Famed for its lush culture, incredible cuisines, gripping arts and spectacular artists, sparkling wine, audacious General Napoleon, fantastic beaches, majestic museums, quaint villages, stunning coastlines, and much more, France is among the top places ever to visit. I hope that this France Backpacking Travel Guide will help you enjoy your vacation time in France.

France has been the favorite destination of travelers for a long, long time as millions come to witness every bit of French goodness. And if you intend to travel on a budget, backpacking France will be an absolutely rewarding experience.

The country is a fairytale chateau for a bunch of reasons; a timeless education; a journey through history, which is why travelers need to check out some of these spell-binding villages. While many visit France to enjoy places like Paris, Nice, Marseille, and Lyon, there are other regions and places that you will find incredibly terrific as well.

Visiting France can be pricey, even when backpacking; however, with a well-curated itinerary and ample information, you will find the country interesting even on a strict budget.

Here is a France Travel Guide for Backpackers:

France Backpacking Travel Guide – Starter Pack

Passport or ID Card

Now that you are in France, keep your passport or ID card closely. Citizens of the EU can travel to France on just a national identification card while other citizens must possess their valid passports.

Currency

Throughout your stay in France, the legal tender is the Euro. Euro withdrawal from an ATM is quite a cheaper option to have cash. Most French ATMs accept Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and other foreign cards. However, bear in mind that bank/credit card accounts not in Euros attract a commission on every transaction on either withdrawal or deposit. 

Therefore, it is advised that you limit small transactions because of high changes. The higher the withdrawal you make, the less the need to transact on your card. That is aptly the first step to saving funds while in France. 

Travel Insurance

Health is an important factor in immigration. It is expected that you buy insurance before traveling to France. UK tourists can obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For more details on what different plans cover, visit the French official page. 

Accommodation and Hotels

There are loads of online destinations offering hotel booking for hotels, but be mindful of websites that claim to offer the “cheapest deals”. In the case that you failed to pre-book a hotel, no worries. There are over 18,000 hotels across the country, and they vary from five-star like Fouquet and the Hôtel Crillon in Paris to the 0-star ones and hostels on streets in provincial towns or suburbs. 

Others are national and international hotel chains with privately run setups, usually in town centers or small towns. Do not forget that prices for hotel rooms and restaurants include sales tax, as you will find in retail stores throughout Europe. 

Advance Payment 

You will probably see this everywhere. Paying for accommodation, you pay with credit cards or PayPal, but for hotels and guesthouses who do not accept these, you can take a cheaper route with an IBAN transfer. You might want to contact your bank for more information.

>>Also Read: What To Pack When Visiting France For The First Time

Driving in France

Local tours usually provide transport for sight-seeing or visiting places. Nevertheless, tourists can rent vehicles to move around, whether in the suburb or in metropolitan sides. If you are in big cities like Lille, Paris, Lyon, Marseille or Toulouse, note that motorways can be very busy, especially on holidays and Saturdays. There are also online resources that could suggest the best routes and avoid the busiest and nagging bottlenecks. 

For an intercity journey, the cheapest and most reliable option is to use bus companies like FlixBus. And if you want a fast method to get to your destination, the SNCF is the best method. However, their fast TGV lines make them very pricey. Blablacars is another reliable option. It is a carpooling service has is way cheaper than buses and trains. Bear in mind that you will need to arrange a pickup location with the driver.

French motorways are also known as autoroutes and are made with numbers written before the letter. You can identify them with the marked word “Péage” (pronounced pay-arje). Usually, the process involves picking up a ticket from a booth when you enter the autoroute (as you press the button), then tolls are paid either when you leave the autoroute, or when the toll section ends. These are common sights in urban areas. 

>>Also Read: Driving in France, Tips for Driving in France

When to Visit France

Around April-June or August- September is the perfect time to be in France because these are the shoulder season periods. This means a nice warm temperature with low crowds, short queues, and cheap tours and accommodation are the major features of the ideal time to visit. 

Peak Season is Usually Summertime and France Gets Very Crowded. 

Then, prices are high, but the general atmosphere and weather are great. Temperatures average between 61-75° F. Shoulder season is spring and fall. During this period, it is warm, and the crowds are less while prices are lower. Winter is from November to February when it gets really cold. The average winter temperatures span from 32-46° F. Have we mentioned that Christmas in France is breathtaking? 

>>Also Read: Cheapest Time to Travel to France

Getting to France

The country is well-linked both within Europe and from other parts of the world. In the case that you will be visiting from the Middle East of Asia, Emirates Airline is a nice option as they are decently priced, connected halfway through Dubai. The airline is also offering one of the best airline services in the world. Traveling from within Europe is even easier as the fastest way to get to the country is through the European train system of your origin countries. 

>>Also Read: Cheapest Cities to Visit in France

Staying Safe in France

Safety measures are a necessity for travelers. France is generally safe for backpacking and lone traveling, but you have to be careful of petty crimes and scams. Ensure that you guide your property in places that are crowded and be on guard when people offer you items. 

For your bustling around town, get a sling bag you can wear throughout the day. A small backpack can suffice for this. However, be careful that thieves do not get a hand on it. For women, a tote bag or satchel is advisable for carrying all-important stuff.

You do not need to be impressive by carrying along with expensive jewelry. And besides, having such an item can invite crooks and thieves to you. Therefore, to stay safe, it is better to keep a low profile in this regard. In addition, you might not feel too comfortable in tourist areas wearing anything that appears showy. 

Also, trust in your instinct as you can’t be too careful enough. When you board a taxi and observe the driver is suspicious, you might want to stop the journey and get out. Also, make copies of your personal documents like your passport and ID. 

We have not shared this enough, but buying travel insurance will do you a whole lot of good. Travel insurance will protect against contingencies like injury, illness, cancellations, and theft. Ensure the package is comprehensive enough to cover you when something goes wrong.

Packing Guide – France Backpacking Travel Guide

Perhaps it’s your first time in France, knowing what to pack can be taxing. But there are many backpacks to choose from. Here are some of the things to take along:

Flight’s Travel Kit 

Most of the flights to Paris are overnight, so the chances of arriving in the morning are high. Pack a travel kit along, similar to the complimentary bags that passengers are given in first/business class. Then stuff a small bag with an eye mask (if lights bother you while sleeping), earplugs, sweat socks, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, sunscreen, razor, hair ties, and toothbrushes. With these and other personal stuff in place, there would not be the need to borrow any item (well except for the toothbrush) on the plane.

Travel Umbrella

Though highly dependent on the time of the year you are traveling, an umbrella is a companion that can come in handy (pun intended) a couple of times. Light afternoon showers are not uncommon in Paris, but a lightweight umbrella could keep you dry. A short, lightweight one and an average backpack would be the type to take along for your journey.

European Adapter

For non-Europeans coming to France, do not forget to get an adapter to recharge your mobile phones, camera, and other devices. If you cannot get one before arriving, you can purchase one at a French shop. It becomes one less concern as long as your devices are charged when needed. 

GPS and Street Map

Having access to a GPS app on your mobile phone will help you navigate around France with relative ease. Maps can also boost your knowledge of places in the city. So you can’t be that lost if things don’t go as expected. 

Camera

A camera to capture every special France moment will be a brilliant idea. Make sure your camera is fully charged, so you don’t want to regret missing any action. Capture the beautiful city and its beautiful people with your camera so you can look back and relive the memories. So do not forget the camera. And be careful with it, especially when you walk in the crowd. 

English-French Dictionary

Totally optional, but there it is so cool to have the perfect French phrase or word for moments. Your Parisian hosts will be very impressed because you come across as smart and voracious. An English-French dictionary online, in particular, will help you with pronunciations for conversational fluency. This, however, should not burden you. It is not necessary to speak French in Paris all the time. But chipping in a little French makes it merrier. Do not let Bonjour, Bonsoir, au revoir, merci, and s’il Vous plait be far from your retorts when with locals. A complete phrasebook or dictionary will let you know the appropriate words to use per time. 

Binoculars

If you love details about architecture, buildings, and anything else, you might want to add a binocular to your backpack. It will come in handy to birdwatch and to the city from a vantage view on the Eiffel Tower. Catch all the action as they go down even from distance, with your binocular. 

Books or Music

It could be magazines or any other to keep you busy during your spare time when you are not out exploring the city. Music, too, is a reliable companion to keep you entertained and deal with the tedium of traveling. 

Shoes to Wear 

Pack along with footwear you will feel comfortable in. You should go for something light and classy that is probably not weather-selective. Light footwear because you will certainly do heavy-duty walking throughout your time in Paris. It will feel great to stroll around, not having to be bothered by foot strains. Here in the City of Light, locals are big about choosing the right blend of comfort and sophistication. 

Loafers, stylish boots, and brogues are all great season-round footwear. Women can go for comfy wedge sandals to complement their great looks. Do not forget that before packing what to wear, you need to test them well, especially if they are new. Your vacation should not be ruined by preventable discomforts as this. 

Documents

Do not forget to pack your documents. You are going to a foreign land and anything that might delay you in any way. Take along copies of your airline itinerary, passport information, and credit card account numbers, so save yourself from trouble. 

Clothes

When selecting clothing for Paris, bear in mind that the style should be chic and conservative. Parisians are said to love neutral colors in their dressing. So not to look odd on the street, try not to have clunky tennis shoes, flip-flops, and even sweatpants on you. However, your aim should be to look good and comfortable. Packing for Paris depends on the activities you intend to do and the weather conditions. 

Traveling in Spring

The weather in March, April, and May are unpredictable. Therefore, be prepared for eventualities. Among your clothes should be a jacket, a modish light sweater, t-shirts, long sleeve tops, all match long skirts and tailored trousers. Ankle booties would be a good accessory to look fashionable in the street of Paris.

