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)