Backpacking France Travel Guide

This backpacking France travel guide and budget tips were updated in September 2019. This post contains some affiliate links, which help keep this website running, at no extra cost to you.

France is a destination in Europe famous for its almost unbearable beauty, high alpine mountains, stunning beaches, and captivating cities. Travelers have been flocking to this fabulous country for decades, visiting the places that are a testament of the awe-inspiring architecture and the rich cultural heritage of France. Backpacking France is a rite of passage for any budget traveler keen on exploring Europe.

France is a fairytale castle for a variety of reasons; a classical education; a voyage through history, which is why you need to get out and visit these magical hidden villages now.

Magnificent architecture, an unbelievable array of culinary traditions, rich historical backgrounds, secret cobblestone streets, endless adventure opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts – France has it all! Paris is obviously iconic and an amazing place to visit, but exploring rural France to discover the continent’s soul is totally worth the detour!

Although many people solely travel to France to visit its impressive cities – Paris, Nice, Lyon, and Marseille – I highly recommend devoting at least 2 weeks for backpacking France and its laid-back and diverse regions!

Think traveling in France is too expensive for backpackers? This free backpacking travel guide will break down everything you need to know about traveling in France on a shoestring budget, including the best routes, two-week itinerary, and things to do. Therefore, you can have the best possible independent trip exploring this truly special country.

Where to Go Backpacking in France

There is no shortage of incredible places to go backpacking in France. The country is extremely diverse boasting numerous things to do and see in every province. The French take immense great pride in their history and numerous traditions.

The country varies greatly depending on the provinces. Paris is not just the capital, but a symbol of freedom of France. It has a huge number of migrants and people from around the world. In the north of the country in Normandy, or in other remote provinces, you’ll meet more conservative people who adhere to real French values.

The French countryside is dotted with small villages, stunning national parks, and the magnificent Alps mountains. However, chances are you will start backpacking trip through France in Paris. A great idea, especially if starting from the UK via Eurostar. Overall, France is a well-connected country with slow (and cheap!) regional trains, fast (and expensive!) last-minute trains and reliable public transportation.

Spend holidays and hiking vacations in the French Alps. Find the best place to unwind on French Riviera. Visit the best free museums in Paris. Cycle through picturesque Provence. Backpacking France is a very rewarding experience.

Read Next: How to Spend 2 Days in Berlin

Before packing a backpack, you should take time to come up with a good sightseeing itinerary detailing what to do and not do as a tourist in France. Where to travel in France at different times or days and plan public transport accordingly. It’s also a great idea to concentrate on just one province.

Now, let us take a look at France two-week itinerary that will take you to some of the most awe-inspiring places in France like Lyon and Paris. Also, it will allow you to interact with the amazing nature France has to offer and have an awesome hiking trip through the French Alps. Needless to say, you can easily customize this backpacking route based on your preferences and budget and time frame.

Backpacking France Two-Week Itinerary: Where to Travel in France

Backpacking Paris – 3 Days

There’s little I say about Paris that hasn’t already been said. While this France two-week itinerary starts in Paris, I suggest spending here 3 days – more than enough to explore the city’s highlights by foot.

Catch some zzz’s on the plane and aim to arrive early in the morning to the City of Lights so you can take on your first day. Take a stroll along the River Seine and spend the afternoon checking out the Louvre, home to Da Vinci’s iconic painting of the Mona Lisa.

Walk through the Jardin des Tuileries and don’t miss out on the opportunity to walk around soaking up the atmosphere near the Eiffel Tower, Cathedral de Nôtre Dame, Basilica de Sacre Coeur, and Pont des Arts bridge. Then head to Rennes, the next stop on this two-week solo backpacking trip through France!

Backpacking Rennes – 2 Days

While the capital city of Brittany doesn’t have much to offer to tourists, Rennes is the cheapest place to base yourself in while you spend a day in Mont Saint Michel. Consider taking the first train from Rennes train station at 9:40 AM and take the last one at 6:20 PM back to Rennes. The trip will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes each so you will have plenty of time to see Mont Saint Michel.

