Before you start dialing in France, remember that your phone plan from home can add up quickly when you make calls from overseas. In order to avoid a huge phone bill once you return to the States, we suggest buying a French SIM Card and using your phone like a local. Just make sure that you bring along an unlocked phone!

(A little confused? No worries, read this first: Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone)

Remember, when you buy a SIM Card from a French carrier, you’re actually buying a small chip that contains a French phone number. You’ll then insert that chip into your unlocked phone, and then buy credits to “top it off”, which will give you some combination of minutes for telephone calls, text messages, and data for internet on your phone.

Confusingly, the French telephone carriers all offer different deals when buying a SIM Card. Most will throw in some credits to sweeten the deal. Others, meanwhile, don’t offer SIM Cards for “pay as you go” use — they’ll only sell you a SIM Card when you sign on to a monthly plan (or “forfait”). Still others, like Orange and SFR (see below), offer affordable packages made just for tourists.

We’ve combed through the options and came up with three budget-friendly SIM Cards to help you save during your trip to France.

This article was updated in April 2024 with new information and prices.

The best SIM Cards for your trip to France

An Orange SIM Card in France. Photo: Mayowa Ige

1. Orange Prepaid Holiday SIM Card

Cost: €40 (or $49.90 when bought in the U.S. before your trip)
Pros: Good deal. Reliable. Great coverage. The card can be purchased in advance.
Cons: The initial credit is only good for 14 days. (Top it off to use it for longer.)

Orange is the French equivalent of Verizon or AT&T. It’s the largest and oldest French telecommunication company in the country, and it has coverage extending to other European nations as well. Orange’s cellular coverage and internet 4G speed is unmatched because its coverage is so widespread in France.

For tourists, Orange offers a prepaid holiday SIM Card plan that costs €40/$49.90. This SIM Card gives you a French phone number and includes a credit for 120 minutes of international calls and 1,000 SMS texts (to anywhere in the world). Calls and texts within Europe are unlimited. Also, you get 30 GB of data that can be used anywhere in Europe.

Because Orange is an established company, you will find Orange stores all over Paris. If you ever run into problems with your SIM Card, you can always pop in to speak to someone — they speak English!

The only drawback? By default, the credits are only good for 14 days after your first use. To keep using your number, head to a newsstand or Orange store (“La Boutique”) and reload it to “top-up” the credits.

Note: The Orange Holiday SIM Card can be purchased in advance online for $49.90. This is a distinct advantage, as you won’t need to hunt around for a newsstand or telephone shop upon arrival.

2. SFR Prepaid SIM Card

Cost: €9.99-€24.99
Pros: Two pass options are good for up to 30 days. These SIM Cards are easy to purchase from tobacco shops and newsstands.
Cons: Limited, if any, calls and texts outside of Europe depending on the package you purchase.

SFR, known as the Société française du radiotéléphone, is the second largest telecommunication provider in France. Much like Orange, SFR is a very well-known and well-respected company.

SFR offers a few options for those who need SIM Cards in France. A basic pass offers 1 GB of data, two hours of calling and 300 SMS texts for just €9.99. More practical options include a 10 GB kit with unlimited calls and texts in France and 10 GB of 4G internet for  €14.99, a plan with unlimited texts and calls within France and 80 GB of 4G internet for €19.99, or a 5G-compatible SIM Card with unlimited calls in France and 140 GB of internet for €24.99.

Additionally, if you need to make calls to another country, you can buy a SFR Travel Sim with 60 GB of internet, 2.5 hours of international calling minutes and unlimited texting in Europe for €29.99.

All plans are valid for 30 days.

The SFR SIM Cards can be purchased in tobacco stores and “Relay” newsstands.

A Free SIM Card in France. Photo: Mayowa Ige

3. Free Mobile SIM Card

Cost: €20 for unlimited calls, texts and Internet.
Pros: Super cheap! Great for long-term visitors.
Cons: You’ll need to cancel service when finished.

