Dreaming of exploring France but worried about the costs? Imagine enjoying the beauty and culture that France has to offer—all without breaking the bank. In this guide, I’ll show you how we experienced the best of France over 8 unforgettable days, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, all while keeping our budget in check. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this itinerary blends culture, adventure, and affordability for a trip you’ll never forget.

Traveling overseas for the first time

Traveling overseas for the first time can be very intimidating. I have severals tips and tricks and suggestions in a separate blog post. I suggest book marking it for future reference. You can find it at: Tips for First Time Travels Overseas.

OUR DAILY SCHEDULE

DAY 1 (JANUARY 5): Arrival in Paris – Capital City of France

If your flight arrives at Charles de Gaulle airport then your journey begins in the capital city of France, Paris. For budget travelers, the Latin Quarter offers a central location with affordable hotel rooms that provide great value for the price. If you’re looking for a boutique hotel with a more luxurious feel, there are plenty of great deals available if you book early.

Spend your first afternoon wandering through the city center. Get acquainted with public transit while you are out.

Budget Tip: If you will be traveling a lot by train buy your metro tickets in bulk or look for day passes to save money on transportation. Another tip: fly into a smaller airport for budget airline fees and take the train into Paris.

The Paris Museum Pass is a good idea if you’re planning to see several main attractions. This will save you time and money!

Personally, we opted to stay in a charming condo along the Seine in Connelles, Normandy. Renting a car was necessary to drive from the airport. This turned out to be a fantastic choice as it gave us the freedom to explore France at our own pace.

We spent our first day traveling to our condo and sleeping off the jet lag. I highly recommend resting if you are traveling from a distance.

DAY 2 (JANUARY 6): D-Day Beaches

We dedicated our second day to exploring the Normandy coast, where history comes alive along the shores; and, visited several of the iconic D-Day beaches. We started with Omaha Beach, where American forces faced overwhelming odds during the invasion. Walking along the beach, it was hard to imagine the chaos and courage of that day. From there, we made our way to Utah Beach, where the success of the Allied landing marked a turning point in the war. Each stop along the coast offered powerful reminders of the sacrifices made there. There are seasonal memorials and museums preserving the stories of those who fought, as well. It was a sobering and humbling experience that gave us a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded on these shores.

DRAWBACK OF WINTER TRAVEL

Note: the small museums on the beaches were closed in January.

If you choose to stay in Paris and not travel down the coast, I recommend a walking tour of Paris’s Right Bank. From here, you can visit iconic landmarks or take a river cruise along the Seine. Afterward, stroll through Castle Hill (AKA Montmartre) for a great view over Paris.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a food tour of the Left Bank, where you can sample delicious French cheeses, pastries, and maybe even a glass of local white wines. If the time of the year is right, explore the Botanical Garden, which is perfect for a leisurely walk.

What is the difference between Paris’ right and left bank? You will find a wonderful article discussing the difference here.

Budget Tip: Look for guided walking tours that include tastings to get the most for your money.

DAY 3 (JANUARY 7): Normandy-American Cemetery

The Normandy American Cemetery is a profoundly moving place. It rests on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, where some of the fiercest fighting of D-Day took place. The cemetery is home to over 9,000 white marble crosses and Stars of David. Each cross marks the final resting place of soldiers who gave their lives in the battle to liberate Europe from Nazi control. Walking among the rows of graves, one is struck by the sheer scale of sacrifice. The site also includes a beautiful memorial, a reflecting pool, and the Wall of the Missing. The Wall of the Missing bears the names of over 1,500 men whose remains were never recovered. The solemnity of this place, along with its breathtaking beauty, serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring bond between France and the United States.

LOIRE VALLEY

Another option for the third day, is a day trip to the Loire Valley. The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its castles and vineyards. It is approximately a 4 hour car ride from Paris, but the train makes this a very quick trip. Book your train tickets in advance for a high-speed train journey to this great place. Here, you can join a wine tasting at a local vineyard and explore the beautiful places surrounding the area. The small villages of the Loire Valley offer a rich history and great deal of cultural charm.

