France packs Alps, coastline, vineyards and medieval towns into one country, and students can see a lot of it cheaply. Here is how to explore France on a budget. (Rupees: multiply euros by about 110.)
The one-line version: use cheap high-speed OUIGO and early-booked TGV/TER trains (with a youth Carte Avantage Jeune), FlixBus/BlaBlaCar for cheap hops, hike the famous GR trails, and camp at cheap campsites. Under-26 discounts are everywhere. For other countries see cheap travel across Europe.
Getting around cheaply
- OUIGO: France's low-cost high-speed trains, very cheap if booked early.
- TER (regional trains): cheap, and many regions offer flat youth fares or weekend deals.
- Carte Avantage Jeune (SNCF): a youth railcard (for under-27s) that cuts TGV/TER fares significantly, pays for itself fast.
- FlixBus and BlaBlaCar: cheapest for buses and ride-shares, including overnight.
Where to go for a weekend
- Towns and culture: Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Annecy, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Mountains: the Alps (Chamonix, Grenoble area) and the Pyrenees for trekking and, in winter, cheap student ski deals.
- Coast: the Mediterranean (Marseille, Côte d'Azur) and the Atlantic (Biarritz, Brittany).
- Cross-border ease: France borders Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, easy weekend hops.
Trekking the GR trails
France is a trekking paradise
- The GR (Grande Randonnée) network is thousands of kilometres of marked long-distance trails (look for red-and-white blazes).
- GR20 (Corsica) is legendary; the Alps and Pyrenees have endless day and multi-day routes.
- Use Komoot or Visorando for routes; trails are well marked.
- University sports services and student clubs organise group hikes and ski trips cheaply.
Camping
- France has a vast network of campsites, from basic municipal ones to bigger sites, cheap and social.
- Wild camping (camping sauvage) is restricted, especially in national parks and on the coast; use official sites or designated areas.
- Split gear with friends, or rent.
Do it with people
Join your university's sport/outdoor association (BDE/BDS clubs), Meetup groups, or fellow students and an Aurora buddy. Group trips are cheaper and more fun.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to travel in France?
OUIGO and early-booked TER/TGV trains (with a youth railcard), plus FlixBus and BlaBlaCar for buses and ride-shares.
Is there a youth railcard in France?
Yes, the SNCF Carte Avantage Jeune for under-27s gives big discounts and quickly pays for itself.
Can I wild camp in France?
It is restricted, especially in parks and near the coast. Use official campsites or designated spots.
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