These 12 Cheap Beach Getaways in France Are the Best Kept Secrets for Budget Travelers
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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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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.
Read also: Affordable French Getaways
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.
Read also: Must-Visit Places in France
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.
Read also: France’s Stunning White Sand Beaches
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.
Read also: Wallet-Friendly Cities in France
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.
Read also: The Beauty of French Towns
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.
Read also: French Locations for Digital Nomads
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.
Read also: Most Famous Landmarks in France
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.
Read also: Cheap Beach Destinations in France
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.
Read also: Authentic French Cuisine
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.
Read also: Beach Getaways in France
Èze
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.
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.
Read also: Underrated French Beach Towns
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