19-Day Epic Budget Backpacking Route in France
France is often perceived as an expensive luxury destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers an incredible network of affordable transport and free cultural treasures. By utilizing budget buses like FlixBus, high-speed 'Ouigo' trains, and the iconic French boulangerie for daily meals, you can traverse the country from the northern cobbles of Lille to the sun-soaked shores of Marseille without breaking the bank.
This 19-day journey is designed for those who value experiences over luxury. You will stay in vibrant hostels, eat like a local at open-air markets, and explore world-class museums during their free-entry windows. Prepare for an epic journey that proves the 'Art de Vivre' is accessible to everyone.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Paris, France - Arrival & City Lights
Arrival at Charles de Gaulle
Touch down and take the RER B train into central Paris. It's the cheapest way to reach the city center compared to taxis.
Check-in at St Christopher’s Inn Canal
Drop your bags at this popular budget hostel located right on the water in the 19th arrondissement.
Canal Saint-Martin Stroll
Walk along the trendy canal where locals hang out. It’s free, picturesque, and perfect for people-watching.
Picnic at Champ de Mars
Grab a baguette, brie, and wine from a local Monoprix and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle for free.
Day 2: Paris, France - Historic Landmarks
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
View the majestic facade of the cathedral. While the interior restoration continues, the exterior and square are free to visit.
Tuileries Garden
Walk through these historic royal gardens connecting the Louvre to Place de la Concorde.
The Louvre (Exterior & Courtyard)
Admire the glass pyramid and the palace architecture without paying the entry fee by staying in the public courtyards.
Latin Quarter Wander
Explore the narrow medieval streets and find cheap falafel or crepes for a budget-friendly dinner.
Day 3: Paris, France - Artistic Montmartre
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Climb the steps to the highest point in Paris. Entry to the basilica is free, and the view of the city is unmatched.
Place du Tertre
Watch artists paint in this famous square. It’s a lively atmosphere that costs nothing to enjoy.
Le Mur des Je t'aime
Visit the 'I Love You' wall in the Square Jehan Rictus, featuring the phrase in over 250 languages.
Pigalle Night Walk
See the neon lights of the Moulin Rouge and the eclectic nightlife of this revitalized district.
Day 4: Paris, France - Modern Vibes
Centre Pompidou (Exterior)
Marvel at the high-tech 'inside-out' architecture of this modern art museum and the Stravinsky Fountain nearby.
Le Marais District
Discover the Jewish Quarter and the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Visit the final resting places of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde in this hauntingly beautiful, free-entry park.
Last Night Crepes
Grab a savory galette from a street stall for a classic and cheap French dinner.
Day 5: Lille, France - To the North
Bus to Lille
Take a 3-hour FlixBus from Paris Bercy to Lille for as little as 10 Euros.
Grand Place
Arrive in the heart of Lille and admire the Flemish-style architecture and the Vieille Bourse (Old Exchange).
Citadelle de Lille
Walk through the massive 17th-century star-shaped fortification and the surrounding parkland.
Wazemmes Market District
Find affordable international food and a bohemian vibe in this lively neighborhood.
Day 6: Lille, France - Culture & Cobblestones
Vieux Lille
Wander the narrow brick streets of the Old Town, filled with boutiques and traditional bakeries.
Palais des Beaux-Arts
Visit one of France's largest fine arts museums. Check for student or under-26 discounts.
Beffroi de Lille
Look up at the UNESCO-listed Belfry of the City Hall, a masterpiece of Art Deco and brickwork.
Try a 'Welsh'
Eat a traditional local dish (melted cheese on bread with ham) at a budget-friendly estaminet.
Day 7: Lyon, France - The Culinary Capital
Train to Lyon
Catch a high-speed Ouigo train from Lille-Flandres to Lyon-Part-Dieu for a fast, budget crossing.
Place Bellecour
Check into your hostel and start at this massive pedestrian square in the heart of the city.
River Saône Walk
Walk the renovated riverbanks with views of the colorful houses of Vieux Lyon.
Budget Bouchon
Look for a certified 'Bouchon Lyonnais' that offers a fixed-price menu for great value.
Day 8: Lyon, France - Renaissance & Traboules
Vieux Lyon Exploration
Explore the Renaissance district and hunt for 'traboules'—hidden secret passageways between streets.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Take the funicular or walk up the hill for a free visit to this stunning basilica and panoramic city views.
Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
Visit the free-to-enter Roman ruins, including two well-preserved amphitheaters.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral
See the astronomical clock inside this gothic cathedral in the old quarter.
Day 9: Lyon, France - Green Spaces
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Spend a morning in France’s largest urban park. The botanical gardens and the zoo inside are free!
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Even on a budget, you can browse this famous food market and pick up a high-quality snack or pastry.
Croix-Rousse District
Walk through the former silk-weaver district and see the 'Mur des Canuts'—a giant trompe-l'œil mural.
Riverside Sunset
Join the local students on the banks of the Rhône for a sunset drink and cheap takeaway pizza.
Day 10: Marseille, France - To the Mediterranean
Train to Marseille
A quick 1 hour 40 minute journey on a Ouigo train takes you from the river to the sea.
Vieux Port (Old Port)
Witness the beating heart of Marseille where fishermen sell their catch daily under the mirrored sunshade.
Le Panier District
Explore the oldest neighborhood in France, filled with street art, narrow stairs, and local crafts.
