If you don’t mind a little grit with your beauty, you’ll instantly fall for Marseille. Nestled right in the heart of the famous French Riviera, Marseille is a much more affordable option that other jet-setting towns in the region.

Strolling around the Old Port is always fun, but get off the main drag a bit, and you’ll find plenty of affordable restaurants (from fresh seafood to pizza), sandy beaches, and bustling markets.

More budget tips for France
• 50 Ways to save on your next trip to France
• How to find cheap hotels in France
• 22 French phrases every traveler should learn
• 10-day France itinerary from Paris to Marseille

Budget travel guide to Marseille

Located just a three-hour train ride away from Paris, this spectacular city has been at the center of trade and migration along the Mediterranean for centuries. The people reflect this rich history with a diverse population unlike almost anywhere in France. At night, you can literally watch the ferries sail off to Tunisia and Algeria every night. The connections between Marseille and the world are still as relevant as ever.

This vibrant mix is also a big plus for budget travelers. While a lot of tourists come seeking the high life in Provence, get away from the restaurants and hotels along the Old Port, and there are incredible deals to be found.

The best part of visiting Marseille? The unforgettable view of the boats bobbing in the harbor is always free!

A fishing boat docked at the Old Port. (All photos by Craig Nelson)

When to go to Marseille

Tourists flow through here during the summer high season seeking sun, Pastis on patios, and leisurely strolls along the port. As a result, prices tend to soar beyond our budget during July and August.

Our solution? Beat the heat (and the crowds) and come in the off season. On a recent trip in October, the Old Port was buzzing but not packed, and the prices were very attractive for Cheapos.

Getting to Marseille

From Paris: You can take the TGV high-speed train from Paris to Marseille-Saint-Charles Station in a little over three hours for prices starting at €25. Book at least two or three months in advance to get the best deals. The train drops you off right in the center of town, about a 10-minute walk to the Old Port.

Related: How to get cheap tickets on the TGV train in France

From London: You can take budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet direct to Marseille from London for as low as $33. Check times and prices on CheapoSearch.

The tram is an easy way to get around Marseille.

Getting around Marseille

The easiest way to get around to the city’s main attractions is on foot. You can easily stroll from the Old Port to Le Panier (Marseille’s oldest district) in just a few minutes. There are some hills that are a steep climb, but the views are worth it.

There is also a subway and tram system for those intrepid travelers wanting to explore the outer neighborhoods. Check the RTM transit website for more details or look into getting a CityPass that includes free public transportation on the bus, tram and metro (along with museum perks). Get a 1-day pass for €26, a 2-day pass for €33 or a 3-day pass for €41.

There’s also a tourist trolley, called the Marseille Fun Train, but it was hard not laugh every time it went by. It looks like a toy train you’d find at a kiddie amusement park!

A narrow street in Le Panier, the oldest district in Marseille.

Free and cheap things to do in Marseille

Considering there aren’t many major tourist attractions, it’s hard to spend a lot of money on sightseeing in Marseille. Instead, soak in the views of the harbor, visit a museum or historic church, then head to the Old Port for an after-dinner walk.

The Old Port (Vieux Port)

You can’t come to Marseille without taking a leisurely stroll around the Old Port. The walkway is car-free, and the sunset views and people-watching won’t cost you a thing. If you need a break, you can always grab an outdoor table at a cafe and enjoy a drink for a few euros or take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a great view of the city.

Le Panier Neighborhood

Wandering around Le Panier, the oldest district in Marseille, leads you down ancient streets where you’ll find small shops and neighborhood restaurants. The graffiti-strewn walls add a touch of grit, and it’s hard not to be charmed by the architecture.

For something more sacred, just steps away is the massive Marseille Cathedral (free admission).

Soaking in the turquoise waters of Marseille from the road Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Endoume.

Endoume

Take a spectacular walk or bus ride that hugs the sparkling Mediterranean coast. Just south of the Old Port, you’ll come across neighborhood beaches, charming fishing villages, and seaside restaurants. Just follow the road Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy until you get tired of the amazing views.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Also known as “La Bonne Mère” (the good mother), this magnificent Neo-Byzantine church perched high above the city opened in 1864. You can take a bus up to it, but if you’re in the mood for a heart-pumping walk, the views along the way are incredible. Admission is free.

MuCEM

Opened in 2013 when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture, MuCEM is short for the “Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations”. It has a fascinating collection documenting history and culture in the Mediterranean basin and is connected to the imposing Fort Saint-Jean that dates back to the 1600s. Admission is €9.50.

