But all too often, France’s northern region, such as Hauts-de-France (that covers the Nord-Pas de Calais and Picardy regions), gets overlooked and underestimated.

The north is commonly pigeonholed into bloated typecasts  — “dismal weather”, “underwhelming landscapes”, “a presiding culture of country folk who speak a weird dialect” — but these sweeping generalizations do not truly depict what these regions has to offer.

Every country has its hidden gems, and in terms of France, I believe the North is one of them. If you are willing to go off the beaten track and experience a different kind of “authentic”, with half the amount of tourists — and for a fraction of the price — then look no further than Nord-Pas de Calais and Picardy!

More tips for France
• 50 Tips for saving on your trip to France
• How to find cheap hotels in France

North of France budget travel highlights

Here are 10 highlights, in no particular order, of the North of France for budget travelers.

The region of Nord-Pas de Calais

Over the past decade, this region has been completely revamped with a budding arts and culture scene, namely in Lille, Lens, and Arras.

1. Discover the “L’île de Lille” the capital of Nord-Pas de Calais

Lille epitomizes the words we all hesitate to use when describing a treasured place, but likely say countless of times when reminiscing about it… “cute”, “adorable”, and yes, even a little “kooky.” Known as Paris’s “spunky relative” to some, Lille is the heart of French Flanders, where palettes of rustic red and glistening gold accentuate the iconic works of Flemish architecture, and in other ways, the glowing hearts of the local Lillois.

Between its historic old-town, Vieux Lille, the unparalleled warmth of its citizens, and the myriad manifestations of outré ‘Ch’ti’ culture, the words: cute, adorable, and kooky seem suitable after all.

But let’s not forget a keyword: affordable. Yes, the truth is, Lille offers a plethora of thrills and cheap accommodations that will cost you much less than its Parisian counterpart.

More travel tips:

Search more than 700 hotels in Nord-Pas Calais

A Budget travel guide to Lille, France

A local bar in Lille piles up the shells from mussels outside their door. Photo: Damien P.

2. Experience Lille’s mountain of moules

While you’re weaving through the flea market, wafts of the traditional “Braderie” meal, les moules frites (mussels and french fries) will captivate your senses and only cost you a handful of euros.

Eventually, you’ll come across one of the Braderie’s quintessential traditions: restaurants competing against one another to see who can build the highest mountain of mussel shells. So don’t be surprised if every restaurant in the vicinity wants you to come and enjoy some moules!

3. Get your music fix for less

For all you indie music fans, add Lille to your list of incubators and underrated hot spots. Thanks to its ideal geographic location and budding student population, Lille and the region’s lesser-known purlieus — Arras and Tourcoing — offer a notable repertoire of concerts and festivals, at a much cheaper rate than London, Paris, or Brussels.

The A Gauche de la Lune collective conveniently lists (and sells tickets to) concerts in both Lille and Paris, which automatically emphasizes the price drop between the two. If you’re looking for a way to combine history and entertainment during the summertime, then whisk away in the majestic splendor of La Citadelle d’Arras, during the highly acclaimed Main Square Festival.

4. Discover France’s capital of beer

You wouldn’t believe the amount of beer that comes out of Northern France if we told you. So you should taste it for yourself!

Swap out overpriced and overcrowded wine tours in Bordeaux or the Loire Valley for an inexpensive beer excursion in the heart of French Flanders. Check out our guide to beer culture in Lille to ensure you’re hitting all the right spots.

Strolling through the Lille Christmas Market is always free! Photo: Niriel

5. Channel your inner Ch’ti at Lille’s Marché de Noël

Avoid the hullabaloo of Alsace during winter market season and revel in Lille’s snow globe charm at the annual Marché de Noël. Straddled across Rihour and La Grand Place – Lille’s former medieval market square – you’re bound to float back in time, all whilst sipping your large heaping of €3 vin chaud (mulled wine).

Admission is free, and it’s open this year through December 27th.

