These 12 Beautiful French Towns Are So Affordable, You’ll Think You’re Dreaming

France has no shortage of world-class tourist destinations, from the historic streets of Paris to the picturesque beaches of Nice. However, famous locations like Paris are expensive and occasionally overcrowded due to their popularity, so travelers keen to explore France might be put off.

There’s no need to panic, though, because France is also home to many breathtaking towns with much to offer at a fraction of Paris prices. To help you find your perfect France vacation, we’ve compiled a list of 12 beautiful small towns in France that are ideal for an affordable getaway. These entries were selected based on affordability, beauty, and many things to see and do.

Table of Contents

Annecy

The first French small town on our list is the breathtaking alpine town of Annecy in southeastern France. Offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris’ famous streets, this vibrant town is famed for its French Alps scenery, traditional French architecture, and outdoor activities. Annecy sits alongside the picturesque Lake Annecy on the Thious River.

Therefore, sailing and kayaking are popular. The lush surroundings are also a hiker’s paradise. Meanwhile, you’ll find Vieille Ville (Annecy Old Town) and its narrow cobblestone streets in the town. Here, you can admire old pastel-colored houses, sip coffee in quaint cafes, and walk along the river. Aside from the town’s apparent beauty, Annecy’s average daily travel cost is $192, almost $60 less than Paris.

Bayeux

Bayeux is a stunning town on the Aure River in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It sits 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the Channel coast and is best known for its medieval architecture. It’s a fantastic place to visit if you love history. It’s also much more affordable than other tourist destinations in France.

A quick look at Airbnb reveals that you can rent flats in Bayeux for as little as $88 a night. The low cost of living also allows you to make your money go further. Regarding things to do, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the town’s medieval center. Get lost down the cobbled streets, admire half-timbered houses, and discover the iconic 11th-century Tapisserie de Bayeux and Norman-Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame.

Conques-en-Rouergue

Conques-en-Rouergue is one of France’s best small towns for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs. Not only is this Aveyron town completely gorgeous, but it’s also surprisingly affordable. On Airbnb, you’ll find entire properties available for approximately $100 a night. If you want to save even more money, camping is possible. What’s not to like about that?

Conques-en-Rouergue is a picturesque hilltop town loved most for its historic architecture, including the 12th-century Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy, and scenic natural surroundings. As you would expect, popular things to do in the town include hiking and exploring medieval architecture. Points of interest include the Le Bancarel observation deck, the Gorges du Dourdou de Conques hiking area, and the Association Artistique et Culturelle de Conques.

Menton

World Wild Schooling - https://worldwildschooling.com These 12 Beautiful French Towns Are So Affordable, You’ll Think You’re Dreaming - https://worldwildschooling.com/small-towns-in-france-for-an-affordable-getaway/ — © xbrchx / Adobe Stock

Menton, a colorful French Riviera town on the French-Italian border in Southern France, is an excellent budget-friendly destination for travelers who seek a vacation jam-packed with sun, sea, sand, history, and world-class French cuisine. This relaxed coastal town is a far cry from the bustling streets of Nice and Marseille, offering tourists laid-back vibes, relaxed beaches, and a charming Old Town.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options

Spend your time in Menton sunbathing on Les Sablettes Beach, exploring the Old Port of Menton, wining and dining in quaint restaurants, and strolling through Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden. Regarding finances, Menton offers affordable accommodation (as low as $52 per night), free attractions, and affordable transportation.

Narbonne

The average daily cost for tourists visiting the port town of Narbonne is $78, leaving you with more money to spend on the things you love. For context, the average daily cost for tourists in the port city of Marseille is $159 daily.

Located along the Canal de la Robine, Narbonne is a beautiful town famed for its Roman architecture, rich culture, and relaxed atmosphere. It is also the location of the Romans’ first colony outside Italy, making it a history buff’s paradise. Narbo Martius founded the town in 118 B.C. Noteworthy attractions in Narbonne include Narbonne Cathedral, Les Halles de Narbonne Market, and Abbaye de Fontfroide.

Colmar

Despite its mesmerizing beauty and wide range of things to see and do, Colmar is a surprisingly affordable place to visit. The average price for a hotel is only $98 per night, and travelers can save money on attractions by purchasing a tourist pass for $37, which grants you unlimited access to most Colmar attractions for seven days.

