Planning a trip to France in 2025? Whether you’re exploring Paris’s Eiffel Tower, the Provence lavender fields, or the sun-soaked French Riviera, you’ll likely pay a tourist tax — known locally as the Taxe de Séjour.
This small nightly charge helps French cities maintain historic sites, beaches, and tourist facilities. In 2025, the France tourist tax remains mandatory across most destinations, with rates depending on where you stay and the type of accommodation.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain:
- How much the tourist tax costs in different cities,
- Who pays (and who doesn’t),
- What’s new for 2025,
- And how to budget smartly for your trip.
2. What Is the France Tourist Tax (Taxe de Séjour)?
The Taxe de Séjour, introduced in 1910, is a municipal accommodation tax charged to tourists staying overnight in hotels, hostels, and rentals.
Key Facts:
- Set locally, not nationally — each city or commune decides the rate.
- Calculated per person, per night.
- Collected by hotels, Airbnb, and other lodging providers.
- Used to fund tourism promotion, city maintenance, and cultural heritage.
In 2025, this tax continues to support France’s goal of sustainable tourism and preserving its world-famous landmarks.
3. Tourist Tax Rates by City (2025)
Below is an overview of estimated tourist tax rates across France’s most popular cities and regions for 2025.
| City / Region | Accommodation Type | Rate (per person/night) | Notes (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | Hotels & rentals | €0.25 – €5.00 | Based on hotel category (1★ to 5★+) |
| Nice (Riviera) | Hotels & guesthouses | €0.20 – €4.00 | Riviera municipalities updated rates in 2024 |
| Marseille | All stays | €0.83 – €5.36 | Applies to Airbnb and luxury hotels |
| Lyon | Hotels & apartments | €0.50 – €4.50 | Similar rate for short-term rentals |
| Bordeaux | Hotels & hostels | €0.40 – €3.60 | Expanding to suburban areas in 2025 |
| Cannes | 4★+ hotels | €3.00 – €5.00 | Common for film festival guests |
| Toulouse | Hotels & B&Bs | €0.30 – €2.50 | Set by Toulouse Métropole |
| Provence villages | Rural guesthouses | €0.30 – €1.50 | Used for local infrastructure |
| Chamonix (Alps) | Ski lodges & chalets | €0.90 – €4.00 | Funds mountain tourism services |
💡 Tip: Airbnb automatically includes the Taxe de Séjour in most French cities — so you’ll see it in your total booking price.
4. How & When You Pay the France Tourist Tax
The tourist tax is always collected per person, per night at your accommodation:
- Hotels & Hostels: Pay at check-out; shown as “Taxe de Séjour” on your bill.
- Airbnb & Booking.com: Automatically charged at the time of reservation.
- Campgrounds or rural rentals: Usually paid in cash on arrival.
Children under 18 are exempt nationwide, and the maximum duration for which the tax applies varies by city (usually 30 nights).
5. France Tourist Tax Rates by Accommodation Type
| Accommodation | Rate (Average 2025) | Example City | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1★ & 2★ Hotels | €0.20 – €1.00 | Lyon | Budget travelers benefit from lower rates |
| 3★ Hotels | €1.00 – €2.50 | Bordeaux | Standard mid-range fee |
| 4★ Hotels | €2.50 – €4.00 | Paris, Nice | Often added automatically |
| 5★ Hotels & Palaces | €4.00 – €5.75 | Cannes, Paris | Maximum rate |
| Furnished Rentals / Airbnb | €0.50 – €5.00 | Nationwide | Based on local rating system |
| Campgrounds | €0.20 – €0.60 | Provence | Low cost, rural stays |
| Youth Hostels | €0.50 – €1.00 | Paris, Marseille | Often discounted |
6. Latest News & Updates (2025)
- Paris 2025 Update: The city council is reviewing rates ahead of the 2025 tourism surge following the Olympics. Expect minor increases in luxury accommodation categories.