Free is a new player in French telecommunications, and it has shaken up the market with an impressive price: €20 a month for unlimited calls and texts (including internationally) and 250 GB of internet.

The company also has smaller plans, including a €2/month plan with 50 MB of internet, 2 hours of calls within France and unlimited texts; or a €10.99/month plan with 140 MB of internet, unlimited calls within France and unlimited texts.

If you’re just getting the SIM Card, it takes about 10 minutes because Free has SIM card vending machines that you can order like a Twix bar at its shop and terminal locations. Free will send you a user identification number and password to your email, and you can pay for the SIM Card and service by just swiping your credit card in the “SIM-vending” machine.

Keep in mind that when you sign up for Free, you are technically signing up for a monthly subscription that you can cancel anytime with no fees or questions asked. Unless you’re staying in France or Europe for longer than a month, your bill should be €25 to €30 total; this includes €20 for the service and €10 for an activation fee. (Free usually has a €5 euro discount for new customers.) Just remember to cancel the subscription before you head home, or you’ll face recurring charges.

Use a SIM Card to test to your heart’s delight in Paris! Photo: facemepls

This is the best deal while traveling in France and Europe. You get unlimited calling within France, the U.S. and Canada, plus nearly unlimited data within France. You also get to enjoy 35 GB of data within Europe and abroad; this means you will still be connected if you’re traveling to other European countries during your vacation.

Keep in mind that you will ultimately have to return to a Free Paris store and request to cancel your service before you return back to the States. The agents will fill out a cancellation form for you. Then, you will have to take the form to a French post office and mail it to Free’s headquarters. The process is actually a lot easier than it sounds!

Another thing to keep in mind is that the levels of English vary within the Free offices. Still, I’ve been to the flagship location a couple of times, and I was able to cancel my mobile service with an agent who didn’t speak English just by showing him the English to French Google translation of “I’d like to cancel my mobile service” on my phone. Aside from having to wait one hour for my turn, the whole process took five minutes for him to fill out the cancellation form for me. Wait times may not be quite as long now that Free has expanded to multiple store locations. (The post office is also self-explanatory. Just make sure you have an envelope with you because, for some reason, French post offices don’t have envelopes for sale.)

Now, you’re all set to cruise the Seine and bring along Auntie Jenny in California with FaceTime!

More on SIM cards in Europe

The subject of using your smartphone while traveling abroad can be a tricky one. You can read much more about it here:

• How to use a SIM card in Europe
• How to set up your American iPhone for a European vacation
• Tips to keep your iPhone safe in Paris
• The top SIM cards for your trip to Spain
• Germany: The best SIM cards for tourists

Have you used a SIM Card in Europe? Share your favorites and tips for saving while traveling with your smartphone.

The post The best SIM Cards for your trip to France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As we reported in the fall of 2019, French bee was supposed to start flying this route in June of 2020. We all know how 2020 worked out for all travel companies. But with more countries ramping up vaccinations and borders carefully re-opening across Europe (France opened up to US travelers in June), French bee is re-launching their affordable fares this summer.

Related: Tips for traveling to France during Covid-19

How to get a cheap flight to Paris on French bee

Right now,  you can find one-way fares for $154 to Paris for fall travel. For example, we did a search and found a $154 fare to Paris on October 31st with a return flight on November 7th for $224. The total cost is $378 for the round-trip fare, an excellent deal for a non-stop flight to Paris.

Be aware that with the lowest fare, you get a Basic ticket with no perks. If you want to check a bag, you might want to upgrade for a little more to get a Smart ticket.

French bee offers three types of tickets between Newark and Paris:

Basic: This option offers very few perks. For example, you won’t get checked baggage or food, and seat assignments cost an extra $20. However, you can change your flight for free (plus the fare difference).

Smart: For an extra $70 on the flight we searched, you get a checked bag and one meal with a Smart ticket. You still have to pay for a seat assignment if you want one, though ($20).

