Many people assume the Riviera is only for the rich. If you are wondering where to visit in the south of france on a budget, the answer is: more places than you think, if you choose timing and towns carefully. Prices below are general ideas and change often, so compare current offers before booking.
Timing is the biggest saving
July and August are the most expensive and crowded months. May, June and September bring warm weather and lower prices, while October is mild in many areas. Weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends. If you can, avoid school holidays and big events such as film festivals and car races.
Cheaper bases
Instead of staying in the most famous coastal resorts, consider these:
- Montpellier, a lively student city with a large old centre and trams
- Nîmes, with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and affordable lodging
- Avignon, great for the old walls and the Palace of the Popes
- Perpignan and the Catalan coast, near beaches and mountains
- Smaller Provence villages away from the hotspots, outside peak season
Free and low-cost things to do
Beaches in France are public, so you can spend a day by the sea without paying. Markets are lively and free to wander, and many villages have walking trails and old churches. Sunrise or sunset along the coastal paths costs nothing. Many towns have free or reduced entry to museums on certain days, such as the first Sunday of the month in some cities.
Getting around cheaply
Regional trains and buses are generally cheaper than renting a car, particularly for solo travellers. Some regions have very cheap regional bus lines on a flat fare. If you drive, remember tolls on motorways, parking costs in towns and fuel prices. Cycling is a good option for short distances.
Eating on a budget
Look for the “plat du jour” at lunchtime, which is a fixed-price menu that is cheaper than dinner. Bakeries sell sandwiches and pastries, and markets are great for fruit, cheese and bread. A picnic with market food is a classic way to save money and eat well. Water from the tap is safe and free in restaurants if you ask for a carafe d’eau.
Where to stay
Look at apartments, guesthouses and hostels, and consider campsites, which are common in France and can be very comfortable. Travelling off-season makes a big difference. Inland towns usually cost less than coastal ones.
Sample low-cost route
A simple route might be Montpellier, Nîmes, Avignon and a couple of Provence villages by train and bus, with one or two beach days. You can fit that into a week without huge spending.
Compare with the Netherlands or elsewhere
If you want another affordable European break, our notes on free things to do in the Hague show how to enjoy a city without spending much.
Closing advice
Choose shoulder season, base yourself in a mid-sized city, use regional transport and eat like a local. For more background see Southern France on Wikipedia. Read more travel guides at invisionfree.com.
