A Cost-Conscious Guide on How Much Is a Trip to France for a Week

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France is like a magnet for travelers worldwide, drawing millions who just can’t resist its charm. From the majestic Eiffel Tower to the sun-kissed vineyards of Provence, France captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and flavorful cuisine.

But, then again, traveling to a foreign country comes with financial concerns.

“Well, a one-week trip to France usually costs around $2900 for one person and $5800 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.”

No need to stress! Your expenses aren’t set in stone. There are tons of factors that can affect how much you’ll spend on your stay and travel in France. To give you a clearer picture, I’ve covered every possible area where you might spend your money.

Scroll down to explore in detail.

Cost Breakdown of A One-Week Trip to France

Ever wondered what it really costs for a week’s trip to France?

This article breaks it down for you, covering everything from where to crash to where to grab a bite.

So, get ready to plan your budget and make the most of your vacation in France:

To refrain from overspending on your 7-day trip to France, it’s essential that you arrive in the off-peak season when the prices are lower, from flights to accommodation, food, and sightseeing.

What Is the Cheapest Time of Year to Visit France?

For the cheapest trip to France, late autumn and winter offer the best value across flights, accommodation, regional transport, food, and sightseeing. 

Here’s a seasonal comparison of prices for a trip to France:

Early Fall (September to October)

• Flights: Decreasing prices from summer highs.
• Accommodation: Lower rates than summer; better deals.
• Regional Transport: Moderate prices with good booking options.
• Food: Similar to spring, with fewer tourists.
• Sightseeing: Less crowded attractions with possible discounts.

Late Fall (November)

• Flights: Lowest fares with good availability.
• Accommodation: Reduced rates and better deals.
• Regional Transport: Lower prices and less crowded.
• Food: More affordable dining options.
• Sightseeing: Off-season discounts and fewer crowds.

Winter (December to February)

• Flights: Cheapest overall, excluding holiday spikes.
• Accommodation: Lowest rates, with many discounts.
• Regional Transport: Reduced costs and easier booking.
• Food: Lower dining prices, less tourist demand.
• Sightseeing: Potential winter promotions; fewer crowds but some closures.

Spring (March to May)

• Flights: Rising prices but cheaper than summer.
• Accommodation: Increasing costs, but better than summer.
• Regional Transport: Moderate prices, still reasonable.
• Food: Moderate dining prices with spring specials.
• Sightseeing: More attractions open with possible spring discounts.

Summer (June to August)

• Flights: Highest prices due to peak season demand.
• Accommodation: Premium rates with high demand.
• Regional Transport: Elevated prices; early booking helps.
• Food: Higher dining costs; reservations needed.
• Sightseeing: Full price for attractions; many summer events.

Extra Note:
While these times are generally cheaper, prices can still vary depending on specific events, holidays, and regions within France.

Trip to France for A Week: Detailed Account of Cost Breakdown

Now that you have an idea of the average cost of a trip to France, in this part, we’re going to break it all down for you in simple terms. So, you know exactly what to expect and how much it’ll cost:

Getting Ready: Passport and Visa Costs

Before you jet off, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got all your paperwork sorted—that means your visa and passport.

From visa application fees to passport renewal expenses, we’ve got you covered.

Passport Application Fees 

When applying in person for a US passport, the application fee is around $130, plus a $35 acceptance fee. And if you’re applying for renewal, there’s no acceptance fee if you renew by mail.

Visa Fees

Great news for travelers from the UK, USA, and Australia heading to France! If you’re planning a 7-day trip, no tourism visa is required. Visas are only necessary for longer stays of 90 days or more in France.

Related Post: Do You Need a Green Card to Travel to France?

Travel Insurance Cost

Travel insurance costs for trips to France typically range from 5% to 10% of the total trip cost, averaging $150-$300 for a $3,000 trip, with budget options around $110 for a two-week stay.

Coverage usually includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, and travel delays.

Policies can be customized for high-value items or “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage. While not mandatory for all visitors, travel insurance is required for Schengen visa applicants.

Airfare or Flight Costs For a Trip to France

There are some of the best airlines to fly to France from the US. The cost of flights can vary based on where you’re going, the type of flight you choose, and the different airfare options offered by airlines.