- French Riviera Changes: Nice, Cannes, and Antibes adopted new rate bands in 2024, adjusted for inflation and environmental programs.
- National Discussion: France’s Ministry of Tourism is evaluating a small eco-contribution to support sustainability projects — potentially added to the Taxe de Séjour by 2026.
- Digital Payments: 90% of accommodations now collect the tax automatically via booking platforms.
7. Regional Comparison Table
| Region | Average Rate (€/Night) | Who Collects It | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris (Île-de-France) | €1.50 – €5.00 | Hotels & online platforms | City cleaning & heritage sites |
| French Riviera (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) | €1.00 – €4.00 | Local tourism boards | Beach maintenance & tourism promotion |
| Loire Valley | €0.50 – €1.50 | Municipal offices | Castle upkeep |
| French Alps | €0.80 – €3.50 | Ski resorts & chalets | Mountain safety & transport |
| Bordeaux & Atlantic Coast | €0.40 – €3.00 | Hotel associations | Sustainable tourism programs |
8. Who Pays and Who Is Exempt
You pay the France tourist tax if:
- You’re a non-resident visitor staying overnight.
- You’re staying in any paid accommodation (hotel, B&B, Airbnb).
You are exempt if:
- You’re under 18.
- You’re staying for work or education long-term.
- You’re staying in emergency or social housing.
Hotels may request proof (like ID or travel documents) for exemption eligibility.
9. Traveler Tips for France in 2025
✅ Check your bill: Always confirm the “Taxe de Séjour” amount before paying.
✅ Budget smartly: Add €1–€5 per night to your accommodation budget.
✅ Use official bookings: Online platforms handle the tax automatically and legally.
✅ Support sustainable tourism: Your contribution helps maintain France’s charm.
✅ Watch for increases: Big cities may raise rates slightly post-2024 Olympics.
💡 Example: A 3-night stay in a 4★ Paris hotel = €12 in tourist tax — small compared to the value it adds to local preservation.
10. France’s Tourist Tax Compared to Neighbors
| Country | Average Tax Rate (€/Night) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| France | €0.25 – €5.75 | Tourism development, heritage conservation |
| Spain | €1.00 – €4.00 | Regional tourism funding |
| Italy | €1.00 – €7.00 | City maintenance |
| Germany | €1.50 – €5.00 | Cultural promotion |
| Austria | €0.50 – €3.00 | Tourism infrastructure |
France’s rates remain competitive and among the most structured in Europe.
11. FAQs
Q1. What is the France tourist tax called?
👉 It’s called the Taxe de Séjour, a nightly accommodation tax.
Q2. How much is the tourist tax in Paris?
👉 Between €0.25 and €5.00 per person per night, depending on hotel rating.
Q3. Does the French Riviera have a tourist tax?
👉 Yes, cities like Nice and Cannes charge around €1.50–€4.00 per night.
Q4. Who is exempt?
👉 Children under 18 and certain long-term or professional guests.
Q5. Is it included in Airbnb bookings?
👉 Yes, it’s automatically added in most French municipalities.
12. Why the Tourist Tax Matters
The Taxe de Séjour isn’t just a fee — it’s a contribution to preserving France’s beauty and functionality. It helps:
- Maintain UNESCO-listed landmarks (like Mont-Saint-Michel & Versailles).
- Keep streets, beaches, and parks clean.
- Support eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
These small nightly charges ensure that both travelers and locals benefit from tourism sustainably.
13. Conclusion
The France tourist tax 2025 remains a key part of travel budgeting, but it’s easy to understand and contributes meaningfully to the country’s world-class tourism experience.
Whether you’re sipping coffee in Paris, sunbathing in Nice, or skiing in Chamonix, the Taxe de Séjour ensures that France stays as stunning tomorrow as it is today.
🧳 Tip: When planning your trip, simply factor in €1–€5 per night for the tourist tax — a small price to keep the world’s favorite destination beautiful and welcoming.