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They say that Paris is never a bad idea, but that is only because your bank account cannot speak.
Take it away from me, someone who had the pleasure of visiting the endless cafés of the iconic city and amazing miracles last fall.
As soon as the excitement wears out, fear arises when it is time to check your account balance.
But as the most visited country in the world, there is so much to experience beyond the charm, history and phenomenal cuisine of Paris.
Especially a city was just the name of the Cheapest city in France – And it’s absolutely not Paris!
![Port van Grau du Roi near Montpellier.](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Frances-Cheapest-City_-Discover-Mediterranean-Beaches-Picturesque-Old-Town.jpg.webp)
With the Mediterranean beaches a stone’s throw away and one of the picturesque old cities that you can imagine, you want no further than further than further than to French culture and picturesque beaches. Montpellier For your next winter outing.
Unexpected pleasures of this less well -known Mediterranean Sea
Montpellier is not necessarily a beach city, but in the same way Athens, Greece, is more known for urban attractions and fascinating museums, travelers overlook the nearby Athens Riviera.
Do not make the same mistake for Montpellier, where the Beautiful Mediterranean coast view waits within half an hour of the upper beaches of the region.
![Air reproduction of La Grande-Motte](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aerial-view-of-La-Grande-Motte.jpg)
![Air reproduction of La Grande-Motte](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aerial-view-of-La-Grande-Motte.jpg.webp)
According to the Montpellier tourism board, Aresquiers (Frontignan), Palavas, Carnon and Grande-Motte are all Blue-Flag-certified beaches, a global approval stamp for the most unspoilt beaches in the world.
And then there are Petit Travers and Grand Travers, a few beaches that have been renewed in recent years to maintain the habitat and offer beachgoers, which feels like an untouched beach away from composite resorts.
Spread along the calm coastline are countless restaurants by the sea and bard to enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of French flair, such as such as Couer des SablesWhere a recent patron was lyrical: “The kitchen is perfect and the place is just idyllic to relax opposite the sea”.
![Assolid Sand on isolated beach near Montpellier](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rippled-sand-on-isolated-beach-near-Montpellier.jpg)
![Assolid Sand on isolated beach near Montpellier](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rippled-sand-on-isolated-beach-near-Montpellier.jpg)
Of course there is no better way to close a beach trip than a beautiful stay with a view of the lively blue waters of the Med.
Montpellier has covered you with numerous high-end boutique enclosures, such as Hôtel Le BrasiliaFor just $ 71 this winter.
Better yet, there are more apartments on the beach for rent on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO.
For detailed information about how you can reach every beach Mini guide With different transit options.
The cheapest (and most underestimated) city in France
Speaking of transit, one of the nicest ways to reach Montpellier is by making a 3 -hour train journey from Paris.
![Narrow rose in the old town of Montpellier](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Narrow-alleyway-in-Old-Town-Montpellier.jpg)
![Narrow rose in the old town of Montpellier](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Narrow-alleyway-in-Old-Town-Montpellier.jpg)
Although he is pricey on arrival, Paris is actually one of the cheapest European cities to fly in, which ensures one Great gateway to the most affordable city in France Just like the rest of Europe, if we are honest.
This bustling medieval city city complies with Montpellier, is teeming with striking historical attractions, ranging from monasteries who are 1000 years old to astonishing cathedrals, and yes, a flawless old city district.
With much less crowds than Paris and let’s say that a river the Olympians would feel more comfortable to swim in, Montepellier is happy to explore, regardless of what your interest arises.
This area circles back to the old city and is a must visit to view on foot, especially during mild winters.
![Air -panoramic image of the historic center of Montpellier, the historic capital of Occitania, South France, Mediterranean Sea Europe](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Aerial-Panoramic-View-Of-The-Historic-Center-Of-Montpellier-The-Historical-Capital-Of-Occitania-Southern-France-Mediterranean-Europe.jpg)
![Air -panoramic image of the historic center of Montpellier, the historic capital of Occitania, South France, Mediterranean Sea Europe](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Aerial-Panoramic-View-Of-The-Historic-Center-Of-Montpellier-The-Historical-Capital-Of-Occitania-Southern-France-Mediterranean-Europe.jpg.webp)
This maze of narrow alleys and timeless structures is ironically never getting old to explore. Place De la Comedie is an open square full of wonderful café terraces and boutique shops, the perfect place to lean back and view people.
Whatever you do while you are in the city center, do not save Cathédrale Saint-PierreOne of the most beautiful Gothic monuments throughout Europe, and the best of all, it is free to come in.
Spend a relaxing day in the wine country of Montpellier
Montpellier is a much smaller city than Paris, and not even half the population of the size of nearby Marseille.
![Vineyards in South France](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vineyards-in-southern-France.jpg)
![Vineyards in South France](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vineyards-in-southern-France.jpg)
So, after you have seen all the sights in the cityscape, treat yourself to a relaxing day in the wine country, which are past it 54 local winemakers Open to the public.
According to TripadvisorThese are the top 5 wineries in and around Montpellier:
1. Chateau de Flaugergues
2. Chateau de l’Engarran
3. Domaine de Saumarez Vineyard and Winery
4. Clos Sorian
5. La Cave d’Occitanie
![People who eat cheese and drink wine in the restaurant on the roof during sunset. Restaurant table served with cheese plate, bread and white vine full of visitors.](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/People-eating-cheese-and-drinking-wine-at-rooftop-restaurant-at-sunset-time.-Restaurant-table-served-with-cheese-plate-bread-and-white-vine-full-of-visitors..jpg)
![People who eat cheese and drink wine in the restaurant on the roof during sunset. Restaurant table served with cheese plate, bread and white vine full of visitors.](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/People-eating-cheese-and-drinking-wine-at-rooftop-restaurant-at-sunset-time.-Restaurant-table-served-with-cheese-plate-bread-and-white-vine-full-of-visitors..jpg.webp)
Expect about $ 15 to pay for a delicious French meal, and according to ExpatistanA bottle of first -class red wine only costs $ 7.
![](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Premium-Footer-JPG-1024x481.jpg)
![](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Premium-Footer-JPG-1024x481.jpg.webp)
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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