Budget Tip: Look for guided walking tours that include tastings to get the most for your money here, as well.

DAY 4 (JANUARY 8): Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a breathtaking medieval abbey perched on a rocky island off the coast of Normandy. The island rises dramatically from the surrounding tidal flats. As one of France’s most iconic landmarks, it’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of architectural ingenuity. Accessible by foot during low tide or via a causeway at high tide, the island feels like stepping into another world. Its narrow streets wind upward toward the magnificent abbey, which has stood for centuries as a place of pilgrimage and worship. The views from the top are stunning, offering sweeping vistas of the coastline and ever-changing tides below. Mont Saint-Michel is not only a remarkable sight to behold but also a place steeped in rich history and legend. This makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through Normandy.

BAD WEATHER COULD BE YOUR BEST FRIEND

The day we visited Mont St. Michel was drizzly, foggy, and cloaked in gray. I had hoped to capture some stunning photos, but the weather made everything look so flat. Yet, despite the gloom, the majesty of this architectural wonder still shines through! As an interior designer, I was in awe, marveling at how such a masterpiece has withstood the test of time. The engineering alone is astounding! There’s something about old-world architecture that just fills my heart with joy.

Mont Saint Michel was about a two and a half hour drive from our hotel/village. It was days like this that I was so very grateful that we rented a car. There was so much flexibility and freedom in having our own vehicle.

Another option for day four is to head to the French Riviera. The high-speed train will take you from Paris to Nice, a seaside town on the Mediterranean coast. The Promenade des Anglais is perfect for a relaxing stroll, offering some of the best views of the French Riviera. If you have extra time, visit the old town to experience its narrow streets and lively atmosphere.

DAY 5 (JANUARY 9): The Louvre

The Louvre, located in the heart of Paris, is the world’s largest and one of its most renowned art museums. Housed in a former royal palace, its grand architecture is as impressive as the treasures it holds within. With a collection spanning thousands of years, the Louvre showcases masterpieces from ancient civilizations to the Renaissance and beyond. The museum’s most famous resident is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It houses other iconic work such as the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Liberty Leading the People, also. The museum draws millions of visitors each year. The Louvre’s vast galleries offer a journey through art and history, making it a cultural mecca for art lovers and travelers alike. Exploring its corridors can feel like traveling through time, with every corner revealing new wonders of human creativity and expression.

We were so lucky that it wasn’t busy in January. Normally, this room is packed full of people trying to view Mona Lisa.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE LOUVRE

1. Plan several days for just the museum, if you intend to see it all. We, literally, stayed at the Louvre all day and didn’t even see half of it. If you only have one day, go online and look up a map before visiting. Then, just go to the pieces that you absolutely must see, first.
2. Wear very comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
3. If you are there into the evening, find an upstairs window and view the Eiffel Tower! It is so gorgeous!!

If you don’t choose to see The Louvre on this day, take a day trip along the Mediterranean coast. there you can explore the small villages that dot the region. It is a 3+ hour trip by train, but it is doable! These picturesque towns, such as Eze or Villefranche-sur-Mer, offer beautiful sights without the crowds of larger cities. You can easily spend a full day exploring botanical gardens, taking a guided walking tour, and sampling local cuisine at outdoor cafes.

Budget Tip: Opt for convenience store snacks for lunch to save on food costs while traveling. We discovered that convenient stores in Europe are far superior in offering healthy options than in the United States.

DAY 6 (JANUARY 10): We took the train to Paris and visited Les Invalides, The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur in the Montmatre area of Paris.

