France Trip Cost From India

Planning a trip to France from India is a dream for many, and with smart budgeting, it can turn into a smooth and memorable journey. Whether you wish to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, stroll through the romantic streets of Paris, or experience the peaceful countryside, careful planning is key to keeping your expenses in check.

The total cost to travel to France will depend on your travel style, whether you are aiming for a budget holiday, a mid-range vacation, or a luxury escape. Let’s explore the key expenses involved and help you estimate a budget that might suit your plans.

Your France travel cost will depend on several things like flights, hotels, food, and sightseeing choices. Below is a breakdown to help you estimate better.

Flight Costs

Flight tickets are usually the biggest part of your France tour cost from India. A round-trip economy class flight from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore to Paris generally costs between ₹35,000 to ₹70,000 per person. Prices go up during peak seasons like April to August and December.

If you book your tickets at least three to four months in advance, you can often find better deals and lower fares. Some connecting flights may cost less than direct flights, making them a more budget-friendly option. Premium economy and business class tickets could increase your travel costs significantly compared to economy fares.

Accommodation Costs

France offers a variety of places to stay, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here’s a rough estimate:

• Budget stays (hostels, budget hotels): ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 per night
  

• Mid-range hotels: ₹8,000 to ₹12,500 per night
  

• Luxury hotels: ₹15,000+ and above per night
  

Paris tends to have higher rates for accommodation, while smaller towns like Lyon, Nice, or Bordeaux may offer more moderate options. If you are travelling with family, renting a holiday apartment or a short-term rental could be a practical and budget-friendly choice.

Food Costs

French cuisine is renowned around the world, but dining in France could become expensive if without a careful budget. Here’s what to expect:

• Budget traveller: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per day (bakeries, street stalls, local cafes)

• Mid-range traveller: ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per day (mid-range restaurants)

• Luxury traveller: ₹8,000+ per day (fine dining, Indian restaurants in Paris)

To save money, many tourists buy groceries and make simple meals, especially if their accommodation has a kitchen.

Transport Costs within France

Getting around France is easy with its efficient public transport system, including trains, buses, and metros.

• Metro/bus single ticket: Around ₹200

• Train travel between cities may cost ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 depending on the distance and class.

• Renting a car for day trips can cost around ₹2,000 to ₹7,000 per day.

• Ride-hailing apps are available in cities but could cost more than public transport.

If you plan to travel a lot within France, you could consider buying train passes or city transport cards.

Activities and Sightseeing

France is full of places to see, and each might come with its own entry fee:

• Eiffel Tower ticket: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 depending on the level

• Louvre Museum: Around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000

• Palace of Versailles: ₹1,700 to ₹2,000

• Day trip to Mont Saint-Michel: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000

• Tours in Bordeaux: ₹5,000 to ₹8,000

Many parks and churches are free to enter. If you plan multiple visits, you could save by buying combined attraction tickets or the Paris Museum Pass.

Visa Cost

Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to France.

• Visa fee: Around ₹8,500

• VFS service charges: Around ₹2,000

• Total cost: Around ₹10,500 per person

Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. The visa is valid for up to 90 days.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa, providing coverage for unexpected situations such as flight delays, baggage loss, or medical emergencies.

The cost typically ranges from ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 for a 10-day trip.

Make sure to select a plan that offers appropriate coverage, including protection for medical emergencies, baggage loss, and trip cancellations.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Don’t forget to budget for other small expenses like:

• Shopping expenses: ₹3,000 to ₹10,000+

• SIM cards: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500

• Tips or service charges: 5 to 10% at cafés and restaurants

• Personal Supplies: ₹1,000+

Travelling to France is a dream for many, but it requires careful financial planning. Here are a few ways Indian travellers often fund their trip:

Credit Cards

Several credit cards in India provide the following benefits:

• Access to airport lounges

• Forex fee waivers

• Cashback for travel-related expenses

• EMI options for larger purchases

You may want to explore cards designed for travellers, offering rewards and discounts.

Travel Loan

If you don’t have enough savings but still want to take the trip, several banks and NBFCs in India offer personal loans that can be used for travel. These loans often come with quick disbursal, flexible repayment tenures, and competitive interest rates. 

Planning becomes easy when you have a clear budget. Here’s a sample cost breakdown for a 7-day France trip for one person:

Note: Costs are estimates and may change based on season, personal choices, and currency rates.

France is packed with must-see spots. Here are some top places Indian travellers love:

• Paris: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and shopping at Champs-Élysées.

• Versailles: The Grand Palace of Versailles.

• Nice: Sunny beaches and the beautiful French Riviera.

• Lyon: Famous for food and historical old town.

• Loire Valley: Castles and vineyards.

• Mont Saint-Michel: Magical island commune.

• Chamonix: Gateway to the Alps and Mont Blanc.

France offers a variety of experiences such as:

• Visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower

• Taking a serene cruise on the Seine River

• Exploring the art at the Louvre

• Delightful tours in Bordeaux

• Relaxing at local cafés or picnic spots

• Trying French cheeses and pastries

• Perfume-making workshops in Grasse

• Shopping for luxury brands or browsing local markets

France offers different charms throughout the year, but some seasons may stand out for their ideal weather and travel value.

The best times to visit France are during spring (April to June) when the weather is pleasant, and gardens and parks come to life with vibrant blooms. Alternatively, autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

While July and August can be busier due to summer holidays, December may see slightly higher prices due to the festive season. For a more relaxed and budget-friendly trip, you could consider planning your visit in April, May, September, or October depending on your preferences.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy France without stretching your budget:

• Plan and book your flights and accommodation in advance to secure better rates.

• Opt for public transportation rather than taxis to save on travel costs.

• Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass to reduce entry fees for popular attractions.

• Enjoy meals at local cafés or pick up food from grocery stores for a more affordable option.

• Stay in areas outside the city centre for more budget-friendly accommodation choices.

• Take advantage of free walking tours to explore the city without extra costs.

• Visit during the off-season to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.

Like any tourist place, France has a few scams to be aware of:

• Petition trick: Someone may approach you to sign a form while an accomplice attempts to steal from your pocket.

• Bracelet ruse: A person could tie a bracelet on your wrist and then demand payment.

• Fake charity collections: Scammers might ask for donations for causes that are not real.

• Pickpockets: Stay alert in crowded places like tourist landmarks and public transport.

• ATM fraud: Safer to withdraw cash from machines located inside bank branches.

• Taxi overcharging: Some drivers might avoid using the meter—it's wiser to choose official taxis or book through trusted apps.

Stay alert and avoid engaging with strangers offering ‘gifts’ or asking for signatures.

Here’s a quick summary of India to France trip cost estimates by budget, mid-range, and luxury travel styles:

Note: Costs may vary depending on season, city, and personal choices.