Cheap Places to Visit in France: 10 Best Affordable Cities

Dreaming of sipping coffee at a French café or strolling along cobblestone streets, but worried about the cost? Good news! There are many cheap places to visit in France that won’t empty your wallet. While France might seem like a luxury destination, you can actually enjoy this beautiful country without spending a fortune.

France isn’t just about expensive Paris hotels and fancy restaurants. The country has lots of affordable cities where you can experience real French culture, amazing food, and beautiful sights for much less. In these cheap places to visit in France, you’ll find the same charm and beauty that makes France famous, but at prices that work for regular travelers.

In this post, we’ll show you the 10 best affordable cities in France. These budget-friendly spots offer all the French magic you’re looking for – from yummy pastries to stunning views – without the high price tag.

Why Budget Travel in France is Worth Considering

Many people think France is only for wealthy travelers, but that’s just not true! There are many cheap places to visit in France that offer amazing experiences. When you step away from tourist hotspots like central Paris, you’ll find prices drop quickly.

Smaller cities and towns in France often have:

Lower hotel and restaurant prices
Fewer tourist crowds
More authentic local experiences
Friendlier locals who appreciate visitors

You can save big on places to stay by choosing budget hotels, hostels, or even apartment rentals. Food costs less when you shop at local markets or try smaller neighborhood restaurants instead of tourist spots. Many amazing sights in France, like public parks, cathedrals, and walking tours, are free or very cheap.

For the best deals, try visiting France in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). The weather is still nice, but prices are lower and there are fewer crowds than in summer. Winter is even cheaper, though some attractions might have shorter hours.

How to Save Money While Traveling in France

Getting around France doesn’t have to be expensive. The country has great public transportation that can save you lots of money. Regional trains (TER) cost much less than high-speed TGV trains. Look for discount cards like the “Carte Avantage Jeune” if you’re under 28. Long-distance buses like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar (ridesharing) offer super cheap travel between cities.

For places to stay, hostels are the cheapest option, with dorm beds starting around €20-30 per night. Budget hotel chains like Ibis Budget or B&B Hotels offer clean, simple rooms for €50-70. For longer stays, apartment rentals through sites like Airbnb can save you money, especially on food since you can cook some meals.

Speaking of food, here’s how to eat well for less:

Shop at local markets and have picnics
Look for “formule” or “menu du jour” at restaurants (set menus that cost less)
Eat your main meal at lunch when prices are lower
Grab affordable sandwiches and pastries from bakeries

Many amazing attractions in France are free or cheap! City museums often have free days (usually the first Sunday of each month). Walking around historic neighborhoods costs nothing, and many churches and cathedrals are free to enter. City tourism offices sometimes offer discount passes for multiple attractions.

1: Nice

Nice is one of the best cheap places to visit in France, especially if you want Mediterranean sunshine without Monaco or Cannes prices. This beautiful coastal city offers amazing weather, stunning beaches, and great food at much lower prices than you’d expect.

For budget stays, look in the Jean-Médecin district or around the train station. Hostels like Villa Saint Exupéry or Hotel Ozz offer beds from €20-30 per night. Budget hotels start around €60-80 outside of peak summer season.

You can enjoy Nice without spending much:

Relax on the free public beaches (bring your own towel)
Walk the famous Promenade des Anglais
Explore the charming Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Climb up to Castle Hill for amazing free views

For cheap eats, try socca (chickpea pancake) from Chez Pipo for about €3, or grab a pan bagnat (Niçoise sandwich) from local bakeries for €4-5. Daily markets like Cours Saleya offer fresh produce for picnics.

You can enjoy Nice on €50-70 per day including accommodation, making it one of the most affordable cities on the French Riviera.

2: Lyon

Lyon gives you a big-city French experience at half the price of Paris. As France’s culinary capital, it offers some of the best food in the country, plus beautiful architecture and vibrant culture.

Stay in budget-friendly areas like Guillotière or near Part-Dieu station. Away Hostel offers beds from €25, while budget hotels like Ibis Budget start around €55-70. University areas have cheaper accommodations too.

Lyon has tons of free or low-cost activities:

Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon)
Explore the amazing Croix-Rousse district and its hidden passages
Relax in the beautiful Tête d’Or Park
Visit the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (free entry)

Even though Lyon is famous for food, you can eat well cheaply. Traditional “bouchons” offer set lunch menus from €15-20. For super budget options, try student-friendly spots in Guillotière. The covered Les Halles de Lyon food market is perfect for sampling local specialties without restaurant prices.

Budget travelers can enjoy Lyon for about €60-80 per day, making it one of the cheap places to visit in France with big-city amenities.

3: Marseille

Marseille is one of the best cheap places to visit in France if you love coastal cities with character. This vibrant Mediterranean port city offers amazing seafront views, multicultural neighborhoods, and lots of sunshine at prices much lower than other coastal cities.

For budget stays, look in neighborhoods like Noailles or around Castellane. Hostel prices start around €20-25 for dorms, while budget hotels like Ibis or Hotel Terminus Saint-Charles offer rooms from €55.

