Strasbourg
Your trip through the land of love and fashion takes you first to Strasbourg. Strasbourg is particularly known for its mixture of German and French culture. This is noticeable in the architecture, the food, and the mentality of the locals. While strolling through the old town, you will immediately notice the typical half-timbered houses.
A special highlight of the city is of course the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, the Gothic church in the middle of the city center. Here, the presentation of the astronomical clock takes place daily and you should not miss this.
You can stay the night at one of the local hostels. A bed in a dorm costs €26 a night.
Lyon
The tour continues into the alpine region and the city of Lyon. Depending on whether you are traveling by bus or train, you may have to change trains. Nevertheless, the journey by public transport is very easy.
The city dates back to around 40 BC. Because of its strategic location at the confluence of the Rhine and Saône rivers, it was already of great importance during Roman times.
Here you can really immerse yourself in the French lifestyle and walk from one cafe to the next or to nearby brasserie. If your budget is a little tight, watch out, because food is not necessarily cheap but is so delicious!
You will get a comfortable place to sleep at one of the local hostels. A bed in a dorm costs €26 a night.
Nice
Now it's getting chic, because you’re going to the Côte d'Azur. At least that's what everyone thinks of the French Riviera. In fact, this beautiful coastal stretch is also suitable for backpackers. Nice is about 5 hours from Lyon by public transportation. You’ll need about €35.
On the coast, the weather is quite mild throughout the year. Spring and autumn are therefore the best times for your trip to escape the crowds of summer. Upon arrival, you will of course put your feet in the water and walk along the Promenade des Anglais. The promenade extends over 4 kilometers. There it makes sense to rent a bike or skates.
At the Cours Saleya market, you can shop for handmade souvenirs or chic second-hand clothes and then enjoy the sunset in one of the hip restaurants with a view of the sea.
You don’t have to spend a lot to stay in Nice overnight. You can get a bed in one of the local hostels’ dorms for €28 a night.
Marseille
Since it's so beautiful by the water, you might as well stay on the Riviera for a while. You continue along the coast to Marseille. You’ll pay €15 for the 2-hour drive.
The port city in the south of France has been an important commercial center for over 2,500 years. You should definitely treat yourself to a freshly caught fish at the old harbor. With a glass of wine, of course – perfect to start your trip in Marseille.
To see the city in its full splendor, climb the Notre Dame de la Garde. The church is the city's landmark and watches over the locals on a 160-meter-high hill. If you feel like enjoying a different kind of attraction, take the ferry to the Île d'If, a small island outside the city. The building that stands on the island used to be a prison and is now open for visits.
You can spend the night in one of Marseille’s hostels. A bed in a dorm costs €31 a night.
Bordeaux
Head north from the coast, and you will end up in what is probably the most famous wine region in the world.
So, it's only natural that you will set out to explore the vineyards and wineries. Even if you don't like to drink wine yourself, you will be amazed by the hilly vineyards, the endless rows of vines and the grand manor houses.
Like all the cities you have visited during your backpacking trip, Bordeaux is a port city. It’s located on the Garonne river. Along the riverbank there are many public gardens that lead to imposing buildings such as the Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux.
Spend the night at one of the local hostels to meet more backpackers. A bed in a dorm costs €36 a night.
Paris
What would a trip through France be without a stop in Paris? That's exactly why we're going to the capital as a Grand Finale. With the bus and one change of bus you will arrive after a journey of about 3 hours. You’ll get there in a 3-hour bus ride.
A lifetime isn’t enough to see everything in Paris. If you don't have that much time, you can try to find a good mix between tourist must-sees and a touch of French spontaneity. Of course, you should stroll past the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Preferably with a croissant from the small café around the corner in your hand – you definitely have to taste what France has to offer.
Accommodations in Paris are rather expensive. It’s better to stay at one of the local hostels. You can get a bed in a dorm for €41 a night.
