Backpacking through France on a tight budget — totally doable

Did France on a shoestring for 5 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Paris centre and ate mostly at local spots — ratatouille from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant.

Eiffel Tower has an entry fee but worth every penny. world-class cuisine was a free discovery that ended up being one of my favourite moments of the trip. Budget travellers: France is worth your time and money, just avoid the tourist-priced restaurants.