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Are you heading to France this fall and counting down the seconds until you see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at midnight while you sip a rosé wine by the Seine?
Paris is every hopeless romantic’s fever dream, and we can see why it would be on your bucket list.
Ask for something cultural and Paris will deliver, Howeverif you fancy world-class museums, good food and riverside walks sunny again, the City of Light may be less likely to respond to your wishes, at least in the fall.
If steady rain and a windy 60 degrees aren’t your idea of fun – and trust us, the next few months are sure to be very wet in our beloved ‘Paname’ – you can still visit one of 4 alternative destinations in France with milder temperatures, lots of sun and just between us…
Cheaper prices.
Montpellier
A short 3h29 train ride from Paris, just a few kilometers inland from the Mediterranean, Montpellier is a vibrant medieval city famous for its iconic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in France, and a largely car-free, postcard-perfect Old Town.
It doesn’t have an Eiffel, but it houses the oldest medical school in Europe, in a Benedictine monastery that’s 800 years old, the Seine has nothing on the charming riverbank of the Lez, and unlike Paris it still averages 71.6° F in October.
When it comes to prices, Montpellier is definitely on the cheaper side too: you can find meals for around $15-17 in local French restaurants, and the average room rate is an acceptable $152while Paris costs a whopping $334, based on Budget your trip estimates.
For the best brunch spot in town, on a quieter street in the old town where tourists are rarely curious enough to investigate, make sure you drop by Coldrip Food & Coffee: great value for money, delicious avocado toast with perfectly poached eggs and English-speaking staff.
Perpignan
Perpignan is often called the most Spanish city in France 30 minutes drive from the border with Cataloniaand it’s the place you go for a cultural weekend away, especially if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Riviera, as tourists are rarely aware it even exists!
Formerly the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Mallorca, before being integrated into France, it is backed by imposing medieval buildings, with the monumental Palace of the Kings of Mallorca and the striking red Castillet Fort being two examples.
As well as walking the maze of winding roads of old Perpignan under the Languedoc sun (it’s currently a pleasant 23 degrees), you can also relax in a city park, browse antique shops and enjoy delicious Catalan inspired food.
If you’re curious about eating snails, don’t leave without trying it cargo drawerand if seafood is your thing, make sure you stop by Entrepotes: unlike the average Parisian bistro, you feel very welcome, and the excellent food at reasonable prices will keep you coming back night after night.
Marseille
Can’t get enough of the European summer and are looking forward to a beach holiday out of season? You’ll still be greeted with sunshine, turquoise waters and a relaxing seaside atmosphere if you head to Marseille instead. The second largest city in France.
This Mediterranean metropolis is famous for its hilly Panier district, where narrow, pedestrianized alleys are lined with pastel-colored buildings, Italian-style coastal fortifications and picturesque cornichea walk along the ocean past hidden coves and sandy beaches.
Marseille is one of the few coastal locations where sun worshipers seek refuge in France this season due to its pleasant daytime temperatures. up to 75.2°F, fewer rain and cheapness: for the average tourist, daily expenses are $163, compared to $257 in Paris.
You can even sail to the neighboring port on board a two-masted sailing yacht calanques––coves of crystal clear water flanked by towering limestone cliffs––from just $85.95including a buffet lunch, organic white wine, and a lot of time for a swim.
Nimes
Nîmes, a sun-drenched city in inland Provence that feels more like a small town compared to the bustling capital, although it still has a population of over 150,000, is one of France’s oldest and most culturally important cities (it’s just unfathomable how so few Americans have caught wind of it).
The historic center is littered with ancient monuments, from a beautiful Roman arena––yes, just like the Colosseum, except all the elliptical sides are intact––to a public garden that is one of the first in Europe, with graceful fountains and a ruined 2,000-year-old Temple of Diana.
Maison Carrée, in the center of the city, is said to be the best preserved Roman temple from antiquity, next to the Pantheon in Rome, and just outside Nîmes tourists can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that carries a crystal clear river.
As with other destinations on this list, the weather in Nîmes is the same just as pleasant in the low seasonwith daily highs of 73.4°F, and moderately breezy lows of 57.2°F at night (you know the drill, summer shorts during the day, a light jacket once night falls).
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