Premium: This option is a little out of our budget. But for $438, Premium gives you a more comfortable seat, two checked bags, and one meal.

Seats include USB ports and unlimited in-flight entertainment. Photo: French bee

Flight details

From Newark, the departure time is 10:55 pm. The flight gets you into Paris Orly at 12:20 pm. This gives you plenty of time to hit the ground running on your first day in The City of Light. On the way back, the flight leaves Paris at 6:45 pm.

If you’re worried about planning travel now, all flights on French bee are 100% refundable or exchangeable. Non-refundable tickets earn you a voucher if you have to change your plans. French bee uses the health passport through the TousAntiCovid application. See their website for more details on COVID-19, vaccination and testing regulations.

The post French bee airline launches budget flights to Paris from Newark appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

What’s not to love? Well, the bill, for one thing. All those world-class attractions can get pricey. However, there are a number of common sense ways to save, while still allowing for a fabulous adventure in France. Listed below are 50 of our best budget tips for visiting France.

This is a “Cheapo Checklist”. We’ve included links through to more in-depth articles, where possible. Be sure to check out the comments at the end for additional tips, and please add your own in the comments at the end!

Related:

• 50 ways to save in Paris

• Tips for traveling to France during Covid-19

Trip timing

• OFF SEASON SAVINGS: If at all possible, save big by visiting France during the off-season (late October – March, except holidays) or during the shoulder season (late September-October and late March-early May), when the savings are still significant and the weather usually quite comfortable.

• AVOID SLEEPING NEAR THE BEACH: Traveling during the high season (June-August)? If possible, limit your exposure to the most expensive destinations (all beaches and coasts). Paris is also at its pricey peak from late May through the end of July. Consider smaller cities and villages. During June and July, for example, a week traveling through Provence or the Gard region will still be cheaper than hitting Nice, the Cote d’Azur, or sticking only to Paris. Still want to hit the beach? Sleep inland in a small village or B&B, and take day trips to the beach.

• PARIS CAN BE CHEAPER IN AUGUST: Paris empties out in August when locals go on vacation. This can be an interesting time to visit: Many smaller stores and some restaurants close, but hotel rooms tend to be easier to book and a bit cheaper than during June and July. (Here are some thoughts about visiting Paris in August.)

• AVOID FASHION WEEK IN PARIS. Are your Paris hotel searches turning up absurdly high rates? You might be planning to visit during one of the city’s fashion weeks. Although it sounds glamorous, the sky-high rates and crowds are soooooo last season. Upcoming dates: September 23 – October 1, 2019; February 24 – March 3, 2020.

Flying to France

• PARIS ISN’T THE ONLY AIRPORT: Flying from North America? Paris is not your only airport option (although you can find cheap flights). If much of your trip consists of travel in the south, for example, check prices on flights to Marseilles and Montpelier (which may include a transfer in Paris or a connection in another country). Even if it’s a bit more expensive, you can end up saving time and money on train tickets and rental cars by flying into an airport closer to your destination.

• OPEN JAW TICKETS SAVE TIME AND MONEY: Consider flying into one city and home through another. (For example, into Paris and back home from Marseilles.) These “open jaw” tickets can help you save money and time, as you won’t have to circle all the way back to your point of arrival in order to fly home. Best of all, the flight tickets are often about the same price as simple round-trip tickets.

• TRY A LOW-COST AIRLINE: Consider low-cost airline options from the US to France, including Norwegian Airlines which flies to Paris from several US cities.

• CONSIDER XL AIRWAYS: With all the excitement over the low-cost carriers serving the US-France market, we feel that XL Airways sometimes gets overlooked. The carrier offers some of the cheapest fares to France from the US, and, unlike the low-cost airlines, includes a piece of checked luggage in its fare. (We just found a $353 Newark-Paris round-trip flight in September. Good deal!)

