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Paris is France’s most famous city explored by 50 million visitors worldwide. Due to this, it often remains overcrowded, expensive, and rushed for UK travellers. Especially during peak seasons the prices double and it’s hard to find a stay. Beyond Paris, France has many hidden cities which offer direct flights, trains, excellent regional transport, and richer experiences at lower costs.
So, if you are searching for the best cities in France which can give an excellent experience at a good price. In this guide, you will find cities that are genuinely easy to visit, affordable to stay in, and rewarding to explore at a slower pace. Do not forget to apply for a France tourist visa from UK for a stress-free travel in these beautiful cities.
Quick Summary (For Busy UK Travellers)
According to Atout France (France’s tourism board), British visitors rank as France’s second-largest international market, and more than 40% of UK travellers now choose regional destinations instead of Paris alone. This shift isn’t accidental.
There are three main reasons behind it:
For many Brits, travelling beyond Paris no longer feels like “extra effort” — it feels like a smarter choice.
Do you know? over 38% of repeat UK visitors to France now choose regional cities instead of Paris, looking for authenticity, better value, and slower travel.
Lyon consistently ranks as one of the best cities in France for first-time non-Paris visitors, and UK travellers often describe it as the city where they finally “relaxed” in France.
What makes Lyon special is balance. It has the culture, architecture, and food scene you’d expect from a major French city, but without the intensity or impatience sometimes felt in Paris. Locals are proud of their culinary traditions, and eating out here feels more personal and less commercial.
Walking through Vieux Lyon, you’ll find narrow Renaissance streets, hidden passageways (traboules), and family-run restaurants serving fixed menus that feel like home cooking rather than fine dining theatre.
On average:
From a practical UK point of view, Lyon is also very accessible. Travelling from London via Eurostar and TGV takes around five hours, which is comparable to flying once airport time is included. Once there, public transport is straightforward, English is reasonably understood in tourist areas, and prices are noticeably lower.
For UK travellers who enjoy food, history, and walkable cities, Lyon often becomes a surprise favourite.
Nice appeals strongly to UK travellers because it combines sunshine, sea views, and convenience. Direct flights from multiple UK cities make it one of the easiest French destinations to reach, and once you arrive, the lifestyle shift is immediate.
Unlike Paris, Nice doesn’t feel rushed. Mornings start later, meals stretch longer, and life revolves around walking, swimming, and sitting outdoors. For British travellers escaping grey weather, this change alone is worth the trip.
The city also works exceptionally well as a base. From Nice, you can explore Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, and small hill towns without changing accommodation. This makes it attractive for longer stays, particularly for older travellers or couples.
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Budget Snapshot (Per Day)
| Expense | Average Cost |
| Mid-range hotel | £90–£120 |
| Casual meal | £15–£18 |
| Beach access | Mostly free |
| Public transport | £1.70 per trip |
Cost-wise, Nice can be expensive if you stay directly on the seafront, but UK travellers who stay slightly inland often save 20–30% on accommodation and food. Supermarkets are affordable, bakeries are everywhere, and casual dining is far cheaper than similar coastal cities in Italy or Spain.
Local Tip for Brits:
Eat slightly inland (away from the Promenade des Anglais) — prices drop by 20–30% instantly.
Bordeaux is no longer just for wine lovers — it’s become one of France’s most liveable and visitor-friendly cities. Also one of France’s most successful urban transformations, and yet many UK travellers still overlook it. That’s changing fast.
The city feels refined without being intimidating. Wide pedestrian streets, riverfront walks, and elegant 18th-century buildings give Bordeaux a sense of calm order. Unlike Paris, it doesn’t feel overcrowded, even in peak season.
For British visitors, Bordeaux offers something particularly appealing: high quality without high stress. Restaurants are professional but friendly, wine is excellent yet affordable, and the pace of life suits travellers who want to explore without rushing.
Costs in Bordeaux are significantly lower than Paris. Accommodation, dining, and even museum tickets are cheaper, and public transport is easy to use. UK travellers often comment on how comfortable the city feels for walking, eating, and simply spending time.
Compared to Paris:
Many UK travellers say Bordeaux feels “effortless” — less stressful, fewer queues, and friendlier service.
