Paris, the City of Love, is the perfect place to start exploring France! Stroll around the charming streets of Montmartre, visit the Musee d'Orsay, eat some fresh pastries and baguettes, and marvel at the impressive structure of the Eiffel Tower.
The Palace of Versailles is the perfect example of majestic architecture and beautiful landscapes. This opulent palace was once home to France's most powerful monarchs. The estate is full of gorgeous gardens, beautiful fountains, and skillfully created art pieces.
Sculptures, museums, and parks make Lyon a picturesque city perfect for travellers on a shoestring budget. Lyon is known for its quirky 'traboules,' architectural passageways that weave through buildings and offer a glimpse into the history of the city. Be sure to try the famous French dish - quenelles - a soft, delicate dumpling made from pureed fish or meat.
The six incredibly preserved Medieval and Renaissance papal palaces and the St. Bénezet Bridge, also known as Pont d'Avignon, are certainly Avignon's most significant landmarks. Visitors to the region may also marvel at the palais des papes and the remains of the Pont d'Avignon, which is among France's most renowned and enchanting sites
Cannes is synonymous with the famous film festival. However, several cost-free activities and attractions are possible in Cannes, and it may exceptionally come in handy for visitors on a shoestring budget. Explore the Cannes Old Town, enjoy the beach, and appreciate the stunning views from the observation deck on the Le Suquet summit.
Embrace culture and art by visiting some of France's famous museums and casting a glimpse of art treasures, including the world-famous Mona Lisa at The Louvre. In Nice, stroll around the Promenade des Anglais and explore the lovely old town of Nice, Vieux Nice.
Colmar, located in the Alsace region, is a picturesque town that looks like it was straight out of a fairytale. It's a gem of a city filled with medieval architecture, greenery, and quaint buildings with colorful shutters that will magically take you back in time.
Located on the border of Germany, Strasbourg is an amazing city with an impressive blend of French and German cultures. Visit the giant, pink sandstone Gothic cathedral, and lose yourself in the meandering streets of the charming Petite France area. Don't forget to get authentic Alsatian food, including baeckeoffe, quiche Lorraine, and tarte flambee.
Montpellier, known for its historical and cultural heritage, is an excellent destination for a day trip. Walk around the numerous gardens hidden within the city, such as the Promenade du Peyrou and the Jardin des Plantes. Visit museums like Hôtel des Trésors and historic landmarks, including the Place Royale du Peyrou arch, to learn more about the town's rich past.
On the last day, go to the port city of Marseille, where you can easily reach the gorgeous island of Lazaronte. Relax on the beaches, go swimming, and tour the famous Chateau d'If prison, featured in The Count of Monte Cristo.
Public transport like subways, trains and buses, are reliable and cost-efficient forms of transportation throughout France. The cost ranges from 1.90€ to 2.40€ per stop. Renting a bike is budget-friendly and an eco-friendly transportation option in bigger cities. The average daily car rental price is €34.38, with fuel costs starting at €1.3 per liter. International car rental companies are easy to find, along with many French locations.
If you have more time, consider spending an extra day in Nice or exploring the Loire Valley. If you have less time, cut your stay in Montpellier and skip Versailles. Don't be afraid to take buses or trains for day trips to neighbouring towns or cities. A few great day trips include Bayeux, a charming city with a fantastic cathedral, and Arles, a city with a fascinating Roman history.
Paris has two main airports, Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY), with CDG being the busier of the two. Nice has its international airport, named Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE), which is just five kilometers from the city center.