• “HUB IT” FOR SAVINGS: Not finding cheap airfare to France? Try “hubbing it”, by flying first to any cheap European destination (for example, finding a cheap flight to Dublin on Aer Lingus) and then catching a budget flight from there to France (for example, on Ryanair). If your schedule is a bit flexible, you could find some savings.

• AVOID TAXIS INTO PARIS: Flying into Charles De Gaulle? We’d recommend avoiding taxis into the city, unless you’ve got a big family or lots of luggage. Some of us prefer the RER, while others always take the bus into town. Here are our favorite cheapo options into Paris.

The Place Pélissière, with statue of Cyrano, in Bergerac. Photo: cjp24

Building an itinerary

• SLOW DOWN FOR SAVINGS (AND SANITY): Resist the urge to over-pack your French itinerary with too many destinations. This is hard, especially if it’s your first time visiting the country. However, driving off to a new town or city every day is both exhausting and costly. (Some tips on planning a trip that won’t leave you exhausted.)

• THINK “DAY TRIPS”: Rather than driving to a new destination every day, consider spending two or three nights in each spot and taking day trips. For example, if visiting the Dordogne, consider basing yourself in a charming village, like Bergerac, and taking day trips to other nearby towns and wineries. Here are our 7 favorite day trips from Paris.

• HANG WITH THE LOCALS: Already visited France’s big highlights? Consider less expensive destinations that have loads of local flavor, like the Dordogne, or small villages in the southwest rather than pricier Provence. Take time to research — grab a guidebook (we’re partial to Rick Steves), learn about the regions, and have fun planning something a bit off the beaten path. Don’t overlook cities beyond Paris like Marseille or Lille or enchanting villages like Saint Emilion.

Here’s a suggested 10-day France itinerary from Paris to Marseille.

All aboard the TGV. Book your seats directly with the railway! Photo: yisris

Trains

• BOOK TGV TICKETS IN ADVANCE: If you plan to take the TGV, France’s high-speed train, book those tickets as far in advance as possible for the best rates and to take advantage of sale fares. The closer you get to the travel date, the more expensive the seats.

• RAIL PASSES ARE PROBABLY NOT A GOOD DEAL: Considering a Eurail Pass or other rail pass? While it’s possible that they could help you save if you plan to travel extensively by train, for many travelers it’s cheaper to purchase point-to-point tickets directly through the SNCF website (see next tip). Once you have your itinerary, price out the tickets to see if a rail pass can help you save (and don’t forget that even with a rail pass, you’ll still need to make seat reservations on the TGV).

• BOOK TICKETS THROUGH THE RAILWAY: Important: Book your TGV tickets like the locals, through the SNCF’s website, the railway’s official website. There’s no need to go through a third-party retailer or agency back in the United States. Book tickets directly for the lowest prices, and print off your tickets at home before leaving for France. Plus: Don’t forget that sometimes First Class seats are actually cheaper than Second Class seats!

• TRY THE LOW-COST TGV: Don’t forget about the TGV’s low-cost option Ouigo (which offers high-speed train tickets from €10 — although points of departure and destinations differ).

• BUY REGIONAL TRAIN TICKETS AT THE STATION: Taking slower, regional trains? Unlike the TGV, there’s no need to book those tickets in advance online. Just buy them at the train station.

•  KEEP AN EYE OUT POTENTIAL TRAIN STRIKES: Part of traveling in Europe is keeping on top of strike updates that could affect your travel plans. 2018 is seeing a fresh batch of strikes on the French rail system. If you already booked a ticket, don’t panic. Here’s how to know if you’re affected and how to change your ticket.

• BUSES CAN BE CHEAPER THAN TRAINS: Take a look at Ouibus for super cheap fares for travel around France — and to Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Perk: Ouibus coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. Sample fare: €5 for Paris-Lille; €35 for Paris-Barcelona.

Cars in France come in all shapes and sizes. Photo: Daniel X. O’Neil

Rental cars and driving

The following tips are excerpted from our larger article, 10 tips for saving on car rentals in France.