I’ve shared the average flight costs to give you an idea:

Flights from Major US Cities	To Paris (CDG)	To Bordeaux (BOD)	To Lyon (LYS)	To Nice (NCE)
New York (JFK)	From $124	Around $600-$800	Around $600-$800	Around $500-$700
Los Angeles (LAX)	From $138	Around $700-$900	Around $600-$800	Around $500-$700
Atlanta (ATL)	From $500 to $1,000	Around $800-$1,200	Around $700-$1,000	Around $800-$1,200
Chicago (ORD)	From $124	Around $700-$900	Around $600-$800	Around $600-$800

Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Flights

• Be Flexible with Dates: Consider flying on weekdays or off-peak times for cheaper fares.
• Use Flight Comparison Websites: Utilize platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to compare prices across multiple airlines.
• Sign Up for Price Alerts: Receive notifications when prices drop for your desired route.
• Book in Advance: Generally, booking flights 1-3 months in advance can lead to lower prices.
• Consider Alternate Airports: Check nearby airports for potentially cheaper options.
• Avoid Peak Travel Seasons: Traveling during holidays or peak vacation times can result in higher prices.
• Utilize Airline Rewards Programs: Earn miles and loyalty points for future discounts or free flights.

Accommodation Costs: Is France Expensive?

Planning your trip and wondering about hotel costs per night?

Well, it varies from place to place, depending on several factors like hotel rent, off-season, etc.

So, for your convenience, I’m sharing a table comparing the cost of luxury accommodation options versus budget options in top tourist destinations.

Let’s take a quick peek and see the differences at a glance:

Hotel Range	Paris	Bordeaux	Lyon	Nice
Budget	Around $68	Around $68	Around $30-$68	Around $30 to $50
Mid-Range	Around $108	Around $100	Around $108	Around $70 – $90
Luxury	From $258	$200 – $400	$300 – $1000+	$130 – $200

Villas and resorts offer privacy, authenticity, and flexibility, with villas providing a more immersive French experience and spaciousness ideal for families or groups. 

Resorts are often more cost-effective for larger groups, offering exclusive use of facilities and scenic locations.

Dining Expenses: How Much to Budget?

France boasts a rich culinary landscape, offering diverse dining options catering to all tastes and budgets. From the bustling streets of Paris to the sun-kissed shores of Nice, each region presents a unique gastronomic experience.

Thinking about how much would it cost to have a nice meal in the country? Below is a short table of the overall dining expenses in France ( per person per day):

	Paris	Bordeaux	Lyon	Nice
Street/Fast Food	$6-$18	$6-$14	$6-$12	$6-$14
Casual Dining	$18-$36	$18-$30	$18-$30	$18-$36
Mid-range	$36-$72	$30-$60	$30-$60	$36-$72
Luxury	$72+	$60+	$60+	$72+

To make your culinary exploration easier, here’s a brief overview of must-try French foods across various dining categories:

Street and Fast Food

• Paris: Crepes, Croque Monsieur, Falafel sandwiches.
• Bordeaux: Galette Landaise, Canelé.
• Lyon: Bouchons Lyonnais, serving dishes like Saucisson brioché and pan-fried quenelles.
• Nice: Socca, Pan Bagnat.

Casual Dining

• Paris: French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, Croque Madame.
• Bordeaux: Entrecôte Bordelaise, Pâté de foie gras.
• Lyon: Quenelle de brochet, Salade Lyonnais.
• Nice: Salade Niçoise, Pissaladière.

Mid-range Restaurants

• Paris: Coq au Vin, Bouillabaisse, Duck Confit.
• Bordeaux: Confit de canard, Blanquette de Veau.
• Lyon: Andouillette, Poulet aux morilles.
• Nice: Ratatouille, Pissaladière, Farcis Niçois.

Luxury Restaurants

• Paris: Foie Gras, Escargot, Truffle Risotto.
• Bordeaux: Oysters, Caviar, Lobster Thermidor.
• Lyon: Quenelle de brochet gratinée, Bresse chicken in cream sauce.
• Nice: Bouillabaisse, Truffle-infused dishes, Seared Sea Bass with saffron sauce.

Cost of Getting Around France

From the bustling streets of Paris to the charming vineyards of Bordeaux, there’s so much to explore. But let’s not forget about getting around, right?

