Enjoy France Without the High Price Tag in These 12 Budget-Friendly Cities

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Are you planning to travel across France on a budget? Or maybe you are looking for your new French home? Read on, as we have covered you in this article. For starters, some destinations in France are outright expensive. Paris, for example, has been one of the world’s most expensive cities for a long time. If you are on a budget, you want to escape or spend as little time in such costly cities.

Luckily, there are still many French cities you can visit and even live on a budget. Whether you are looking for a destination to explore or a place to relocate to, these 12 budget-friendly cities in France should be on top of your list.

Montpelier

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Are you looking to enjoy the best of Southern France on a tight budget? It is no secret that many loved southern French destinations can be costly. However, if you want a budget-friendly Southern France destination, Montpellier will be a great fit. You would need around $4,640 in Montpellier to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $6,230 in Paris, assuming you rent in both cities.

Besides its affordability, you will also like Montpellier’s youthful energy, mainly due to its large student population.

You can spend some time at Place de la Comedie, a lively square surrounded by cafes, shops, and the iconic Opéra Comédie. It’s an excellent spot for people-watching and soaking up the city’s atmosphere. Other must-see attractions include the gothic Montpellier Cathedral, Fabre Museum, one of France’s largest fine arts museums; the visually stroking Antigone District, and the medieval streets of the Écusson, Montpellier’s old town.

You cannot also overlook Montpellier’s warm Mediterranean weather, efficient public transport system, and the good balance between city life and the relaxation the city offers.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of France’s Grand Est Region and the seat of several European institutions, including the European Parliament. While Strasbourg is not the cheapest French city, it is certainly much more budget-friendly than Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice. The cost of living in Strasbourg is 30% cheaper than in Paris.

There is so much to see in Strasbourg, like the charming La Petite France district, the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. You will also love taking boat tours on its canals, attending the Strasbourg Christmas market, picnicking in L’Orangerie Park, or sampling Alsatian wine.

With its high quality of life, easy accessibility, and moderate costs of living, Strasbourg is a destination you should not overlook when exploring France.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a budget-friendly destination, especially for its size and the opportunities it offers tourists and residents. The general cost of living in Bordeaux is 33% cheaper than that of Paris. The city is the hub of the famed Bordeaux wine region, which produces some of the world’s finest wines. Bordeaux is also known for its exceptional architecture, lively cultural scene, and beautiful riverfront setting on the Garonne River.

Some of the best things to explore in Bordeaux include the lively Place de la Bourse square, Bordeaux Cathedral, Cite du Vin Wine Museum, and the charming Garonne Riverfront.

From Bordeaux, you can take tours to the vineyards and other significant role-players in the region’s wine production. Some great day trips include The Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol regions.

During your visit or stay, you can also explore historic sites like Palais Rohan, which houses the City Hall; attend festivals like the Bordeaux Wine Festival, shop or stroll along Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe; or take boat cruises on the Garonne River.

Toulouse

Toulouse, often referred to as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City), is the capital of the Occitanie region in southwestern France. For your exploration, you can swing by the Capitole de Toulouse, a grand building that serves as the city’s town hall. You can also explore The Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe; Cite de l’Espace, a museum that offers interactive exhibits and displays about space exploration; and Musee des Augustins, a fine arts museum that hosts a vast collection of sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.

Beyond these attractions, you will love the moderate cost of living in Toulouse, the warm climate, and the easy-going ambiance. Living in Toulouse is 31% cheaper than living in Paris.

Nancy

Nancy, a city in the Grand Est Region, is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful public squares.

There is so much to experience for both residents and tourists in Nancy. You will love spending time at Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe. This square is known for its lovely fountains, a blend of Rococo and Neoclassical architecture, and stunning statues and lamp lights.

You can also spare some time for Musée de l’École de Nancy, which hosts artworks by artists from Nancy School; Parc de la Pepiniere, a large green park that features a rose garden, a zoo and numerous walking paths; and stunning Baroque Nancy Cathedral. On average, the cost of living in Nancy, rent inclusive, is 61% cheaper than in Paris.

Lille

Located near the French-Belgian border, Lille is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse cultural scene, and Flemish influence.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle), Lille’s central square, is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Old Stock Exchange (Vieille Bourse) and the Théâtre du Nord. It is a great place to explore, catch a break, or interact with locals.

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You also want to make time for Lille Cathedral, Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, another of France’s large fine art museums; and the Citadel of Lille, a 17th-century military fortification still in use. Lille’s Old Town, which features stunning Flemish Baroque buildings and local markets, is another excellent place to spend time. Above all the many things you can do and see in Lille, you will love that life in Lille is about 28% cheaper than life in Paris.

