France is - quite understandably - one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations - you already know why, but let's remind you of its wealth of culture, food, beaches, and iconic cities. But if you don't have much of a budget to work with, it can be tricky to navigate around some of the country's pricier elements.

The good news is, there are ways to travel to France without spending a fortune. If you know where to look and plan ahead too, then there are various ways you can slash costs and make a trip away more affordable. And we're to help you do just that!

Here are nine of our top money-saving tips for travelling to France.

The obvious opening tip, but we have to say it - the Trip.com app is a must-have if you want to book a cheap holiday. We already feature fantastic prices for flights, hotels, car rentals, and tickets for attractions and tours. However, you'll enjoy exclusive app-only deals that give you up to 50% off on bookings.

In addition, each time you use the app to book, you'll get extra Trip Coins! You can save up these coins to redeem for cash amounts, which can add up to hefty savings on your future bookings.

Not only does our app offer the best deals, but it also has automatic flight alerts and travel reminders. As a result, you can travel with peace of mind.

Summer may be an excellent time to take a trip, but you're certainly not the only person with that idea. Because tourists flock to France during this season, prices are the highest they can be. Not to mention, it'll be hot, and you'll have to jostle through crowds to see the sights. Alternatively, winter = skiing in the north and Christmas markets in the cities.

Do yourself a massive favour and visit the country during shoulder seasons instead. These are the ones between the peak and off-season months, so they're typically spring and autumn.

You'll breathe a sigh of relief when you're not breaking the bank planning the trip, or getting annoyed at the throngs of people.

Click here for cheap flights to Paris.

Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris is one of Europe's largest, and as such you'll often find the most convenient flight route - but that doesn't necessarily mean this is your only choice.

In addition to the smaller Paris Orly, there are countless other regional airports to land in across France. You can even take a scenic train ride at outstanding rates.

Obvious, but worth reiterating - planning ahead equals alleviating anxiety and avoiding disappointment. For example, if there's a show you really want to see, nabbing tickets months in advance means you'll get the best prices and guaranteed admission.

Leaving things until the last minute can mean scrambling for tickets that have risen in price. In the worst-case scenario, you'll completely miss the event.

Researching and planning your itinerary in advance means you can make the most of your time and budget. A bonus is you can book group attractions that are close together on the same days to minimise transportation costs.

One of the most amazing things about France is that it has numerous free attractions and activities, so take full advantage of them. In many cities, you can tour museums for free on the first Sunday of the month. Several others (like the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris) are free all the time!

Otherwise, bring your student or student ID. A lot of places will give you free or discounted admission when you present your ID.

Click here for cheap flights to Paris.

A Parisian restaurant during the day (source)

"Menu du jour" means "dish of the day", and these often cost significantly less than regular meals, especially if you go during lunch.

Keep your eyes peeled, as there are other items on the menu that can save you some money. For instance, there's the prix fixe menu, which offers several predetermined courses at a fixed price. Typically, you'll get an appetiser, main course, and desserts, so you won't walk away with a grumbling stomach.

A picnic basket, white hat, book, and charcuterie board (source)

France is full of beautiful scenery, so what better way to appreciate it than to eschew the often-pricey restaurants and go for a home-made al fresco meal?

Stroll through the ubiquitous markets, boulangeries and patisseries and pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and charcuterie. It's the perfect way to experience life as a local and save some money at the same time.

Take your bags of goodies and settle onto a bench in a park, garden, or any other scenic viewpoint. You'll have a lovely landscape and people to watch while you revel in France's culinary treasures.

Paris is the obvious start if you've never been to France before - but the country is so much more than its capital. And famous hotspots often have more cost-effective alternatives…

While the fields of Bordeaux will provide a magnificent vino experience, try Loire Valley for a lesser known, more affordable alternative.

If you enjoy bubbles, a road trip around Champagne will get you the real deal for far cheaper than it is in the shops - and you won't run out of places to taste some of the finest fizz (with a designated driver, obviously).

Or if you love the beach, it doesn't have to be the Côte d’Azur, where you'll find places like Cannes and Nice - try the west coast or Brittany and explore some lesser-known beaches.

Click here for cheap flights to Paris.

Gare de l'Est in Paris (source)

The public transport in France is both extensive and efficient. Usually, it's cheaper to take a bus or train than renting a car or taking taxis.

We recommend purchasing a regional or national transportation pass if you're making multiple journeys. The main ones to consider are the Eurail Pass and the Paris Visite Pass.

Those over 60 can also get the Carte Avantage Senior pass. This under-€50 pass gives you and the family huge discounts on train journeys.

Trip.com is a site that offers a huge range of flights, hotels, attraction and tour tickets, car hire options, train tickets, and more. With our Trip Coins reward system ensures that the more you book, the more you benefit from using us.

The Trip.com app offers exclusive offers and holiday deals. Download our app now to see what all the fuss is about.

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