You’ll notice very quickly once you arrive how the French café culture and wine culture go hand in hand. It’s true: the French love drinking wine! So even if your budget is small and limited, there are plenty of ways you can revel in the French capital of wine, Bordeaux, without entirely breaking your wallet.

While we wouldn’t necessarily don it a “super cheap” destination, you’ll soon find out there are many thrifty ways to experience the historical glamour and gastronomy Bordeaux and its surrounding regions have to offer.

More advice for visiting France
• 5 Fun activities in Bordeaux beyond wine
• How to find cheap hotels in France
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to France

Bordeaux budget travel guide

While you may know Bordeaux solely for its venerated wine culture, we have good news for you: wine is only the first of many reasons why people are coming to explore this southwestern region.

Believe it or not, Bordeaux wasn’t always the cosmopolitan hotspot it is nowadays. It wasn’t until 2007, when the city of Bordeaux became classified as the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site. While parts of the city still embody antediluvian grime, the urban transformation that took place ten years ago has embraced the city’s true grit and mélange of ancient architecture, which stems back from the age of Enlightenment.

According to UNESCO, Bordeaux, also known as Port of the Moon for its crescent-shaped contour, “represents the success of philosophers who wanted to make towns into melting pots of humanism, universality, and culture.” Oui, c’est vrai (Yes, it’s true); Bordeaux is all of that and more, and you can enjoy it even if your budget is limited!

A glass of wine perhaps? The answer is always “oui” in Bordeaux. Photo: Chris.

When to go to Bordeaux

Two words for Cheapos: Off season! If you like to maximize your wallet, then you probably already know the benefits of off-season travel. On the plus side, the off-season usually means fewer crowds and fewer lines. The off-season in Bordeaux takes place during the spring or early autumn; however, if you’re planning your trip in the winter, December can be a very jolly time of year to visit the Port of the Moon… just be prepared for many of the vineyards to be closed.

Getting there cheaply

If you plan on directly traveling to Bordeaux from overseas, I highly recommend flying into one of Paris’s two main airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). Thanks to new high-speed train service, the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique, traveling to this wine paradise has never been faster! In just two hours, you can hop aboard a train at Paris’s Gare Montparnasse and arrive in Bordeaux for a full day of Dionysian delights.

If you book your ticket even just a week in advance during the off-season, you can get to Bordeaux via train for prices as low as €16 during the week and €19 during the weekend. That’s a bargain.

Meandering Bordeaux’s historic city center

France is one of those special countries where no matter how large or small the city, exploring by foot is always a pleasurable option. When it comes to Bordeaux, this rule of thumb speaks volumes! As aforementioned, Bordeaux boasts a broad and impressive range of architectural styles, and after Paris has more protected buildings than any other city in France. At times you’ll feel like you’re in a small village, other times in a regal urban sprawl saturated with Parisian joie de vivre.

If you like having a handheld map like me, head to the Office of Tourism where you’ll find a plethora of resourceful brochures and handouts.

Bordeaux CityPass

If you want the biggest bang for your buck, you may consider buying a Bordeaux CityPass, which starts at €29 for a 24-hour pass. This includes a walking tour, bus tour, admission to the Pey-Berland Tower, access to the majority of museums, including La Cité du Vin (if you go before noon), free access to all of Bordeaux’s public transport network, and many other discounts, the list goes on! If you were to pay for all of these separately, it would add up to €56, so even if you only end up at a few of these attractions, the CityPass could help you save a few euros.

Top Bordeaux activities

Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror
Located along the banks of the Garonne River, this elegant square, emblematic landmark and optical illusion is a must-see for every visitor.

Pont de Pierre 
The first bridge built over the Garonne River in Bordeaux, it was planned and designed under the orders of Napoléon Bonaparte I. Until 1965, this bridge was the only one connecting the left and right banks.

Bordeaux Cathedral (St. Andrew’s Cathedral)
Even though it might not be as impressive as other French churches, this beautiful cathedral is an architectural treasure for Bordeaux. Entry: €2.

