10 Cheapest French Cities to Backpack
Backpacking through France doesn’t have to drain your savings. While destinations like Paris and the French Riviera may be known for their high price tags, the country is home to many lesser-known cities that offer rich culture, history, and cuisine at a fraction of the cost. For savvy travelers, exploring France on a budget is absolutely possible.
In this guide, we’re diving into the 10 cheapest French cities to backpack. Whether you’re a student, a solo adventurer, or just looking to stretch your euros, these destinations offer the perfect balance between affordability and unforgettable experiences. Get ready to discover France beyond the tourist traps.
10 Cheapest French Cities to Backpack
France has many budget-friendly cities that deliver cultural richness and adventure without the high cost. Below, we’ve compiled ten of the cheapest destinations across the country that offer incredible sights, great food, and memorable experiences for backpackers traveling on a budget.
- Toulouse
- Montpellier
- Lille
- Grenoble
- Dijon
- Nancy
- Strasbourg
- Poitiers
- Clermont-Ferrand
- Besançon
Known as ‘La Ville Rose’ for its pink-hued buildings, Toulouse is a lively university city in southern France that’s perfect for backpackers on a budget. With a huge student population, it’s packed with affordable eateries, budget hostels, and public transportation that won’t cost a fortune.
Toulouse also offers plenty of free or low-cost attractions, including beautiful parks, the Garonne riverbanks, and it’s a hub of aerospace history with attractions like the Cité de l’Espace.
Montpellier is a Mediterranean city full of vibrant student life. Known for its sunny climate, beautiful promenades like Promenade du Peyrou, and close proximity to the beach. Thanks to its large student population, it’s one of the cheapest French cities to backpack, offering plenty of free festivals and low-cost nightlife options.
Public transport is efficient and walking is a pleasure in this compact city. Enjoy free art exhibitions, cheap beach access, and budget-friendly cafes throughout your stay.
Located in northern France near Belgium, Lille is often overlooked by travelers, but it’s a treasure for backpackers looking for culture. Famous for its Palais des Beaux-Arts museum, Flemish-influenced architecture, and vibrant food scene.
The city’s youthful spirit and reasonable prices make it a strong contender for budget-conscious travel.
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As a student city, Grenoble is also known for Bastille fortress and has plenty of affordable dining and budget accommodations. It’s one of the cheapest French cities to backpack while still enjoying the perks of a lively and active lifestyle.
Famous for its mustard and Burgundy wine, Dijon is more than just a culinary destination—it’s also surprisingly affordable. With its elegant old town and accessible museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Dijon gives you rich French culture at low prices.
The city is walkable, meaning you’ll save on transport, and it’s packed with free attractions like historical sites and scenic parks. Dijon makes for a cultured and affordable stop on your backpacking route.
Nancy is a beautiful city with Baroque architecture and a laid-back vibe, perfect for budget travelers. It’s known for being cheaper than most major French cities while still offering a vibrant student culture.
Explore Place Stanislas, one of Europe’s most stunning squares, or spend your day strolling through free art exhibitions. Nancy offers charm and affordability in equal measure.
Strasbourg combines the best of French and German culture and delivers it at budget-friendly prices. Located near the German border, this city features picturesque canals, timber-framed houses, the famous Strasbourg Cathedral and plenty of free sights.
Backpackers can take advantage of cheap local food like tarte flambée and explore the city by foot or bike. Museums and attractions often offer free or reduced entry on specific days, making this city even more accessible.
As one of France’s oldest university towns, Poitiers is calm, compact, and incredibly affordable. Accommodation and food prices are lower here compared to bigger cities, making it ideal for travelers on a tight budget. The city is also known for the Futuroscope theme park and Romanesque architecture.
Free concerts, open-air markets, and student deals abound. It’s easy to walk everywhere, helping you save even more on local transport.
Nestled in the volcanic region of Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand is a hub for nature lovers with Puy de Dôme volcano and one of the cheapest French cities to backpack. It’s rich in geological history, offering numerous trails and natural parks to explore for free.
The city also boasts affordable accommodations and cheap eats at local boulangeries. It’s a peaceful, under-the-radar gem perfect for slow, budget travel.
Tucked away in eastern France, Besançon is a green city with rich military history. It is known for the UNESCO-listed Citadel of Besançon and natural surroundings. Its status as a student city means lower prices and a relaxed vibe.
Enjoy riverside walks, historic architecture, and free-entry days at local museums. Besançon is an excellent option for travelers wanting a cultural escape on a shoestring.
Tips for Budget Traveling in France
Whichever of these cities you choose to travel to, keep in mind the tips below to help you stay on budget. These practical suggestions will make your backpacking adventure through France both affordable and rewarding.
- Travel during shoulder seasons to avoid peak prices. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) often offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and significantly cheaper accommodation rates.
- Use local trains and buses instead of high-speed trains. Regional TER trains and long-distance buses like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus are much more affordable options for getting around.
- Stay in hostels, couchsurf, or use budget accommodation sites. Platforms like Hostelworld, Couchsurfing, and Airbnb can help you find stays that fit a tight budget, especially outside major tourist cities.
- Shop at local markets and bakeries to save on meals. Instead of eating at restaurants, grab fresh produce, bread, and local snacks to prepare your own meals or picnic in scenic spots.
- Take advantage of free walking tours and museum days. Many French cities offer free city tours, and national museums often have free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
What to Expect as a Budget Backpacker
Language barriers are manageable, especially in university towns where English is more commonly spoken. While knowing basic French phrases is helpful and appreciated by locals, many younger people and service workers speak at least some English.
France has excellent infrastructure, so you’ll find easy access to public transport, hostels, and supermarkets. Even smaller towns are connected by rail or regional buses, and you’ll rarely be far from a convenience store or affordable lodging.
Cultural experiences are often affordable, with free festivals, art shows, and open-air concerts common throughout the year. Look out for local event posters and tourism offices, which frequently advertise free or low-cost happenings, especially during spring and summer.
Final Thoughts on Budget Backpacking in France
Traveling through France doesn’t have to be a luxury experience. These destinations prove that you can explore the country on a tight budget while still enjoying its culture, history, and natural beauty.
If you’re planning your next trip, consider visiting one or more of these cheapest French cities to backpack. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also experience France in a deeper and more authentic way than most tourists.
