5 Apps That Save You Money in France

Traveling in France doesn’t have to be expensive—especially if you have the right tools at your fingertips. From finding affordable food and transportation to getting local tips and avoiding unnecessary expenses, the right apps can help you navigate the country more affordably and efficiently.

5 Apps That Save You Money in France

Whether you’re backpacking through cities, hopping between regions, or simply trying to make your euros stretch further, these five apps will help you save money in France without compromising on experience or convenience.

Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is a food rescue app that connects users with local bakeries, cafés, supermarkets, and restaurants offering unsold food at a significant discount. You can pick up ‘magic bags’ filled with surplus items that would otherwise go to waste—often at more than 50% off their normal price.

In France, the app is especially popular in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. It’s not only a great way to save money on meals and snacks, but it also supports sustainability by reducing food waste. Bags typically cost between €3–€5 and are often enough for two meals.

Citymapper

Citymapper is a comprehensive public transportation app that helps you find the fastest and cheapest ways to get around urban areas. In France, it works exceptionally well in major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

It shows you not only metro, tram, and bus routes, but also walking times and free transfers—allowing you to optimize your trip and avoid costly mistakes. It’s also great for tracking disruptions or finding night buses when you’re on a budget and taxis are too expensive.

BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is France’s leading carpooling platform, connecting drivers with empty seats to travelers going the same way. It’s a fantastic alternative to pricey trains, especially for longer distances.

With rides often 30–50% cheaper than train tickets, it’s a budget-friendly and more social way to travel. The app includes user reviews and verified driver profiles, making it a secure and well-established option for backpackers and locals alike.

Oui.sncf / SNCF Connect

SNCF Connect (formerly Oui.sncf) is the official app for France’s national rail service. It’s essential for finding the best deals on regional and long-distance train tickets, and sometimes offers special web-only fares.

You can use it to compare prices, access discounts for youth or seniors, and book TER (regional) trains, which are often much cheaper than high-speed TGVs. Booking in advance through the app can result in huge savings, especially for popular routes.

TheFork (LaFourchette)

TheFork helps you find and reserve tables at thousands of restaurants across France—many of which offer up to 50% off your bill when booked through the app.

It’s an excellent resource for eating out affordably, especially in cities where restaurant prices can be high. You’ll also find user reviews, menus, and details about fixed-price menus or happy hours to help you make smart dining choices.

Tips for Using Budget Apps in France

The following tips will ensure you take full advantage of each app’s features while staying connected and within budget during your trip.

Download apps in advance and set up your profiles before your trip to avoid roaming charges and save time.
Use Wi-Fi in cafés, hostels, and train stations to browse apps and book services without using mobile data.
Enable push notifications for app deals and alerts—some offer limited-time discounts that disappear quickly.
Combine apps for maximum savings: use TheFork for dinner after a discounted train ride via SNCF Connect.
Check language settings—many apps have English versions, but occasionally default to French. Look for a language toggle in settings.

What to Expect from Budget Apps in France

Most apps are user-friendly and widely used by locals, which makes them reliable and regularly updated with deals.

You may need a French phone number for some services, though many now accept international numbers and credit cards.

Certain features (like BlaBlaCar’s instant booking or TheFork’s discounts) work best in urban areas, while smaller towns may have more limited listings.

Final Thoughts on Budget Apps for France

Technology makes budget travel easier than ever, and these five apps are essential tools for anyone looking to save money in France. Whether you’re navigating public transport, dining out, or scoring last-minute deals, a few smart downloads can make your trip more affordable and less stressful.

Add these apps to your travel toolkit before you depart and you’ll be ready to enjoy France without breaking the bank—one swipe at a time.