6. Tap into art history (for free!) with a modern twist

Swap out the lines and antiquity of the gargantuan Louvre in Paris and explore its hip new extension in Lens. Think of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum; the Louvre-Lens might not have the same Renaissance effect for the old mining town, but Lens will surely leave you pleasantly surprised. Cheapos will love that museum admission is free!

7. Breathe in the coastal nature of the North

Its terrain might be relatively flat and the English Channel doesn’t quite compare to the Mediterranean or the Alps, however, the North of France does possess a lovely hiking trail.

The GR 120 embodies a different kind of magnificence. It reveals a modest beauty that underlines the perils of its past. As you walk along the coast, amidst the billowing dunes and windswept valleys, where tall grasses harmonize with the sea, a mystic tranquility overcomes you.

This “Grande Randonnée” (Great Walk) is bound to instill a newfound admiration into all of those whom dare to roam the outskirts of the unpretentious North.

Sitting high above the city, Laon Cathedral dates back to the 12th century! Photo: Frans

Picardy region

This region of France, located just north of Paris, houses some of the most prolific Gothic architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries. Picardy also exudes a medieval mysticism and neo-classical charm that gives visitors a true taste of France’s evolution.

The Paris-Beauvais Airport, where Ryanair and other budget airlines fly in and out of, is also situated in this region, making it a very feasible pit stop before moving on to your next destination.

Related: Discover more than 500 hotels in Picardy

8. Medieval mysticism in Laon

Enjoy the medieval aura of Laon, whose high vantage point magnifies the bucolic pastures below, and whose collection of historic buildings fill visitors with an eerie charm.

Similar to Lens, Laon has its own Parisian counterpart: Cathedral Notre-Dame de Laon (free, open daily 8:30 am to 6: 30 pm), which impressively stands as one of the earliest Gothic cathedrals in France. Visitors can explore the town’s old ramparts and gateways and the medieval palace without the phalanx of tourists.

Related: Find budget hotels in Laon, France

Soak in the quaint charm of the scenic Le quartier Saint Leu in Amiens. Guillaume

9. Amiens: Where an old city reflects small-town charm

Just a hop, skip away from Paris, Amiens reigns as the capital of Picardy and may just be one of the best bargains of your off-kilter tour of the North. Outside of housing the oldest and tallest Gothic-style cathedral in France, it exudes an abundance of historical and cultural charm.

In the Saint-Leu Quarter, frolic along the canals and enjoy the quaintness typical in a small French village. Relish the “floating gardens” of the magnificent park, the Hortillonnages, as you nibble on a macaron d’Amien or another local delight. Marvel at the works of the famous author, Jules Verne, at his old home-turned-museum (€3 entry fee).

Related: Search and book cheap hotels in Amiens

10. Meander through the fairytale village of Gerberoy

No visit to France would be complete without meandering through one of their numerous postcard villages. Gerberoy, which has officially made it on the list of “most picturesque villages in France,” located northeast of Amiens, illustrates the soft and whimsical hues of impressionistic paintings.

One may think it was the village — dotted with 17th and 18th-century cottages — that sprouted from the ground, rather than the multitude of gardens and flowers dressing the buildings and walkways. Bask in the gentle beauty of this fairy-tale village… and in the inexpensive prices!

Your tips for the North of France

Have you been to the North of France? Tell us your favorite places to go!

The post 10 Reasons to Visit the North of France for Budget Travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It is the capital of France’s Nord-Pas de Calais region but is better known as “The Capital des Flandres” due to its Flemish roots and quirky Ch’ti culture. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a beer devotee, a shopping addict, or simply a curious traveler, Lille offers a niche for almost anyone, especially for those traveling on a budget!

More travel tips for France
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to France
• Tips for finding cheap hotels in France
• Paris: 7 favorite day trips and overnight getaways

Budget travel guide to Lille, France

Think of Lille as Paris’s spunky relative whose inner warmth, artsy mannerisms and hearty, flavorful cuisine makes up for the not-so-sunny weather. In other words, Lille has become an unquestionable candidate for France’s cultural underdog.