Aside from the day trip to Mont Saint Michel, Rennes has a bustling student community and plenty of institutions and facilities catering to their needs. If you can dedicate a little more time, check the imposing 18th-century mansions, the Musée des Beaux-arts, and the medieval half-timbered houses. Rennes is a lovely walkable town and some of the best hidden gems in France.

Backpacking Bordeaux – 2 Days

Get on a bus to Bordeaux to continue onto your next destination. The wine capital of France has plenty to offer to wine enthusiasts. But what if you’re a beer lover like me? Don’t get upset – Bordeaux’s historical part has something which travelers to France marvel at to this day.

Start your day in Bordeaux by strolling along the quays until you reach the Porte Cailhau. A fairytale-looking defensive gate to Bordeaux not far from the Garonne river looks very impressive! Have a look at the Grosse Cloche, the Saint-André Cathedral, and climb the Pey-Berland tower with wonderful panoramic views across the city.

Then head for the pedestrian area that connects the Grand Théâtre to the city’s docks. Spend the afternoon admiring the beauty of the reflecting pool at the Place de la Bourse. At sunset when the square and the buildings around it started to light up, the reflection pool makes quite an imposing sight to behold.

Backpacking Avignon – 3 Days

Avignon is a historic city in South-eastern France that was once a part of the Papal State and a place where the Popes fled to after leaving Rome in the 14th century. Start your first day in Avignon by exploring the area around the incredible Palais des Papes that is a UNESCO Site and feel that you’ve stepped back in time to the Middle Ages.

No trip to Avignon is complete without paying a visit to Arles. It takes less than an hour to get there by bus from Avignon and the town is a perfect place to indulge yourself in the medieval and Roman history. Wander through the Old Town, stand in awe in front of the Amphithéâtre d’Arles and crisscross the photo-worthy narrow streets of Arles.

Backpacking Chamonix – 3 Days

Chamonix is a charming mountain town at the junction of Switzerland, Italy, and France, and obviously an all-round destination. With numerous restaurants and cafés, old-world streets and squares all in a spectacular setting, Chamonix is the adventure capital of France and arguably an outdoor paradise in France. The town is the official mountaineering center, so if you’re here for an epic hiking experience, you have come to the right place.

In Chamonix, everything revolves around adventure activities in the mountains. Use the town as a base to hike the Grand Balcon Sud trail and Lav Blanc trail to enjoy virtually unspoiled nature. The view you get from these two trails is one of the best you can get for a day hike in Chamonix. Lac Blanc trail will take you through one of the most stunning viewpoints of the French Alps. If you have only 72 hours in Chamonix, there is an endless amount of single and multi-day hikes to choose from. The choice is yours.

Backpacking Lyon – 2 Days

With only two days in Lyon, you can admire the greatness of Lyon’s past and compare it with its present-day cultural dynamism and diversity. France’s third-largest city is known for its historical architecture, vibrant gastronomic and art scene.

Spend your first day in Lyon exploring the original medieval city (Vieux Lyon) at the foot of the Fourvière hill. Climb up the Fourvière hill and visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvièr.

The entire neighborhood was formerly the hub of Lyon and the focus of its silk-working industry. It was a lively spot where you can find more than 300 magnificent townhouses, which used to belong to individuals from higher social classes. Also, don’t miss out on exploring the Traboules, the Ancient Theatre, a remnant of the Roman times on the Fourvière hill behind the basilica.

On your second day, you can hit the area between the Rhône and the Saône, known as Presqu’ile. It’s the modern face of Lyon with Place Bellecour at its heart. Presqu’ile is home to numerous shops, department stores, cinemas, restaurants, cafés, eateries, all set against a backdrop of 19th-century architecture.

Backpacker Accommodation in France

There are plenty of hotels, guesthouses and youth hostels throughout France. Since the country is one of the most visited places in Europe, one shouldn’t have any problem finding decent budget accommodation. But you may need to book early in the summertime because many of the major cities and towns book up fast.

Airbnb in France

While not as cheap and wild as it once was, AirBnB is huge in France these days. You can find some authentic places and avoid exorbitant hotel prices if you need some chill time. If you are backpacking France as a couple or group, consider AirBnB instead. Last time I was in Paris in August, four of us scored an Airbnb room for the same price as one dorm bed in the same area. Follow this link for $35 Airbnb free credit.

