France is not the cheapest European destination to visit. A combination of high accommodation costs and an amazing range of attractions means budgets often get stretched. Traveling outside of the summer will give a better value for money. Paris is by far the most expensive city in the country. By comparison, food is relatively cheap in neighborhood cafes and restaurants, so you certainly do not have to go hungry! Expect to spend somewhere in the region of USD 210 per person, per day on both food and accommodation.
Travel insurance is an absolute must and needs to include medical cover that can otherwise top hundreds of thousands of dollars in case of an accident.