5 Smart Ways to Save Money and Avoid Tourist Traps in France

France Is More Than Paris

France is the world’s most visited country, and more than five million Americans went there last year. However, many of them faced crowded attractions, overpriced restaurants, and rude service. It doesn’t have to be that way. As a French person, I want to help Americans avoid these common pitfalls and experience France like a local.

One of the best ways to do this is by stepping away from Paris, which is often the first stop for tourists. While it’s a beautiful city, it can also be overwhelming with its crowds and high prices. Instead, consider exploring other regions of France, where you’ll find more affordable experiences and a more authentic taste of the country.

For example, the Southwest region of France, including cities like Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Biarritz, offers stunning landscapes, great wine, and beautiful beaches without the crowds and high costs of the Riviera. The weather is nicer, and the people are friendlier, making it a perfect alternative to Paris.

Enjoying Festivals and Cultural Experiences

If you’re looking for a deeper cultural experience, consider attending festivals throughout the country. These events showcase the music, art, and theater that make France unique. For instance, outdoor classical piano concerts in La Roque d’Anthéron in Provence offer tickets ranging from €40 to €65. The Arles photography festival is world-renowned and costs €32 a day. At the Festival d’Avignon in Provence, tickets range from €10 to €40 per theater production.

Some performances may require knowledge of French, but there are plenty of musical and dance shows where you can enjoy the experience without understanding the language. Brittany, especially the western tip called Finistère, is another great destination. You can enjoy activities like paddleboarding for €12 an hour or take an-hour-and-a-half surfing lesson for €45.

Dining Like a Local

Dining in France is a highlight for many travelers, but it can also be a source of frustration if you’re not careful. To avoid the typical tourist traps, skip the bistros in fancy neighborhoods, which often charge high prices for mediocre food. Instead, look for young and trendy restaurants in up-and-coming areas like the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements.

Fixed price menus during lunch time are usually a good deal. If the menu has photos of the food, it’s likely geared toward tourists. Also, if someone is trying to lure you into a restaurant on the street, that’s a red flag. One great option is Coup de Tête in the Ménilmontant area of Paris, where prix fixe meals start at just €19.50.

Tipping in France isn’t required, so you don’t need to feel obligated to leave anything. Restaurant meals aren’t taxed on top of the menu price, so the total cost will be exactly what’s listed.

Affordable Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, consider staying in areas that are less touristy. In Paris, instead of staying near iconic landmarks like Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower, look for hotels near the Canal Saint Martin, Rue De Bretagne, or Gobelins. These areas offer more affordable options and a more local vibe.

Avoid traveling during peak season, as prices tend to be higher. October to April offers the lowest prices, except during Christmas. When traveling outside of Paris, consider staying at a “gîte” or “chambre d’hôte,” which are local bed-and-breakfasts. These provide a more genuine experience and lower prices. You can find these B&Bs on platforms like Amivac, where rooms can cost as little as €31 per night.

Shopping Smart

If you’re planning to buy big-ticket items, remember to ask for a value-added-tax refund form. You can submit it at the airport when you return to the U.S. and get back the 20% VAT you paid. The dollar has weakened against the euro, so everything in France will cost more. However, you can still find good deals by visiting flea markets and thrift stores. La Shoperie near Oberkampf in Paris is a great spot for luxury vintage clothes.

Plan your trip around summer sales, which typically run from late June to late July. Le Bon Marché, a luxury retail store in the 7th arrondissement in Paris, has two-week-long sales called “Très Bon Marché” days in March and October.

Traveling by Train

France’s train system is one of the best in the world, offering fast and convenient travel between cities. To get the cheapest fares, purchase your tickets directly from the official SNCF website rather than through third-party sites. Buying early can help you access the lowest prices, as tickets can be purchased up to six months in advance.

Opt for OUIGO trains instead of TGVs for cheaper fares. These high-speed trains charge extra for amenities like Wi-Fi and seat selection, but they offer significant savings. A round-trip OUIGO ticket between Paris and Lyon costs $77, while a TGV ticket on the same route costs $111.

Regional trains, known as TERs, are also a cost-effective option for traveling to smaller towns. You can purchase TER tickets on the SNCF site or at any local station.

That, mes amis, does it for my France travel tips. Bah, oui!—you probably will run into a mean waiter at some point. Just grin and bear it. It’s part of the experience. If it’s any consolation, they’re just as rude with French customers.