Hostels in France

Like anywhere, you can find backpacker hostels in most cities and towns. Accommodation costs will vary considerably depending on the district, the season, type and standard. Obviously, hostels in Paris will be more expensive than those in less-central parts of the country. That said, I found the average price for a night in a hostel to be around $26 (€21).

Many youth hostels (Auberges de Jeunesse) in France cater for the budget traveler, but if you want to avoid the young crowd, book the right place for you by using platforms with reviews, like HostelWorld. I have had good experiences finding hostels on this platform. They have a wide variety of hostel options to choose from, with over 10 million reviews and ratings from other backpackers, you know exactly what to expect.

Couchsurfing in France

I must admit, Couchsurfing is one of my favorite ways to connect with locals and save money while traveling. It’s a great tool that allows travelers to go backpacking on a shoestring budget even in the busy summer season.

Finding the perfect Couchsurfing host in France is like finding a host anywhere else in the world. It can be harder to get a Couchsurfing host in the countryside, but it’s feasible to find one with plenty of profile pictures and positive reviews. The only problem about Couchsurfing in France is that English isn’t really all that widely spoken, particularly by older generations. Learn some basic French words and common French phrases to keep more money in your pocket.

Camping in France

There are countless stunning places to go camping in France. Campsites in France range from luxury options with toilet and shower facilities to no-frills rural campsites that offer little more than a space to pitch a tent and enjoy nature.

But if camping on a small farm site with basic facilities isn’t really your thing, wild camping comes to the rescue. While there are campgrounds all over France, camping in the wild isn’t illegal so why not take advantage of it?!

If you’re away from towns, popular tourist spots, out of sight of houses, in a place that is not clearly private, chances are you won’t get noticed. Take my advice: Don’t stay in the same place for several nights in a row, and only use one or two small tents that blend into the landscape. Avoid lighting a fire, bring a portable camp stove and you’ll be fine.

Where to Stay in France

Below are a few of my favourite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking France:

Arty Paris Porte de Versailles by Hiphophostels, Paris
ho36 Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
SLO Living Hostel
Central Hostel Bordeaux Centre
Gite NiLou, Amboise
Villa Saint Exupery Beach
Vertigo Hostel Vieux Port, Marseille
Generator Paris
Campanile Rennes Centre – Gare

Best Time to Travel to France

No doubt, France is one of the most traveled countries in Europe. The summertime in Paris is crazy busy with holidaymakers. Millions of tourists pay France a visit to enjoy art festivals, sporting events, and stunningly beautiful nature. Obviously, summer brings the warmest temperatures, a number of popular, large-scale events and the biggest crowds.

May and September are my favorite months to visit Paris as everything is open, the weather is pleasant and roads generally don’t get clogged. The cities can actually be a pleasure at that time and you’re unlikely to be rubbing shoulders with anyone much.

Most French Riviera beaches get crowded every summer too. However, there are usually some secluded corners to go where there are fewer people. A bit of research before you leave will also allow you to check the popularity of the hotels and beaches, pick the right time to travel and plan your France itinerary.

Of course, the best time to visit France so much depends on which region you plan to visit. France generally has a moderate climate with mild winters. The winters in the north of France are chilly and there is plenty of rain in the autumn months.

The east coast of France leads the way for plenty of rain, which falls on average 200 days a year. Basking in a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, there’s never a bad time to visit the South of France. July is the best month for lavender picking in Provence – from June to August the lavender season is in full swing. The south also attracts the mistral, a cold dry relentless wind that funnels down the Rhône Valley.

Entry Visa Requirements for France

EU nationals don’t need a visa or passport to enter France. But they are required to have a valid ID card. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the US don’t need a visa too but they must have a valid passport that will be stamped on arrival. Citizens of other countries will need to apply for a Schengen Visa beforehand to visit all Schengen countries and can only stay in France and other Schengen zone countries for three months out of every six months.

France Travel Guide to Getting Around

If you’re a first-timer coming to France and need some help with understanding on how to get around France, then you’ll want to read this backpacking France travel guide.