Les Chartrons
This lovely, village-esque district near the Bassins à Flot is bustling with wineries, restaurants, cultural centers and boutiques.

Darwin 
An alternative urban space with an eco-friendly philosophy housed in former military warehouses, Darwin is a cool kids’ paradise, full of workshops, small businesses and organizations, and cafes.

Raise a glass at the brand-new La Cité du Vin. Photo: patrick.

Wine, anyone? Saving on Bordeaux’s wine culture

Best bargain for wine lovers

Bordeaux’s École du Vin (3 Cours du 30 Juillet), just across from the Office of Tourism in the “Golden Triangle”, is where your wildest, wine-iest dreams can come true… without spending every last euro in your wallet. This fine institution — not to be confused with the Maison à Vin, also located near the Office of Tourism — gives wine enthusiasts one of the most affordable ways of tasting a wide variety of wines at their chic, yet unpretentious wine bar.

And unlike the overpriced full & half-day vineyard tours, the pours here are very generous. For €2-5, you can drink full glasses of some of the region’s finest wines and learn all there is to know about it. The servers are properly trained sommeliers, so don’t be shy or suspicious when it comes to their knowledge of wine.

This bar additionally offers a few different cheeseboards that cost around €9 and like the wine pours, are generous in portion, so this could be a great way to substitute a picnic outdoors.

Best spot for history buffs

La Cité Du Vin (134 Quai de Bacalan), Bordeaux’s newest architectural masterpiece, a glimmering structure redefining the up-and-coming Bassins à Flots district, opened its doors in June of 2016. If you love wine (likely) and appreciate history (probably), this museum is chock-full of high-tech exhibits, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the winemaking process, as well as the long-established history of wine culture in France.

While the €20 entrance fee might deter Cheapos, it might be worth it if you end up visiting Bordeaux during the colder months or run into some unfortunate weather.

Bonus tip: Your admission also includes a glass of wine to be enjoyed on the 8th-floor wine bar, where you can equally relish one of the best panoramic views of Bordeaux!

Cheap eats in Bordeaux

Chez Pompon
4 cours de Verdun

Right near the Jardin Public, this modish, yet cozy restaurant has a wonderful terrace and dining space. Here you can enjoy an Entrée and Plat (appetizer & main dish) or a Plat and Dessert for €14, while glasses of wine will only set you back only €2-5. If you’re a party of two, you can buy a nice bottle of wine for €10-16! The restaurant’s elegant simplicity is found in its rotating menu of delicious, regional meals that highlight the flavors of Bordeaux.

Marché des Capucins
Place des Capucins

Not far from the Saint-Jean train station, the emblematic Marché des Capucins food market, which recently underwent a face-lift of sorts, is a great place to grub and people watch all at once. Situated in the Saint-Michel district, it’s become a trendy hangout spot teeming with cafés, cheap local eateries, and produce and seafood vendors selling some of the Atlantic coast’s best oysters! This place is full of locals, especially Bordeaux’s laidback student population, so if you’re wanting to experience something authentic and inexpensive, make this one of your first stops of the day.

The market is open Tuesday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saint-Émilion: For true oenophiles

You don’t have to take a pricey winery bus tour to enjoy the famous wines of Bordeaux. Instead, you can plan a day trip to the renowned wine village of Saint-Emilion. It’s located only 35 minutes by train from Bordeaux and the price is right — a round-trip train ticket will cost you €18.

Read more about how to visit Saint-Émilion on a budget.

The breakfast room at Hostel 20 in Bordeaux.

Best Cheap Hotels in Bordeaux

Ready to explore the southwest of France? Sleep for cheap at our favorite budget hotels.

You’ll find dorms rooms for less than €30 at Hostel 20 Bordeaux. For something stylish, spend the night at ibis Styles Bordeaux Mériadeck or stay in the heart of the city at Hotel Bleu de Mer.

Search more than 900 hotels, hostels & apartments in Bordeaux

Have you been to Bordeaux? Tell us how you were able to save money!