Cours Julien

To see the multi-cultural side of Marseille beyond the tourist districts, head to this lively city square. Check out the street art, pop into a bookstore or vintage clothing shop, or browse the outdoor market selling everything from fruit to antiques.

A boat tour cruising past Fort Saint-Jean, part of the MuCEM complex.

Château d’If

There are several harbor cruises that leave from the Old Port. We like the boat ride that goes to Château d’If, the famous island where the classic novel The Count of Monte Christo takes place. The cruise costs €10.80 per person.

Admission to the island is extra, so you can save a few euros by just riding the ferry out to the island and back. The views are amazing, and if you take a late afternoon excursion, you can be back in time for a Pastis in the Old Port.

Calanques

One of the highlights of visiting Marseille is the stunning natural beauty located just a quick bus ride away outside of the city. The Calanques are a series of inlets with rocky cliffs and turquoise waters, perfect for hiking and swimming. Calanques National Park makes a great day trip.

Cheap Eats in Marseille

With its deep connection to the sea, it’s no surprise that Marseille has excellent seafood. However, the famous bouillabaisse (a decadent seafood stew) doesn’t come cheap. If you want to try it, we suggest staying away from the touristy restaurants right along the Old Port. Here are few places to enjoy a nice meal in Marseille without blowing your entire budget:

Pan-fried cuttlefish with lemon and eggplant in tomato sauce at Chez Etienne.

Chez Etienne
43 Rue Lorette

A classic Marseille spot for pizza and seafood in the heart of Le Panier, Chez Etienne doesn’t disappoint — especially when we received a plate of complimentary olives and anchovies to kick off the meal. It attracts just as many as locals as tourists, so get there on the early side to get a table.

La Boîte à Sardine
2 Boulevard de la Libération

It’s a little bit of a splurge for Cheapos, but you can still enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with wine for about €25 per person. Feast on fresh sardines, oysters, and the catch of the day.

Bar des 13 Coins
45 Rue Sainte-Françoise

Located in Le Panier, this friendly corner cafe and bar serves surprisingly good food, including daily specials, burgers, and salads. You can also just stop by for a coffee or a drink at one of the outdoor tables.

Le Souk
98 Quai du Port

For a memorable Moroccan meal with a view of the Old Port, Le Souk is a nice splurge for budget travelers. Enjoy a tagine, couscous and grilled meats with The entrees are around €15 but the portions are quite big.

Tasty slices are only €1 each at Pizza Charly.

Pizza Charly
24 Rue des Feuillants

Surprisingly, Marseille adores pizza, and that’s great news for budget travelers. We dare you to walk by Charly Pizza and not grab a slice or two. A slice of anchovy, cheese, olive, or sausage is huge (a quarter of a pie) and will only cost you €1!

Pizzeria La Bonne Mère
16 Rue Fort du Sanctuaire

Off-the-beaten-path from the central city, this pizzeria is run by an Italian couple that really knows their dough. The wonderful pizzas go for €10, and during our visit, we enjoyed an espresso and grappa on the house! Our total bill, including two pizzas and a bottle of wine, was just €34. Before you make the trek, make sure to secure reservations because they only have two seatings a night.

Olives, lemons, beans…with prices so cheap at the markets in Marseille, you can try a little bit of everything!

Food markets in Marseille

With its diverse population, the flavors of Marseille come from across the world. The markets bustle with the flavors of North Africa with a large selection of Middle Eastern products alongside French favorites, and of course, a great selection of fresh seafood.

Vieux Port Fishing Market
Old Port

Browse the fruits of the Mediterranean at this fish market that doubles as a tourist attraction. It kicks off each morning around 8 am and winds down around 1 pm. Even if you don’t have a kitchen to cook up a feast, this marché aux poissons is still worth roaming around to soak in the atmosphere of old-world Marseille.

Market Noailles
5 Rue du Marché des Capucins

Just a short walk from the Old Port, the Market Noailles features outdoor vendors selling fresh fruit and produce. Pop into nearby Saladin World of Spices (10 Rue Longue des Capucins) for sensory overload for you eyes and nose.

It doesn’t get any fresher than the Vieux Port Fish Market.

Pastis with a view, nightlife, and culture for less

Marseille has dozens of waterfront and bars, but most of them are unfortunately way out of our budget. However, if you don’t mind a little walk, you can find a lovely patio where you can enjoy a couple of drinks for a decent price.

We liked Bistrot Plage (60 Corniche J.F. Kennedy) which poured a round of cassis for €5.

For a more classic experience right on the marina try the Bar de la Marine (15 Quai de Rive Neuve), although their prices are not exactly cheap, we loved the old-world atmosphere inside.

