10 Best Budget Weekend Breaks in France

The Châteaux of the Loire Valley comprise many magnificent heritage buildings and charming gardens you can see along the Loire River. There are some you can only see from a distance as you pass them on a cruise or a walk along its banks, but there are also others that you can actually visit. Most of these architectural marvels can be found between Blois and Tours.

To make the most of an affordable weekend getaway, don't try to visit more than 2 or 3 châteaux in a day. It's hard to say which ones are not to be missed, as that depends on what you enjoy most, but it's true Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, Rivau, Azay-le-Rideau and Beauregard are among those that stand out. Though some of the most famous châteaux are open all year round, others can only be visited during the height of the tourist season.

In the Charente-Maritime on France’s southwestern coast, natural beauty combines with gastronomy alongside seemingly endless sporting and cultural activities that won't cost a fortune. Highlights include Fort Boyard, Royan, La Rochelle, Marennes oysters, the îles de Ré, Oléron and Aix.

Like the gulls you'll see offshore, relax and enjoy stunning nature reserves, charming stone-built towns, fishing villages and local artists, beautiful, sandy beaches and miles of walking paths. Combining the Atlantic Ocean, world-class heritage sites and historic vineyards, the Charente-Maritime region offers you an often surprising getaway that is diverse and friendly, and with many festivities.

Nantes is the place to be if art is your thing. This jewel of the Loire Atlantique is also full of history. Wander through its many parks and admire the striking religious buildings such as the Château of the Ducs de Bretagne and the famous Machines of the Isle of Nantes.

Nantes has a lively cultural scene where museums and art galleries abound, often accompanied by temporary exhibitions. You don't have to spend money to enjoy them as there’s street art everywhere – you can find the 33 contemporary pieces in the open-air estuary museum. And, if you want to see everything in Nantes for an affordable price, don't forget to get your pass from the tourist information office.

The Franche-Comté region is a mosaic of outstanding natural landscapes that appeals to outdoor sports enthusiasts as well as those in search of flora and fauna. From the Haut Jura, across to the French Lakes District, the Mille Étangs plateau and the Vosges Mountains, the dense forests, water, moors and grassland are an open-air playground for walkers, fishermen and photographers.

The region's art towns are equally superb and are full of beautiful architecture laid out for you to enjoy. Once you've admired the historic houses in Dole, the Citadel of Besançon, the Lion of Belfort and the Château of the Ducs de Wurtemberg in Montbéliard, you'll have a real appetite for the local specialities of the Franche-Comté.

Montpellier is bathed in sunshine for about 300 days a year and has everything from the charms of the Mediterranean to fascinating history to discover. In between, there are old buildings, beautiful surrounding countryside, and a plethora of cultural venues and gastronomic restaurants. Only 10 km from the beach, you can have a complete change of scenery here without needing to spend a lot of money.

Just walking through the town is an experience. Follow the aromas in the colourful markets where you can fall in love with local specialities. Admire buildings from the Middles Ages as well as ones reflecting the genius of modern architects like Jean Nouvel, Zaha Hadid and Ricardo Bofill. And don't forget the tram to enjoy a whole new perspective of this bustling city.

The Hauts-de-France region in Northern France sets itself apart and is well-deserving of its steadily growing popularity. You'll indeed have to cope with the vagaries of the climate here but there's no doubt about the warmth of the welcome you'll receive. From Boulogne sur Mer via Senlis to Cambrai, the towns in the north of France are full of architectural and historic treasures, many of which are free to visit.

Amiens and Beauvais cathedrals, the châteaux at Chantilly, Pierrefonds and Compiègne and the fortified churches in Thiérache are just of few of the places you can visit. And the nature in Hauts-de-France is just as stunning here as it is in the south of France. Whether you prefer the seaside towns along Côte d’Opale or the ‘Opal Coast’ and the coast of Picardy or the glorious Bay of the Somme with its birds and seals, the countryside of the Hauts-de-France will leave you with fond memories.

The historic Poitou Charentes region borders the Atlantic and is the perfect place to enjoy sea breezes while taking in all the culture of the Charentais countryside. Along the coast, you can wander through the old port town of La Rochelle, soak up the rays on the beaches in Royan or sail along the ‘wild coast’ known as the Côte Sauvage.

Go inland and lose yourself in the maze of channels that make up the Marais Poitevin wetlands, otherwise known as the ‘Green Venice’. Or explore the pretty town of Poitiers, known for Futuroscope, and enjoy the sights of exceptional architectural heritage. And last, but not least, there's’ Angoulême, with wonderful panoramic views from its walls.

Essonne is considered the secret garden of the l’Île-de-France region and is full of history as well as natural spaces for leisure activities. The beautiful plateaus and valleys of the River Seine and its tributaries are perfect for cycling and walking. There are lots of marked hiking trails so all it will cost you is a little effort to explore the castle and grounds of the Departmental Domaine of Chamarande, the wetlands, the Abbey of Ouÿe, the forests of Sénart and Rougeau and the Juine valley.

For culture, the many places to visit include the Musée Delta aviation museum for Concorde fans, the home of author Alphonse Daudet or, for something completely different, the Claude François' windmill.

Whatever your budget, you'll love Burgundy whether you want to spend time in towns or get lost in the country. And everyone agrees that the vineyards are spectacular! An affordable getaway begins with beautiful Auxerre, followed by Dijon and the unmissable Hôtel Dieu at Beaune before finishing with Nevers and Mâcon.

If you want beautiful countryside there is Bresse, the areas of Charolais Brionnais and Auxois, and the unforgettable greenery of Puisaye Forterre. And finally, don't forget the food and drink of this extremely hospitable area. Of course, there are its famous wines, but there is also the local Époisses cheese, truffles, pain d’épices gingerbread, cassis blackcurrant liqueur and mustard to try.

Head to the Haute-Savoie region if you're looking for a getaway with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable cultural heritage and distinctive local specialities. You don't need money to appreciate its pristine beauty. Here, nature takes the starring role; supported by Mont Blanc and the Vanoise Massif, Sixt Fer à Cheval, the Aravis range as well as Lakes Geneva, Bourget and Annecy, to name a few.

In summer or winter, you can have a memorable and varied break in the towns of Chambéry, Chamonix, Sallanches, Rumilly, Tignes or Thonon-les-Bains. Hiking, winter sports, wildlife spotting in the alpine pastures and visiting unforgettable sights all await you.