These 12 Cheap Beach Getaways in France Are the Best Kept Secrets for Budget Travelers

La Rochelle, Montpellier, and Le Havre are some of the best cheap beach getaways in France. Like many European countries, France is generally considered an expensive place to travel. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t still find a more affordable place to take a beach vacation.

Luckily, there are still plenty of places in France that allow beachgoing tourists to enjoy sandy beaches, dazzling waters, and sunshine without the high costs. These places are perfect for travelers on a tighter budget. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 12 affordable beach destinations in France to help you find your next vacation.

These destinations were selected because they have a lower average daily travel cost and offer many activities and beautiful beaches.

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Nice 1/5

12 Cheap Beach Getaways in France Montpellier

Montpellier 2/5

12 Cheap Beach Getaways in France Le Havre

Le Havre 3/5

12 Beautiful Cities and Towns in Southern France To Visit Once in Your Lifetime

Menton 4/5

12 Cheap Beach Getaways in France La Rochelle

La Rochelle 5/5

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Nice

2 9

Montpellier

1 10

Le Havre

1 10

Menton

2 9

La Rochelle

2 9

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La Rochelle

La Rochelle, a picturesque coastal city in southwestern France, makes this list of cheap beach getaways because its average daily travel cost is only $151. This is a reasonable price for France. For context, the average daily travel cost in Paris is $286.

La Rochelle is best known for its rich history, strong culture, and natural beauty. However, it also offers beach lovers convenient access to several pristine beaches, including Plage des Minimes, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage de la Concurrence. All of these beaches offer soft golden sand, calm waters, and plenty of places to relax.

Meanwhile, noteworthy attractions in the city include the Musée Maritime de La Rochelle, Le Parc Charruyer, and Grosse Horloge.

Visit the Musée Maritime de La Rochelle: The Musée Maritime de La Rochelle immerses visitors in the city’s maritime history through exhibitions and tours of historic boats like the tugboat “Saint-Gilles.” Entry costs 10 EUR (about 11 USD). The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Try Seafood at André: Dine at André, a highly-rated seafood restaurant near the Vieux Port, known for its oysters, seafood platters, and fresh fish dishes. Entrees start at 19 EUR (approximately 21 USD), and the restaurant is open daily from 12:00 to 22:00.

Montpellier

If you want to enjoy France’s iconic south coast without breaking the bank, consider visiting Montpellier. The average daily travel cost in the city is only $129, making it one of France’s most affordable beach destinations. Montpellier is known as being the gateway to many of the best beaches in the country.

Breathtaking golden sand beaches like Plage Le Petit Travers, Plage Palavas-Les-Flots, and Plage du Couchant are just a short drive from the city. While the epic Southern France coastline is a significant draw, there is also much to see and do in Montpellier.

The city is well known for its impressive architecture, fascinating attractions, and rich history. Must-visit attractions include Place de la Comédie, Musée Fabre, and Montpellier Cathedral.

Visit Musée Fabre for Art Enthusiasts: The Musée Fabre is a renowned museum featuring works by French and European masters, including Delacroix and Courbet. Admission costs 8 EUR (approximately 9 USD), and it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Try Tapas at La Diligence: Located in the heart of Montpellier, La Diligence is known for its creative French dishes and charming medieval setting. Don’t miss their foie gras or their caramelized pork. Dishes start at 28 EUR (around 30 USD), and they are open Friday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are advised.

Le Havre

Most beachgoing tourists who visit France head straight to the south coast. However, France’s northern coast also has plenty to offer at a fraction of the price of the more famous destinations. Take Le Havre, for example.

In Le Havre, you’ll have easy access to many beautiful beaches perfect for walking, sunbathing, and having fun with your children. Better yet, the average daily travel cost is only $138. Le Havre is a major port city in France’s Normandy region.

As a result, it’s also known for its post-war architecture, historical landmarks, and tranquil waterfront walks. Significant points of interest in the city include Plage du Havre, St Joseph’s Church, and Monuments aux Morts.

Indulge in Dessert from Douceurs de Saint Nicolas: Visit Douceurs de Saint Nicolas, a pastry shop renowned for its éclairs and fruit tarts. Prices start at 5 EUR (6 USD). The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 08:30 to 19:00.
Visit St. Joseph’s Church for a Unique Architectural Experience: St. Joseph’s Church is an iconic post-war building designed by architect Auguste Perret, featuring a striking tower illuminated by colored glass. Admission to the church is free, and it is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00.

Nice

If you have a bigger budget, you could stay in Nice, one of France’s most sought-after beach getaways. The average daily travel cost in Nice is $181. While this may seem a lot, it’s surprisingly affordable by Europe’s standards.

For example, the average daily travel cost in Mykonos, Greece, is almost $300. Nice is an excellent place to visit in Southern France if you’re looking for a combination of big city and beach paradise. The city sits in a large bay along the Mediterranean Sea, with postcard-perfect beaches.

