Nine French destinations that are cheaper than Paris
Paris may be the iconic French city, but there are plenty of destinations in France that are cheaper and less crowded. Here are nine worthy competitors to Paris:
Strasbourg
Located near the German border, this city is a popular international destination and home to major European political institutions, as well as one of the biggest Christmas markets. Its majestic cathedral, built in 1220, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture.
Arles
Situated near the Mediterranean sea, Arles is home to one of the world’s most famous photography festivals and boasts the most Roman monuments in France after Rome. The Camargue National Park offers endless landscapes of sandy beaches and salt ponds that inspired Vincent Van Gogh.
Annecy
Bordered by a lake at the foot of the Semnoz mountains, Annecy boasts charming half-timbered houses and views of the Bauges and Aravis ‘massifs’. In summer, a dip in the lake is highly recommended, whereas in winter, long walks along the water will give you a taste of the tranquillity of the place.
Basque Country
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Basque Country stretches between France and Spain and offers a plethora of hiking trails, surfing, and scuba diving. It’s also known for its wall for ‘pelota’ and golf courses.
Brittany
A popular holiday destination with the French, Brittany is a land of contrasts that offers a real patchwork of places to discover. It’s a foodie’s paradise with oysters, cider, crepes, and folk dancing. Hiking trails, such as the GR 34, offer stunning coastal views.
Corsica
Ideal for a quiet vacation in a hybrid Italian-French culture, Corsica’s sandy beaches and crystal water contrast with dramatic needle-like mountain tops like the col de Bavella.
Nantes
The 2013 European Green Capital, Nantes boasts protected routes and greenways on the banks of the Loire river, medieval castles, and the mechanical elephant inspired by Jules Verne’s books. The old fishing village of Trentemoult offers a colourful atmosphere.
Marseille
The oldest city in France, Marseille is a port city with a rich past and offers a wide variety of theatres, concert halls, museums, and the Calanques National Park. Beware of the mistral wind, which can blow up to 100 kilometres per hour.
Lyon
The former capital of France and the ancient capital, Lyon boasts a remarkable architectural heritage, listed as World Heritage. The districts of Vieux Lyon, Fourvière hill, Presqu’île, and slopes of Croix-Rousse offer stunning views of the city. Wandering through the ‘traboules’ and eating in a ‘bouchon’ are must-dos in Lyon.