The post Bordeaux Travel Guide: Budget tips for visiting Bordeaux appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

For those who want to learn a little bit more about what’s in their glass, however, you needn’t look far, nor should you rack up a huge bill in doing so.

Skip the fancy tours and do what the French tourist do, heading directly to the source of the wine, whether it’s red, white, or bubbly.

More France tips for Cheapos:
• The best SIM Cards to use in France
• 10-day France itinerary from Paris to Marseille
• 22 phrases every visitor to France should learn

Visiting French vineyards on a budget

From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the Champagne cellars around Epernay, it’s easy to experience the local wares in a unique way on your next trip to France.

Champagne

Sparkling white wine made anywhere else cannot dare call itself Champagne, and on a visit to a cellar somewhere in the region, east of Paris, you’ll learn why. The big houses like Pommery and Veuve-Clicquot offer standard visits and tastings, accessible directly from the train station in Reims.

For something even more special, there are smaller houses out there that you might want to explore.

Consider supporting family-run, independent Champagne makers like AR Lenoble who offer generous tastings and pairings in their center just outside Epernay, though you’ll need a car to get there! Tastings start around €35 — a good deal considering how pricey Champagne can be, and how good AR Lenoble’s is!

Bordeaux

It’s perhaps the most well-known wine outside of France, but beyond the name, what do you actually know about it? Is a Bordeaux Supérieur better than a Médoc or a St-Emilion? So many questions!

Travel to this southwestern France city and you’ll realize that there are no vineyards to be seen within walking distance, and the idea of renting a car and driving out to visit them is doable, but not the cheapest option.

Fortunately, the tourism office offers trips to the vineyards and chateaus to learn all about it, with the most affordable starting at €42 for a bus ride and a half-day excursion to two properties, all in French and English.

It may seem like a touristy thing to do, but it’s one of the best ways to get out there and learn a bit en route. You could always attend the annual Marathon du Médoc if you really want to experience Bordeaux’s best wines while on the run, but that’s another level of dedication that you might not be ready for yet.

Related: Our favorite chap hotels in Bordeaux | Visiting Bordeaux on a budget

Loire Valley

More known for its castles than its wine, the Loire Valley, just southwest of Paris, produces some of France’s most beloved wines like Chinon and Touraine. Many small producers in the area throw their doors wide open to tourists who want to visit and learn more about their vintages.

The office of tourism has a great resource for visitors — some translation needed on the site, sorry! You can reserve tastings, including pairings with cheeses, for mere euros. Try a wine you may have never tasted, like Vouvray, which also comes in a sparkling version that rivals Champagne!

A picturesque vineyard in Burgundy. Photo: Aapo

Burgundy

Burgundy wines are known to be refined reds, but there are whites to discover as well! The Bourgogne region, southeast of Paris, boasts some of France’s most sought-after wines, and a visit to local vineyards between the towns of Dijon and Beaune are worth a stopover for any wine-lover.

Adventurous cheapos might want to hop the bus 113 that, for just €1.50, travels between towns with winemakers including Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Ladoix-Serrigny, and Aloxe-Corton. A little planning will go a long way to taste the best of Burgundy in these towns.

Otherwise, stop into Beaune and follow the office of tourism’s menu of local wine tastings where some are just a few euros.

Côtes-du-Rhône

The name might not be instantly familiar, but this region around Lyon is popular for its Beaujolais, the first wine of the season that has become something of a marketing tool. Heard of that one, right? Still, the region produces many fantastic reds, and the office of tourism provides all the options on their website.

Some visits and tastings are even free — but it’ll be hard not to leave with a bottle or two. These winemakers know what they’re doing! Don’t feel obligated, but at the same time, going home with a bottle of anything, straight from its production site, gives you a better story to tell than just picking up some anonymous bottle in a supermarket!

Your wine tasting tips

Have you visited any wineries in France? Let us know where you go to sip your favorite wines.

