A solo traveler explores Paris, Versailles, and Giverny on a budget, staying in affordable hostels, enjoying local street food, and visiting free or low-cost attractions.
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Duration7 days
Travellers1
Best time to visitApril to June or September to October (pleasant weather, fewer tourists)
Estimated cost$1,300 - $1,500
Main airportCDG
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris
Location: Paris, France
Flight from your home airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
Cost: $650-750 · Travel time: 7h 30m · By flight · Near Charles de Gaulle Airport
Options: Direct flights on major airlines
Take the RER B train from CDG to Gare du Nord.
Cost: $10-12 · Travel time: 35 min · By train · Near Gare du Nord
Options: RER train, frequent service
Where to eat
Le Bouillon Chartier — Classic Parisian brasserie offering affordable French staples.
Where to stay
Generator Paris Hostel — Modern budget hostel in the 15th arrondissement, dorm beds $30/night, free Wi‑Fi.
Day 2 - Paris
Location: Paris, France
Free walking tour of Île de la Cité
Cost: Free (tip appreciated) · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Notre‑Dame Cathedral
Options: Walking
Wander the artistic streets of Montmartre and climb to the dome of Sacré‑Cœur.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 20 min metro · Near Sacré‑Cœur Basilica
Options: Metro Line 12 to Abbesses
Where to eat
Hostel Café — Continental breakfast served by the hostel.
L'As du Fallafel — Famous falafel sandwich in the Marais, great for a cheap lunch.
Chez Gladines — Basque bistro offering hearty, affordable dishes.
Day 3 - Versailles
Location: Versailles, France
Take the RER C from Paris to Versailles‑Rive Gauche station.
Cost: $7-9 · Travel time: 45 min · By train · Near Versailles‑Rive Gauche
Options: RER train, frequent service
Explore the expansive formal gardens, fountains, and the Grand Canal.
Cost: Free (garden entry) · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Gardens of Versailles
Options: Walking
Brief inside visit to the famous Hall of Mirrors (ticket $20).
Cost: $20 · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Palace of Versailles
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Café du Marché — Simple bakery offering croissants and coffee near the hostel.
La Petite Venise — Café on the Grand Canal serving affordable salads and quiches.
Bistrot du 8 — Cozy bistro offering classic French dishes at budget prices.
Day 4 - Paris
Location: Paris, France
Stroll through the gardens and enjoy a self‑brought picnic.
Cost: Free (food from supermarket) · Travel time: 20 min metro · Near Jardin du Luxembourg
Options: Metro Line 4 to Saint‑Michel
Visit Musée d'Art Moderne or Musée Carnavalet, both free on select days.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 15 min metro · Near Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
Options: Metro Line 1
Where to eat
Hostel Café — Continental breakfast included with hostel stay.
Marché des Enfants Rouges — Historic covered market offering diverse, inexpensive street food.
Le Petit Cler — Charming bistro on Rue Cler with affordable French classics.
Day 5 - Giverny
Location: Giverny, France
Regional TER train from Paris Saint‑Lazare to Vernon‑Giverny.
Cost: $15-20 · Travel time: 45 min · By train · Near Vernon‑Giverny Station
Options: TER regional train, hourly service
Explore Claude Monet's home, water‑lily pond, and Japanese bridge.
Cost: $15 · Travel time: 10 min shuttle walk · By bus · Near Claude Monet Foundation, Giverny
Options: Shuttle bus from station
Take the TER back to Paris Saint‑Lazare.
Cost: $15-20 · Travel time: 45 min · By train · Near Paris Saint‑Lazare
Options: Regional train
Where to eat
Hostel Café — Quick breakfast before departing for Giverny.
Café de l'Amphithéâtre (Giverny) — Simple café near Monet's house offering sandwiches and salads.
Le Trinquet — Affordable bistro back in Paris with a rotating menu of French comfort food.
Day 6 - Paris
Location: Paris, France
Self‑guided stroll through historic streets, visiting Place des Vosges and boutique shops.
Cost: Free (tip appreciated) · Travel time: 15 min metro · Near Place des Vosges
Options: Metro Line 1
Relax on the Trocadéro gardens and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 20 min metro · Near Trocadéro Gardens
Options: Metro Line 9
Where to eat
Hostel Café — Continental breakfast included with hostel stay.
Breizh Café — Crepe stall offering savory and sweet options at budget prices.
Le Bouillon Racine — Traditional French brasserie with generous portions at low cost.
Day 7 - Paris
Location: Paris, France
Walk along Rue de Rivoli for affordable souvenirs.
Cost: Free (shopping optional) · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Rue de Rivoli
Options: Walking
Take the RER B from Gare du Nord back to CDG for your flight home.
Cost: $10-12 · Travel time: 35 min · By train · Near Charles de Gaulle Airport
Options: RER train
Where to eat
Hostel Café — Final continental breakfast before departure.
Estimated Cost
$1,300 - $1,500
Air transportation
$650 - $750
Ground transportation
$120 - $150
Lodging
$210 - $250
Meals
$140 - $180
Activities
$0 - $70
Incidentals
$80 - $100
Trip Highlights
Eiffel Tower (exterior)
Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior)
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Palace of Versailles Gardens
Monet's Garden in Giverny
Luxembourg Gardens
Le Marais district
Visa Requirements
France
Citizenship: General/US/EU/UK
Visa required: No
Stay allowed: Up to 90 days within 180‑day period (Schengen)
Application process: No visa needed for short stays. Ensure passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
Requirements: Valid passport, proof of onward travel, sufficient funds.
Multiple entry: Allowed
Good to Know
Check latest COVID‑19 entry rules, keep travel insurance, be aware of pickpocketing in tourist areas.
Local Customs
Greeting with a light kiss on each cheek is common; say "Bonjour" before requests; tipping 5‑10% in restaurants is appreciated.
Background
Paris, the 'City of Light', has been a cultural and artistic hub since the Middle Ages, famous for its architecture, museums, and cuisine.
Useful Phrases
Bonjour — Hello
Merci — Thank you
Combien ça coûte? — How much does it cost?
Budget Tips
Book flights 6‑8 weeks in advance for the best fares.
Purchase a Navigo weekly pass for unlimited metro and bus travel.
Eat at boulangeries and street‑food stalls for meals under $10.
Visit museums on free‑entry days.
Time-Saving Tips
Reserve the Versailles palace ticket online to skip queues; download offline metro maps.
Getting Around
Use the Paris Métro and regional TER trains; buy a single Navigo weekly pass for €30 (~$32).
Beating the Crowds
Travel mid‑week (Tuesday‑Thursday) to avoid weekend crowds and lower accommodation rates.
Local Deals
Navigo weekly pass, free museum entry on first Sunday of the month, discounted combo ticket for Versailles garden + palace.
If the Weather Turns
If rain, visit indoor attractions like Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, or enjoy coffee at historic cafés.
Alternative Activities
If the Monet garden is closed, visit the Musée Rodin (free admission to the garden).
Side Trips
Day trip to Fontainebleau Castle (train from Paris, €15 round‑trip).
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