Cote d’Azur on a Budget

Tips to Planning an Affordable Trip to the French Riviera

By Kelby Hartson Carr

A view of Nice—a beautiful Italian-influenced port city on the French Riviera—from above during the still warm off-season month of October. Photo by Gregory Hubbs.

Simply utter “Cote d’Azur,” and it tends to conjure up images of the elite, rich, beautiful, and even the glitterati of the Cannes Film Festival. This lush and lovely area of France, however, is just as financially accessible to those on a budget as some of the world’s much less glamorous destinations. Yes, you can visit the Cote d’Azur on a budget, and still do so in style

The French Riviera in the Off-Season

I would argue that you should visit the Cote d’Azur in the off-season even if price is not a factor. Yes, it is less expensive. That is just a fringe benefit. It is also much more enjoyable. You won’t be fighting off the crowds of tourists at produce markets or attractions.

The weather is also still quite mild. In fact, if you are visiting from typical fall and winter climates, the warmer temperatures of the Cote d’Azur will be a welcome respite from cooler weather at home.

The off-season is also a time when you get a far more authentic experience. You will encounter more locals, and the locals will be much nicer. Because the Cote d’Azur is such a tourist destination, locals can get irritated with the nonstop barrage of tourists during the summer.

I would even avoid the South of France in August entirely, simply because much of Europe flocks to this area (which is their official vacation destination, much like popular beach towns in the U.S.). In France, many employees or on vacation for the entire month of August and they often spend it on the Cote d’Azur.

October evening looking out from the Promenade des Anglais in Nice—as fishermen catch their dinner on the beach steps from the center of the city. Photo by Gregory Hubbs.

Budget Destinations on the French Riviera

There are several destinations in this area that are amazing, beautiful, and make for a dream trip. There is also a comprehensive public transportation system connecting the big cities and even smaller villages by either rail or bus. Many of the Cote d’Azur destinations are but a short trip away from any other location.

So there is no need to cough up extra euros to stay in high-style cities like Cannes, St. Tropez or Monte Carlo in the nearby Principality of Monaco. Both of these cities can be wildly more expensive than even less upscale cities like Nice.

You also might consider staying in less touristy areas of the popular cities. You will pay less, and you will encounter more locals.

There are many wonderful Cote d’Azur cities that are less well-known, and therefore less expensive, but are centrally located for exploring the region and are wonderful destinations in their own right.

Consider staying in:

• Villefranche-sur-Mer: When we lived in Nice, we often took the 5-minute train ride to Villefranche because we preferred the less hectic pace (and sandy beach) here. Staying here means being a few minutes away from bigger cities, but you will be in a quieter village with an enchanting medieval neighborhood and a wonderful produce market.
• Antibes: The Antibes stretch of coast is lined with seaside cafes, and this is a bustling and welcoming area. This is also a place to discover centuries-old history, enticing markets, theme parks, and outdoor activities. It is also central to both Cannes and Nice.
• Vence: While it’s just five minutes from the popular tourist destination of St. Paul de Vence, fewer know about little Vence. Not only are you a short drive or local bus ride from St. Paul (or even the shore, for that matter), but Vence itself features a church designed by none other than the great artist Henri Matisse. There are also various lodging options below 100€/night, including camping and weekly rentals.
• Grasse: This Provençal hilltop village is best known for its perfume, but it is also well worth a stay here to see the lovely historic city center and to taste the flavors of the region. There is also a nice selection of accommodations for the budget traveler.

Visit the medievel art center town of St. Paul de Vence as well one of the great little modern art museums in the world—La Fondation Maeght—and then stay in the nearby town of Vence for less than $100 during the off-season. Photo by Gregory Hubbs.

Lodging on a Budget on the French Riviera

You can find affordable accommodations, and that is even the case if you stay in one of the bigger cities along the blue coast.

One way to save money and have a great trip on the Cote d’Azur is to reserve a vacation rental. Since this is such a popular destination, there are literally hundreds of vacation rentals, with a wide range of amenities and price ranges. You will get bonus savings as well, as you can hit the local produce markets and neighborhood grocers and prepare your own meals. A great place to search is on the Gîtes de France site, where you can do a search of the entire Cote d’Azur region.

If you seek out a vacation rental in the off-season, you will probably find some deals—property owners are often anxious to fill their rentals after September. Many of the local tourism offices have publications or databases of vacation rentals on their websites.

Rent a penthouse apartment in old Nice in October for a fraction of the going rate during high season and cook your own food from the great markets nearby, or just hang out and people-watch from the busy cafes. Photo by Gregory Hubbs.

Another budget option is camping. Particularly in the beach cities of the Cote d’Azur, there are numerous options for camping in this area. Many of these options are of the 4-star variety. In fact, there are more than 800 results for camping on the regional tourism office site accommodation search.

Camping does not have to be rugged. Just as France has a government rating system for hotels, there is also one for campgrounds. A 4-star campground will have far more amenities and extras than a budget hotel that costs more nightly, for example.

Kelby Hartson Carr is a travel writer with more than 15 years of experience. She lived in France for a year, and traveled extensively around Europe.