MuCEM (Exterior)
Walk the stunning walkways of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations for free.
Day 11: Marseille, France - Coast & Islands
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Hike up to 'La Bonne Mère' for 360-degree views of the Mediterranean and the city.
Vallon des Auffes
Visit this tiny, traditional fishing harbor tucked away under a bridge. It’s incredibly photogenic and free.
Corniche Kennedy
Walk along the coast for a few miles to enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Frioul Islands.
Cours Julien
Head to this alternative district for cheap eats, incredible graffiti, and a vibrant youth culture scene.
Day 12: Marseille, France - Calanques Nature
Bus to Luminy
Take city bus 21 to the Luminy university campus, the starting point for hiking the Calanques.
Calanque de Sugiton
Hike down to this stunning turquoise cove. The hike and the swimming are completely free.
Belvédère de Sugiton
Take in the breathtaking cliffs from the lookout point before hiking back up.
Panisse Dinner
Buy 'panisses' (chickpea fries), a classic Marseille street food, for just a few Euros.
Day 13: Montpellier, France - Student Life
Train to Montpellier
A regional TER train takes about 1.5 hours along the coast to this vibrant university city.
Place de la Comédie
Arrive at the main square, often called the 'Egg' due to its shape, and watch the street performers.
Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
Walk through this shaded park lined with plane trees and fountain features.
Dinner in L’Écusson
Wander the medieval center (L’Écusson) for budget-friendly student bars and eateries.
Day 14: Montpellier, France - Gardens & Arches
Promenade du Peyrou
Visit this royal square featuring a triumphal arch, a statue of Louis XIV, and an 18th-century aqueduct.
Jardin des Plantes
Explore the oldest botanical garden in France. Entry is free and it offers a peaceful escape.
Montpellier Cathedral
See the unique fortress-like architecture of Cathédrale Saint-Pierre with its massive twin towers.
Antigone District
Walk through this neo-classical neighborhood designed by Ricardo Bofill for a complete change of scenery.
Day 15: Toulouse, France - The Pink City
Bus to Toulouse
A 2.5-hour FlixBus or BlablaCar Bus will get you to Toulouse affordably.
Place du Capitole
Marvel at the pink-tinted brick palace that serves as the City Hall and Theatre in the central square.
Basilique Saint-Sernin
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe.
Pont Neuf Sunset
Join the locals sitting on the banks of the Garonne river near the 'New Bridge' for sunset.
Day 16: Toulouse, France - Convent & Canals
Couvent des Jacobins
Entry to the church is free; admire the unique 'palm tree' architecture of the central column.
Canal du Midi
Walk or rent a cheap bike to travel along the banks of this historic 17th-century canal.
Jardin Japonais
Relax in the beautifully maintained Japanese Garden in the Compans-Caffarelli park.
Toulouse Tapas
Due to its proximity to Spain, Toulouse has a great cheap tapas culture near Place de la Daurade.
Day 17: Bordeaux, France - Wine & Architecture
Train to Bordeaux
Take a 2-hour TER train from Toulouse-Matabiau to Bordeaux-Saint-Jean.
Place de la Bourse
See the world's largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d'eau, which creates stunning photos for free.
Grosse Cloche
Walk under one of the oldest belfries in France, a remnant of the medieval city walls.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
Explore Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street for affordable fast food and window shopping.
Day 18: Bordeaux, France - Gardens & Quays
Jardin Public
Enjoy one of France's most beautiful public gardens, featuring an arboretum and a natural history museum.
Quais de Bordeaux
Walk the wide riverfront quays of the Garonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Darwin Ecosystem
Cross the bridge to the right bank to visit this repurposed barracks turned into a cool, free-to-visit urban hub.
Victory Square Nightlife
Head to Place de la Victoire for student-priced drinks and lively bars.
Day 19: Bordeaux, France - Last Bites & Departure
Marché des Capucins
Experience the 'belly of Bordeaux'. Eat a fresh pastry or some local fruit for a cheap final breakfast.
Basilica of St. Michael
Visit this Gothic basilica and its detached bell tower in the vibrant multicultural Saint-Michel district.
Final Souvenirs
Pick up some 'Canelés' (local rum and vanilla cakes) from a budget bakery like Baillardran.
Departure from St-Jean
Take the direct shuttle bus or train to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit France
For budget backpackers, the best time to visit France is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for walking, and crowds are thinner. Winter (November to March) is the cheapest time for hostels, but keep in mind that northern cities like Paris and Lille can be grey and rainy. Summer (July and August) should be avoided if you're on a strict budget, as prices for transport and accommodation skyrocket, and popular sites become extremely crowded.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for small amounts in bakeries and markets. However, it is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for laundromats or tiny rural shops. Tipping is not mandatory in France, as service is included in the bill ('service compris'). If the service was exceptional, leaving an extra Euro or two is appreciated but never expected by locals.
Getting Around France
Intercity transport in France is excellent. For this 19-day route, the best budget option is a mix of FlixBus and Ouigo (budget high-speed trains). Ouigo tickets must be booked in advance online and have strict luggage limits, but they can save you over 50 Euros per trip. For travel between closer cities like Montpellier and Toulouse, regional TER trains are reliable and don't require advance booking. Inside cities, use the metro or tram systems and look for '10-trip' carnets or 24-hour passes to save on single ticket costs.
