Vacay AlchemistA trip to France typically costs about $100 to $170 per person per day on a budget, $220 to $380 in the mid-range and $600 or more at the luxury level, not counting flights. Paris is the most expensive part of the country, and costs drop noticeably in smaller cities and rural areas. These are estimates, and prices vary by season and exchange rate.
How much is a week in France per person?
Excluding flights, a rough guide for seven days:
- Budget: about $900 to $1,300, with hostels or budget hotels, bakery meals, public transport and free sights.
- Mid-range: about $1,800 to $3,000, with three-star hotels, restaurant meals and a few paid attractions and train trips.
- Luxury: $5,000 or more, with high-end hotels, fine dining and private tours.
Flights from the U.S. commonly range from about $600 to $1,400 round trip, depending on the season and departure city.
What do the main expenses cost?
- Lodging: budget hotels or hostels often run $70 to $130 per night in Paris, mid-range hotels $180 to $350, and rentals vary. Outside Paris, prices are often lower.
- Food: a bakery breakfast or lunch is inexpensive, a casual bistro meal often costs $20 to $40 per person, and a nicer dinner more. A fixed-price lunch menu is a good value.
- Transportation: the Paris Métro is inexpensive per ride. High-speed trains between major cities can range widely depending on how early you book.
- Attractions: major museums and monuments typically cost around $15 to $35 each, with some free or discounted for certain visitors. Book timed tickets ahead for the most popular ones.
What affects the cost most?
Time of year, with July, August and December being the most expensive. The city you stay in, how far ahead you book and how many paid attractions you visit. Also, exchange rates move, so check current rates before you set a budget.
How can you save money in France?
- Travel in spring or fall, when hotels and flights are cheaper.
- Eat your main meal at lunch, when fixed-price menus are cheaper than dinner.
- Book train tickets early and consider regional trains for shorter trips.
- Stay just outside the center of Paris, near a Métro or RER line.
- Use free days, gardens, markets and walking tours to fill your itinerary.
- Keep a small buffer for tourist taxes, tips and unexpected costs.
Is France worth the price?
For many travelers, yes: food, architecture, culture and landscapes offer value at nearly every price level. A mix of Paris and one or two smaller regions keeps costs in check and adds variety.
Frequently asked
Is France expensive to visit?
Paris and the Riviera can be, but small cities and regions like the Loire Valley, Alsace and Brittany are often much cheaper.
What is the cheapest time to go?
Late fall through early spring, outside holidays, usually offers the lowest prices.
How much should I budget for a 10-day trip?
Multiply your daily budget by ten and add flights, plus 10 to 15 percent for extras.
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