You can find Colmar in Northern France, tucked away in the heart of the Alsace wine region. Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, historic architecture, picturesque canals, and charming neighborhoods await. You don’t want to miss La Petite Venise and its vibrant houses, Maison Pfister, Ancienne Douane, and Grand Rue during your visit.

Troyes

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Troyes, the capital of the Aube department in northeastern France, is a small town with a big personality. Located on the Seine River and brimming with vibrant 16th-century half-timbered houses, quaint cafes, and medieval cobblestone streets, it’s the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Better yet, you don’t have to break the bank to spend a long weekend in the town.

You can easily find lovely accommodation options for less than $70 per night in a central location. Furthermore, the monthly cost of living in Troyes is almost $1,000 less than in Paris, so you can expect your money to go further. Regarding attractions, explore local landmarks, including Troyes Cathedral, Basilique Saint-Urbain, and Le Coeur de Troyes.

Dinan

If you’re looking for a French town that offers a diverse mix of things to see and do, peace and tranquility, and serene landscapes, look no further than Dinan, a picture-perfect small town in Brittany, northwest France. This beautiful town is famed for its lush surroundings, colorful town center, and medieval architecture.

When you’re not walking along the medieval walls or exploring the cobblestone streets in search of the most beautiful half-timbered homes, become one with nature on long walks in the great outdoors and admire the panoramic views from the Clock Tower. You also don’t want to miss the 14th-century Dinan Castle and Église Saint-Malo. Regarding costs, Dinan offers affordable accommodation, free attractions, and cheap eats.

Antibes

Up next is Antibes, another postcard-perfect coastal town in Southern France. Located between Nice and Cannes on the French Riviera, this resort is best known for its rich history, scenic coastline, and sandy beaches. Therefore, it’s a big hit with beachgoers and history lovers. It’s also an affordable beach getaway destination with rental properties for less than $100 a night.

Three of our favorite beaches in Antibes are Plage de la Garoupe, Salis, and Plage des Ondes. Both offer a beautiful stretch of soft white sand, clear waters, and calm tides. We can picture you sunbathing here already. Meanwhile, in the town, you’ll enjoy exploring the Old Town, its 16th-century walls, and vast port packed with luxury yachts.

Provins

Provins is a small town in north-central France appreciated for its medieval architecture, picturesque surroundings, and colorful houses. However, despite its impressive beauty, rich history, and proximity to Paris, Provins often falls under the radar of so many travelers. We want to change that.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a joyful place to explore. You’ll be greeted by beautiful sights and breathtaking viewpoints at every turn. You can expect to find 11th to 13th-century structures, such as tall ramparts, fortified gates, half-timbered houses, and a hilltop tower (Cesar Tower). Don’t forget to explore the underground tunnels, too. Like Colmar, Provins offers a money-saving tourism pass that grants visitors access to the most popular attractions.

Cassis

The penultimate French small town on our list is Cassis, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing port renowned for its historic château, pristine pebble-stone beaches, charming waterfront town, and verdant limestone cliffs. Once a Roman trading port, Cassis is now a quintessential French seaside town.

Having said that, it still maintains much of its old-time charm. In Cassis, spend your vacation sipping fine wines, strolling along the beaches, exploring the château, and hiking along the coast. Notable attractions include Plage de la Grande Mer, Cassis Harbor, Calanques de Cassis, and Calanque de Port viewpoint. As for costs, you can rent an apartment with a balcony and panoramic views in Cassis for approximately $130.

Chédigny

Small Towns in France for an Affordable Getaway_Chédigny — © lhboucault / Adobe Stock

If you’ve always wanted to step into your favorite fairy tale, a trip to Chédigny is on the cards. Chédigny is a storybook destination in Loire Valley that hardly seems real. The entire town is like one botanical garden covered in lush bushes. The reason for this is simple. In 1998, the town’s mayor planted 700 rose bushes to spruce things up.

His efforts didn’t go in vain because the city is remarkable. In fact, Chédigny’s nickname is “Jardin Remarquable,” which translates to remarkable garden. Couple this with the town’s beautiful architecture, and you’ll be in for a treat. From the center of Chédigny, you can walk for approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers), passing vibrant houses, lush meadows, and enchanting forests. Homes in Chédigny can be rented for roughly $90 a night.