7 French Towns You Can Explore for Under €30 a Day (Yes, Really!) 👀🌸

Generation Y
Jun 11
3 min read

Because France isn’t just about Paris – it’s about charming villages, budget croissants, and secret student discounts too.

When people think “France,” they often picture the Eiffel Tower, pricey pastries, and romantic cruises on the Seine. But here’s a little student-travel secret: France is filled with budget-friendly towns that are just as breathtaking as Paris – without the tourist price tag.

1. Colmar – The Fairy-Tale Town of Alsace

🎨 Looks like it leapt straight out of a Disney movie.

Why visit: Cobblestone lanes, colorful timber-framed houses, and canals give it a magical vibe.
What to do for free: Stroll through Petite Venise, explore Old Town, and visit the covered market.
Student perks: Use FlixBus or regional trains with ISIC discounts to get here cheaply.
Pro tip: Grab a €5 tarte flambée from a local bakery—it’s filling and delicious.]

2. Annecy – The Venice of the Alps

🏞️ Lakeside serenity meets mountain magic.

Why visit: Known for its turquoise lake, dreamy bridges, and mountain views.
What to do for free: Picnic by Lac d’Annecy, walk the old canals, and hike up to Château d’Annecy (free on certain days).
Budget eats: Try the student-loved Savoyard crêpes at local food trucks for under €4.
Stay tip: Hostels offer student discounts – book early!

3. Bayeux – History Beyond the Beaches

🧵 Home of the legendary Bayeux Tapestry and some serious medieval vibes.

Why visit: Small, charming, and packed with Norman history.
What to do for free: Walk the medieval streets, admire gothic cathedrals, and hit the D-Day beaches nearby.
ISIC Advantage: Many historical museums offer reduced entry with your student card.
Budget hack: Pick up picnic supplies at the market and eat like a local.

4. Avignon – The Papal City of the South

⛪ Less touristy than Marseille, but just as sunny.

Why visit: Famous for its 14th-century Palais des Papes and historic bridge.
Free fun: Wander along the Rhone River, explore medieval walls, and enjoy open-air street performances.
What to eat: Grab a baguette sandwich and drink from Monoprix for €3–5.
Stay alert: Many hostels offer student promos – flash your ISIC!

5. Dinan – Brittany’s Time Capsule

🏰 Step back in time (without stepping over your budget).

Why visit: A hilltop town with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and ancient ramparts.
Free finds: The river walk to Léhon and the scenic Rue du Jerzual.
Local eats: Crêpes + cider = classic Brittany combo under €10.
Insider tip: Join local walking tours, often free or donation-based.

6. Albi – The Underrated Gem of Occitanie

🎨 Think Toulouse, but quieter and cheaper.

Why visit: Known for its red-brick cathedral and painter Toulouse-Lautrec.
ISIC win: Reduced entry to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
Budget food: Try cassoulet or falafel wraps at local student cafés.
Pro tip: Use local buses or BlaBlaCar to travel cheap.

7. Menton – The Lemon Capital on the Côte d’Azur

🍋 Sun, sea, and… citrus?

Why visit: Coastal views without the Cannes crowd or Nice price tag.
What to do for free: Chill on the beach, hike to panoramic viewpoints, and stroll through Menton’s old town.
Snacks on a budget: Fresh socca (chickpea pancake) for under €4.
Seasonal idea: Visit during the Lemon Festival in February—tons of free parades and street shows.

✨ Bonus Travel Tips for ISIC Cardholders:

Transport discounts: Many regional trains, FlixBus, and city metros offer student rates – check with your ISIC card!
Museum access: Some cities offer free museum entry for EU students under 26 – or just flash your ISIC for global recognition.
Accommodation: Look for ISIC partner hostels or youth centers offering student rates.

Travelling through France doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, with your ISIC card in your pocket, a little planning, and a lot of curiosity, you can explore these stunning towns for less than €30 a day — and come home with a camera roll full of memories and a wallet that’s still smiling.