The post France: How go wine tasting on a budget at world-class vineyards appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While it’s tempting to spend a whole vacation in Paris, there is more than the illustrious City of Light to experience. With easily navigable roads and a stellar train system, the options abound, and Cheapos will delight in the variety of budget-friendly experiences in store in every corner of “l’Hexagone.”

To see it all in 10 days, however, is impossible. Instead, consider following our advice, making some executive decisions to visit a few select destinations to get a feel for France’s diversity.

More France tips:
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to France
• 10 tips for saving on your French rental car
• The best SIM cards for your trip to France

France itinerary: Where to go on a 10-day trip

This itinerary hits a few major sites of interest, mixing in some history and winemaking alongside some unexpected but welcomed discoveries in cities like Bordeaux and Marseille.

Day 1, 2, 3: Paris

It seems silly to devote so little time to the world’s most famous city (we say that subjectively, but just try to argue). Take a free tour, splurge on an affordable lunch prix fixe, skip the Eiffel Tower and head up to the roof of one of the city’s department stores, and browse the Louvre at night. And that’s just one day!

Paris is rife with free experiences, from the newly renovated Carnavalet Museum to the expansive Père Lachaise Cemetery. It’s easy to spend money, but just as easy to enjoy the city for the price of a baguette — about one euro, for your information.

On your final day, consider a cruise on the Seine for something touristy but rewarding, or perhaps plan a picnic on the water’s edge. A sunset over the river is not something you want to miss.

Read more about our tips on spending three days in Paris.

Sleeping in Paris: A large number of affordable properties in the center of the city are among our favorites in the world. Consider staying in the Marais or around Les Halles to avoid taking the Paris Metro as much as possible. Walking is a cheapo’s best mode of transportation.

See some of our favorite hotels in Paris.

The stunning Chateau de Chambord. Photo: Miwok

Day 4: Tours

A stopover in the Loire Valley to see the famous Renaissance castles is next on the list. Join a group tour or rent a car in France from the quaint town of Tours to visit the mighty castles of Chambord and Chenonceau before turning in for the night. Expect a crush of tourists in the high season, but the monuments impress equally in the low season when crowds are thinner.

Getting there: Tours is a short train ride from Paris (under 2 hours) and everything is walkable once you arrive in the city. The Office of Tourism will have information about the trip to the castles, but book in advance or else rent a car or cycle to transport yourself there.

Sleeping: Don’t expect costs quite as high as Paris for hotels, but in the high season, rooms can get pricy, so book in advance. Search for hotels in Tours.

Tourists strolling through Bordeaux. Photo: traveljunction

Days 5 and 6: Bordeaux

From Tours, head towards the Atlantic coast in Bordeaux. While the city is not necessarily a budget haven, it’s a great taste of French culture that’s not to be missed.

Wander the town, but beeline, if possible, to the Office of Tourism to grab a seat on one of their wine excursions. Guided bus tours take visitors to several wineries, allowing you to experience viticulture first-hand without worrying about getting lost in the vineyards. And did we mention there will be wine?

On your second day, take a short train trip to either Arcachon, a cute oceanfront town, or to Saint-Émilion, the historic winemaking town that makes Bordeaux’s best vintages.

Need more tips? Here’s how to visit Bordeaux without breaking the bank.

Getting there: The train to Bordeaux from Tours is about 2 hours, and the Bordeaux station is a decent walk or short cab right to the city center.

Sleeping: Bordeaux offers many budget-friendly options, from hostels to chain hotels and even apartments. Discover our favorite cheap hotels in Bordeaux.

Day 7: Carcassonne

Stop by the UNESCO heritage site, the Cité de Carcassonne, for a night of small-town French feels. The medieval fortress is a world unto itself with beautifully preserved towers and ramparts. Have some of the local specialty of southwestern France, cassoulet, while exploring its alleys.

Getting there: A train to Carcassonne is about 3 hours from Bordeaux

Sleeping: A number of hotels and gites (guesthouses) are found within the modern town of Carcassonne. Some are even found within the medieval walls of the Cité! Search for hotels and vacation rentals.

