Top cheap places to visit in France
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I will now let you discover this ranking starting at the end:
Number 13: Moret-sur-Loing
Ile-de-France Region:
After having gained some energy, it is time for a nice hike. On foot or by bike, choose from over 16 paths from 7km to 19km. Set off to explore the surrounding area. Each circuit has its own landscape and difficulty. Marshes, dense forest, very uneven or rather flat, choose your own path to better appreciate the villages of Seine-et-Marne.
To conclude this day, a free visit to the bicycle museum which retraces the history of cycling from 1817 to today and even offers a bicycle sale and repair service. From the first bicycles, to racing bikes and tricycles, the museum has enough amazing pieces to satisfy the most curious.
A great stop for cycling enthusiasts who are keen on learning more about the history of the bicycle.
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Number 12: Marsannay-la-Côte
With its authentic architecture, you will be able to discover in the village, the Saint-Urbain Dovecote dating from the 12th century, and also the Priory, an ancient building with the storeroom on the ground floor and the village tourist office of the village on the renovated first floor.
A truly gastronomic region, you will also be led to discover various specialities during your stay at Marsannay such as the Persillé de Marsannay made from pork shoulder, the Murée de Marsannay aperitif made from rosé wine and blackberry cream or the Creûtine sweet created in 1987 made with chocolate (and other ingredients that you will discover by tasting them). Perfect to enjoy the stay!
The not-to-be-missed festivity: the "Patarate Gourmande", a 6 km walk through the vineyards, punctuated by tasting and various activities to discover the region, organised every year in May.
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Number 11: Dieppe
After the sea coast, enter the town to enjoy the Dieppe market which will offer you its most beautiful local specialities. Fresh and quality products, there is something for everyone. And once your stomach is full, it's time to discover the historic part of the city.
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Number 10: Troyes
Dive into the medieval history of Troyes. With its colourful wooden houses and narrow streets leading to imposing religious buildings, Troyes mixes styles in an astonishing and pleasant way. From the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, the Basilica of Saint-Urbain, the Church of Sainte-Madeleine or the Rachi Troyes Synagogue with its prayer room in the centre of a medieval courtyard, covered by a glass roof, architecture is given pride of place and there is something for all tastes.
Want to know more about the history of the town? Head for the “Maison de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière” (museum dedicated to tools of all times) where you can admire more than 10,000 old tools, sometimes forgotten or no longer used, displayed behind showcases protecting them from time.
For a tasty activity, discover a genuine Champagne. For 10 euros and for a duration of one hour and a half you will learn the secrets of the art of Champagne tasting and how to choose the perfect grape variety.
Fans of architecture, you know where to travel!
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Number 9: Cahors
Another must in the town is the Carthusian Fountain and the “Maison de l'eau”, a museum which will teach you more about the transport of water to the town in the 19th century. The clear water and the rocks carved by time give a surprising aspect to this unusual place.
At the end of the day, head for the “Brasserie Artisanale Ratz” to enjoy a local beer brewed by a beer lover and a team who will be happy to teach you more about the making and production of the beverage.
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Number 8: La Clusaz
A small region of Haute-Savoie, La Clusaz has a little less than 2000 inhabitants and is especially known for its ski resort, its beautiful mountains and green plains. Nature lovers, with walks across the plains or sporty hikes in the mountain ranges, don't look any further for an inexpensive holiday, La Clusaz has everything you need.
For skiers, wether experienced or not, you will find a dozen slopes where you can practise at the Espace Nordique des Confins for only 9€ a day, cheap isn't it? You can also discover three footpaths for one to two-hour walks in green landscapes during summer or snow-whitened landscapes during winter. Don't feel like skiing? You can always discover the Aravis pass, which you can walk or cycle through.
Rather in a festive mood? Below the “Col des confins” you will find the lake associated with the same name, appreciated for the sporting event held there every year, the “Défi Foly”. For this challenge, the participants have to hurtle on their skis from the top of a snowy slope to the lake and cover as much distance as possible, all this while wearing their most beautiful costumes and wacky boats, to everyone's delight. A happy atmosphere reigns throughout the day which makes it an event that is always eagerly awaited and successful! (And all this free of charge for the spectators).
So, ready for a sporty weekend in La Clusaz?
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Number 7: Saint-Florent
Head for Saint-Florent in Corsica, one of my best cheap places to visit in France. With its large leisure port it will offer you a beautiful walk along the quays, you will also have the possibility to take a shuttle boat to the beaches of the Agriates desert. Ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, you can also enjoy a long walk along the coast, 35 km for the more adventurous (but there are also shorter paths just as pleasant 😉) and at the end of the day, by boat or at the quayside, enjoy a beautiful sunset reflecting on the limpid water.