• BOOK CARS EARLY FOR DEALS: As with train tickets, booking early is a safe bet for finding the best car rental prices. (Search for your dates and compare car rental agencies.)

• CANCEL IF YOU FIND A BETTER DEAL: Nearly all car rentals are modifiable and able to be canceled. Thus, find something cheaper after you booked it? Cancel and re-book!

• WATCH THE START DATE: Your car reservation shouldn’t necessarily start on the first day of your trip. It should start on the first day you’re leaving the city you fly into! Pick up your car when you’re ready to drive off from Paris, not when you arrive.

• BE SMART ABOUT AUTO INSURANCE: Does your car insurance or credit company cover overseas car insurance? Call before taking off to double-check. You’ll be getting the hard sell from the rental car agency, so know in advance.

• WATCH YOUR SPEED: When driving around France, pay attention to the posted speed limits, as well as to the “speed camera” signs. Yes, you have to pay speeding tickets on rental cars!

• CAREFUL AT THE ROUNDABOUT: While roundabouts keep traffic moving, they can also be a bit dangerous for foreign drivers not accustomed to them. Avoid tickets and accidents: When approaching, you do not have priority — wait until the coast is clear before entering.

• AVOID DRIVING IN CENTER CITY: Most tourist-friendly towns in France have popular pedestrian-only center cities (“centre ville”). Only locals and delivery trucks can drive here. Don’t be the car that wanders off course and winds up trapped on a pedestrian-only cafe-lined street. It could cost (or really embarrass) you.

• PARKING IS EXPENSIVE IN THE CENTER: As you won’t be able to drive in the center city, you’ll spot underground parking garages all over the place. Center city garages, of course, will be the most expensive. If possible, we’d recommend parking farther outside the center at a cheaper garage, and walking or taking transit into the center.

Want more tips? Check out our 10 tips for saving on car rentals in France.

The Tiquetonne is the most popular budget hotel in our Paris guide — and it fills up fast.

Hotels and accommodation

• BOOK EARLY FOR POPULAR HOTELS: The good (and well-priced) accommodation options tend to go first. When it comes to Paris hotels, for example, the one-star Hotel Tiquetonne is the best deal in town — and it completely fills up. Book it, and other popular hotels, well in advance. (See all hotels in Paris, Lyon, Nice, Marseille or Strasbourg, or search all hotels.)

• ROLL THE DICE WITH LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS: Flexible with your hotel options? If you’re willing to gamble a bit, you can often find great deals at the very last minute. This is especially true if traveling during the low season or to less touristy destinations. Here are some thoughts about when to book for the best deal.

• RENT A FLAT: Hotels are not your only option, of course. Renting an apartment or staying with locals (through homestays) can offer much more room, kitchens, laundry facilities — and even save cash. Search for apartments in Paris.

• SLEEP ON THE FARM: You’ll find additional accommodation options in France, especially in smaller towns, villages, and in the countryside where “chambres d’hotes” (guestrooms) and gites (guest houses) abound. Our favorite is the “farm stay”, a sort of rural bed-and-breakfast option (although many offer delicious dinner options, often with locally sourced food). Check out the Gites de France website for more info.

More tips: Check out our tutorial to 10 ways to save on your hotel in France.

Sightseeing

• BE CAREFUL WITH PRE-BOOKING ACTIVITIES: It’s tempting, when planning your trip back home, to pre-book those tickets to the Louvre, Seine river cruise, Latin Quarter walking tour, and late-night crepe eating course. Be careful, however, as plans change once you’re on the ground. People are tired or have a blister (or are grumpy and need some downtime). All that pre-booking leaves you with less flexibility and non-refundable expenses. It’s okay to book a few things, but give yourself flexibility!

• SPEAK WITH PROFESSIONALS: Get guidance from the source! Stop by the tourist information center first thing when you arrive in a city, pick up maps, and find out about museums, events, walking tours, day trips and more. You’ll find them in the heart of every city on the tourist radar: For example, in Paris there are five in the center, Marseille (next to the old port), Nice (at the airport, train station, and center city), and Bordeaux (at the train station or center city).