There are a number of ways to start your backpacking trip through France. If you are flying in from the United States or another country in Europe, chances are you will land in Paris. There are three main airports in Paris at the moment.

If you’re flying to France or plan to take short flights within the country, then you will probably be using Charles de Gaulle international airport as the main hub. There are also Orly International airport and Beauvais-Tillé Airport, which serve budget airlines and shorter domestic flights.

Paris has a good rail connection at its airports via trains. While backpacking France, take advantage of France’s extensive rail network that connects pretty much all major cities to Paris airports, as well as some neighboring countries. If you plan on visiting multiple countries, then investing in a EuRail pass can be a good idea.

Bus Travel in France

Buses are generally cheaper than trains. That is great if you plan on hitting regions with relatively few train lines (eg Brittany and Normandy). There are regular bus services within each region (gare routière) that usually cover routes for which there is no train service.

In almost all cities, urban buses have a flat rate fare per single ride of as little as €2. It depends on the location and will be valid for one journey or one hour’s travel You can get the ticket from the driver when you get in. Many cities have bus services that operate well out into the suburbs or even in the countryside.

Train Travel in France

As I already mentioned, France is a part of the Eurail network. It makes your trip much easier and cheaper if you plan on taking multiple train journeys in a short period of time.

There are three possible options when choosing a Eurail Pass: Eurail Global Pass(travel by train in and between 31 countries), Eurail Select Pass (travel within 2, 3, or 4 bordering countries) and Eurail One Country (travel in any one country of your choice).

However, if you’re traveling on a tight budget taking the train should be a secondary option unless you have bought your ticket far in advance. With so many different types of trains in France, it’s better to compare your options so you can decide for yourself the tradeoff between cost and travel time.

That said, regardless of which train you are on, you will need to validate your ticket. If you purchased your ticket from at a booth, a cashier will have validated it for you. If you have used any other way of getting your ticket though – for instance, the self-service machines – you will have to use the bright yellow validation machines before boarding the train.

Hitchhiking in France

France is a hitchhiker-friendly country. While there are highways (autoroutes in French) that connect different parts of the country, they usually have tolls and rules against hitchhikers and pedestrians. So it is best to stick to hitchhiking on smaller roads on which you can walk and raise your thumb.

Hitchhiking is made a lot easier if you are able to write your sign in French! French drivers will avoid picking you up if they’re unsure of where you’re going. People in France are extremely interactive with you if you are in a spot where they have to slow down some. They smile wave, shrug, gesture, beep, and don’t hesitate to say Hello.

That said, do as the Romans do! Smile, use a sign displaying your destination, travel with a girl, and locals will happily give you a lift!

France Food Culture: Everything to Know

France knows a thing or two about food. Your trip to this beautiful country won’t be complete without enjoying the French food culture. When it comes to backpacking France, you have the opportunity to try some of the most delicious food and wine in the World.

I’ve been impressed by the food in France. While the country has long been a foodie and wine-lovers paradise, cooking is something the French take very seriously. Therefore, the open markets and street-side cafes boast quality produce, fresh fruit, aged cheese, and of course sausage, pâté, bread, olives. These foods typically don’t contain genetically modified ingredients and available for a reasonable price (if you’re in the right place at the right time, of course).

Something I’ve come to understand even since arriving here is that the French are taught to value quality over quantity, enjoy and appreciate the quality of meals from the earliest age. With a solid appreciation of a rich meal, it is a no-brainer why dining areas and shops provide such an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere to their customers.

French Cuisine Dishes

Because French food tastes so good, the French actually enjoy their meals! However, to break your stereotypes, the vast majority of them don’t necessarily eat the classic croissants for breakfast. Toast slices of baguette, yogurt, spread butter, jam, and coffee are far more common. While you’re backpacking France, I recommend paying a visit to a boulangerie at least once for fresh treats and bread!

Boulangerie is a bakery where you can grab a quick lunch, fresh bread, and sandwiches if you’re pressed for time while backpacking France.

Many restaurants and bistrots will offer a Menu du jour available only at lunchtime. So if there’s a restaurant that you really want to eat at but could potentially destroy your budget, check to see if they offer a menu du jour to save a few Euros on food!

