6-Day Shoestring Budget Foodie Itinerary in France

Day 1: Explore Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Croissants at a Local Bakery

Start your day at a local bakery like Du Pain et des Idées, savoring fresh, buttery croissants.
Walk to Du Pain et des Idées which is a short 15-minute stroll from most central locations.
EUR3, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Louvre; entry is free on the first Saturday of the month.
Metro line 1 to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.
EUR0 (free entry on designated days), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Léon de Bruxelles

Enjoy affordable mussels and fries at Léon de Bruxelles, a local chain that won’t break the bank.
Walk for 10 minutes from the Louvre.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Montmartre

Wander the enchanting streets of Montmartre and visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Metro line 12 to Abbesses.
EUR0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Picnic at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Grab some pastries from a nearby boulangerie and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
Metro line 7 to Buttes-Chaumont.
EUR5 for pastries, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chez Janou

Indulge in a reasonably priced ratatouille or bouillabaisse for dinner in a cozy Provençal bistro.
Walk for 20 minutes or take Metro line 1 to Bastille.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Charming Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start with a classic Parisian breakfast of coffee and tartines at the historic Café de Flore.
Take Metro line 4 to Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and take in its stunning Gothic architecture.
Walk for 15 minutes along the Seine.
EUR0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Sainte-Chapelle

Marvel at the breathtaking stained glass windows at Sainte-Chapelle.
Walk 5 minutes from Notre-Dame.
EUR11, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Procope

Dine at the oldest café in Paris, Le Procope, famous for its affordable classic French dishes.
Walk for 20 minutes.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Musée d'Orsay

Explore the fantastic Impressionist collection at the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former railway station.
Take the RER C line from Saint-Michel to Musée d'Orsay.
EUR14, 2 hours

4:30PM

Walk along the Seine

Take a scenic walk along the Seine River, soaking in the beautiful views and street performances.
Stroll back towards Pont Alexandre III.
EUR0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Relish a steak-frites dinner in a bustling atmosphere, renowned for its secret sauce.
Metro line 9 to Saint-Augustin.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Lyon

Lyon, France

8:00AM

Breakfast from a Local Bakery

Start your journey with a quick breakfast from a local bakery of pain au chocolat.
Find a bakery near your accommodation.
EUR3, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Travel to Lyon by Train

Travel to Lyon via TGV train, which offers a speedy 2-hour ride between the cities.
Head to Gare de Lyon for your train.
EUR50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon

Discover local delights at Les Halles, sampling cheese, charcuterie, and local wines.
Walk 15 minutes from the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Old Lyon

Wander the narrow streets of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Renaissance architecture.
Walk 10 minutes.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Ascend to the Basilica for stunning views over Lyon and admire its intricate mosaics.
Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon.
EUR2, 1 hour

5:00PM

Savor a Light Snack at Le Garet

Sample Lyonnais specialities like quenelles or Andouillette at this beloved bistro.
Walk 15 minutes back to Le Garet.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bouchon

Indulge in a traditional Lyonnais meal at a local bouchon, featuring regional specialities.
Make a reservation and walk 10 minutes.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discover Lyon

Lyon, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel or nearby café, with coffee and a croissant.
Walk to the closest café.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

Visit one of France’s premier art museums featuring works from ancient Egypt to modern art.
Walk about 15 minutes.
EUR8, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at La Mulatière

Taste local salads, sausages, and more at this quaint restaurant with friendly service.
Walk for 10 minutes.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Parc de la Tête d'Or

Relax in the vast Parc de la Tête d'Or, which features beautiful gardens and a lake.
Metro line A or B to Masséna.
EUR0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Snack at Le Kitchen Café

Grab a light bite or pastry at this trendy café known for its fresh ingredients.
Walk for 20 minutes back towards the city center.
EUR7, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Les Traboules

Explore the unique passageways (traboules) of Lyon, hidden gems not to be missed.
Guided tours available.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Café des Fédérations

Enjoy traditional Lyonnais cuisine in a friendly setting, known for its hearty fare.
Take a tram back to the restaurant.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Transition to Nice

Nice, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel or from a café, with fresh pastries.
Walk to a café nearby.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel from Lyon to Nice

Head to Nice by train, enjoying the scenic views of the French countryside.
Take the train from Gare de Lyon.
EUR40, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cours Saleya Market

Feast on fresh produce, local cheeses, and Nicoise specialties at this vibrant market.
Walk 15 minutes from the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up the sun on the pebbled beaches of Nice.
Just walk to the beach area.
EUR0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Gelato at Fenocchio

Enjoy a refreshing gelato from the famous Fenocchio shop in Old Town.
Stroll around Old Town for 10 minutes.
EUR5, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Visit the Colline du Château

Climb to the Castle Hill for panoramic views of Nice and the stunning coastline.
Walk up from the beach.
EUR0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Voglia

Indulge in Italian cuisine with a French twist at La Voglia with its delicious pasta dishes.
Walk back down to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Final Day in Nice

Nice, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Merenda

Start your last day with a hearty breakfast at La Merenda, a beloved local spot.
Walk 15 minutes from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum

Explore the incredible artworks of Marc Chagall for an inspiring cultural experience.
Take the bus number 15 to the museum.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Chez Pipo

Try the local specialty socca at this casual eatery, a must-try when in Nice.
Walk 10 minutes back towards the port.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Stroll the Promenade des Anglais

Take a leisurely walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, enjoying the views of the Mediterranean.
Walk from the restaurant.
EUR0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Nice Cathedral

Explore the impressive Nice Cathedral, an architectural gem of the city.
Walk for about 20 minutes.
EUR0, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Coffee at Café de Nice

Indulge in a final coffee at a charming café, soaking in the last moments of French culture.
Walk to Café de Nice nearby.
EUR5, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Departure from Nice

Depart for your next destination, with delightful memories of France’s culinary treasures.
Head to the train or airport.
Variable, Variable
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