The Lille Christmas Market is a festive time to visit. Photo: photophilde

When to go

The truth is, Lille is a place you can visit any time of year without breaking your budget — and this isn’t always the case with other small cities in France. Because of its ideal geographic location, high-speed train services like TGV, Eurostar, and Thalys offer cheap train tickets to and from Lille as low as €9 if you book in advance!

With this being said, it’s important to note that the beginning of September, known as “la rentrée” in France is one of Lille’s busiest times of the year, with the following month, October, coming in second, and December, coming in third. Between La Grande Braderie de Lille — Europe’s largest flea market, Lille3000 — an evolving artistic & cultural organization (that transpired after Lille was named European Capital of Culture in 2004), dedicated to exposing a wide spectrum of burgeoning innovations, artists, ideas, and projects on a local and international level, and Le Marché de Noël — Lille’s chocolate-box Christmas market, Lille sees most of its tourists during the autumn and winter months.

Getting there

What does Lille have that other small cities like Nantes, Angers, and Strasbourg lack? Well, let’s just begin with Lille’s accessibility — an urban tributary of sorts that smoothly segues into three European hubs in an hour and a half or less.

By Air

Although Lille has its own airport, Aéroport de Lille-Lesquin, it is more likely that you would arrive by train, bus, or car bearing in mind its convenient centricity to other neighboring cities. If you are planning on flying, however, many low-cost European airlines fly in and out of this airport, making long-distance travel a feasible option. Check CheapoSearch for the latest airfare prices.

If you are arriving by plane, there is a shuttle that drops you in the city center, departing every hour, which costs €8 for a single journey and €10 for a return. If you’re traveling in a group, you may consider buying a book of 10 tickets, which only costs €35. On the contrary, shuttles from the city center to the airport leave every half hour. For more information about flying and the Lille-Lesquin airport click here.

Arriving by TGV train at Lille Flandres station. Photo: Roel H.

By train

Lille has two train stations, Lille Flandres and Lille Europe. While the former is situated closer to the city center, the latter is less than 10 minutes away by foot, just across a small bridge.

The fastest way to get to Lille from neighboring cities is by train. Lille is a quick 35 minutes from Brussels, 60 minutes from Paris, and only 80 minutes from London.

Related: How to find cheap TGV trains tickets in France

By bus

If you’re a last-minute booker, the spontaneous type, or super tight on cash (and not short on time) you may choose to come by bus or car. But, let’s be honest, it’s always nice to know all your options, and Rome2Rio efficiently lists all the modes of transport possible from Point A to Point B.

Bus companies such as OuiBus and FlixBus offer the most routes at the cheapest rates — with the main caveat being time: they take more of it!

By rideshare

BlaBlaCar is great for the spontaneous type, especially if you’re traveling alone or in a pair, as drivers can post their routes and time of departure at any moment of the day. This option will usually get you to your destination faster than a bus, but it won’t guarantee certain luxuries a coach bus offers, such as free Wi-Fi, A/C, and a considerable degree of comfort. If you like to travel more authentically, however, we would highly recommend Blablacar as it allows you to directly integrate with other cultures and get some insider tips — if you’re brave enough to ask!

If you’re coming by BlaBlaCar, ask your driver if he or she can drop you off at or around one of the main train stations.

Getting around Lille

Walking

Lille is a walker’s paradise, so you’ll want to be sure to pack a good pair of shoes with you when planning your trip. Although there are a few museums and sites outside the city center that are worth visiting, Lille is small enough to be traversed and circumvented in one day.

Biking

If the weather is nice and you fancy biking, Lille also offers affordable city bikes, called V’Lille, which can be rented by the half hour with a base rate of €1.60. The first 30 minutes are free and every successive 30 minutes cost an additional euro.  Otherwise, there are several biking tours the city of Lille offers that you can book online here.