A usual French lunch will include: an appetizer (une entrée), such as a roasted almonds, onion soup with croutons, potatoes with oil; main course, (le plat principal), choice of beef, pork, chicken, mussels, or fish, with potatoes, rice, pasta and/or vegetables; cheese course (local brands) and/or a sweet. You can also find places offering less expensive alternatives that include a two-course option with an entrée and plat, or a plat and sweet.

It’s uncommon for French people to eat alone. They have pretty much all their meals with others. When on the go, there’s also the cheap sandwiches consisting of a fresh baguette, ham, and cheese, purchased at boulangeries and street vendors (for those who enjoy going on a picnic). A sweet or savory crêpe also makes an enjoyable lunch.

How to Visit France on a Budget

There is no getting away from the fact that backpacking in France is always going to be more expensive than backpacking in Southeast Asia for example. Even when compared with the cost of travel in Germany, France comes out as being more costly. In Europe, only the Scandinavian countries and Switzerland tend to be more expensive.

Staying at hotels every night, hanging out with friends, eating out, and traveling by trains without EuRail pass can burn a hole in your pockets pretty fast. Backpacking France is no different.

However, there is a large amount of regional variation though to keep your costs down. Spending more time in rural areas will definitely be more budget-friendly than partying it up in swankier tourist towns in the Alps or on the French Riviera. I also recommend Couchsurfing, wild camping or at least staying at hostels with kitchen facilities. Remember, high accommodation costs can really eat into any France backpacking budget.

That said, there are always ways of cutting costs and exploring France and living locally, without having to indulge too much. I would say that it’s quite possible to backpack France for as little as €40 Euros a day. If you are really on a shoestring budget you could swing €25 Euros a day, but that might be pushing it.

France may be the epicentre of gourmet cuisine and a country where you can enjoy the finer things in life, but backpacking France is all about balancing your needs with your wants. You don’t need that expensive watch if you have an iPhone. Besides, the best things in life don’t cost a single penny.

Take a Free Guided Tours in Major Cities

Nothing’s cheaper than exploring the surroundings on a free guided tour. These allow you to see the hidden gems of big cities, a great opportunity to learn more about great places and see famous landmarks from a totally different perspective. With so many free tour guides available in France, I highly recommend using their services at least once. The tours are held for groups and individuals.

Stick To a Lunchtime Menu

“Menu du jour” (menu of the day) is usually much cheaper than choosing à la carte (dish by dish). Most restaurants offer two- or three-course set menu for €15-€20 Euros, which is a great deal allowing to save money for a sip of wine in the evening. The Latin Quarter in Paris is the home to numerous bistros and cafes that offer cheap lunchtime menu.

Go On a Picnic

With so many open-air markets across Paris, there is no better way to save a few Euros on food and enjoy the city than going on a picnic. There are lots of great picnic spots in Paris where you can unroll a blanket and spend a great time with Parisians. Such groceries like fruits, cheese, and bread are really cheap and perfect for picnics.

Get Free Water in French Restaurants

Although many French people prefer bottled water, tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Tap water is always free in French restaurants. You just need to ask. As long as you order something, the waiter will be happy to bring you a pitcher of water alongside it.

Platte mineral water in France is expensive, particularly in touristy spots. Just before you place an order for drinks and food, be sure to ask the waiter for tap water. Just say the magic words – une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait. This phrase means “a pitcher of tap water”, so you will get exactly what you expect instead of expensive bottled water.

Places to visit in France

The Loire Valley

This is one of the most incredible and beautiful places to visit in France. The limestone-rich river banks are the reason the Loire Valley has so many medieval castles, palaces, and cathedrals. The Loire Valley is known as the garden of France because of the fabulous gardens designed for the French aristocracy to enjoy during the Renaissance. With a number of cultural heritage objects in the Valley, it attracts many travelers from all over the world.

