France has long been a favourite for the British holidaymaker. Let’s look at why, and how Brits can save money while still enjoying the best our near neighbours have to offer the curious visitor.
From the glamour of Paris and the lure of the Louvre, to the wine-making regions and beaches of the southern coastline, France has something for everyone. The close proximity of the country to the UK makes it an ideal holiday destination for a short-break, or something a lot longer.
Act out your favourite film scenes in Paris, climb the Eiffel Tower, explore the medieval and Renaissance architecture of old Lyon, or enjoy a camping trip through rustic French villages: The choice is yours.
How to get there
With direct flights to the capital available from all over the UK and a very short flight time, you don’t need to use up all of your holiday days for a cheap holiday in France. Plus, there’s always bargains available from the UK, even during the school holidays.
Don’t fancy flying? France’s location just across the channel means driving is a great alternative to keep down the cost and increase your flexibility. You even have the choice of a traditional car ferry, or taking the Eurotunnel.
And of course, the latter option also allows pedestrians to take the train all the way from London to Paris. No other destination offers such a dazzling range of transportation options from the UK!
Around the country
Each of the regions of France displays a unique character all of its own. Whether you’re looking to whisk away a loved one for a romantic all-inclusive treat and some big city culture, or relax and ramble through the French countryside, France offers something for every budget.
If you want a cheap holiday in 2018 that the whole family will enjoy, our near neighbours could provide the answer. Here at the British Traveller, we keep an eye on the best deals for you, so you don’t have to! We take a look at the best places to find cheap holidays in France from all-inclusive beach breaks to long weekends soaking up the sunshine on the south coast.
Why travel to France?
Let’s be honest, we do like to make the French the subject of many of our jokes! But their lifestyle is the envy of many a Brit. Their cuisine and wines are renowned all around the world, and let’s face it, the weather is significantly better.
If you can get over the language barrier and embrace a different culture and slower pace of life, there is no better place to enjoy a budget holiday. Here are some more reasons why a cheap holiday in France could be perfect for you and your family:
Culture-packed cities. Paris is known for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, but other French cities have their cultural highlights too. Lyon in particular is known as the “city of the arts” thanks to the thousands of annual events and abundance of museums. The Musée des Confluences, the Contemporary Art Museum,the Musée de la Résistance, and the Cinema Museum are just some of the highlights.
Beautiful villages. Anyone who’s ever read the book or watched the film Chocolat must have been tempted to research a holiday in a rural French village. Perhaps that’s how you ended up on this page! One of our favourites is Eguisheim on the Alsace wine route, for its wonky medieval charm.
The food and the wine. French cuisine is about so much more than snails and frog’s legs! Whether you want to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Michelin star experience or simply tuck in to some hearty plate of traditional fare, you’re bound to want a fabulous glass of red to go with it.
Skiing. We’ve spoken mostly about sunshine so far, but France is also well-known for its ski slopes. So much so, that more British skiers and snowboarders choose France than any other country. The reason is simple: the French Alps offers more variety in its resorts than anywhere else in the world.
Language. We often hear from fellow Brits who’ve always wanted to learn the French language. There’s no better way to get started than by visiting the country. Throw yourself in at the deep end, and you may be surprised how quickly you can pick up the lingo! Bonne chance!
How to find cheap holiday deals
The good news is that because it’s such a popular destination with British families, there’s an incredible amount of travel agencies selling cheap French holiday packages.
Although it can make narrowing down your options a tricky task, there are some websites worth bookmarking, especially as they run regular sales and deals which often include the school holiday dates.
Airlines that offer cheap flights to France
You can find direct flights to Paris and a range of other French cities, resorts and islands from all over the UK. British Airways, Air France, Easyjet and Ryanair are the main providers of scheduled flights, but there is also a huge range of charter flights available, sometimes at rock-bottom prices.
Whereas scheduled routes offer rock-bottom prices, charter packages often include transport to and from the airport to your accommodation, which can save both time and money. Many package deals are available at all-inclusive resorts where all your meals, drinks and activities are included, adding the finishing touch to your stress-free European break.
Winter sports breaks
Winter deals include trips to the sunny south, or all-inclusive ski packages to the Alps. While skiing is rarely cheap, good value can be sought by booking your break well in advance, and heading to some of the lesser-known resorts.
Whether you prefer a charter trip or to arrange your own trip, France is one of the best destinations in Europe for great value getaways for Brits. What’s your ideal cheap holiday in France?
Have you been inspired to head across the channel? Why not share your plans on Pinterest? There’s a handy pin for that right here:
