20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in France
France is often perceived as a playground for the wealthy, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers a wealth of free culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable local experiences. This 20-day route is designed for those who want to see the iconic sights while sticking to a lean budget of roughly $35 a day, focusing on regional buses, hostel dorms, and the simple joy of a fresh baguette by the Seine.
By utilizing the extensive network of FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, staying in social hostels, and prioritizing free museums and outdoor wonders, you will experience the diverse soul of France. From the northern charm of Lille to the sun-soaked alleys of Marseille, this is the definitive guide to an epic, ultra-lean French adventure.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Paris
Arrival at Charles de Gaulle
Touch down in the capital and take the RER B train into the city center—the most cost-effective way to reach your hostel.
Picnic at Champ de Mars
Skip the expensive cafes and grab a jambon-beurre sandwich from a local boulangerie for a few Euros. Enjoy it with the best free view of the Eiffel Tower.
Trocadéro Gardens
Walk across the river for the classic postcard photo opportunities without spending a cent.
Hostel Social Hour
Check into your hostel and meet fellow travelers to split costs on evening snacks or shared metro tickets.
Day 2: Paris - Artistic Montmartre
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Climb the steps to this iconic white basilica for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Entrance to the church itself is free.
Place du Tertre
Watch street artists paint in this historic square. It’s free to watch, just be wary of the tourist-priced menus surrounding the square.
Le Mur des Je t'aime
Visit the 'I Love You' wall in the Square Jehan Rictus, a charming and completely free art installation featuring the phrase in over 250 languages.
Canal Saint-Martin
Do as the locals do: grab a cheap bottle of wine and sit by the canal to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Day 3: Paris - The Historic Core
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Marvel at the exterior of this Gothic masterpiece. While the interior restoration continues, the surrounding parvis offers great historical insight for free.
Latin Quarter Wanderings
Explore the winding medieval streets of the 5th arrondissement, home to cheap falafel stands and historic bookstores like Shakespeare and Company.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Relax in the chairs of these world-famous gardens. It's one of the best spots in the city for people-watching and soaking in the Parisian vibe.
Arènes de Lutèce
Discover one of the most important remains from the Gallo-Roman era in Paris—an ancient amphitheater hidden in plain sight.
Day 4: Paris - Marais and Modernity
Place des Vosges
Visit the oldest planned square in Paris. It’s a perfect spot to admire the red-brick architecture and enjoy the peaceful park.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
France's oldest covered market. It’s a great place to find affordable, high-quality street food from around the world.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Walk through the final resting place of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. It’s a hauntingly beautiful and free outdoor museum of sculpture and history.
City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
Admire the grand architecture of the city hall, which often hosts free outdoor exhibitions in the front plaza.
Day 5: Paris to Lille - Northern Charm
Bus to Lille
Board a morning bus for the 3-hour journey north. Intercity buses are significantly cheaper than the TGV trains for this route.
Grand Place
Arrive in Lille and head to the main square. Admire the Flemish-style architecture and the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange).
Vieux Lille
Get lost in the cobbled streets of the Old Town, which are lined with boutiques and traditional northern 'estaminets'.
Wazemmes Market District
Head to this bohemian neighborhood for a cheap dinner. Wazemmes is known for its diverse food options and lively atmosphere.
Day 6: Lille - Citadels and Parks
Citadelle de Lille
Explore the 'Queen of Citadels' designed by Vauban. The surrounding park is free and perfect for a morning hike.
Gare Saint-Sauveur
Visit this former freight station turned cultural hub. It frequently hosts free art exhibitions and concerts.
Parc Jean-Baptiste Lebas
A great spot to relax near the red gates and enjoy the local student vibe of the city.
Rue Royale
Walk down this grand street to see the upscale side of Lille architecture before finding a budget-friendly snack nearby.
Day 7: Travel to Lyon
Long-haul Bus Journey
Today is a travel day. Take a bus from Lille to Lyon. It’s a long journey, so pack snacks and enjoy the French countryside views.