In the heart of the city with its cobbled streets you can go to the Citadel, which offers a splendid view of all Saint-Florent, the Agriates desert and the typical houses of the port.
And for a little more sensational activities? Parachuting, Flyboarding, Canyoning or Quad biking, there is quite a choice and many more activities to choose from.
Personally I was quickly attracted by the idea of quad biking on the beach by the translucent sea.
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Number 6: Saint-Brieuc
Let's go to Saint-Brieuc. A coastal town in Brittany, Saint-Brieuc is much appreciated for its wide bay offering various activities. In the heart of the town you can stroll through the Ville Ancienne, the historic district of Saint-Brieuc and admire the architecture combining wooden houses and stone coats of arms, an unusual mix that catches the eye. For a walk outside the centre, you can discover the port of Le Légué and the maritime history of the town.
For those who haven't seen enough of the city, don't worry, Saint-Brieuc still has plenty of surprises for you. Its Art Deco walk will show you the architectural heritage in a new light. Just raise your eyes to appreciate the works of art made of mosaics, granite or concrete, fixed on the facades of the monuments and houses of the town.
Or would you rather try out an activity? The bay of Saint-Brieuc will offer you the opportunity to try yourself at many water sports, diving, surfing, canoeing or paddle, there's plenty to keep you busy and for something a little quieter, why not try your hand at fishing on foot, respecting local restrictions of course!
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Number 5: Angers
Paved streets, wooden and stone houses surrounding the imposing Saint-Maurice Cathedral, everything there takes you back in time. To find out more about the city's past, I recommend this must-see, the Château d'Angers. For 9.5 euros you will have access to this astonishing 13th century fortress to discover all its secrets.
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Number 4: Blois
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So don't wait any longer and discover the three cheap places to visit in France, for a weekend, week or even longer.
Number 3: Perigueux
If you go through Perigueux you will not be able to miss it, situated in the heart of the city, the Cathedral of Saint-Front attracts many people. With its gigantic vaults and colourful stained-glass windows, the cathedral is a real eye-catcher. The little extra, the visit of the roofs which will give you a fantastic view of the whole city.
Once you have visited the cathedral it’s time to go back to the Roman era. The Vesunna site museum will take you to the archaeological remains of a Gallo-Roman residence, the Domus of Vesuvius, for 6 Euros per entry. Through a well thought-out scenography, you will discover the history of Perigueux and the influence of Gallo-Roman civilisations on the city.
Need a walk outside after this visit? Head to the Roman Arena garden to enjoy the sunshine amongst the vestiges set in the greenery of the park.
For archaeology lovers for whom the Vesunna would not have been enough, a walk to the Perigord Museum of Art and Archaeology will delight you with its ephemeral exhibitions and unusual pieces.
Finally, for keen historians, don't miss the military museum, where you can easily spend several hours discovering the various exhibitions for only 5 Euros per entry.
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Number 2: Arras
Located 50 minutes from Paris, Arras offers a wide range of activities to please everybody. So let's start by going 12 metres underground to discover the Boves d'Arras, underground stone mazes dug out during the First World War that take us back to the heart of history. After the Boves, we head for the Wellington quarries, which were used during the Battle of Arras.
Once back on the surface, the citadel of Arras built by Vauban will continue to make us dive into the history of the city through its beautiful walks and its historical exhibition.
A little thirsty after all this information? Nothing better than a local beer tasting before heading to the Fine Arts Museum where the exhibitions take us straight back to the 17th century through paintings, sculptures and even period clothes.
And what about nature? For 7 Euros per entry, the nature city offers interactive exhibitions on themes such as the human body, fruit and vegetables with an incredible 15,000m² garden with about 650 vines and various plants. All you need to recharge your batteries in the heart of the city!
Finally, what a better way to end the day than by visiting the Belfry? It will offer you a breathtaking view of the whole city of Arras for a price from 14 to 31 Euros. You will also have the opportunity to hear the bells as you climb up. Will you be able to guess how many bells there are?
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Number 1: Cassis
But why Cassis then? Let's start with its splendid landscapes. Among the three creeks of the city, the most impressive is Port-Miou, which can be distinguished from the others notably by its size and its sinuous layout. A must-see in the region.
And for an unusual activity why not take the little train in the town. For 8 Euros, you will embark on a 45-minute tour, commented by your guide, through the whole city to the heights where you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Cassis.
Perhaps you would better enjoy the beach or more sporty activities? Opt for a kayak excursion across the creeks to discover them as you have never seen them before.
More interested in the aquatic fauna? Treat yourself with a scuba diving course starting at 149 Euros, a little more expensive but certainly unusual! For those who don't want to pay that much, I'm sure you'll find a mask and snorkel in a local shop. You'll enjoy just as much the beautiful underwater wildlife of Cassis!
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