The Eiffel Tower

The Iron Lady attracts some 7 million visitors annually, no doubt it’s the world’s most iconic structure. The Eiffel tower leaves nobody indifferent. Some Parisians believe the Eiffel Tower is an architectural masterpiece, the opponents say it is just spoiling the view. It isn’t just a prominent symbol of Paris, but, by extension, of France. Around 5000 people can visit the Eiffel Tower simultaneously. Almost every rooftop in Paris offers views onto the Eiffel Tower. Which is great if you don’t plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower directly. Don’t miss out on the fantastic Eiffel Tower Light Show, which is held every night from sundown to 1 a.m.

Explore Mont-Saint-Michel

The medieval abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy is known for marvelous architecture and the extreme tides. High tides turn the mountain into an island but when the tide goes out the sea reveals large sand-covered areas. Once an important Christianity’s pilgrimage site, the abbey now boasts its Gothic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and a gorgeous view from the top. Today, more than a millennium after its founding, Mont-Saint-Michel retains a lot of medieval character and offers plenty of halls and secluded corners to explore.

Spend The Day In Versailles

Once a tiny hunting lodge, then one of the most exquisite palaces in the world. The Palace of Versailles served as a royal residence for some of France’s most notable kings. The well-preserved palace and its manicured gardens show off how luxurious and serene was the life of the royal family during the 17th and 18th centuries before the French Revolution. Be sure to spend the whole day here admiring the marvelous Hall of Mirrors, Museum of the History of France and Versailles Gardens. This is a must-visit sight in France.

Champagne and Ardennes

The Champagne-Ardenne region isn’t a busy backpacker destination. However, it has so many sites to visit. Champagne is known worldwide as the birthplace of sparkling wine to which the region has given its name. With so many cellars and famous champagne producers all around, Epernay is the best spot for a champagne tasting.

Reims is home to a gorgeous Gothic cathedral where coronations of almost all French-born kings took place. Visit the Maginot Line, a system of concrete fortifications that were built to hold off Germans during the WW2. The fort of Ouvrage La Ferte has everything you need to immerse yourself in the history of the Battle of France. You will find some of the amazing mix of Renaissance and medieval architecture in Troyes.

Backpacking Strasbourg

Often associated with the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, Strasbourg is a cultural and financial hub of the northeastern part of France. Located 3 km from the Rhine, Strasbourg lies very close to Germany. The city has always been a cultural bridge between France and Germany, so you can easily get a beer with pretzels in a traditional French brasserie.

Throughout the year the city offers several fantastic attractions to visit, so the Strasbourg Pass is something worth getting to make the most out of your trip. You can also rent a bike for free with this Pass. Be sure to visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, Maison Kammerzell and take a stroll through the Old Town.

Backpacking Bordeaux

Besides being one of the most captivating cities in Southwest France, Bordeaux is the world’s most renowned wine-producing region. Furthermore, it has something else to offer. With almost 350 historic buildings around the city, Bordeaux is very accessible. It can be cheap too. Get your City Pass to use all public transport lines for free and take advantage of free admissions to museums.

Many buildings in the Old Town have retained their charm and appearance over time. To feel the atmosphere of Bordeaux, you can walk through the Quartier Saint-Eloi. The shopping centre is defined by three boulevards: Cours Georges Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance, and Allées de Tourny.

Go Hiking And Boating Through Verdon Gorge

Due to the natural chasm formed by the Verdon River, this magnificent area is sometimes nicknamed the Grand Canyon du Verdon. Located in Provence and not really far from the French Riviera, the gorge is a popular tourist destination. There is a number of hiking trails across the gorge, ranging from moderate to strenuous. Bright turquoise water, outstanding scenery and an abundance of wildlife are the main reasons to come here. The Verdon Gorge isn’t quite easily accessible, with just a few buses running through this place a day. Renting a camper van or a car is the best option to get there.

Visit Plateau de Valensole

The local lavender fields are the symbolic treasure of Haute-Provence. The lavender fields are in bloom from mid-June to August becoming one of the most instagrammable places in France and offering lavender roads, varied shades of blue and violet, rolling over the hills as far as you can see.

The town of Valensole is a great place to start your journey. It also accommodates shops selling lavender flowers and many other products made from lavender. Although lavender grows in virtually every garden in Provence, the Valensole Plateau offers this very special view of immense lavender fields.