By metro

Depending on your luck and the time of year you plan on visiting, you may have to face a bit of rain, so be sure to pack an umbrella. If you are unlucky and you do have rain, don’t fret! Lille is home to the world’s first driverless metro system, which opened in 1983 and can take you to all the points you’ll want to visit.

Attractions and things to do in Lille

When you’re traveling on a dime, it’s best to know your options.  This way, you not only maximize your time but also capitalize on the money in your pocket. Fortunately for Cheapos, Lille offers plenty of frugal options for visitors traveling on a budget.

Lille City Pass

For those interested in maximizing your time and your money, we would recommend purchasing the Lille City Pass. It gives you access to 28 museums and historical sites, the Lille transport network (metro, tram, and bus), plus special benefits for shopping, nightlife, leisure, and dining out. 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes are available, starting at €25.

Our favorite museums and attractions in Lille

Palais des Beaux Arts-Lille
Place de la République
Recommended for the collection for fine arts & Antiquities.

La Piscine
23 Rue de l’Espérance (in Roubaix just outside of Lille)
Recommended for its unusual setting & Art Deco interior.

LaM – Lille Musée d’Art Modern, d’Art Contemporain, et d’Art Brut
1 allée du Musée
Recommended for its funky architecture and modern art.

Town Hall Belfry
Place Augustin-Laurent in the historic heart of Lille
Recommended for history with the best view.

Super cheapo attractions

If museums and historical sites aren’t your things, there is plenty of lollygagging and historic meandering you can do without waiting in long lines or paying entry fees.

Explore Old Town
Shop with your eyes and absorb the Flemish architecture of Vieux Lille.

Marché de Wazemmes
Wander through the Marché de Wazemmes that takes place every Wednesday and Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm and experience the lively spirit of this traditional flea market, selling everything from fruits and vegetables and ethnic dishes to furniture, electronics, and all sorts of tchotchkes.

La Grand Place
Explore the monuments of La Grand Place, the Lillois’ most ornate rendezvous square, including The Goddess statue and fountain, which stands as a memorial of the Austrian canon ball siege of 1792 and La Vieille Bourse, the old Stock Exchange building where you can dig through the past in both sight and smell. Just across from this prized jewel of Flemish architecture, stands another world-class site, the historic Opera de Lille, boasting neo-classical architecture and an eclectic range of performances spanning across multiple centuries.

Parc de la Citadelle
Take a stroll through Lille’s largest green space in Parc de la Citadelle, where you may recognize scenes from the 2013 Cannes Palm d’Or film, La Vie d’Adèle (Blue is the Warmest Colour), or come across Lille’s Zoo, with free entry to all!

La Gare Saint Sauveur
Check out La Gare Saint Sauveur (La Gare St. So for short) an upcycled train station turned multifunctional space, home to various art expos, concerts, parties, film projections, and its own bar-restaurant. If you’re looking for a hip place to take a mid-day break or have some libations come night, this is the place to be!

Eating and drinking for cheap: Beer & Bouffe

Lille may be close to Germany, but the beer and “bouffe” (French slang for food) scene isn’t quite the same. Let’s start with food. Given Lille’s northern locale you may have guessed their local fare is a bit heartier (and heavier) than their fellow southern citizens.

No trip to Lille is complete without diving into some Flemish cuisine, something that makes French Flanders stand apart from its neighboring regions. Most restaurants will offer some Flemish dishes, and you’ll know right away because these dishes aren’t the easiest to pronounce! Some of the main components of Flemish cuisine are beer, meat, cheese, raisins, prunes, brown sugar, and chicory.