LES INVALIDES

Les Invalides, located in the heart of Paris, is a complex known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Originally built by King Louis XIV in the 17th century as a military hospital and retirement home for war veterans, it now houses several museums and monuments, including the Musée de l’Armée. The most notable attraction within Les Invalides is the magnificent tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, resting under the grand dome of the Église du Dôme. Visitors can explore the Musée de l’Armée, which showcases an extensive collection of military artifacts, weapons, and armor spanning centuries of French warfare. Les Invalides stands as a tribute to France’s military heritage and remains a place of remembrance for those who shaped the nation’s history.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s body is entombed at Les Invalides in Paris. Many believe only his heart is housed there—which is a common misconception. Napoleon originally died in exile on the island of St. Helena in 1821, and his remains were brought back to Paris in 1840. While his heart is indeed located elsewhere, his body rests under the impressive dome of Les Invalides, making it a must-visit for those interested in French history.

THE EIFFEL TOWER

The Eiffel Tower, an enduring symbol of Paris and one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, stands majestically along the banks of the Seine River. Completed in 1889 as the centerpiece of the Exposition Universelle, the tower was initially met with skepticism but has since become a global icon of French engineering and design.

Standing at over 300 meters tall (984 feet), the iron lattice structure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. Whether admired from the bustling Champ de Mars below or illuminated against the night sky, the Eiffel Tower captures the romantic essence of Paris. Visitors can take an elevator ride to the top or climb the stairs for a closer look at its intricate design and the stunning views that reward their effort. As both a tourist attraction and a symbol of French culture, the Eiffel Tower continues to inspire millions from around the world.

BENEFITS OF WINTER TRAVEL

We are so lucky that we were even able to make it to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower. My son visited during the summer and the line was so long that going up was not even a consideration. We had about a 45 minute wait to go up, but we can now say that we were in the Eiffel Tower and were able to see the views of Paris!

Most of Normandy’s tourist attractions were closed down for the winter. However, making it to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower made being in France in the winter alright!

NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, is one of the world’s most celebrated examples of Gothic architecture. Its towering spires, intricate sculptures, and stunning stained glass windows, including the iconic Rose Window, make it a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Construction began in the 12th century, and over the centuries, Notre Dame has stood as a symbol of Paris’s religious and cultural history. Inside, the cathedral’s grand nave and detailed carvings create an atmosphere of reverence and awe. We visited in January of 2019, just four months before it caught fire. But, despite the devastating fire in 2019, that damaged its roof and spire, Notre Dame remains a powerful symbol of resilience, with restoration efforts underway to restore its former glory. Visitors from around the world continue to be drawn to its sacred beauty, rich history, and the promise of its revival.

MONTMARTRE

Next, we climbed Montmartre to see Sacre-Coeur. This is one place that I had never expereinced in the Paris area.

Montmartre, perched on a hill in northern Paris, is a vibrant neighborhood known for its bohemian charm, artistic history, and stunning views of the city. Famous for being a hub for artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec, Montmartre is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and lively squares where painters still display their work today. At the highest point stands the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, offering panoramic views of Paris. A visit to Montmartre provides a glimpse into the artistic soul of the city, blending historic charm with a lively, creative spirit.

Another option for the sixth day is to head to Provence for a guided tour of the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Provence is known for its lavender fields (if you visit when the fields are in bloom), charming small villages, and great places to relax. If you’re a fan of live music, many local bars and cafes offer free performances in the evenings.

DAY 7 (JANUARY 11): Shopping in Rouen

Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is a captivating city steeped in history and architectural beauty. It is known for its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Rouen is, also, where Joan of Arc was famously tried and executed. The city is home to the stunning Gothic Rouen Cathedral, which inspired many of Monet’s paintings. Walking through Rouen feels like stepping back in time, with its medieval charm, lively markets, and historic landmarks. Visitors can explore museums, admire the intricate clock tower at Gros Horloge, and enjoy the vibrant culture that makes Rouen a gem in the heart of Normandy.

This is the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake (see image of cross, above). It was a bit surreal to be standing in that location.