Maxi dresses are great to wear a light jacket on days that come warmer. Parisians also love donning black, so you might want to add such clothes to your Spring Paris collection. Your accessories like handbags, belts, and hats can blend in too. Also, try to go for about 2 to 3 pairs of simple shoes with neutral colors that will go well on all your clothing. And because it is Spring, some of your shoes should be waterproof. 

Traveling in Summer

It is the hottest time of the year, but the weather can be chilly at times. What to wear in June will be different from July and August, but a light jacket will get you through it all. A wedge sandal gives you a sense of freedom as cotton, rayon, and linen in the heat. Do not forget to go with sunglasses, a summer scarf, and simple jewelry (if you do not mind). The dressing is your chance to describe your personality and style, make it count.

Traveling in Fall

Look modish in beautiful Paris in Fall. You cannot go wrong in ankle booties with dark jeans or leather pants. As you will notice, people from Paris love leather, so consider that as you select your fall wardrobe. Stockings or tights are perfect to wear underneath shorts or belted dresses. Some of the well-known styles to add to this collection are brogues and sneakers or waterproof shoes. However, remember that the best waterproof flats are not made with rubber. Therefore a leather or ankle boots provide great options as you take on Paris in the fall.

Traveling in Winter

Some tourists look forward to doing winter in Paris because of the magical beauty that Paris parades pre-Christmas, during Christmas, and post-Christmas. Winter in Paris can be unbearable but be prepared. Leather looks to be the best material to wear in wintry conditions because of its durability and comfort. Boots are common this time for warmth. And you can rock them in your black jeans. Also, pack a few sweaters and a t-shirt to wear underneath your warm coat.

As you plan your clothes, do not leave out the shoes, as earlier hinted. You can go for about three pairs of shoe-in neutral colors that can match with all your dresses. And in the case that it snows while out, you can go for a pair of warm winter boots and waterproof leather boots if it is cold and would rain. 

>>Also Read: Visiting France For The First Time? Everything You Need To Know

How to Save Money on the Go – France Backpacking Travel Guide

Do not Shy About Asking for Help

It is said that French people have an (often deserved) reputation for rudeness towards foreigners. Most of the time, it is embarrassing to be involved with someone in a thing and not be able to speak their language. And if you have not picked enough French phraseology to get by, you will be fine still. Many locals are nice and eager to provide assistance. A translation app on your device that does you a lot of good, however. 

Cook Lunch

A survival tactic to living in a large town like Paris, Melbourne, California, London, etc., is to do the cooking yourself. This significantly reduces the chances of spending large when you eat out. Food materials come cheap, and many markets have big slabs of paté or a chunk of cheese for as low as 2-3 euros. 

That should take you through a week or two if there are no visitors. At the markets, you will get all you need to sustain you throughout your stay in the city. Going one better to do your lunch is a brilliant way to save a fortune on feeding inexpensive French cities.

>>Also Read: Eating on the Cheap in Paris

Cheap or Zero Cost Accommodation – France Backpacking Travel Guide

It comes as no surprise that flights and accommodation account for a chunk of travelers’ funds. However, you will have immensely cut costs if you can sort the issue of lodging. Then you can spend in other areas that perhaps require more attention. Hotels in Paris can be pricey, especially during peak seasons when tourists are everywhere in the city. With the right information, you would not need to worry about where to sleep, even if you do not have friends that can host you.

Thank gracious for the many free couch-surfing accommodation services that cover the entire city, there is a reliable and efficient option to the hotels. This type of service connects registered members to a community of travelers and eliminates the hassle of finding where to rest after a long day of traveling.

Couchsurfing is one such service, and it has once listed 180,000 people in Paris alone who were willing to provide sleeping accommodations for travelers. You can use Couchsurfing to find a place to stay anywhere in Paris to sleep. What you need to do is register on the platform then connect.

Lodging should not kill your budget, and a smart way to do that is to indulge in the couch-surfing services for travelers. We will have to say, however, that safety is paramount above all else. You should contact the service provider for more details on their policy on how safe it is to pass the night at a stranger’s place. 

Cheap hotels or hostels are another option for you to spend less on lodging. But, Parisian cheap hotels tend to have less quality than the good ones. You can compare prices before selecting the one that suits you. There are loads of online destinations offering hotel booking for hotels, but be mindful of websites that claim to offer the “cheapest deals”. Some are not what they claim to be.

France Backpacking Travel Guide – Summary

Backpacking through France can be a rewarding and life-altering experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world without breaking the bank. This France Backpacking Travel Guide will help you get organized and prepare you for many challenges you will phase.

>>Also Read:
Best Budget Hostels in Paris
Hotel or AirBnB in Paris?
Comparing Hostels In Paris: What to Look For
Budget Hotels Near the Louvre in Paris
Best Party Hostels in Paris

Would you like to add anything to this France Backpacking Travel Guide? Let us know in the comments down below.