Last Updated
They say Paris is never a bad idea, but that’s only because your bank account can’t speak.
Take it from me, someone who had the pleasure of visiting the iconic city’s endless cafes and astounding marvels last fall.
Once the excitement wears off, anxiety ensues when it comes time to check your account balance.
But, as the most visited country in the world, there’s so much to experience beyond Paris’ charm, history, and phenomenal cuisine.
One city in particular was just named the cheapest city in France – and it’s definitely not Paris!
Boasting Mediterranean beaches a stone’s throw away and one of the most picturesque Old Towns imaginable, if you’re craving French culture and scenic beaches, look no further than Montpellier for your next winter getaway.
Unexpected Delights Of This Lesser-Known Mediterranean Seaside
Montpellier proper is not a beach town per se, but in the same way Athens, Greece, is known more for urban attractions and fascinating museums, travelers overlook the nearby Athens Riviera.
Don’t make the same mistake for Montpellier, where the gorgeous Mediterranean seaside awaits within a half hour from the top beaches of the region.
According to Montpellier’s tourism board, Aresquiers (Frontignan), Palavas, Carnon, and Grande-Motte are all Blue-Flag certified beaches, a global stamp of approval for the most pristine beaches in the world.
And then there’s Petit Travers and Grand Travers, a pair of beaches that have been revamped in recent years to preserve the habitat, offering beachgoers what feels like an untouched beach away from curated resorts.
Dotted along the calm coastline are numerous seaside restaurants and bard to indulge in fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of French flair, such as Couer des Sables, where a recent patron raved, “the cuisine is perfect and the place is just idyllic to relax facing the sea”.
Of course, there’s no better way to cap off a beach trip than a nice stay overlooking the vivid blue waters of the Med.
Montpellier has you covered with numerous high-end boutique stays, such as Hôtel Le Brasilia, for just $71 this winter.
Better yet, there are even more beachfront condos for rent on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
For detailed information on how to reach each beach, check out the tourism board’s mini guide with various transit options.
France’s Cheapest (And Most Underrated) City
Speaking of transit, one of the most fun ways to reach Montpellier is by taking a 3-hour train ride from Paris.
Despite being pricey on arrival, Paris is actually one of the cheapest European cities to fly into, making for a great gateway into France’s most affordable city as well as the rest of Europe, if we’re being honest.
Sticking to Montpellier, this bustling Medieval-era city is teeming with eye-popping historical attractions ranging from monasteries pushing 1000 years old to staggering cathedrals, and yes, a flawless Old Town district.
Boasting far less crowds than Paris and let’s just say a river Olympians would’ve felt more comfortable swimming in, Montepellier is joyous to explore no matter what piques your interest.
Circling back to Old Town, this area is a must-visit to peruse on foot, especially during mild winters.
This maze of narrow alleyways and timeless structures, ironically, never gets old to explore. Place de la Comedie is an open plaza teeming with delightful cafe terraces and boutique shops, the perfect place to sit back and people-watch.
Whatever you do while you’re in the city center, don’t skip out on Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in all of Europe, and best of all, it’s free to enter.
Spend A Relaxing Day In Montpellier’s Wine Country
Montpellier is a much smaller city than Paris, and not even half the size population-wise of nearby Marseille.
So, after you see all the sights within the cityscape, treat yourself to a relaxing day in wine country, where there are over 54 local winemakers open to the public.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 wineries in and around Montpellier:
1. Chateau de Flaugergues
2. Chateau de l’Engarran
3. Domaine de Saumarez Vineyard and Winery
4. Clos Sorian
5. La Cave D’occitanie
Expect to pay around $15 for a nice French meal, and according to Expatistan, a bottle of top-notch red wine costs just $7.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