The view never gets old from the roof deck at Hotel Hermes.

Cheap hotels in Marseille

Unless you require a view of the harbor or four-star service, there are quite a few budget hotels in Marseille. Even in the summer, you can find deals for under $100 per night. Some hotels offer free breakfast, and if you’re willing to stay a little farther out, you can score a harbor view for less at some of the hillside hotels.

Here are a few of our picks for budget hotels in Marseille:

• Hôtel Hermès is perched right next to the historic Le Panier district and features an amazing roof deck.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille Vieux Port has an excellent location and a swimming pool to boot.

• For a lovely B&B just outside the city center, check out Le Clos du Jas with a Mediterranean garden and homemade pastries for breakfast.

Looking for even more hotels and apartment stays in Marseille? Check out our 11 top cheap hotels in Marseille, or search more than 590 hotels in the city.

Your tips for Marseille

Have you been to Marseille? Share your tips for visiting the city on a budget in our comments section below!

The post A Budget travel guide to Marseille, France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Hints of Italy

Menton hints of Italy even before you cross the border, with its bilingual street names and Italian-style architecture. Curiously, the town only became French in 1860, having historically been part of Monaco until in 1848 it seceded from the Principality in a spat over taxes on lemon exports. Menton then enjoyed a brief fling as an independent republic before throwing in its lot with the Kingdom of Sardinia and eventually joining France.

Mentonasques are quick to remind visitors even today that Menton is in France merely by choice, and the town’s window shutters in that distinctive Ligurian green are a reminder that this most Italianate of French Riviera towns still has a part of its heart in Italy.

Menton’s health resort history

Climb up to the cemetery high above the Old Town and you will quickly discover how Menton established its credentials in Riviera tourism. A hundred years ago, Menton was one of Europe’s premier health resorts, with thousands of northern Europeans taking their bronchial bacilli to sunny Menton to try and rid their lungs of tuberculosis. The crowded cemetery, full of those who died of consumption, attests to the fact that a few months of indolence in Menton did not always guarantee recuperation. Russians, Germans, English and Irish share the same burial ground, all victims of a disease that indiscriminately struck down poets and philosophers, counts and colonels.

The pulmonary pilgrims of yesterday have been replaced by a new generation of traveler, often anxious to find the quieter side of the Riviera. Menton is always a great stopover on routes from Provence to Genoa —made easy by the frequency of trains along this stretch of coast. Both westbound towards Nice and eastbound into Italy, trains generally run twice hourly.

Exploring the town

But with direct daily TGV services from Paris (and a useful direct overnight train, too), Menton is a place worth visiting in its own right. Our best Menton days have involved nothing more demanding than wandering around the produce stalls in the Moorish market on the waterfront and then drifting from café to café.

Our favorite local curiosity is the “salle de mariage” (wedding hall) in Menton’s City Hall, which is a striking piece of interior design by French artist and film director Jean Cocteau. Further afield, the attractive mountain town of Sospel is reached by direct bus from Menton. And the stunning Giardini Botanici Hanbury (Hanbury Gardens), just over the border in Italy, which we featured last year on EuroCheapo, are only four miles east of the city.

The post Menton, France: A Riviera gem appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Since I didn’t have a yacht to travel the coast (it was in the shop, of course!), I took the next best thing: the €1 Ligne d’Azur bus.

What’s that you say about €1?

That’s right. One euro gets you anywhere from Cannes to Montecarlo, and everywhere in between (price is per trip). So, for pennies, I hobnobbed from Nice to Monaco and had time to visit Cannes along the way.

At this price, you can’t exactly expect hors d’oeuvres to be served, but all buses are air conditioned, have comfy seats, and big windows from which to watch the view as you glide by. And, get this – the locals use them like they would public transport. In fact, during my ride to Montecarlo, an older woman asked me if we had gotten on the express. My elementary French was good enough to understand the question and say yes.

Before you hop on…

Nice is a major hub and there’s no need buy tickets in advance. Pay on board the bus and head to Juan les Pins, Cape d’Antibes, Antibes, or the lavender-scented Giot. Or, do as I did and visit Montecarlo for an afternoon. Cannes is also on the Ligne d’Azur’s list of bus stops. Otherwise, just hop on the Ligne’s #100 bus (also known as the Monaco Express) from Nice to Montecarlo and vice versa.

Buses leave from Nice’s Gare Routiere.

For more information, visit the Ligne d’Azur’s official web site where fares and schedules are easily accessible. Fares and schedules are available here.

The post Nice Tip: Travel the French Riviera for 1 Euro! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.