With a strong Euro against the Pound, many travellers avoid France as a holiday destination for fear of it being too expensive. There are however, many ways in which France can provide cheap holidays with some careful planning and clever tips. Planning and visiting the country on a budget can give you a much more authentic experience than that which comes with booking a four star city break.
The best budget tip is to go against the tourist trail, opting for different cities or places and travelling autumn or spring rather than summer. The coastlines of Normandy and Brittany are great cheap alternatives to the more popular destinations in the south. Here the French government has cut VAT at restaurants to 5.5 per cent, making eating out great value.
Getting to France is becoming less expensive compared to a few years ago. When looking for cheap holidays, there are low cost airlines such as Easyjet that offer budget flights into the country through booking in advance. The Channel Tunnel Eurostar is also a good cheap option with services across France to major cities.
Getting about in France can be costly as petrol can be more expensive whereas diesel is a similar price. If you decide to hire a car, book and pay in pounds through a UK based company rather than in Euros.
When considering cheap holidays in France, rail passes are a great way of seeing the country on a budget. They are especially worth the money when travelling long distances between cities and to some of France's smaller destinations. Buses are a great budget alternative for shorter bursts of travel between regions, towns and cities with France having an extensive bus system.
When budget eating out in France, look for fixed price menus as these can cost a lot less than ordering off the a la carte menu. Eat large meals in restaurants at lunch time rather than in an evening where prices tend to be higher for similar dishes. Other meals such as breakfast can be bought from the fantastic range of bakeries, pastry shops and cafes. Coffee, bread and pastries sold in these are a good replacement to hotel breakfasts where prices can be high.
There are lots of activities to enjoy in France that are either cheap or free including walking and cycling across the rolling countryside and scenic coastline. There are many parks and gardens inland in the cities and towns.
When visiting major cities look out for free attractions such as the Esplanade de Fourviere in Lyon, which provides fantastic views of the city as you stroll along.
The best budget tip is to go against the tourist trail, opting for different cities or places and travelling autumn or spring rather than summer. The coastlines of Normandy and Brittany are great cheap alternatives to the more popular destinations in the south. Here the French government has cut VAT at restaurants to 5.5 per cent, making eating out great value.
Getting to France is becoming less expensive compared to a few years ago. When looking for cheap holidays, there are low cost airlines such as Easyjet that offer budget flights into the country through booking in advance. The Channel Tunnel Eurostar is also a good cheap option with services across France to major cities.
Getting about in France can be costly as petrol can be more expensive whereas diesel is a similar price. If you decide to hire a car, book and pay in pounds through a UK based company rather than in Euros.
When considering cheap holidays in France, rail passes are a great way of seeing the country on a budget. They are especially worth the money when travelling long distances between cities and to some of France's smaller destinations. Buses are a great budget alternative for shorter bursts of travel between regions, towns and cities with France having an extensive bus system.
When budget eating out in France, look for fixed price menus as these can cost a lot less than ordering off the a la carte menu. Eat large meals in restaurants at lunch time rather than in an evening where prices tend to be higher for similar dishes. Other meals such as breakfast can be bought from the fantastic range of bakeries, pastry shops and cafes. Coffee, bread and pastries sold in these are a good replacement to hotel breakfasts where prices can be high.
There are lots of activities to enjoy in France that are either cheap or free including walking and cycling across the rolling countryside and scenic coastline. There are many parks and gardens inland in the cities and towns.
When visiting major cities look out for free attractions such as the Esplanade de Fourviere in Lyon, which provides fantastic views of the city as you stroll along.
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