Where to eat in France

Dining

• Instead of wasting excessive euros getting your hotel breakfast, which is probably way overpriced and consists of just a couple pastries and coffee, start your dining day like the French. Visit a local cafe and spend half or a quarter the price for a croissant or pastry and cafe au lait. Several French hotels I've visited have charged upwards or 20 euros per person for a very mediocre breakfast. Also, be sure you are not automatically being charged for breakfast, which is quite common. When you book your room or check in, inform them you do not want their breakfast. Or opt for just coffee in the room, typically much cheaper than full breakfast.


• Indulge in one great big French meal a day, instead of spending cash on all three and cringing at your daily spending. Choose to have it at lunchtime as often as possible. You will usually get the same food served for dinner, but for less money. Get the prix fixe menu, which usually consists of a starter, main dish and dessert, sometimes also wine, for a low price.


• Since you are already pretty stuffed from lunch, save cash by having a cheap sandwich and pastry for dinner. (Likewise, you can have the sandwich lunch and big three-course dinner instead). Sandwiches are very good, and usually cost around 3.5 euros almost anywhere in France. The chain of bakeries Le Brioche Doree, for instance, sells a sandwich, drink and a dessert for 5.5 euros. (Try their wonderful banana-chocolate tart!).