Check-in at Lyon
Arrive at Lyon Perrache or Part-Dieu and head to your hostel to drop your bags.
Place Bellecour
Walk through one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe, located right in the heart of Lyon's Presqu'île.
River Saône Stroll
Walk along the banks of the Saône river, where the city lights reflect beautifully on the water.
Day 8: Lyon - Silk and Secret Passageways
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Explore the Renaissance district. Look for 'traboules'—hidden passageways once used by silk merchants that are free to enter.
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Visit the cathedral in the heart of the old town, famous for its 14th-century astronomical clock.
Fourvière Hill
Take the ancient funicular (or walk for free) up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for the city's most famous viewpoint.
Théâtres Romains
Visit the well-preserved ancient Roman theaters on the hillside—they are free to enter and still used for performances.
Day 9: Lyon - Parks and Murals
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Spend the morning in France's largest urban park. It features a free zoo, botanical gardens, and a massive lake.
Street Art Murals
Lyon is famous for its massive trompe-l'œil murals. Don't miss the 'Fresque des Lyonnais' on the Quai Saint-Vincent.
La Croix-Rousse
Wander through this historic silk-weaving neighborhood, known for its creative spirit and village-like feel.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Window shop at this legendary food market. While buying might be pricey, the atmosphere and free smells are world-class.
Day 10: Lyon to Marseille - The South Calls
Southbound Transport
Take a bus or a regional TER train to Marseille. The landscape shifts from river valleys to Mediterranean scrubland.
Vieux Port (Old Port)
Arrive in Marseille and head straight to the harbor. Watch the fishermen sell their daily catch and admire the two massive forts guarding the entrance.
Le Panier
Explore Marseille's oldest neighborhood, a maze of colorful narrow streets, street art, and small artisan shops.
MuCEM Exterior
Walk the stunning walkways around the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations—the architecture is free to enjoy.
Day 11: Marseille - Heights and History
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Marseille's 'Good Mother' sits atop the highest point. The hike up is steep but free, and the 360-degree views are the best in the city.
Noailles Market
Known as 'the belly of Marseille', this vibrant market is where you’ll find the cheapest and most authentic North African street food.
Palais Longchamp
Admire the spectacular water monument and its surrounding park, built to celebrate the arrival of water in the city.
Vallon des Auffes
A picturesque, tiny fishing port hidden just off the main road. It's the perfect spot for a sunset photo.
Day 12: Marseille - The Calanques Hike
Calanque de Sugiton
Take a local city bus to the edge of the city and hike into the Calanques National Park for free. Bring plenty of water and a swimsuit.
Swimming in Turquoise Water
Enjoy the stunning limestone cliffs and crystal-clear Mediterranean water at Sugiton. This is a million-dollar experience for $0.
Luminy Campus Return
Head back to the city center on the budget-friendly RTM bus network.
Cours Julien
Spend your evening in the city's alternative district, famous for its murals, fountains, and affordable terraces.
Day 13: Marseille to Nice - The Riviera
Coastal Journey
Travel by bus or regional train along the stunning Côte d'Azur coastline toward Nice.
Promenade des Anglais
Check into your hostel and take a walk along the world-famous 7km promenade stretching along the Mediterranean.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Wander through the narrow, Italian-influenced streets and visit the Cours Saleya market plaza.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Climb the stairs (or take the free lift) for an iconic sunset view over the Baie des Anges and the Nice rooftops.
Day 14: Nice - Markets and Mountains
Cours Saleya Flower Market
Experience the colors and scents of this famous open-air market. Grab some 'Socca' (chickpea pancake) for a few Euros for breakfast.
Port Lympia
Walk around the port to see luxury yachts alongside traditional colorful wooden fishing boats known as 'pointus'.
Sentier du Littoral
Walk the coastal path from Nice toward Villefranche-sur-Mer for stunning free views and hidden swim spots.