Rouens Astronomical clock, which sits above the Rue du Gros-Horloge, is a significant tourist attraction. It is listed as a historic monument. Unfortunately, I didn’t understand the significance of it while I was there. I wish that I had read some history on it prior to our visit so that I could have appreciated it more versus just passing underneath. It is a must see while you are in Rouen!

A MUST SEE CATHEDRAL

Below are images of the Gothic Rouen Cathedral. The Gothic Rouen Cathedral, or Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, is a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture located in the heart of Rouen, Normandy. Its towering spires, intricate façade, and richly decorated interiors make it one of France’s most iconic cathedrals. Construction began in the 12th century, but it wasn’t fully completed until the 16th century. Because of this, it reflects various architectural styles as it evolved over time.

The cathedral is particularly famous for its stunning western façade. The western facade was painted multiple times by Claude Monet in his series depicting the effects of light at different times of day. Inside, visitors can admire the soaring nave, beautiful stained glass windows, and the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, which contains his heart.

Rouen Cathedral has survived fires, lightning strikes, and heavy bombing during World War II, making it not just a religious site but a symbol of resilience. Its central spire, reaching 151 meters (495 feet), was the tallest in the world for a time during the 19th century. Today, it remains a must-see for those fascinated by Gothic architecture and French history.

That is one thing that we left Europe thinking: there are cathedrals on every corner here! Then, you have to think about the economics of that time period and the effects that such architecture would have on the “commoners”.

DAY 8 (JANUARY 12): Travel Day back to The United States

On the eighth day, plan for a rest and travel day. My top recommendation is to keep it simple and stress-free. If you’ve rented a car, allow extra time to return it without rushing. Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before your flight to account for check-in and security.

Charles De Gaulle airport was busier than I ever expected it to be. I am from a city with a very small airport! We were nearly late and almost missed our flight. Avoid our mistake by giving yourself plenty of extra time to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey home.

Then, rest and reflect on gratitude for this amazing adventure that you just completed in the beautiful country of France!

FINANCIAL ITEMIZATION:

WHAT DID THIS TRIP COST?

While in Europe, I relied on my Mastercard credit card. Europe stores did not accept my bank cards or my Discover credit card. We saved our cash for emergencies but used it occasionally, spending the last of it in Normandy. Aside from a $500 splurge in Rouen on gifts, we mainly used our card for necessities like entry fees, food, gas, train fares, hotels, and our rental car. In total, we spent about $1,500 on the car, hotel, and shopping, and $1,300 on everything else, including meals for the week. It all adds up quickly!

If you have any questions about traveling to France on a budget, drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear about your experiences too.

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USING THE METRO IN PARIS

If traveling through Paris using the metro system, I highly recommend downloading a copy of the metro map and practicing your routes. Here is a link to a map that can be downloaded: Paris Metro Map

This is my best way of explaining how the metro works. I am from the country and do not live near any cities that have subways. So, this is not second nature to me. The first few times looking at the map overwhelmed me and had me completely confused. But, after studying it for a little bit, I was able to to see the system and see how it worked. This is how I made sense of it. I have only illustrated two crossing lines, but there are so many lines on the actual map that it looks like a bowl of spaghetti. Just take this explanation and try to interpolate it to the busy, messy map in the link above.

MY BEST EXPLANATION

The key to understanding this system is to choose FIRST the line that you are going to be riding on. That line might go TOWARDS more than one destination. So, SECOND you would choose the destination that the line is going TOWARDS–not the your eventual destination. Then, while enroute to the end destination, you will have STOPS. Your stop (or, your actual destination) may be one of the stops on that line. So, when you reach that STOP, you will depart the metro. I hope that makes sense. That is how my brain makes it work out. if you have a better explanation, please leave it in the comment section below.

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4 DAY LAS VEGAS TRIP: ITINERARY AND BUDGET

All photographs on this blog are the property of the author, J.B. Tols