Marseille has many free or affordable attractions:

Relax at the free public beaches like Plage des Catalans
Explore the historic Le Panier neighborhood
Walk around the Old Port (Vieux Port)
Hike up to Notre-Dame de la Garde for spectacular free views

Food in Marseille is affordable and delicious. Try the city’s famous bouillabaisse (fish stew) at lunch for better prices (€15-20 instead of dinner prices). For super budget meals, grab a slice of North African-inspired pizza or a falafel sandwich in the Noailles market area for €3-5.

Daily costs in Marseille run about €50-70 including accommodation, making it one of the most affordable big cities in the south of France.

4: Bordeaux

Bordeaux lets you enjoy a world-famous wine region without spending too much. This elegant city has beautiful architecture, amazing food, and of course, great wine – all at prices that make it one of the best cheap places to visit in France.

Stay in neighborhoods like Saint Michel or near the train station for lower prices. Budget accommodations like Hostel 20 offer beds from €25, while hotels like Ibis Budget start around €60-70.

You don’t need to spend much to enjoy Bordeaux:

Walk along the gorgeous riverside promenade
Visit the spectacular Water Mirror fountain
Explore the UNESCO-listed old town
Enjoy the public gardens

Wine tasting doesn’t have to be expensive! The Maison du Vin offers tastings starting at €2-5 per glass. Many wineries outside the city offer tours and tastings for €10-15. For food, check out budget-friendly restaurants in Saint Michel neighborhood or grab supplies from Capucins Market for a picnic.

You can enjoy Bordeaux for about €65-85 per day, including accommodation, making it an affordable way to experience France’s wine culture.

5: Strasbourg

Strasbourg is one of the most unique cheap places to visit in France. With its mix of French and German influences, colorful half-timbered houses, and beautiful canals, this city feels like a fairy tale – without the high prices.

Budget travelers should look for accommodations near the train station or in the Krutenau neighborhood. Ciarus Hostel offers beds from €25, while budget hotels start around €60-70.

There’s plenty to do in Strasbourg without spending much:

Wander the picture-perfect Petite France district
Visit the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral (free entry)
Explore the European Parliament building
Stroll through the university district

Alsatian food combines the best of French and German cuisine at reasonable prices. Look for lunch deals at winstubs (traditional Alsatian restaurants) where you can try specialties like flammekueche (thin pizza-like dish) for €8-12. Bakeries offer pretzels and kougelhopf (Alsatian cake) for cheap snacks.

Daily costs in Strasbourg run about €60-80, making it one of the most affordable places to experience the unique culture of eastern France.

6: Toulouse

Known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) because of its beautiful brick buildings, Toulouse is one of the most charming cheap places to visit in France. This friendly southern city offers a relaxed atmosphere, great food, and lots to see without big price tags.

Budget travelers should look for places to stay near the Jeanne d’Arc or Compans-Caffarelli areas. La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin hostel has beds from €20, while budget hotels like Ibis Budget start around €55-65.

Toulouse has many free or low-cost attractions:

Wander the beautiful Old Town center
Relax by the Garonne River and Canal du Midi
Visit the impressive Basilica of Saint-Sernin (free entry)
Explore the free Jardin des Plantes garden

Food is affordable and delicious in Toulouse. Try cassoulet (bean and meat stew) at lunch when restaurants offer set menus for €15-18. For super budget meals, visit the Victor Hugo Market food stalls or grab a sandwich from a bakery for €4-5.

You can enjoy Toulouse for about €55-75 per day including accommodation, making it one of the best value cities in southern France.

7: Montpellier

Montpellier is one of the sunniest cheap places to visit in France. This lively university city offers beautiful Mediterranean weather, charming streets, and a young, energetic vibe at budget-friendly prices.

Stay near the Saint-Roch area or around the university for the best deals. Hostels like LE NID start at about €25 per night, while budget hotels like Hotel Abelia start around €55-65.

There’s plenty to do in Montpellier without spending much:

Relax in the beautiful Place de la Comédie
Explore the charming medieval streets of Écusson
Visit the free botanical garden (oldest in France)
Enjoy the free modern art at the Pavillon Populaire

For affordable meals, explore the student hangouts around Place Saint-Roch. Set lunch menus start around €13-15. The Les Halles Castellane market is perfect for picking up picnic supplies, and beaches are just a short tram ride away (tickets cost €1.60).

Daily costs in Montpellier run about €55-75 including accommodation, making it one of the most affordable cities in the south of France.

8: Lille

Lille might be France’s most underrated affordable city. Located near the Belgian border, this northern gem offers beautiful Flemish architecture, excellent museums, and a friendly atmosphere that makes it one of the best cheap places to visit in France.

Budget travelers should look for accommodations in the Wazemmes or Moulins neighborhoods. Gastama Hostel has beds from €22, while hotels like Ibis Budget start around €50-60, cheaper than in many other French cities.

Lille offers plenty of affordable activities:

Explore the charming Old Town (Vieux Lille)
Visit the impressive Grand Place
Wander through the Wazemmes Market (one of France’s biggest)
Enjoy the art at Palais des Beaux-Arts (free the first Sunday of each month)

Food in Lille is hearty and affordable. Try local specialties like welsh (cheese, beer, and toast dish) or carbonnade flamande (beef and beer stew) at estaminets (traditional restaurants) that offer lunch specials for €12-15. The Wazemmes Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and especially Sundays) is perfect for budget food shopping.