Grenoble

If you want to get the best of the French Alps on a budget, Grenoble is the city for you. And when we say it is a budget-friendly city in France, its rent prices are around 60% cheaper than those in Paris. Grenoble is often referred to as the capital of the French Alps due to the stunning mountains that surround it. You do not have to get active in the mountains; just admiring the mountain views from Grenoble is calming. If you want to enjoy better views of the mountains, head up to the Bastille Fortress. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this historic fortress offers panoramic views of Grenoble and the surrounding mountains. You can reach it via hiking trails or the Grenoble-Bastille cable car, known as “Les Bulles” (The Bubbles).

If you are into active exploration, you can head to the mountains and the numerous ski resorts that surround the city. Some of the best spots for winter sports include Chamrousse, Les Deux Alpes, and Alpe d’Huez. Winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities.

Rennes

Rennes, the capital of Brittany, has much to offer tourists and residents despite its affordable cost of living. Rennes is approximately 37% cheaper than Paris.

To pass the time in Rennes, you can explore Place de Lices, a historic square that hosts one of France’s largest markets every Saturday; swing by the 17th-century Parlement de Bretagne, which now houses the Court of Appeal of Rennes; stop by the beautifully decorated Rennes Cathedral, and relax in the perfectly landscaped Thabor Park.

You can also wander through the historic center and marvel at the colorful half-timbered houses, visit its market with many local specialties to sample, or hop from one bar or cafe along its vibrant streets.

Dijon

Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region, is renowned for its mustard, wine, and historical architecture. For your exploration, stop by the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. This historical building houses the city hall and the city’s Museum of Fine Arts. Also, plan to visit Les Halles Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel, or relax in the beautiful Darcy Garden.

Being the heart of the Bourgogne wine region should tell you how much more expiration you can do in Dijon. You can tour the surrounding vineyards and wineries and sample some of the world’s finest wines, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For a deeper immersion into the region’s way of life, make some time for the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, which provides insights into the traditional life of Burgundy, or plan to attend the Dijon Jazz & Wine Festival. With so much culture and history to explore, you will undoubtedly love that Dijon can be up to 50% cheaper than Paris.

Caen

Caen is a great destination for exploring historical charm interlaced with modern vibrancy. It is also an excellent gateway to the beautiful Normandy countryside and coastline.

The Caen Memorial Museum, dedicated to World War II and the Battle of Normandy, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. You may also want to make time for the Caen Castle (Château de Caen), which houses the Museum of Normandy and the Museum of Fine Arts. Going up the castle offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

During your visit, take short trips to Normandy beaches, explore Caen’s historical districts like Vaugueux, or sample the rich Norman culinary scene. However, it is impossible to ignore that the cost of living in Caen can be up to 40% cheaper than in Paris.

Toulon

Toulon is located on the Mediterranean Coast and offers tourists and residents a perfect blend of natural beauty, a lively port atmosphere, and stunning cultural attractions. Although there are many things to like in Toulon, its lovely harbor, sandy beaches, and proximity to the Provence region make it a desirable destination.

You can explore Toulon’s Old Town, Toulon Harbor (Rade de Toulon), and Faron Mountain, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.

You can also stop at Musée National de la Marine, a museum that showcases Toulon’s rich maritime history with exhibits on shipbuilding, naval battles, and maritime exploration.

Beach lovers can hop from Plages du Mourillon, Plage de l’Anse de Magaud, Plage de la Mitre, and Plage de Pipady. These are perfect spots to soak in the warm Mediterranean climate, swim, or enjoy water sports. Beach destinations do not always come for cheap, so Toulon, which is over 50% cheaper than Paris, is a difficult-to-ignore destination.

Avignon

Avignon is famous for its historical significance as the seat of the Papacy in the 14th century. Today, you can visit Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a medieval Gothic building that hosted seven successive popes in the 14th century. Beyond this iconic building, you will undoubtedly love the city’s architecture and picturesque location on the Rhone River.

During your stay, you can explore the Avignon Cathedral, located next to the Palais des Papes; and the remaining portion of Saint Benezet Bridge that offers stunning views of the Rhone. You can also explore Place de l’Horloge, Avignon’s main city square that hosts street performers, cafes, and restaurants.

You will also love the fact that you can indulge in the wine-production culture of the region surrounding Avignon. You can explore the wineries and vineyards, especially those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With so much to do and see, Avignon is approximately 35% cheaper than Paris.