• SOME OF THE BEST STUFF IS FREE: There’s no ticket necessary to explore city streets or hang out in a café, of course. However, don’t forget that some attractions are free, too. Ask at the tourist information center for free activities, free (or discounted) museum admission, and free walking tours. (In the City of Light, for example, these Paris museums are free.)

• CULTURE JUNKIE? CONSIDER A PASS: If you’re staying for a few days in a city and are serious about museums and attractions, research whether or not the city offers a tourist sightseeing card or pass. These passes often include free (or highly discounted) admission to popular museums, and cover public transit, and could save you a lot of cash. Some popular passes include the Paris Passlib’ Card, Bordeaux City Pass, Marseille City Pass, and Nice “Riviera Pass”.

Keep an eye out for great lunch deals like this delicious meal in Saint-Malo. Photo: sumidiot

Dining

• AVOID YOUR MINIBAR: That stocked minibar in your hotel room will cost you. Instead, head straight to the nearest grocery store for basics, like water, fruit, picnic supplies, and toiletries. In France, look for the following chains: Ed, Franprix, and Monoprix. (Here’s a guide to French supermarkets.)

• FEAST AT LUNCH: France has a wonderful lunch culture, kept alive by many employers who still grant proper lunch breaks and offer restaurant “tickets” to subsidize dining out. Because of this, a “corner bistro” scene still thrives, with small restaurants competing for lunch business with reasonably-priced “plats du jour”. Dinner is almost always more expensive, even if the menu has hardly changed, so take advantage of these “plats” and feast at lunch. (Five tasty lunch deals in Paris and how to eat your way through Paris on €20 per day.)

• WATER AND BREAD ARE FREE: French restaurants are required by law to offer a carafe of water and basket of bread to customers. Unless you’re really picky about your water (or prefer bubbles), there’s no need to order bottled water. Stick with “une carafe d’eau”.

• HOUSE WINE IS GREAT: Unless you’re a serious oenophile, ordering “un pichet de vin” (a small pitcher of house wine) is going to be fine at restaurants throughout France. You’re in France. (Read more on tips for buying wine in France.)

• TO MARKET, TO MARKET: Outdoor food markets are another French ritual that tourists shouldn’t miss out on. From Brittany to the Cote d’Azur, towns hold weekly, bi-weekly, or even more regularly (in Paris outdoor markets can be found every day). Explore, sample, and pick up the perfect ingredients for a budget-friendly lunch or dinner.

• GO EASY ON THE TIP: Know when to tip in France. For small stuff (coffee and croissant, beer at the bar, etc.) no tip is necessary. Table service usually merits a small tip (not 15%!), and taxi drivers and tour guides deserve tips. (Read more on tipping.)

Shopping is a sport in France, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Photo: Ignacio B

Shopping

• “SOLDES” ARE YOUR FRIEND: Take advantage of the city-wide annual sales (“Soldes”) that are held throughout France in January and July. These events stretch for weeks in the winter and heat of summer, and nearly every retailer gets in on the action. Here are some tips for “soldes” success and advice for saving on shopping in Paris.

• TAX REBATE, PLEASE: Planning to do lots of shopping? If purchasing more than €175 in the same store on the same day, you qualify for a 12% tax refund. That can add up. Here’s how it works.

• MARCHÉS AUX PUCES: Some of the best shopping deals can be found in flea markets throughout the country. In Paris, there are a number of “marché aux puces” to check out. No matter where you’re visiting, ask at your hotel for information about second-hand markets and vintage shops.

Check your smartphone plan before you get online in France! Photo: FaceMe

Staying in touch

• SIM SAVINGS: Planning to use your smartphone? We recommend buying a SIM card if you have an unlocked smartphone handy. Calls, emails, and the Web will be much, much cheaper. Even if you don’t own an unlocked phone, you can purchase one cheaply in France or before you leave. Here’s how it works and tips for finding the best SIM Cards in France.