Place Masséna
Enjoy the neoclassical architecture and the striking 'Seven Statues' art installation as they light up in the evening.
Day 15: Day Trip to Eze Village
Bus #82 to Eze
Take the local city bus for just a few Euros up to this medieval hilltop village—don't take the expensive tourist coaches.
Exploring Eze-Village
Walk the medieval stone paths of this 'eagle's nest' village. It’s free to explore the town itself and the views are incredible.
Nietzsche Path
Hike down the mountain toward Eze-sur-Mer. It’s a steep descent but offers gorgeous vistas and ends right at the beach.
Relax at the Beach
Cool off in the sea before taking the coastal train or bus back to Nice for the evening.
Day 16: Nice to Bordeaux - Cross-Country
Epic Bus Ride
Today is the longest travel day. Taking a bus from Nice to Bordeaux is much cheaper than the train, though it takes most of the day.
Arrival in Bordeaux
Check into your hostel and take a light walk to the Garonne river to stretch your legs after the long journey.
Pont de Pierre
Cross the first bridge built over the Garonne, featuring 17 arches that look spectacular when illuminated at night.
Late Night Galette
Find a budget creperie in the Saint-Pierre district for an affordable and filling end to the day.
Day 17: Bordeaux - Wine and Water
Place de la Bourse
Admire the stunning 18th-century architecture of Bordeaux’s most iconic square.
Miroir d'Eau
Play in the world's largest reflecting pool. It’s a free and refreshing way to experience the city's modern side.
Jardin Public
Explore this 18th-century park, complete with an arboretum and a library, providing a peaceful escape from the city.
Grosse Cloche
Visit the 'Big Bell', one of the oldest belfries in France and a beautiful remnant of the city’s medieval walls.
Day 18: Bordeaux - Creative Districts
Darwin Ecosystem
Cross the river to this former military barracks turned into an urban hub for street art, organic food, and skate parks. Entry is free.
Chartrons District
Wander through the historic wine merchant district, now full of antique shops and cool street murals.
Saint-André Cathedral
Marvel at the separate bell tower and the stunning Gothic architecture of the city’s main cathedral.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
Walk the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. It's great for window shopping and finding cheap snack stalls.
Day 19: Bordeaux to Paris - The Return
Back to the Capital
Board a morning bus or a budget Ouigo train back to Paris for your final night.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Visit this steep, rocky park in the 19th arrondissement for a local feel and a great view of the city.
Promenade Plantée
Walk this elevated park built on an old railway viaduct—it was the inspiration for New York's High Line.
Final French Picnic
Gather some Brie, a baguette, and some grapes from a local Monoprix and have a final feast by the Eiffel Tower at night.
Day 20: Paris - Farewell
Village Royal
Visit this chic, colorful open-air passage for one last set of beautiful photos before leaving.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
Head to the roof of this department store for a free, stunning panoramic view of the Opera and Eiffel Tower.
Souvenir Hunt
Grab some affordable French soaps or mustard from a local supermarket as authentic and cheap gifts.
Departure
Take the RER B back to CDG Airport for your flight home, concluding your epic French budget journey.
Best Time to Visit France
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of late April to early June and September to October are ideal. The weather is mild enough for walking and hiking, but the peak summer crowds haven't driven up hostel prices. Winter (excluding the holidays) is the cheapest time to visit, but be prepared for gray skies and rain, especially in Paris and the North.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, it is vital to keep some small change for boulangeries or markets. Tipping is not expected as a service charge is included in your bill, but rounding up the change for good service is appreciated. Stick to 'Lidl' or 'Carrefour City' for grocery shopping to keep your daily food costs low.
Getting Around France
The secret to budget travel in France is the bus. Companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer routes between major cities for as little as €5-€15. For trains, look for 'Ouigo', the low-cost TGV service, which must be booked online in advance. Within cities, walking is your best friend, supplemented by affordable public bike-share programs and occasional metro rides.
