Saving money on food in France in 2026 is an art form that involves embracing local habits rather than tourist traps. One of the best strategies is to make lunch your main meal; many restaurants offer a formule (set menu) or a plat du jour (dish of the day) for lunch at a fraction of the price of the dinner menu. Avoid eating in main squares or near major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, where prices are inflated by a "tourist tax." Instead, head to local boulangeries for high-quality sandwiches on fresh baguettes or visit an open-air market for a picnic of local cheeses, pâté, and seasonal fruit. Another great tip is to ask for "une carafe d'eau" (a pitcher of tap water), which is free by law, instead of paying €6 for bottled water. When it comes to coffee, drinking your espresso at the bar (standing up) is often significantly cheaper than sitting at a table with service. Finally, look for traiteurs (gourmet delis) where you can buy prepared hot meals by weight to take back to your accommodation, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality French cuisine at a grocery-store price point.