Super Budget-Friendly 7-Day France Itinerary: Affordable Highlights and Attractions

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Paris

Paris, France on June 30, 2025

9:00am

Flight Arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Arrive in Paris via budget carrier, such as EasyJet or Ryanair, which often provide flights under $100 from many European cities. Use public transit to reach your accommodation affordably.
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10:30am

Check Into Budget Hostel

Choose a hostel like Generator Paris or St Christopher’s Inn, offering dorm beds around €25 per night for affordable stay in central locations.
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11:30am

Breakfast at Du Pain et des Idées

Enjoy a delicious yet affordable pastry and coffee near Canal Saint-Martin. Opens 7:00am.
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12:00pm

Wander Montmartre & Visit Sacré-Cœur

Explore this historic artistic district and enjoy panoramic city views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which is free to enter.
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2:30pm

Lunch at Le Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy traditional French meals at this budget-friendly eatery with meals around €10-15. Open noon to 3pm.
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3:30pm

Stroll Along the Seine & Visit Notre-Dame Exterior

Walk along the riverbanks and admire Notre-Dame Cathedral's exterior after the fire (interior currently closed).
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5:00pm

Relax at Luxembourg Gardens

Free entry urban park perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature in the heart of Paris.
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7:00pm

Dinner at L'As du Fallafel

Enjoy one of the most famous budget-friendly falafel sandwiches in Paris' Marais district. Meals under €10.
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Day 2: Museums & Landmarks

Paris, France on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Boulangerie

Grab a fresh baguette or croissant with coffee for under €5 from any local bakery.
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9:00am

Louvre Museum Visit

Free entry for EU residents under 26 or on first Saturday of the month after 6pm; other visitors €17. Arrive early to avoid lines.
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12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Tuileries Garden

Buy fresh cheese, bread, and fruit from nearby markets for an affordable picnic.
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1:30pm

Champs-Élysées Walk to Arc de Triomphe

Stroll this world-famous avenue and visit Arc de Triomphe exterior; climbing ticket €13 but can admire from below for free.
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3:30pm

Visit the Eiffel Tower Park

Admire and photograph the Eiffel Tower from the park. For budget travelers, skip the tower climb to save money.
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6:00pm

Dinner at Chez Chartier

Experience traditional French dishes at this historic restaurant with mains under €15. Open until late.
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Day 3: Day Trip to Rouen

Rouen, France on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Train to Rouen

Take SNCF train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Rouen (about 1h15m). Budget tickets cost around €15 each way when booked in advance.
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9:00am

Breakfast at Local Café in Rouen

Enjoy affordable croissants and espresso in the charming old town for about €5.
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9:45am

Explore Rouen Cathedral & Historic Center

Visit the stunning Gothic cathedral and wander medieval streets; cathedral entry is free, some museum entries optional.
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12:00pm

Lunch at La Couronne

Try the historic restaurant offering fixed-price menus around €15-20, budget permitting.
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1:30pm

Visit Gros Horloge & Joan of Arc Museum

Affordable €7 combined ticket to see famous clock and the museum.
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3:30pm

Afternoon Coffee & Train Return

Stop for a quick coffee (€3) before catching the train back to Paris.
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5:00pm

Train to Paris

Return by train to Paris with same cost and duration as morning trip.
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7:00pm

Dinner at Local Pizzeria

Enjoy an affordable pizza or crepe near your hostel, with dinner options from €8-12.
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Day 4: Normandy D-Day Beaches

Normandy, France on July 3, 2025

6:30am

Early Bus to Normandy

Use Flixbus or Blablabus to reach Bayeux or Caen from Paris cheaply (~€15-20, 3h). Depart early for full day.
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9:30am

Visit Omaha Beach & D-Day Museum

Explore free public beaches and enter the Omaha D-Day museum (€7 entry) to learn about WWII history.
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11:30am

Visit American Cemetery

Free to enter, this solemn site honors the fallen soldiers and offers reflection time.
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12:30pm

Lunch in Bayeux

Find a budget-friendly café or supermarket for sandwiches or light meals (~€7-10).
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1:30pm

Walk Bayeux Town & Visit Tapestry Museum

See the famous Bayeux Tapestry museum (€13) or stroll the medieval town for free.
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3:30pm

Return Bus to Paris

Catch a late afternoon bus back to Paris.
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7:00pm

Dinner Near Hostel

Relax with a simple dinner at an inexpensive bistro or supermarket meal (€8-10).
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Day 5: Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip

Mont Saint-Michel, France on July 4, 2025

6:00am

Early Train + Bus to Mont Saint-Michel

Take train from Paris to Pontorson (~4h with transfer €40 advance ticket), then shuttle bus to Mont Saint Michel.
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10:00am

Explore Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

Entry to the Abbey is €11 and offers stunning medieval architecture and views.
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12:00pm

Lunch at Local Café

Affordable crepes or sandwiches available for under €10 for a light meal.
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1:00pm

Walk Around the Village & Coastal Views

Free to stroll the charming village streets and coastal paths.
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3:00pm

Return Shuttle + Train to Paris

Take shuttle and train back to Paris evening arrival.
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7:00pm

Dinner Near Hostel

End the day with inexpensive takeaway or local eatery dinner (€8-10).
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Day 6: Rennes Exploration

Rennes, France on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Train to Rennes

Book a budget train ticket from Paris to Rennes (~2h, €20-30).
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10:00am

Breakfast at Local Market

Enjoy inexpensive fresh French pastries from the vibrant market (€5).
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10:30am

Visit Parc du Thabor & Old Town

Free to visit beautiful gardens and explore the charming old town streets.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Café Breton

Affordable traditional Breton galettes (savory crepes) for around €10-12.
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1:30pm

Explore Rennes Museums or Cathedrals

Optional entries mostly free or under €5, explore local art, history, or architecture.
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4:00pm

Train Back to Paris

Return train to Paris in the late afternoon.
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7:00pm

Dinner at Budget Bistro

Dinner under €12 in Paris to relax after travel.
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Day 7: Final Day in Paris

Paris, France on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hostel or Nearby Bakery

Affordable and quick breakfast to start your final day (€4-5).
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9:00am

Visit Free Attractions: Musée d’Orsay Exteriors and Seine Walk

Explore the exterior views and surroundings of the museum and enjoy walking along the Seine River for free.
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11:00am

Shopping and Souvenirs in Local Markets

Browse affordable souvenirs from street vendors or markets for under €10.
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12:30pm

Final Paris Lunch at Budget Crêperie

Enjoy savory or sweet crepes for a last affordable French meal (€8-10).
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2:00pm

Pack and Head to Airport

Take public transit to Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport using budget shuttle or RER train (€10).
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4:00pm

Flight Departure

Board your flight home from Paris with budget airlines offering affordable return flights.
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