The French Riviera is among the most pricey summer season locations not only in France, but all of Europe, and this is originating from somebody who lives in Paris.
From the glamour and glamour of Cannes to the party scene in Saint-Tropez, you ‘d better come prepared to splurge if it’s a Bardot-inspired Côte d’Azur vacay you’re wishing for. Be that as it might be, it’s not like it can’t be less expensive.
Don’t get me incorrect: the South of France is never ever precisely economical, however something I’ve found out over the years, and taking the TGV down there every summertime, is that it doesn’t have to break the bank, either.
There’s constantly something a bit more mid-range, particularly when it comes to these 4 inexpensive-er French Riviera towns I’ve been fortunate enough to learn about for many years:
Menton
The most Italian town in France, Menton sits right on the border with the brotherly nation, and it looks like something right out of a vintage postcard from the 60s: I’m talking pastel homes lining an azure sea, a picturesque promenade, and gelato stores galore.
I have actually composed thoroughly about Menton in this accompanying post, so make certain you check that out, however if I were to summarize it, I ‘d say it’s the quieter end of the Riviera. Same Mediterranean appeal, and none of Saint-Tropez’s VIP-only beach clubs or Monaco’s pretentiousness.
Plus, it can be rather more affordable to go to. This summer season, scheduling this modern-day two-bedroom apartment only a few steps from the waterfront will set you back $146 as a couple (or $73 each), and if it’s casual dinners you’re after, and you love seafood, try L’Orangerie.
Average Prices In Menton, France
|
| Category Average Rate(USD)Budget Plan B&B/ Hotel(2)
| $52–$110 per night 3-star hotel$64–$164 per night Budget |
meal$16–$27 per individual |
3-course meal(mid-range |
)$32–$ 54 per individual Fine-dining |
|
$85–$160 per person Taxi trip(brief)$11–$16 per journey Villefranche-sur-Mer I make certain you’ve heard of the Principality of Monaco, but what about Villefranche-sur-Mer, a short half-hour drive west of the world’s wealthiest micro-state? A laid-back resort town home to a bistrot-packed marina, ornate Baroque churches, and a picturesque coastline, it is Southern France in a nutshell. I typically go to Villefranche to relax, and get away the Monaco and Good crowds, and there’s no place better to do so than
Plage des Marinières, a sandy bat hugged by the Medication– particularly after you have actually wolfed down some grilled octopus and scallop risotto at Les Garçons, and all you require next is a sieste. This town has actually certainly grown a lot more popular than it used to be due to overflowing tourist from neighboring hotspots, however it’s as serene as they are available in the Côte d’Azur nowadays. Oh, and if I may suggest a hotel, La Flore uses stunning coastal views for$126 per individual(as a couple). Typical Prices In Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Cagnes-sur-Mer
< img width= "800" height= "800" src="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Medieval-Town-In-Cagnes-sur-Mer-France.jpg"alt="Middle ages Town In Cagnes-sur-Mer, France"/ > A 28-minute drive west of Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer is that peaceful weekend vacation you require to recharge your social batteries: very little crowds, minimal traffic, quieter beaches, and most significantly even, lots of Vintage attraction to go ’round.
In my opinion, this is among the most beautiful middle ages towns on the Mediterranean coast of France. Image narrow patched paths and centuries-old stone homes, a fishermen-built harbor lined with colorful boats, down by Cros-de-Cagnes, and even a hilltop castle at the municipality’s acme.
There are also fantastic dining establishments on Plage de l’Hippodrome, Cagnes’ trendiest beach, like my individual preferred Le Grill du Boucher, widely known for its entrecôte and traditional tartare, and if you take place to be trying to find a location to lay your head, overnights at Rental property Le Mazet cost only $67 per adult.
Typical Rates In Cagnes-sur-Mer, France
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| Category Typical rate(USD)Budget B&B/ Hotels(2) |
|
| $78–$106 per night 3-star hotel $120–$150 per night Spending plan meal | ||
| $11.50–$35 per person 3-course meal (mid-range) | $54–$108 per person | |
| Fine-dining | $70–$180 per individual | |
| Bus/ regional transport | $5–$6 daily | |
| Taxi trip (brief) | $11–$16 per journey |
A New Tool That Will Make Traveling In France Easier This Summertime
< img width ="800"height= "800"src=" https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Harbor-Of-Cassis-Southern-France.jpg.webp "alt=" Old Harbor Of Cassis, Southern France "/ > If you’re taking a trip to France this summer season and have issues about your budget plan, you’re most likely questioning just how much you’ll invest in ideas at all the relaxing brasseries and seafront restaurants.
Thanks to our new European Tipping Calculator, you can check in advancewhat the tipping culture is in France, how much you’re usually anticipated to contribute (if anything), and strategy appropriately.
Attempt it for yourself here.
< img alt=""src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/670a9f78091c16bd874672b1cb939f4e22e64fe6c391eb68b0f897b10dbfd49e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"height ="96" width="96"/ > Vinicius Costa Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has more than 60+ nations under his belt (and presently weaving tales from Paris!), and a flair for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into helpful stories that will have you loading your bags.
The Travel Off Course Benefit: Your Travel Toolkit