €30–€70/night (Airbnb, budget hotels, hostels)
Meals €15–€25/day (bakeries, groceries, 1 nice meal/day)
Sightseeing €80–€120 (museum passes, tours)
Extras €100 (souvenirs, snacks, emergencies)
🧳 Travel Tools
Compare flights and hotels at https://www.alltraveldealsnow.com/
Use SNCF Connect or Trainline EU for rail bookings
Look for free walking tours in each city — pay what you can
✅ Tips for Saving More
Use local markets and cook meals if staying in Airbnbs
Buy a multi-city train pass if you plan to explore more
Visit free museums (especially on first Sundays)
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