A backpacking vacation can be the adventure of a lifetime, and if Europe is your destination of choice, then a visit to France is a must-do.

Is France the best country in Europe for backpacking in?

France is a country with a rich history and culture, and visitors from all over the world are drawn to its wonderful cities and pristine countryside. If you are traveling on a budget, a great way to experience France is to go backpacking. A backpacking vacation has the added advantage of letting you immerse yourself in the country, its people, and its language.

For backpackers visiting France, the ideal starting point is the capital, Paris. This wonderful city has so many great sights, from Notre Dame Cathedral to its world-famous galleries, including the Louvre. Of course, you will also want to visit the Eiffel Tower. Leaving Paris, you can travel to Provence in the south and backpack through stunning countryside and quaint villages and towns. This region is well known for its production of wines, so a trip to a vineyard, with an opportunity to sample the local produce, is essential. A trip to Normandy will give you an opportunity to visit the D-Day beaches, where Allied forces staged their landings in June 1944 during World War II. Other centers worth a visit include Bordeaux, which the famous wine is named for; Avignon, a historic city that was home to seven successive Popes in the Middle Ages and boasts a town center with UNESCO World Heritage status; and Marseille, a port city on the Mediterranean coast with a culture very different from the rest of France.

Backpacking in France – Paris.

In terms of budgeting for a backpacking vacation in France, you will have to keep in mind that it can be an expensive country, especially in terms of accommodation in the major centers. Renting a room or an apartment in a world-class city such as Paris will give you the best value during your trip. On the plus side, buying food in France offers great value, and there are plenty of markets selling fresh produce daily where you can pick up some groceries for a relaxing picnic or a snack to eat on the go.

Backpacking in France – the Louvre.

If you want to save more money on a backpacking trip to France or any other part of the European continent, consider signing up for a scheme such as an airline rewards program, which can save you money on future trips once you start accumulating air miles. Use the train system to travel around France at the cheapest rates, particularly overnight trains. If you are a student, discounts for those attending college are widely available across the European continent.

If you want to explore a particular town or region in detail and leave your backpack to one side, a great and affordable option is to rent a bicycle. The country’s various metro systems, including the one in Paris, are also very affordable.

To get a better idea of what to do on a backpacking holiday, look up Royal Holiday for more ideas and tips.