12 Cheap Getaways in France for a Taste of La Belle Vie

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The best cheap getaways in France allow travelers on a smaller budget to explore the country without breaking the bank. Like many European nations, France is generally considered an expensive place to travel.

Paris, the French capital, is one of the world’s most expensive cities. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable places to travel in France.

It’s possible to find affordable destinations that offer more reasonable accommodation, food, and drink prices while still offering historic landmarks, impressive scenery, and French charm.

Here are 12 of France’s cheapest getaways. These destinations are selected because they have a low average daily travel cost and much to see and do.

Montpellier

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The average daily travel cost in Montpellier is $129, making it one of the best cheap city getaways in France. Montpellier is an excellent place to visit if you want to experience Parisian vibes without the extra costs.

Situated in Southern France, this vibrant city is famed for its historic architecture, charming atmosphere, and rich culture, much like Paris.

However, Montpellier is much more affordable than Paris. For context, the average daily travel cost in Paris is a whopping $286. You’ll spend most of your time visiting the iconic attractions in Montpellier.

Don’t miss the Arc de Triomphe, Jardin des plantes de Montpellier, Montpellier Cathedral, and Place de la Comédie.

Bordeaux

Another cheap city break destination in France is Bordeaux, where the average daily travel cost is less than $135 daily. Bordeaux is a fascinating city on the Garonne River in southwestern France. It’s best known for its winemaking tradition, making it an exciting city for wine drinkers.

However, there is much to see and do when you’re not drinking wine in one of the many world-class wineries and vineyards surrounding the city. Like Paris, Bordeaux is well known for its historic landmarks and beautiful architecture.

Noteworthy points of interest in the city include Grosse Cloche, Place de la Bourse, Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, and La Ciudad del Vino.

Lyon

In Lyon, city-dwelling travelers can enjoy an affordable French getaway without breaking the bank. The average daily travel cost in the city is less than $140 daily. Lyon is a breathtaking city at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Therefore, you can enjoy picturesque river walks surrounded by historic architecture.

You’ll find iconic landmarks in the city center that reveal Lyon’s 2,000+ year history. One of the main highlights is the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules. You should also explore Vieux Lyon (old town), where you’ll find magnificent medieval and Renaissance architecture examples.

Meanwhile, the Esplanade of Fourvière offers exceptional panoramic city views. You don’t want to miss La Croix-Rousse Hill, either.

Toulouse

13 Top Destinations in Southern France To Add to Your Bucket List — © Elenathewise / Adobe Stock

Toulouse is one of France’s largest cities, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most affordable places to visit. Also known as “La Ville Rose” (“Pink City”) because of its pink brick buildings, Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

We recommend starting your city break at Vieux Quartier (Old Quartier). Here, you’ll find a stunning collection of 15th-century buildings with gorgeous facades.

Then, enjoy a scenic walk along the Garonne River, keeping your eyes peeled for the city’s best attractions. Notable attractions include Saint Sernin, Théâtre du Capitole, and the Capitole de Toulouse. The average daily travel cost in Toulouse is $139.

Nice

Nice is one of the top-rated cheap getaways in France for travelers who want to experience the country’s postcard-perfect coastline. This charming coastal city’s average daily travel cost is only $142.

Sitting in a bay alongside the Mediterranean Sea, Nice offers travelers picturesque beaches, warm weather, and many things to see and do.

Once a vacation retreat for Europe’s elite, Nice is now a budget-friendly summer holiday spot that offers something for everyone. When you’re not soaking up the sun on the beach or swimming in the sparkling waters, explore the city center, visit museums, and tuck into traditional French cuisine.

Popular attractions in Nice include Plage Publique De l’Opéra, Port Lympia, Colline du Château, and Musée Masséna.

Toulon

Toulon’s average daily travel cost is slightly higher, approximately $150. However, it’s still one of the most affordable getaway destinations in Southern France, a dazzling part of the country famed for its glitz and glamor. This port city is an excellent destination if you’re looking for a little bit of everything.