You can enjoy Lille for about €50-70 per day including accommodation, making it one of the best value cities in northern France.

9: Annecy

Annecy proves that affordable destinations can be incredibly beautiful. Often called “Venice of the Alps,” this stunning lakeside town is one of the most picturesque cheap places to visit in France, offering mountain views and charming canals without luxury prices.

For budget stays, look slightly away from the lake in areas like Novel or near the train station. Hostels like Annecy Hostel have beds from €25-30, while budget hotels start around €65-75.

The best part about Annecy is that its main attractions are free:

Relax by the gorgeous Lake Annecy (free public beaches)
Explore the charming Old Town with its canals
Hike the surrounding mountains for amazing views
Visit the Château d’Annecy (only €5.50 entry)

Food can be affordable if you know where to look. Grab sandwiches, quiches, or pastries from bakeries for €4-6. Markets on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are perfect for picnic supplies. For restaurants, look for set lunch menus away from the main tourist areas for €15-18.

Daily costs in Annecy run about €60-80 including accommodation, higher than some cities on this list but still much cheaper than nearby Swiss destinations with similar scenery.

10: Nantes

Nantes rounds out our list of cheap places to visit in France with its perfect mix of history, creativity, and affordability. This western city has transformed itself with unique art projects while keeping prices reasonable for visitors.

Budget travelers should look for accommodations near the train station or in the Bouffay district. Hostels like Hostel Nantes have beds from €20, while budget hotels like The Originals City start around €55-65.

Nantes offers unique attractions at low prices:

Follow the green line painted on sidewalks for a free self-guided tour
Visit the amazing mechanical elephants at Les Machines de l’Île (viewing is free, rides cost €8.50)
Explore the medieval Château des Ducs de Bretagne (free entry to courtyards)
Relax in the beautiful Jardin des Plantes

Food in Nantes is affordable and delicious. Look for crêperies offering galettes (savory buckwheat pancakes) for €7-10. The Talensac Market is perfect for budget food shopping. For a special treat, seafood is cheaper here than in many French cities.

You can enjoy Nantes for about €55-75 per day including accommodation, making it one of the best value cities in western France.

Tips for Planning Your Budget French Vacation

To find the best deals on flights to France, try to book 2-3 months in advance and be flexible with your dates. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) is usually cheapest. Consider flying into alternative airports – sometimes Lyon or Marseille have better deals than Paris.

For getting between these cheap places to visit in France, regional trains (TER) are often the most budget-friendly option. Buy tickets in advance on the SNCF website for the best prices. The France Rail Pass might save money if you’re visiting multiple cities. FlixBus offers very affordable bus connections between most cities mentioned here.

Consider this budget-friendly 2-week itinerary:

Start in Lille (2 days)
Train to Strasbourg (3 days)
Train to Lyon (3 days)
Train to Annecy (2 days)
Train to Marseille (2 days)
End in Nice (2 days)

Helpful apps and websites for finding deals include:

Too Good To Go (discounted restaurant food)
BlaBlaCar (ridesharing between cities)
Booking.com or Hostelworld (accommodation with free cancellation)
The Fork (restaurant discounts, sometimes up to 50%)

Conclusion

France doesn’t have to be expensive! These cheap places to visit in France offer all the charm, culture, and amazing food the country is known for, without the high prices of Paris or the French Riviera resorts.

From the sunny beaches of Nice to the charming canals of Annecy, from the culinary paradise of Lyon to the vibrant streets of Marseille – affordable France has something for everyone. Each of these budget-friendly cities has its own unique character and attractions that make it special.

Remember that visiting in shoulder seasons (spring and fall), eating where locals eat, and using public transportation will help your money go further. With a bit of planning, you can experience the magic of France without breaking the bank.

Ready to start planning your affordable French adventure? Pick one of these cheap places to visit in France, find a budget flight, and get ready for an amazing trip that won’t empty your wallet. The authentic France experience is waiting for you!

FAQ Section

How much should I budget per day for cheap travel in France?

For budget travel in cheap places to visit in France, plan for €50-80 per day. This includes a hostel or budget hotel (€25-60), food (€15-25), transportation (€5-10), and a few attractions (€0-10).

When is the cheapest time to visit France?

November through March (except Christmas/New Year’s) is cheapest, but weather can be cold and rainy. For a better balance of price and weather, try April-May or September-October.

Can I visit multiple cheap places to visit in France in one trip?

Absolutely! France has excellent train connections between most cities on this list. Look into regional trains or bus services for the most affordable options between cities.

Are these affordable cities safe for budget travelers?

Yes, all cities on this list are generally safe for travelers. As in any destination, use common sense: watch your belongings in crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Do I need to speak French to visit these budget-friendly destinations?

While knowing some basic French phrases is helpful and appreciated by locals, you can get by with English in most tourist areas, especially in larger cities and with younger people. Learning simple greetings and “thank you” goes a long way!