Looking out over the port in Marseille. Photo: Craig Nelson

Days 8, 9, 10: Marseille

While the glitterati head to Saint-Tropez and Cannes, Cheapos may prefer the down-to-earth feel of Marseille. This bustling port town is vibrant and edgy, with a developing cultural scene and cute shops selling the city’s famous soap and cafés serving up refreshing pastis in the Panier district right by the port.

Spend a day soaking up the sun along one of the city’s beaches overlooking the impossibly blue water. Hop a boat ride out to the island off the coast or consider a tour of the Calanques, the stunning cliffs that jut out over the water.

You can also spend a day taking a trip to either Cassis, a swanky seaside town with pristine beaches, or head to the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, home to Cezanne’s studio that can still be visited today. So many choices! See our travel guide to Marseille for more tips.

Sleeping: Marseille is budget-friendly all around, but staying in the Panier is your best bet since it is tourist-friendly and full of great eateries and charming streets. See our top budget hotels in Marseille.

Getting there: The train to Marseille from Carcassonne is around 3 hours, and the main station is a short cab ride from the main port.

Getting home: From Marseille, either fly home or take a three-hour train to Paris or Nice to fly out from one of these airports.

Your France itinerary

How would you spend 10 days in France? Share your tips in the comments below.

The post France itinerary: 10 days from Paris to Marseille appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Of course, wine is the most famous calling card of this port city on the Garonne River. And if you want to sip the renowned wine in its natural home, then you need a comfy and affordable home base during your stay.

More hotel tips for France:
• How to find cheap hotels in France
• The best budget hotels in Paris
• Top hotels in Nice for budget travelers

Top cheap hotels in Bordeaux

If you want to stay right in the city center without breaking the bank, there are a number of excellent options in Bordeaux. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hotel Opera

35 rue Esprit Des Lois in the city center
Rooms from €75

Set up camp close to everything when you check in at this 2-star choice in the heart of Bordeaux. There’s free Wi-Fi and each room comes with a private bathroom. Ask for a room with a balcony overlooking the city. The view is priceless!

The fun and funky communal area at Hostel20.

Hostel 20 Bordeaux

20 rue Borie in the Chartrons district
Rooms from €45

One of two hostels in Bordeaux, Hostel 20 rests in the chic area of Chartrons, about 10-15 minutes from the city center and Bordeaux’s main attractions. Shared dorms will cost you about €28 per night, whereas a Private Single to Double Bed will cost you from €45-55 per night.

Indulge in a nice breakfast buffet every morning at ibis Styles.

ibis Styles Bordeaux Mériadeck

54 Rue Joseph Abria
Rooms from €83

A stylish option for budget travelers, this 3-star hotel can have some very good deals if you book in advance. Our favorite part? The generous breakfast spread is free for all guests. It’s a tad outside of the city center, but it’s worth it for the modern experience.

Stay in a comfy room smack dab in the middle of the city at Acante Hotel.

Hotel Bleu de Mer

12 Rue Saint-Rémi
Rooms from €85

Just a few steps from Place de la Bourse, this 2-star hotel is hard to beat when it comes to location. It also has free Wi-Fi, an elevator, and 24-hour front desk service. Rooms on the top floor have classic rooftop views.

If you’re looking for more options, Search more than 900 hotels, hostels & apartments in Bordeaux.

Have you been to Bordeaux? Tell us where you stayed in the comments below.

The post Our favorite cheap hotels in Bordeaux appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Despite the wine region’s expensive reputation, there are several ways Cheapos can visit Saint-Émilion without emptying their bank account.

Related: Visiting Bordeaux, France without breaking the bank

Getting to Saint-Émilion

If you’re staying in Bordeaux, it’s easy to plan a day trip to the renowned wine village of Saint-Emilion. A train ride is only 35 minutes from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion. A return train ticket will cost you €18, and that’s much cheaper than opting for an expensive bus tour of the wine region. Search for train tickets on SNCF.

