Fair prices in ফ্রান্স — what things really cost

The Rhônexpress tram is the direct link between Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport and the centre in about 30 minutes. Buy online in advance for the cheapest one-way fare, as buying at the machine costs a little more.

One TCL ticket covers a single journey with transfers for an hour across metro, tram, bus and funicular in the central zones. A carnet of ten tickets brings the per-ride price down; the funicular up to Fourvière uses the same ticket.

A taxi from the airport to the centre is a fixed-ish long ride and far dearer than the Rhônexpress. Worth it only for groups or heavy luggage; use the official rank and agree the fare, and never accept a tout inside the terminal.

A set lunch menu at a traditional bouchon is the best-value way to eat Lyonnais food. Look for the 'Bouchons Lyonnais' certification label to avoid tourist imitations, and note tap water and bread are free on request.

Full admission is modest and covers all exhibitions; 18-to-25s pay a reduced rate and under-18s enter free. Book online to skip the queue on busy weekends.

The bright pink tarte aux pralines is sold by the slice in bakeries across the city for a small price. Buy from a busy local bakery rather than a tourist stall for the best value and freshness.

A coffee taken standing at the counter is cheaper than one at a table, and a terrace on a famous square costs the most. All are normal pricing, not a scam.

The L091 shuttle is the cheapest link between Marseille Provence airport and Saint-Charles station, running frequently and taking around 30 minutes. Buy from the machine or app and keep your ticket; it costs a fraction of a taxi.

Official taxis from the airport charge a set fixed fare to the centre, higher at night and on Sundays. Use only the marked rank, confirm it is the fixed airport tariff, and ignore anyone touting a ride inside the terminal.

One RTM ticket covers the metro, tram and bus with connections inside the hour. A rechargeable card or a 24-hour pass is better value than paper tickets, and buying from the driver costs more.

A meal at a mid-range bistro is good value away from the Old Port's tourist front. Look for a set lunch menu, eat a street back from the quay, and remember tap water (une carafe d'eau) and bread are free on request.

A genuine bouillabaisse is an expensive, made-to-order feast served in two courses and priced per person. Be wary of cheap versions near the port; the real thing follows a charter, is often ordered a day ahead, and is worth it once.

A coffee taken standing at the counter is cheaper than one at a table, and a table on the Old Port costs the most. All three prices are normal, not a scam; you are paying for the seat and the view.

Chickpea panisses and other street snacks from l'Estaque or a market stall are a cheap, filling local bite. A paper cone costs only a few euros, and buying where locals queue gets you the freshest, hottest batch.

Tram line 2 links both airport terminals with the city centre and port for the price of a normal single ticket, far cheaper than a taxi. Buy from the machine on the platform and keep your ticket until you exit.

One Lignes d'Azur ticket covers a single journey with connections for about an hour and a quarter in the same direction. Buy a rechargeable card or a bundle rather than single tickets to save money.

Official taxis from Nice airport to the city centre run on set approximate fares that rise in the evening and with luggage. Use only the marked rank, confirm the fare before setting off, and refuse anyone touting a ride inside the terminal.

Look for a set lunch menu (formule) for the best value and eat a street back from the Promenade and Cours Saleya, where prices drop. Tap water and bread are free on request.

Socca is a cheap, filling chickpea pancake best bought hot from a stall in the Old Town or Cours Saleya. A single portion is a bargain snack; look for the stall with a local queue.

A coffee taken standing at the counter is cheaper than one at a table, and a table facing the sea costs the most. All are normal, not a scam.

Nice's beaches are pebble, not sand, so many visitors rent a lounger and parasol at a private beach club for the day. The public beach sections alongside are completely free; bring water shoes for comfort.

Official taxis charge a set flat fare between Charles de Gaulle and each half of the city, split by the river. Use only the marked taxi rank, confirm the fixed rate, and refuse touts offering a ride inside the terminal.

The RER B train links Charles de Gaulle with central stations and is far cheaper than a taxi. Keep your ticket until you exit and watch your bags, as this line is a known pickpocket spot.

Buy a rechargeable pass or a carnet-style bundle rather than single paper tickets to save money. One validation covers a metro journey with connections inside the network.

Look for a set lunch menu (formule) for the best value, and eat a street or two away from the main monuments. Tap water and bread are free on request.

A coffee taken standing at the counter is cheaper than one at a table, and a table on a famous square costs the most. All three are normal, not a scam.

A neighbourhood boulangerie offers excellent pastries at low prices. Look for a queue of locals and buy a croissant or baguette for a cheap, high-quality snack.

If you plan to see several museums and monuments, a multi-day pass can save money and time. Add the mandatory timed reservation for busy sites like the Louvre separately.