• CALL YOUR CARRIER: Not planning to make a lot of calls with your phone? At least call your carrier before leaving home to know how much calls, text and emails will cost you. Consider getting a special international package to avoid surprises (like AT&T’s “Passport” package). Plus, be sure to set up your phone to avoid data drains.

• GET ONLINE FOR FREE: Use free Wi-Fi whenever possible. Many cafes and international chains (like McDonald’s and Starbucks) in France offer free Wi-Fi, as well as municipal buildings, libraries, parks, and some museums. Ask at the tourist information center about free Wi-Fi hotspots in town.

Banks and money

• USE ATMS: To get the best deal on getting money in France, avoid all currency exchange counters and sketchy looking ATMs. Instead, use official bank ATMs to get the best exchange rates.

• CALL YOUR BANK BEFORE LEAVING: First, tell your bank and credit card company that you’ll be traveling (to ensure that your card will work abroad). Then, ask how much you’ll be charged for ATM withdrawals and for purchases. You may find that one of your cards has no foreign surcharge. Here are some questions to ask.

• STICK TO EUROS: When making a purchase with an American credit card in France, you may be asked if you’d like it to be processed in euros or US dollars. This is just a ploy to insert another middleman into the transaction. Always stick to the local currency — in this case, euros.

More information

Want to read more? Check out our top-rated budget hotels in Paris and Nice, or search hotels, B&Bs, and apartments in hundreds of cities throughout France.

For more tips, visit our France guide, or read more about ways to save in Paris here.

Your tips

Have additional ways to save money on your trip to France? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post 50 Ways to save on your trip to France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Some call Provence the quintessence of France: the grand intersection of fine wine, buzzing culture, delectable food, and wondrous nature. Though the region may be rich in its fruits, there are plenty of ways to experience all of its grandeur without being rich yourself — financially that is.

How to maximize your euros in Provence

1. Wine: Diversify your palate

Let’s be honest. One cannot deny the prestigious reputations of appellations like Châteauneuf du Pape or Coteaux d’Aix en Provence; they are vanguards of French viticulture, but their fame is not unparalleled to some of the lesser-known appellations of Provence. You’ll be happy to know that once you arrive, your preconceived notion of wine will grow exponentially — and at a price accessible for all budgets.

Traveling during the summer? Venture to the Languedoc capital of Provence, Montpellier, for their Estivales night markets occurring every Thursday evening between July 6th and August 31st (except the 13th). €5 will buy you two glasses of local wine and a chance to immerse yourself with the local esprit de corps, music and various food vendors abounding. What’s more, every Friday the association, Les Coteaux de Languedoc, offers two free oenology courses, however, spots are limited so be sure to grab yours in advance.

If you’re looking to visit a vineyard off the beaten track, I would highly recommend the idyllic Château Mourgues du Grès: a family-run estate based on organic growing principles, and offering visitors a truly unique nature-oriented experience.  It won’t surprise you their motto is, “Sine Sole Nihil” (Nothing Without Sun).

2. Culture: Festivals, markets, museums, galore!

With no shortage of cultural hotspots, Provence has something for everyone anywhere you go. Most museums offer reduced-price tickets for families as well as those under 26.

In Arles, students can enjoy the recently finished Fondation Vincent Van Gogh, which hosts an impressive array of exhibitions, in addition to famous paintings by the artist himself, for only €4!

In Marseille, you definitely won’t want to pass up the renowned MUCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main train station, perched on the edge of the sea. For just €9.50, skip the line to the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, plus gain access to the J4 building and Fort Saint-Jean. Even if you’re not big on history, the building’s serene location and juxtaposing architecture are reason enough to make the trek.

