5 Frugal Food Facts For Francophiles

1. Street food is mainly cheap & delicious. Think crêpes ($3-4), baguette sandwich ($3-4), as opposed to a cafe lunch ($15-25 per person without alcohol). Time Saving Bonus: street food doesn't slow your day down with leisurely table service (or an impatient waiter).
2. ALWAYS request a "carafe d'eau." If you request it, they'll bring you a free pitcher of tap water. If you just ask for water, you'll end up with a bottle of water ($5-8). Budget killer. 
3. For breakfast visit a bakery. Breakfast at a cafe can run $6-10 for just a croissant & coffee. Instead, explore one of the many bakeries (called boulangeries/pâtisseries) that are everywhere & enjoy a delicious pastry that will only cost you $1-4. 
4. Buy drinks at the supermarket. Bottles of water & sodas are very expensive on the street ($3-8). Yes, we went to a cafe at a park that wanted $8 for a can of coke!!!! No thanks! I'd rather have my free carafe d'eau & then head to a bakery for some delicious macaroons, a fancy pastry, or a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).  Instead, find a Monoprix (like France's Target), Franprix, or even in the metro vending machines where you can buy water & sodas for around $1 each. Great for when you are walking around exploring. 
5. Splurge on French delicacies. With all of these money saving tips, you will be able to enjoy the finer French goods that don't come cheap. Ladurée or Mariage Freres for tea & macaroons; 2 pots of tea & 4 macaroons $40. Angelina's world famous, rich, thick, creamy delicious hot chocolate $8 per person. Do not miss out on these experiences, they are what you will remember for the rest of your life!