Here are some of the top transportation options while keeping our wallets happy:

Transportations	Paris	Bordeaux	Lyon	Nice
Train (single ticket)	$1.97	$1.74	$1.97	$1.63
Bus (single ticket)	$2.07	$1.74	$2.07	$1.63
Subway (single ticket)	$2.28	$1.85	$2.17	$1.63
Rental Car (per day)	$45	$41	$60	$67
Taxi (Initial Charge + Per km cost)	$2.61 + $1.23/km	$2.72 + $1.79/km	$2.72 + $2.03/km	$3.04 + $1.88/km

Public transportation options such as trains, buses, subways, and trams generally offer more affordable travel compared to rental cars and taxis. However, rental cars provide greater flexibility for exploring a city.

Sightseeing and Activities: Estimated Tour Cost Per Day

Do you know how it feels to explore all the cool stuff in new places?

Well, it’s one of the best parts of traveling, but it’s also smart to plan for it money-wise too. In this chat, we’ll break down the approximate tour expense per day:

French Cities	Approx. Tour Cost (Per Day)
Paris	$80-150
Bordeaux	$90-160
Lyon	$70-120
Nice	$50 – $60

So, when we talk about tour costs, it’s like planning your adventure budget. You know how different things have different prices, right?

Well, it’s the same with sightseeing. Whether you’re checking out churches, cathedrals, museums, galleries, or even theme parks, each has its own entrance fee.  Mostly, it depends on your travel style.

The more activities you add, the more you might spend. But in the end, that’s all part of the fun!

Pro Tips:
Save on attractions by visiting free sites like the Louvre. Also, be savvy with affiliate links for discounts on activities.

All Inclusive Vacation Packages for 1 Week Tour in France

Booking vacation packages in France is a fantastic way to explore the country’s wonders without breaking the bank.

With a variety of options available across different categories, you can tailor your trip to suit your budget and preferences:

Budget Trip

If you’re looking to save some cash, a budget-friendly vacation package for a week in France could set you back around $800 to $1500 per person.

You’ll likely stay in cozy budget hotels or hostels, eat at affordable spots, and get around using public transport or budget airlines.

Mid-Range or Average France Trip Cost

For a bit more comfort without breaking the bank, a mid-range vacation package might be more your style, costing between $1500 and $3000 per person.

Expect comfy hotels, a mix of dining options, and travel by train or rental car.

Luxury Trip

If you’re ready to splurge, a luxury vacation package in France could be upwards of $3000+ per person. Think lavish hotels, gourmet meals, and private transportation options like chauffeured cars or exclusive tours.

Related Post: Everything about Luxury Champagne Tours

Additional Note:
Costs vary depending on the type of package you choose, offering flexibility to travelers.

Tips to Budget for a Week-Long Stay in France

France promises an unforgettable experience filled with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine. However, ensuring a memorable trip while staying within budget requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

Here are the top three essential aspects of budgeting for your French escapade:

• Travel Off-Season: Visit during late autumn or winter to take advantage of lower prices on flights, accommodation, and attractions.
• Book in Advance: Secure better deals on flights and accommodations by booking several months ahead.
• Stay in Budget Accommodations: Opt for hostels, budget hotels, or vacation rentals over luxury hotels.
• Use Public Transport: Save money by using trains, buses, and trams instead of taxis or rental cars.
• Eat Like a Local: Dine at local bistros and markets rather than touristy restaurants, and take advantage of prix fixe menus.
• Explore Free Attractions: Visit the best attractions in Paris like parks, gardens, and certain museums, or take advantage of free museum days.
• Set a Daily Budget: Allocate specific amounts for accommodation, food, transport, and activities to avoid overspending.
• Use City Passes: Invest in city passes that offer discounts on multiple attractions and public transport.
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Steer clear of expensive tourist areas for dining and shopping.
• Travel Light: Minimize luggage to avoid extra airline fees and to make public transport easier.

Closing Speech

So, how much is a trip to France for a week per person?

On average, budget-conscious travelers can expect to spend around $2500 to $3000, depending on factors like accommodation, transportation, and dining preferences. Of course, your exploration costs in France can vary from city to city. The prices go up and down sometimes.

By carefully planning your itinerary, making smart choices, and taking advantage of money-saving tips, you can keep costs down without sacrificing the quality of your experience.

Happy Traveling!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)