Famed for its superb cuisine, delicious wines, amazing culture and tranquil rural scenery as much as for its buzzing big cities, France has something to delight every traveller.
Finding cheap accommodation in all regions of France is so easy when you know where to look. This guide to the best places to stay in this country will give you plenty of inspiration for areas to visit and places to stay in your chosen area. So, let’s take a quick tour through France, pointing out some of the top regions to visit and book hotels in.
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Top 16 Regions to Visit
1. Paris and Versailles
It has often been said that you should never simply pass through Paris: you must spend at least a day or two there. There is so much to discover in the capital city of France, such as the pyramidal Louvre gallery, the Champs Elysees, wonderful bars, world class restaurants and amazing architecture such as the Arc du Triomphe.
Another option is to take the short bus or metro and taxi trip to the palace at Versailles. This palace is absolutely unforgettable both for its elegant grounds and for the stunning artworks that it houses. A guided tour is highly recommended here so that you can learn all about the history of this epic building.
2. Provence
Fancy a sun splashed trip to the countryside? Provence could be the perfect area of France for you to stay in. In Provence, you can enjoy affordable rural retreats and luxury hotels alike. Cycle through the country lanes, sample local wines and cheeses, and hike and picnic to your heart’s content.
Forests, woods, and unspoil rustic idylls await you when you choose to spend time in the valleys and rolling hills of Provence.
3. Côte d’Azur
How could you forget a visit to the ‘azure coast’ region of France? Book yourself into one of the great hotels here and walk along the glittering white sand. Bathing in the turquoise blue waters, immersing yourself in the glamorous local nightlife and restaurant culture, and sailing and snorkelling are just a few of the delightful pasttimes that await you on the sunny southern coast of the country.
There are disputes as to where the Côte d’Azur ends and the French Riviera begins – or perhaps they are all just one long paradise like coast line? We’ll leave it up to you to decide.
4. Normandy
Situated in the northern area of France, Normandy is an area of rich historical significance. Many history lovers travel to Normandy throughout the year to see the sites of the Normandy Landings during the Second World War, and to visit the battlefields of the two Great Wars. Head further back in time and see the Bayeux Tapestry itself!
The Normandy area of France is home to some extraordinary chateaux, as well as famous pottery and romantic, rugged coast lines (where Mont Saint Michel itself towers above the waves). Be sure to check out the wonderful cheap hotels in this area, and to take home some jars of local caramel as a souvenir.
5. Bordeaux Region
When people hear the word ‘Bordeaux’, they probably immediately think of wine – and they would not be wrong. This area of France is famed for its eponymous red wine grapes.
You will have ample opportunities to tour some of the best vineyards in the world when you book yourself into accommodation in Bordeaux – and there are also lots of ancient castles and charming little villages to visit on the way. One of the best places for a lazy summer holiday.
> Best Areas to Stay in Bordeaux
6. Burgundy
Another world famous wine growing region, Burgundy is home to some stunning countryside. It also has a very warm and sunny climate in the summer time (hence the global success of its wine growers).
Book yourself in to a wine tasting tour, or simply guide yourself on a bike or in your car through the twisting, turning, country lanes through some of the most splendid rural scenery that you will ever see in your life.
7. Languedoc – Roussillon
Though it is also famous for its wines, this area of the country has much more to offer than alcoholic beverages. From charming markets to castles that look like they have come straight from a fairytale (the castle at Carcassonne is particularly striking in this regard), the Languedoc – Roussillon area of France will certainly make you feel like you have left the hustle and bustle of the world behind.
Languedoc – Roussillon is also situated between the sleepy Rhone River and the Pyrenees Mountains, so it is a great starting point for what could become an energetic climbing holiday.
8. Loire Valley
Soil bathed on the banks of the river, enriched with minerals, makes some of the world’s best wines. The hotels here can provide you with stunning views of vineyards, rolling fields, and the river itself when you stay in the Loire valley.
Another great place to visit if you love your wine and want to experience it to the full.
9. French Alps
Forget the cities – it’s time to head up towards the sky! Whether you love skiing, climbing, snow boarding or simply relaxing in a chic apres ski outfit, the French Alps can offer you everything from a rugged challenge to a stay in the the lap of luxury.
Accommodation in this area includes charming little ski chalets, modern apartments, and fully serviced hotels. Go self catering or have everything laid on for you – it’s totally up to you.
10. Dordogne
The Dordogne is synonymous with rural beauty, and with good reason. Here you will find the quintessence of paradise like rustic living.
Book yourself in to cheap accommodation in this lovely southern area of France and get ready to relax to the max, sampling delectable local wines and cheeses as you do so.
11. Bretagne
Famous for its quaint pottery and stunning medieval history, this part of France is great for a romantic break or a historical class visit. Charming, unique, and utterly unforgettable! Book your hotels right away!
12. Avignon Region
Home to the famed battle of Avignon, this region of France attracts plenty of history buffs every year. Close to Provence, Avignon is home to some glorious landmarks such as the Papal Palace and the beautiful Avignon bridge which lights up ethereally at night time.
13. Carcassonne
We have already mentioned this city in the Languedoc – Roussillon region briefly but it is one of those cities that deserves a mention in its own right. Dominated by its majestic castle, Carcassonne is a slice of the old world for sure!
14. Brittany
Brittany is the Anglicised name for Bretagne, which has already been mentioned here. It’s so easy to reach by ferry from the UK and there are plenty of cheap hotels here!
15. French Pyrenees
Dare yourself to climb the peaks, ski or explore quaint old villages in this highly dramatic and absolutely magnificent mountainous area of France.
16. Picardy
Book into one of the hotels in Picardy and get ready to visit amazing attractions such as the Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens. This is also the site of the Somme battlefield, and the Somme Museum is definitely worth a visit to learn more about this turning point in the history of World War I.
