How to Eat for €15 a Day in France

France is world-renowned for its cuisine, but that doesn’t mean you have to splurge to eat well. With a modest budget of €15 per day, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals—including real croissants, local specialties, and flavorful street food—without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

Where and What to Eat on a Budget

Boulangeries: Start your day like a local with a croissant or pain au chocolat (€1.20–€1.50) and a fresh espresso or café crème (€1.50–€2.00).
Supermarkets: Grab quality snacks, fresh produce, and ready-made dishes. Pre-packed meals or rotisserie chicken portions with sides can cost €4–€6.
Ethnic eateries: Enjoy hearty kebabs, falafel wraps, or Chinese stir-fry for €6–€8.
Street food & markets: Farmers’ markets offer reasonably priced local fare—baguettes, cheese, fruits, or even warm quiches and crêpes.
Budget bakeries and takeaways: Look out for formule deals (meal combos) offering sandwiches, drinks, and desserts for €5–€7.

Meal Timing and Local Habits

Lunch is still the best-value sit-down meal, especially in small towns or outside tourist centers. Some bakeries and casual spots offer plat du jour or takeaway options until 2 PM. Dinner can be lighter and more DIY—opt for supermarket meals, sandwiches, or cooked goods from earlier in the day.

Paris vs. Other Cities

Paris tends to be pricier, but deals exist if you know where to look—university areas, bakeries in outer arrondissements, and food trucks. In cities like Lyon, Toulouse, or Nantes, food is generally more affordable, and portions more generous. Small towns and rural areas often offer even better value.

Sample Budget Meal Plan – €15/Day

Breakfast: Croissant (€1.30) + espresso at a café (€1.80)
Lunch: Falafel wrap or sandwich formule with dessert and drink (€6.50)
Dinner: Supermarket-prepared salad, baguette, cheese or pâté, and fruit (€5.00)

Total: €14.60 – With a few cents left over for a sweet treat or small coffee.

French Food You Can Still Try on a Budget

Crêpes – Savory or sweet, filling and around €3–€5.
Croque Monsieur – Café staple for €4–€6.
Quiche Lorraine – Found at bakeries or markets for under €5.
Baguette and Brie – A classic and affordable pairing for lunch or dinner.

Stretching the Budget: Treats Worth an Occasional Extra Euro

With a slightly higher budget, you can occasionally indulge in these regional delights:

Plat du jour at a bistro or café for lunch (€10–€12)
Regional pastries like Kouign-amann in Brittany or canelé in Bordeaux (€2–€3)
Local cheeses from fromageries, served with fruit and baguette for a scenic picnic

Final Tips to Keep Costs Down

Refill your water bottle—tap water is safe and free.
Look for formule deals at bakeries and street stalls.
Eat outside: Parks, riversides, and public squares are perfect picnic spots.
Mix and match meals: A bakery snack + supermarket salad can keep variety and costs balanced.
Visit markets near closing: Vendors often reduce prices toward the end of the day.

Final Thoughts

Eating on €15 per day in France is not only realistic—it can also be delicious and satisfying. With smart choices and local insight, you’ll enjoy authentic French cuisine, stay full, and still have room for that daily croissant. Bon appétit!