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In Toulon, you’ll find a gorgeous stretch of Mediterranean coastline lined with sandy beaches, a city center bursting at the seams with exciting attractions and things to do, and a mountain peak that offers outdoor enthusiasts somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle.

Must-visit attractions in Toulon include the Musée National de la Marine, Mont Faron, Place de la Liberté, and Plages du Mourillon.

Cannes

Cannes might seem like a strange addition to a list of cheap getaways in France because it’s famous worldwide for its iconic Cannes Film Festival and luxury shopping.

However, it’ll likely come as a surprise that the average daily travel cost in Cannes is only $150. That’s a reasonable price, considering you might rub shoulders with celebrities.

Besides the obvious, there are many things to see and do in Cannes. Start your journey in the old quarter (Le Suquet). You’ll find winding cobblestone streets in Le Suquet, a hilltop Château, Marché Forville’s food stalls, Vieux Port, and traditional houses.

Other must-see attractions in Cannes include La Croisette Street, Notre Dame d’Esperance, and Les Murs Peints – Cinéma Cannes.

Perpignan

With a daily travel cost of less than $100, low-priced getaways in France don’t get much more affordable than Perpignan, a sunny city in Southern France known for its historic architecture, laid-back atmosphere, and medieval core. Perpignan is an excellent place to visit if you love history or want to enjoy a romantic break.

While Perpignan offers something for every kind of traveler, it’s best suited to people who want to visit historic landmarks, tuck into French cuisine, and enjoy scenic river walks.

Significant points of interest in Perpignan include Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Hôtel Pams, Palace of the Kings of Majorca, and the 14th-century Le Castillet et Musée Casa Pairal.

Narbonne

Narbonne is one of the travel destinations that are challenging Perpignan’s affordable prices. The average daily travel cost is below $100. In fact, you can comfortably get by in Narbonne for less than $80 daily.

Often overlooked by travelers, Narbonne is a breathtaking medieval town in Southern France known for its rich history and authentic French charm.

Narbonne’s history dates back over 2,000 years, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time to visit the most interesting landmarks and learn more about the town. Make sure you visit Narbonne Cathedral, the Roman Granary Museum, Abbaye de Fontfroide, and the Palace of the Archbishops.

Food enthusiasts should also visit Les Halles de Narbonne, an early 20th-century market offering local food and drink.

Carcassonne

If you love medieval history, lush scenery, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, look no further than Carcassonne, a hilltop town in Southern France recognized for its medieval citadel.

A sight to behold, La Cité is a spectacular citadel that dates back over 700 years. It features multiple watchtowers, double-walled fortifications, and a castle, Château Comtal.

Built in the 12th century, Château Comtal still stands proud today. Within the fort, you’ll also find the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, Porte Narbonnaise, and the Museum of the Inquisition.

Meanwhile, the city of Carcassonne sits outside the fort, offering many shops, markets, cafes, and restaurants. The average daily travel cost in Carcassonne is $148.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful, affordable getaway destinations in France. The city offers a fascinating mix of French and German culture thanks to its location on the France-Germany border.

Like many places in France, it’s fantastic for a romantic vacation. Better yet, you can get by on approximately $150 daily.

You’ll likely spend most of your time in Strasbourg enjoying romantic river walks, tucking into world-class food and drink, admiring the traditional architecture, and visiting the most popular attractions.

Two of the best sights in Strasbourg are the Petite France Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The half-timbered houses and charming waterways in the Petite France Quarter will blow you away.

Le Mans

Le Mans’ average daily travel cost is only $113, making it one of the cheapest travel destinations in France. This lively city in northwestern France is home to picturesque architecture and scenic river walks. However, Le Mans is best known for the 24 Hours of Le Mans motor race.

This annual event sees race car drivers race around an 8.40-mile (13-kilometer) track for 24 hours. More than 250,000 people attend the race every year.

Back in the city, get lost exploring the Old Town and visiting the city’s most famous attractions. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, and Le Jardin des Plantes.