🔎 Recap
In a rush? Here are 4 smart tips to adopt when travelling around Europe while studying in France:
Make the most of your location: Studying in France means Europe is right at your doorstep! Thanks to the Schengen Area, you can easily travel to many neighboring countries.
Pick the right way to travel: Interrail, low-cost flights, long-distance buses or carpooling—there’s something for every budget and travel style.
Keep your spending in check: Use student discounts, stay in hostels, look into city passes... there are plenty of ways to keep costs low.
Plan ahead: Check that your ID and insurance are valid, and keep digital copies of important travel documents.
Introduction
Studying in France puts you right in the heart of Europe. With so many cultures, languages, and landscapes nearby, why not take full advantage of it? Whether it’s a weekend in Barcelona, a quick getaway to Rome, or a week exploring Central Europe, travelling across the continent has never been easier—or more affordable.
In this article, we’re sharing our top tips to help you plan unforgettable trips across Europe—without blowing your student budget.
Why travel around Europe while studying in France?
🌍 A chance to explore Europe’s cultural diversity
Europe is a patchwork of languages, traditions, and cuisines. In just one year, you could visit museums in London, grab a pizza in Naples, or wander the streets of Prague. Every country has something different to offer—it’s the perfect chance to soak up new experiences.
🚆 A central location that makes travel easy
France is perfectly located to explore the rest of Europe. And thanks to the Schengen Area, you can travel across most countries without a visa—as long as your passport or national ID is valid. Trains, planes, and buses connect most major cities in just a few hours.
🌟 A valuable part of your international experience
Travelling is more than sightseeing—it broadens your perspective and teaches you to navigate different cultures. These trips will not only give you lifelong memories but also add depth to your CV. Plus, you’re likely to build strong friendships and discover new passions along the way.
Start planning your stay in France with the Student Hub 🙌
How to travel around Europe from France
🚆 By train with Interrail or Eurail
Interrail (for EU residents) and Eurail (for non-EU residents) are travel passes that let you hop on and off trains in over 30 countries for a fixed price. Great for train-based adventures like Paris–Amsterdam–Berlin or Barcelona–Madrid–Lisbon. It’s a fun and flexible way to explore multiple countries in one trip.
✈️ By plane with low-cost airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and other budget airlines can take you far for cheap—some tickets are under €30 if you book in advance. Just watch out for extra fees (luggage, boarding priority, etc.) that can add up quickly.
🚌 By bus with FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus
Long-distance buses are great for students on a budget. Tickets start around €5 and they often serve cities that trains don’t reach. It’s a bit slower, but the savings (and the comfy seats) make up for it.
🚗 By carpool with BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is very popular in France and can also work for international trips near the borders—like Strasbourg to Freiburg or Lille to Amsterdam. It’s budget-friendly and a fun way to chat with locals in different languages.
Smart travel tips and budget hacks
Apps to plan your trip
- Skyscanner or Kayak – to compare flight prices
- Omio – to find all transport options between two places
- Hostelworld – to book affordable hostels
Our top budget tips
- Always carry your student card—it can get you discounts on transport, museums, and more.
- Save on accommodation with Couchsurfing, hostels, or Facebook groups for international students.
- Look into city passes—they often bundle public transport, museums, and guided tours at reduced prices.
Before you go: documents and insurance
- Make sure your passport or ID is valid for the entire trip.
- Check that your health or travel insurance covers you in the countries you plan to visit.
- Keep digital backups of your important documents in case you lose anything on the road.
Where to go: ideas for European getaways
Want a quick trip or a longer adventure? Here are a few ideas:
- Into history? Try Rome, Athens, or Berlin.
- More of a nature fan? Explore the fjords in Norway, the Italian Dolomites, or Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.
- Looking for a lively vibe? Head to Barcelona, Budapest, or Amsterdam.
Easy itineraries from France:
- A weekend in Bruges and Ghent from Lille
- One week in Italy: Milan, Florence, Rome
- A Central Europe loop: Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Conclusion
Travelling around Europe while studying in France is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. With affordable transport options and so many places nearby, it’s easy to explore new cultures on a student budget.
So start planning, grab some travel buddies, and get ready for the adventure. And if your campus has an international student association, drop by and talk to them—they’ll probably have some great tips to help you plan your trip 😉