In fact, there are over 30 beaches in Nice. The most famous of Nice’s beaches is Plage Publique de l’Opéra. This long beach is ideal for sunbathing.

Explore the Matisse Museum: The Musée Matisse showcases an incredible collection of works by Henri Matisse, chronicling his artistic journey during his time in Nice. Admission is 10 EUR (around 11 USD). The museum is open daily except Tuesdays from 10:00 to 18:00.
Visit the Cours Saleya Market: The Cours Saleya Market bursts with color and flavor, offering fresh flowers, produce, and regional specialties like olive tapenade and socca (a chickpea pancake). Open daily except Mondays, it’s an excellent spot for sampling Niçoise delicacies with prices starting at 4 EUR (around 5 USD) per serving.

Menton

On Booking.com, you can find affordable places to stay in Menton, Southern France, for less than $70 a night. Even if you spend an extra $60 a day exploring the town and eating delicious food, you’ll still only spend $130. Therefore, Menton is one of France’s best beach destinations for budget travelers.

This gorgeous French Riviera town sits on the French-Italian border. It’s loved for its stunning pastel-colored architecture, historic port, french culture, and magnificent beaches. Life in Menton moves slower, so don’t be afraid to unwind, relax, and embrace the laid-back atmosphere.

You’ll most likely spend your time in Menton exploring the town, wandering through the Old Port, and kicking back on Les Sablettes Beach.

Relax on Les Sablettes Beach: Les Sablettes Beach is a pristine, family-friendly beach with soft pebbles and calm waters. Access is free, and there are nearby facilities for renting sun loungers and umbrellas, with prices starting at 15 EUR (approximately 17 USD) per day.
Try Lemon Desserts at Maison Herbin: Stop by Maison Herbin, a local shop famous for its lemon-based jams and desserts, as lemons are a symbol of Menton. Prices for jars of marmalade start at 6 EUR (approximately 7 USD). The shop operates Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00.

Perpignan

The average daily travel cost in Perpignan is less than $100, making it one of the cheapest tourist destinations in France. Perpignan is a Southern French city located near the Mediterranean coast. As such, it offers easy access to several glorious golden sand beaches.

Meanwhile, the city is famed for its breathtaking architecture, rich culture, and mesmerizing landmarks. You’ll want to visit Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Palace of the Kings of Majorca, and Hôtel Pams. Eating in one of the many food markets can decrease your daily travel costs.

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Regarding beaches, there are several epic locations beach lovers need to visit. These include Platja de l’Art, Plage de Saint-Cyprien, Plage du Sardinal, and Plage Pont-tournant.

Shop at Marché de la Place République: Experience local culture at the Marché de la Place République, a bustling open-air market where fresh produce, cheeses, and Catalan specialties like roussillonnais olives can be found.
Visit the Palace of the Kings of Majorca: The Palace of the Kings of Majorca is a stunning 13th-century fortress and residence with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of Perpignan. Entry costs 4 EUR (approximately 5 USD) for adults, and it is open daily from 10:00 to 17:30.

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Toulon

Toulon is a port city in Southern France. An average daily travel cost of approximately $150 makes it one of France’s most affordable beach getaway destinations. As such, it’s a big hit with budget travelers who seek sun, sea, and sand without the high price tag.

Toulon’s Mediterranean coastline is lined with long sandy beaches and secluded shingle coves. Better yet, the water that frames Toulon’s best beaches is crystal-clear and turquoise in color. Must-visit beaches in the city include Mourillon, Mitre, Gayraud, and Pipady.

When you’re not soaking up the sun on the beach, visit Toulon’s most famous attractions, such as the Musée National de la Marine and Place de la Liberté.

Visit the Musée National de la Marine: The Musée National de la Marine showcases Toulon’s naval heritage with exhibits including model ships and paintings. Entry costs 6 EUR (around 7 USD), and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Relax at Mourillon Beach: Mourillon Beach is one of Toulon’s most famous spots, offering sandy stretches, safe swimming areas, and nearby cafés. Access is free, and paid parking is available for 3.50 EUR (approximately 4 USD) per day in the summer.

Narbonne

Narbonne is one of the most underrated beach getaway destinations in France. This charming coastal town in Southern France is near a magnificent coastline stretching over 31 miles (50 kilometers). The town is also close to Narbonne-Plage, a beach resort on the Côte du Midi known for its uninterrupted golden sand beach.

As if things couldn’t get any better, Parc naturel régional de la Narbonnaise offers an enormous protected area filled with beaches, lagoons, islands, and vineyards. Topping things off nicely, Narbonne itself has much to see and do.

Notable attractions in Narbonne include Abbaye de Fontfroide, Les Halles de Narbonne, and Narbonne Cathedral. The average daily travel cost in the city is approximately $100.

