Top 5 Affordable Destinations In France To Visit Instead Of Paris

Paris is a bucket list destination for many travelers, but between exorbitant prices, high crowds, and recent strikes and civil unrest across the city, it may not be the best place to go right now.

Luckily, there’s much more to see in France than just Paris.

A recent report has highlighted the best destinations in France that are cheaper than Paris that offer an underrated alternative for your visit to France.

Here are the best affordable destinations in France to visit instead of Paris:

1. Lyon

Lyon is one of the most underrated cities in France that is a great alternative to Paris. Located about 2.5 hours south of Paris by train, this city was founded 2,000 years ago by the Romans and is packed with history and culture.

Some of the best things to do in Lyon include exploring Vieux Lyon, the historic quarter of the city, wandering through the traboules (covered passageways), and taking a tram up to visit the magnificent Fourvière Basilica.

For history buffs, you won’t want to miss the ruins of the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière or the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière.

Lyon. Cityscape image of Lyon, France during sunset.

2. Marseille

The second-largest city in France after Paris, Marseille is a great place to base yourself for a trip around the South of France if you want to save money.

You’ll find that this city is much more affordable than Paris or popular tourist destinations along the French Riviera, like Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.

However, all of these destinations are still within day trip distance, along with other stunning places in the South of France like Calanques National Park and Aix-en-Provence, which is famous for its lavender blooms in the summer.

3. Nantes

Nantes is a city located about 2.5 hours southwest of Paris by train. It’s much more affordable than Paris and offers visitors many things to do.

From exploring the beautiful Château des Ducs de Bretagne to cycling along the greenways on the banks of the Loire River, Nantes is a highly underrated destination in France that is worth a visit.

You can also take a day trip to the famous Mont St-Michel on the Normandy coast, less than 2.5 hours north of Nantes.

4. Corsica

Corsica has long been a popular summer getaway for the French, but it flies under the radar for most American travelers. This island has a unique French-Italian culture owing to its location between the two countries and close to the Italian island of Sardinia.

You can find more affordable prices than the French Riviera in Corsica but still enjoy beautiful beaches and quaint coastal towns.

Corsica is also a great vacation destination for those who love the outdoors and hiking, with a diverse landscape including many craggy peaks and dramatic coastal paths.

5. Brittany

Brittany is a region of France located to the west of Paris. It’s situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to resort towns like Saint-Malo and Dinard, which are popular summer vacation spots for Parisians.

Located three to four hours from Paris by train, Brittany is home to scenic coastlines, beautiful chateaus, and historic cities like Rennes and Quimper. You’ll find that prices are more affordable than you might expect, especially for fresh and delicious seafood.