Embark on an epic adventure in France by following our ultimate travel guide! In this video, we’ll show you where to go, things to do, and how to plan your holidays in France under a budget.
Visit iconic spots like Mont Saint-Michel, marvel at world-famous castles in Loire Valley, immerse in Colmar’s heritage, hike the Sugiton Calanques mountainscape, and experience the quaint French countrysides of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Èze Village.
The best way to explore France is by train, and it’s possible to do so for under S$1.5k with the Eurail Pass! It gives you the freedom to hop from one destination to another, making the most of your time and money. For the full detailed breakdown, check out our 10-day France itinerary!
Best Places to Visit in France With The Eurail Pass
PARIS – 00:17
00:19 – Louvre Museum (~€15) — It’s the world’s largest art museum! Be prepared to hustle through the insane crowds in front of the Mona Lisa though.
00:28 – Arc de Triomphe (€12) — This is the centrepoint of Paris, and it is this very arc that commemorates the fighters and warriors that have been through Napolean times!
00:32 – Sacré-Cœur — Also known as The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, this church has been around since way back, from the pagan times through the Middle Ages and French Revolution.
00:34 – Notre Dame (~€10) — The gothic architecture is a key element of its beauty, be sure not to miss it while in Paris!
00:39 – Versailles (€18) — One of the grandest palaces in Europe, the palace of Versailles is a Baroque masterpiece decorated with elaborate gardens and sculptures. It’s also the site where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I. You can spend an entire day walking through, basking in the beauty of this place.
00:44 – Sainte-Chapelle (~€12) — Even though it’s right beside Notre Dame, it’s not as popular. But it definitely deserves recognition, with 15 huge panels of stained glass windows that are so mesmerising!
00:48 – Eiffel Tower (~€12) — Choose to take pictures of it from afar or from its base. But you’ll need a ticket to climb to the top!
00:54 – Mont Saint Michel (~S$200) — Take a day trip to this island and experience one of the most visited landmarks in France.
LOIRE VALLEY – 01:13
01:15 – Château de Chenonceau (€18) — Built over the river Cher, this castle is one of the more famous castles in the Loire Valley.
01:21 – Château d’Amboise (~€12) — Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci was laid to rest in the private chapel of Amboise Castle?
MARSEILLE – 01:51
01:55 – Toinou Les Fruits de Mer — Be sure to get your seafood fix here! Really affordable and fresh~
02:03 – la porte de L’ orient — An iconic monument where you can experience and witness beautiful sunsets over the mediterranean sea.
02:08 – Notre-Dame de la Garde — You definitely won’t miss the landmark of Marseille. Perched atop a hill, bask in the beauty of the gold statue of Mother Mary carrying baby Jesus.
02:17 – Palais Longchamp — Take some time to relax and unwind in the park here!
02:23 – Calanques National Park — Who says France only has monuments within the cities? Head out to the beautiful national park for picturesque views overlooking the vast nature.
NICE – 02:40
02:43 – Vieux Nice — The capital city of the French Riviera, take your time and explore the beautiful alleys of this old town.
02:47 – Castle Hill — Get a bird’s eye view of the town of Nice atop Castle Hill! 10/10 would recommend. It’s nothing too strenuous!
02:56 – Le Cloucher — Indulge in local special dishes at affordable prices. Try local dishes like Moules Marinière, a classic French dish of mussels cooked in white wine.
03:03 – Villefranche-sur-mer — Take a day trip out and explore this medieval beach village.
03:15 – Èze — We highly recommend visiting the village’s hilltop garden, with unobstructed views of the French Riviera. This place is also within walking distance of the train station of Nice!
Tips for Exploring France
We recommend getting the Eurail Pass as it allows unlimited train travel within a specific region or multiple countries in Europe! But if you’re only planning to explore Paris, check out the Paris Pass. It’s a sightseeing pass that offers entry to over 60 attractions and museums in Paris, along with other benefits such as skip-the-line access and public transportation.
For example, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Palace of Versailles without buying a separate ticket. Moreover, the pass includes a handy guidebook, offering valuable insights and helpful tips to enhance your Parisian experience.
Where to Stay in France
For this trip, we stayed five nights in Paris before spending two nights in Marseille and ending it off with two nights in Nice. We spent ~S$243/pax in total for accommodation during this trip!
Here’s where we’d recommend you to stay in France, if you’re on a budget and stopping by Paris and Nice:
- Paris: Studio 33m2 near Paris & Versailles (~S$62/night)
- Nice: Charming tiny studio Palais du Pin (~S$61/night)
*Note: The AirBnb we stayed at in Marseille is no longer in operation but there are many options for you to pick from under S$65/night!
To further aid your planning process, check out our full budget breakdown of our 10-day France itinerary!
Check Flights to Paris
We didn’t include this in our budget since flight prices fluctuate depending on the season. But you can compare flight prices on third party-websites like Skyscanner.
*Pro-tip: Set up a price alert about three to six months ahead so you’ll be notified of price drops!