Arriving in Saint-Émilion

Here you can embark on a self-guided tour and explore the picturesque village on your own terms. When you arrive, head to the Office of Tourism where a very friendly and multi-lingual staff awaits you. They will happily provide you with free maps, brochures, and referrals to local vineyard tours depending on your timeframe and budget.

Wine tours in Saint-Émilion

Most local vineyards offer one-hour tours for about €12-14, which includes a tasting following the tour of the chateau and/or vineyard. It may be wise to take a sneak peak of Saint-Emilion’s tourism guide for information on chateaus, tastings, and other things to do during your visit.

Exploring Saint-Émilion

While you’re snaking your way through the enchanting wine village, draped in rustic antiquity and dappled with ‘Moulin Rouge’ geraniums, try to scope out a couple wine shops off the beaten path. Let yourself get carried away and go down those tiny alleys that beckon your curiosity. The town is only so big after all, so getting lost may be the serendipitous moment you’ve been seeking after all!

There’s no need to worry about a language barrier as Saint-Emilion is fueled by its thriving tourism, so no matter what shop you end up entering, there will always be someone you can communicate with on all things-wine and otherwise.

Related: 22 French phrases every traveler should know

You’ll love strolling through the narrow streets of Saint-Émilion.

Once you set your heart on a shop, enter it and don’t look back. This is your opportunity to have your own little private tasting, as long as you intend on buying at least one bottle. This is what my friends and I did before getting some made-to-order baguette sandwiches at the local boulangerie for lunch. You’ll save a lot of money that way. After several gratis tastings, we finally agreed on two wines we all enjoyed: one, which we opened to enjoy during our picnic lunch and the other for that evening.

Wines that would cost a fortune in the U.S. will only cost you €10-20 a bottle. Of course, you can spend much more than that if you’d like, but at €12, you’ll have an excellent bottle of wine to accompany your afternoon lunch or evening meal. We’ll drink to that!

We love the rustic charm of the rooms at La Maison Colline.

Cheap hotels in Saint-Émilion

If you don’t want to take a day trip from Bordeaux, there are several well-priced accommodations for budget travelers in Saint-Émilion. While the high-end hotels can cost you upwards of $200 per night, you can find comfy rooms for well under $100 if you stick to small, independent guesthouses and hotels.

Here are a few picks from our guide:

La Maison Colline

Double rooms from $87

Looking for that perfect little French guesthouse that you’ve always dreamed about? This friendly spot might just fit the bill. An ancient stone house with three exquisitely designed rooms, the guesthouse was completely renovated in 2015. Music lovers will enjoy the grand piano in the living room! Read more.

Les Chambres d’Ovaline

Economy double room from $83

With an outdoor terrace and garden, this cozy guesthouse is a treat for Cheapos looking for an incredible location. It’s smack dab in the center of historic Saint-Émilion. Read more.

ibis Bordeaux Saint Emilion

Double rooms from $74

Located a few miles outside of the city center, this popular budget chain offers rooms with private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. It also has free parking, so it’s a good option if you’re renting a car to explore Bordeaux. Read more.

Browse and book 40 hotels in Saint Emilion

The entrance to the affordable hotel Les Logis du Roy.

The post Saint Emilion: Exploring a charming wine village on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Expat Aurelia D’Andrea, a California native, literally wrote the book on moving to France, “Living Abroad in France,” published by Moon Guidebooks. It’s a handy resource for those dreaming of living among baguettes and cheese shops more permanently.

Living Abroad in France, by Aurelia d’Andrea

A guide to moving abroad

Travelers dreaming for a more permanent stay will find plenty of details on how to move to France, including practical information for the move and a breakdown of some of the country’s best regions. D’Andrea sat down with us recently over some café allongé to discuss how she met her deadline and what budget tips she picked up along the way for potential cheapo expats.

D’Andrea set out to write “Living Abroad in France” in a stressfully short four months. A whirlwind trip to every corner of the Hexagon landed her back in Paris where she penned the book to help fellow Francophiles looking to move abroad. “I want to help other people who have the same sorts of dreams to bypass a lot of the trials and tribulations,” she explained of her motivations.