While you may have heard of the legendary Festival d’Avignon, the annual performing arts festival (and largest festival in France), or the world-class, Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera, Provence nurtures an eclectic roster of cultural options and events throughout the year for budgets big and small. For all the cinephiles out there, be sure to check out the ultra-hip cinema, Utopia, in Avignon where a matinée will set you back at €4 — plus, it sits adjacent to the monumental Palais des Papes!

Insider’s Tip: Local newspapers and public bulletin boards often show all the happenings of the town, so keep an eye out for artistic posters and flyers. Also, if you’re keen on checking out the Festival d’Arles, come during the opening week and situate yourself on a terrace as many performers come around, passing out special invitations.

Market day in Avignon. Photo: Julian

3. Food: Indulge your taste buds at local markets

When it comes to food, the best way to stretch your wallet is heading to one of the many markets Provence hosts. Not only are you saving money, but you’re also engaging with the local community and gourmandizing the French way. Get your foodie and culture fix in one by gathering your favorite picnic fare, trying all the free samples, all the while absorbing the vibrant and fragrant atmosphere.

Saint Rémy de Provence – Wednesdays and Saturdays 8h-13h
Highlights: Not far from the fairytale town, Les Baux de Provence, making it a great place to gather picnic fare before meandering the neighboring towns!

Aix-en-Provence – Wednesdays and Sundays 8h-13
Highlights: Christmas market in December!

Avignon – Tuesdays – Sundays
Highlights: The gateway to Provence and capital of Vaucluse, Avignon brims with gothic architecture and medieval ramparts, notably visible from the prodigious Palais des Papes, home of the Roman Catholic Church during the 14th century. From full-blown farmers markets to flower markets and flea markets, you’ll find plenty of goodies sold at affordable prices.

Carpentras – Fridays
Highlights: One of the oldest markets in France, situated on a bed of rich agriculture, Carpentras is famous for their strawberries in the spring and truffles in the winter.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Thursdays – Sundays
Highlights: One of the best brocantes (antiques) market in the south of France!

A peaceful scene at Pont du Gard. Photo: Gerard

4. Nature: Enliven your senses

Though Provence’s terrain is more arid-leaning, it is far from looking bereft of lush vegetation. Known for its “meso-climates,” and undulating limestone mountain ranges, it’s no wonder Provence attracts famous celebrities and curious travelers alike.

To visit Provence and not bask in its bucolic opulence — engaging in activities like hiking, bicycling, swimming, or even rock climbing — would be a shame, and to some, complete and utter sacrilege! For the budget traveler, Provence offers one of the most diverse regions for lovers of the outdoors.

Here are some favorites:

Les Calanques: for a stunning seaside hike, swim, and/or climb

Pont du Gard: for a float down the river Gard and a remarkable example of Roman architecture

Gorge du Verdon: for a mystical hike, swim, and/or climb amidst the deepest gorge in France

Les Alpilles: for a plethora of scenic viewpoints overlooking quintessential Provençal towns, including Luberon, Baux de Provence, and Tarascon among others

Soak in Provence at Hôtel et Jardin in Avignon.

5. Travel & Lodging: Resting your head and getting from A to B

Coming from Paris? Check out Ouigo, an affordable subsidiary of SNCF (France’s national train line), covering a variety of spots in the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur (PACA) region. Tickets can be as low as €10 one way, just be sure to book at least two weeks in advance.

Related: How to find cheap tickets on France’s high-speed trains

If you’re flying in, you have even more options. The biggest airport is located in Marseille; however, many of the budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet fly into Nîmes, Nice, and Montpellier from other French and European and Northern African locales.

Provence is loaded with affordable accommodations whether you’re looking for a rural retreat with a pool or a cozy hotel room in the heart of the city center. If you’re headed to Aix-en-Provence, you can check in at these cheap and charming hotels. or book a room at the best budget hotels in Avignonon.

Looking for more options? Search thousands of hotels and vacation apartments in Provence.

The post Provence Budget Tips: A moveable feast minus the extravagant costs appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.