Strasbourg is often described as “not typically French,” and that’s exactly what makes it appealing to many UK travellers. Its blend of French and German influence creates a city that feels structured, clean, and extremely well organised.
The historic centre, Grande Île, is compact and stunning, with canals, half-timbered houses, and a sense of storybook charm. Strasbourg also ranks very highly for safety, cleanliness, and public transport reliability, factors that matter a lot to UK travellers, especially families and solo visitors.
Why Strasbourg is the most traveled
Strasbourg is situated on the French-German border and offers a different architecture and atmosphere from the rest of France. Additionally, travellers find cheaper accommodation, ticket charges, and food here
Budget Reality
Strasbourg is mid-range priced, cheaper than Paris but slightly pricier than southern cities.
UK travellers often appreciate Strasbourg’s cleanliness, safety, and organisation.
Although Strasbourg is slightly more expensive than southern cities, it remains cheaper than Paris and offers strong value. During the Christmas market season, it becomes one of the most atmospheric destinations in Europe — but outside December, it remains calm and livable.
Marseille is not polished — and it doesn’t try to be. That honesty is what appeals to a growing number of UK travellers who want a city with character rather than perfection.
Yes, Marseille can feel rough around the edges, but it’s also vibrant, multicultural, and full of life. The food scene is outstanding, especially seafood and North African cuisine, and prices remain among the lowest for any large French city.
Marseille is raw, multicultural, loud, and full of life. It doesn’t pretend to be polished — and that’s part of the charm.
Marseille is one of the cheapest large cities in France:
UK Traveller Tip:
Choose accommodation near the Old Port or Prado areas for comfort and safety.
For UK travellers used to cities like London or Manchester, Marseille often feels familiar rather than intimidating. The key is choosing the right neighbourhood and embracing the city’s energy rather than expecting postcard perfection.
Those who give Marseille time often leave with a deeper connection than they expected.
Annecy attracts UK travellers looking for nature, calm, and visual beauty. The lake is famously clean, the town is extremely walkable, and the surrounding mountains provide endless outdoor options.
While Annecy isn’t cheap by French standards, it is far more affordable than Switzerland, despite offering similar scenery. British visitors often combine Annecy with Geneva flights, making travel relatively easy.
This is a destination for slower travel — walking, cycling, swimming, and enjoying simple meals rather than sightseeing marathons.
Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy offers outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Annecy is slightly pricier than Lyon, but still cheaper than Paris or Switzerland.
| City | Avg. Daily Spend | % Cheaper than Paris |
| Paris | £180–£220 | – |
| Lyon | £130–£150 | ~30% |
| Bordeaux | £120–£145 | ~35% |
| Marseille | £110–£135 | ~40% |
| Nice | £140–£165 | ~25% |
In conclusion, France has not only one place (Paris) to explore for UK travellers. There are many more cities, such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, and Annecy more welcoming than Paris. Additionally, these cities are much cheaper in food, accommodation, and have fewer crowds. So, you can get more genuine experiences in these hidden gems.
So, if you are planning a trip to France, add these cities to your travel itinerary. Also, do not forget to apply for a France visa from UK. For a smooth and express visa experience, apply at FRANCE VISA ORG. Our experts will guide you round the clock and book your express France visa appointment from UK timely manner.
Many regional cities in France, such as Nice, Lyon, and Bordeaux, are cheaper than Paris. As a first-time UK traveler, you must pick these cities. You can save at least 20–40% on food and accommodation.
Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille are among the easiest French cities to reach for UK travellers. These places have frequent direct flights from major UK airports and good rail connections.
No, you don’t need to learn the French language to an excellent level. English is spoken in most places and cities in France. While learning some simple French phrases improves your local and traveling experience.
Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice are excellent for 3–4 day trips, offering compact centres, good transport, and plenty to see without rushing.
Yes, many UK travellers find regional cities such as Nice, Bordeaux more relaxed and welcoming than Paris. Due to their atmosphere, prices and weather makes them ideal for first-time visits from the UK.
The best time to visit regional French cities is April–June and September–October. These months offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Additionally travellers can get better prices compared to peak summer months.
France has one of Europe’s most reliable transport systems. Regional cities often have trams and buses that are easier to use than Paris’s metro.
Lyon is considered France’s food capital, while Marseille and Bordeaux offer strong regional cuisine at better prices than Paris.
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