Explore Abbaye de Fontfroide: The historic Abbaye de Fontfroide is a stunning Cistercian abbey with beautiful gardens and impressive architecture. Entry costs 14 EUR (approximately 15 USD) for adults. Guided tours are offered, and the abbey is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Shop Fresh Produce at Les Halles de Narbonne: Visit Les Halles de Narbonne, the city’s bustling indoor food market where vendors sell everything from fresh oysters to local cheeses. Be sure to enjoy a freshly prepared tapas platter at Chez Bebelle, where main dishes start at 10 EUR (around 11 USD). The market operates daily from 07:00 to 14:00.

Saint-Malo

The average hotel price for one night in Saint-Malo is $107. Budget travelers should be able to get by in the city for less than $160 daily. Saint-Malo is a port city in Brittany, northwest France.

The city is well known for its picturesque seafront location, historical architecture, and breathtaking beaches. Beachgoers are spoilt for choice in Saint-Malo because there are several sandy beaches. However, stand-out beaches include Grande Plage du Sillon, Plage de Rochebonne, and Plage du Val.

Explore Saint-Malo’s walled Old Town and historic landmarks when you’re not enjoying the golden sands. You don’t want to miss Château de la Duchesse Anne, Saint-Malo Cathedral, and La Demeure de Corsaire.

Dine at Bouche en Folie: For an authentic dining experience in Saint-Malo, visit Bouche en Folie, a cozy bistro serving French specialties like scallops and duck. Main courses start at 23 EUR (about 25 USD), and the restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Friday and Saturday for lunch. Reservations are recommended.
Relax at Grande Plage du Sillon: Grande Plage du Sillon is Saint-Malo’s most famous and largest beach, stretching 3 kilometers, perfect for leisurely walks or kitesurfing. Access is free all year round, and cafés and restaurants are located nearby for refreshments.

Marseille

Marseille isn’t usually considered an affordable place to travel. However, the best budget travelers can get by on approximately $100 daily. You can keep your daily costs down in Marseille by staying in a hostel, avoiding restaurants, and utilizing free attractions.

This beautiful port city in Southern France was founded by the Greeks in 600 B.C., so it has a fascinating history that begs to be explored. However, beach lovers are drawn to the city by its stunning coastline. Plage du Prophète, Plages du Prado, and Prado Beach are just some of the pristine beaches you can enjoy.

Other significant points of interest in the city include Fort Saint-Jean, Saint-Laurent Church, and Palais Longchamp.

Shop at Marché de Noailles: Located in the heart of the city, Marché de Noailles is a bustling open-air market where visitors can buy fresh produce, spices, and Moroccan pastries starting at 2 EUR (around 2 USD). The market is open Monday through Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00.
Relax at Plage du Prophète: Plage du Prophète is one of Marseille’s most popular beaches, offering soft sand, turquoise waters, and a relaxed vibe perfect for families or solo travelers. Access is free, with beachside cafés and snack bars where drinks average 5 EUR (around 6 USD).

Èze

Beaches in France_Èze — © Lamax / Adobe Stock

Honeymooning couples seeking a lesser-known French beach destination for a romantic getaway should check out Èze. This gorgeous town is only a short drive from Nice, but the two destinations are worlds apart. Unlike Nice, Èze is quiet, peaceful, and less crowded.

This delightful romantic hideaway sits on a scenic hilltop, offering incredible coastal views and an escape from the daily grind. You’ll enjoy strolls along the coast, delicious French cuisine, and a tranquil pebble-stone beach. Thrill seekers can also participate in watersports from the beach.

You can book accommodation in Èze for less than $100 per night for two people. This will allow you to keep your costs low and spend more on food and drink.

Explore the Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption: The charming Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is a historic church in the medieval village. Its Baroque architecture and peaceful setting make it a must-visit. Entry is free, and it is typically open daily from 09:00 to 19:00.
Shop Perfumes at Fragonard L’Usine Laboratoire: Visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about traditional French perfumery and purchase unique fragrances. Guided tours are free, and the shop is open daily from 09:30 to 18:30.

Read also: France’s Iconic Destinations

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer cost a little bit more than in Menton, but if you’re savvy with your money, you can still visit for less than $150. You can book accommodation in Villefranche-sur-Mer for less than $100.

You can then reduce your daily costs by avoiding restaurants and expensive attractions. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a lovely seaside town offering traditional architecture, good vibes, and scenic beaches. You’ll particularly enjoy the town’s 15th-century architecture, soft golden sand, and emerald waters.

When you’re not relaxing on the beach, get lost down Villefranche-sur-Mer’s narrow streets, stroll along the water, and relax in the harbor. The best place for sunbathing in Villefranche-sur-Mer is Plage des Mariniers Beach.

Dine at La Mère Germaine: For a waterfront dining experience with the best seafood, visit La Mère Germaine, which has been serving the town since 1938. Their bouillabaisse is a standout dish, costing around 65 EUR (about 71 USD). The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, and reservations are advised.
Walk Rue Obscure: Don’t miss Rue Obscure, a hidden medieval street that runs under the town. This narrow passageway is free to explore and offers a fascinating glimpse into Villefranche’s historical past.