Even though she chose to live in Paris, her ideal city, D’Andrea has fallen for the food of Nice and the quaint towns of Dordogne. If forced to move, she’d venture towards the Mediterranean for some Italian inspiration, great cuisine and sunshine. But expatriation can be a pricey affair that needs careful planning and consideration to make sure there are a few euros left over for a decent bottle of wine and a baguette or two.

Cost cutting

Finding a legal way to move to France is a headache and a half, with no secret recipe for success. Once you find the right situation, start-up costs are one of the biggest concerns for anyone moving abroad. Between finding a place to live and filling it with one’s possessions, the bills can start to soar. Shipping a container of personal items and finding temporary housing while finding a permanent solution are concerns that should be priced out in order to minimize costs.

While furnishing a home, heading to Paris’s Bon Marché or even BHV department store is not the best idea for cutting costs. But buying quality products can pay off in the end, especially for highly-used items like kitchen appliances. “I won’t have to replace my espresso maker while here,” she said

D’Andrea also said that taking castaway items from other expats is a great way to save money and to be green-minded. She suggests scouring the internet to find great used items looking for a home. “Using Craigslist, for example, is a great way not to reinvent the wheel,” she said.

More handy information on the process, from A to Z, can be found in the Moon guide, “Living Abroad in France.” Take a look and then let us know any other cheapo-friendly tips for starting up a life in France!

The post The guide to moving to France? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

UNESCO sights

I recently spent a week in Gironde, the French region that includes Bordeaux—and Emilie turned out to be right. Here are five Bordeaux activities that won’t have you “wining” at all:

1. UNESCO World Heritage walking tour

Nearly half of the entire city’s surface is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. With over 350 buildings classified as historic monuments, Bordeaux has preserved its classical and neoclassical architecture.

Yet it doesn’t feel stuffy. The ornate stone mascarons may cast their austere gaze, but the mood on the street is decidedly lively. Take a quick stroll down Rue St. Catherine and you’ll see how classic architecture can provide a backdrop to vibrant urban life.

2. Transit fun

Fellow transit geeks rejoice! To keep the city’s gorgeous skyline free of cluttering electric lines, the streetcars are powered by an underground power strip—the first of its kind in the world!

VClub, the city’s public bike system, is also a marvel. With numerous locations around the city,  you can always find a bike when you need one, 24 hours a day—for €1. Not cheapo enough for you? The first 30 minutes are free. Read more on the VClub Web site.

3. Check out la Base Sous-Marine

Mussolini launched Italian naval crafts in an unsuccessful bid for world domination from this submarine base, built by the Germans in 1942. Today, its functions are far more benign. Converted into an exhibition hall, the cavernous space hosts large-scale installations.

4. Climb the “Dune de Pilat”

Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and a pine forest one hour from Bordeaux, the crescent-shaped Dune de Pilat (or “Pyla”) is an imposing giant of nature. Reaching over 350 feet into the sky, the sand dune also happens to be the highest in Europe. (Read this site for practical info on getting to the Great Dune.)

I’m a city guy, but even I was blown away—literally, too, since it gets pretty gusty up there. So strong are the winds, in fact, that the dune continues to migrate eastward every year. Give yourself plenty of time to climb and explore the area, as the dune is about 3km long and 500m wide. You can spend a whole day marveling at its beauty—I did.

5. Visit Saint Emilion… on a weekday

The trouble with the medieval town of Saint Emilion is that it’s famous—too famous, in fact, for its wine trade. On weekends, the cobblestone alleys are packed with tipsy tourists.

I was lucky enough to see the town anew on a Monday morning, as the school kids marched up the steep streets and shop owners were sweeping the ground. The town is in the middle of vine-covered hills that stretch for miles all around. Whether you indulge in wine or not, the verdant fields that surround the town are worth exploring on foot.

The post Bordeaux: 5 Activities You Won’t “Wine” About appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.