Moules Frites is an item you’ll see on many menus in Lille. Photo: Frédérique V

Popular dishes in Lille

There is a lot of good food in Lille, but keep an eye out for these classic foods that capture the flavors of the region:

Flamiche aux Maroilles – a rich and creamy quiche, bursting with flavors of Flanders and northern France’s “infamous” & very pungent cheese

Potjevleesch – a white meat terrine sheathed in mousseline

Carbonnade Flammande – small chunks of braised beef slow-cooked in Flemish beer and sprinkled with gingerbread

Moules Frites – mussels and fries, the iconic dish served during La Grande Braderie, although you can find it at almost any restaurant

Our favorite restaurants that won’t break the bank

L’Arrière Pays
47 Rue Basse

This place specializes in tartines, French for “crostini” or “open-faced sandwiches”, and really gives you the bang for your buck. The generous portions and homey atmosphere reflect the inner warmth often found in the North of France. And be sure to order their fresh-cut fries — they are absolutely delicious.

Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vieille
2-4 Rue des Vieux Murs

Nestled in an adorable nook of Vieux Lille, this traditional northern bistro (or estaminet in French) epitomizes the quirky charm of Lille. You’ll find kitschy, old-world décor and simple dark wood furniture, ceilings, and walls adorned with antique kitchenware and old musical instruments — you can’t get any more authentic than this!

La Face B 
60 Rue d’Esquermes

For those vegans and veggies out there, we haven’t forgotten about you, and Lille hasn’t either! This “salon de thé” and lunch café serves up some delicious and cheap vegan fare that’s a bit off the beaten track. And for those of you travelers always seeking out free Wi-Fi, they have that, too.

Beer in Lille

If Bordeaux holds the title for the capital of wine, then Lille is definitely the hub of France’s beer culture. There are plenty of brewpubs, beer shops, and breweries to explore in the region. Read our guide: How to enjoy Lille’s famous beer culture for less.

Gastama Hostel offers one of the best values and locations in all of Lille.

Cheap lodging in Lille

Hotels and apartment stays in Lille are a lot cheaper than Paris. Hotel rooms are easily available for under $100 per night.

The People

109/115 Rue de Saint Andre
Prices from $60 per night

From dormitories to private rooms, this hostel is not just a place to rest your head. It’s also a restaurant and bar where backpackers, travelers, and locals alike come to hang out in one of the coolest spots in Vieux Lille. It’s a 10-minute walk from La Grand Place and a 15-20 minute stroll from the train station. See photos and learn more about The People.

Are you looking for more affordable places to stay in Lille? Search more than 600 hotels, hostels, and vacation apartments in Lille.

Your tips

Have you been to Lille? Share your tips on saving in this French city!

The post France: Budget travel guide to Lille appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

This may not be a surprise knowing that Lille brushes shoulders with Belgium, one of the beer meccas of the world, however, northern France has a long-running history with beer that few seem to know of. For example, before the war and post-war ruin of WWI, thousands of small-scale (now known as “micro”) breweries existed, which was one of this region’s main industries.

Nowadays, fewer breweries exist, but that’s not to say they’ve all disappeared. In fact, Lille and its surrounding region are home to more than 20 breweries. Read on to learn the best ways to sip the famous beers in Lille.

Related:
• A guide to ordering beer in France
• A Budget travel guide to Lille, France

A guide to beer in Lille: Breweries, brewpubs & bars

There are several breweries in the greater Lille region (see the tours section for more information), but if you’re limited to the Lille metropolis, don’t worry – there are still plenty of options for you to complete your epicurean beer expedition. We would highly suggest checking out these pubs and bars below that offer some of the region’s finest and most palatable brews.

A note on beer prices in Lille

Considering most Flemish brews have a higher percentage of alcohol content, your money tends to go a little further, even if it’s costing you €6-7 euros a pint. While several styles of beer exist in this region, ambers, doubles, and triples, dominate the shelves and drafts, with an alcohol content of at least 6%, but more commonly around 7-9%. These beers are known to be strong, so remember that one beer is more like two! And if you’re the type who likes to try a few different kinds, many bars offer a tasting flight at a reasonable rate.

But don’t worry, you can still get a great pint of beer for €5 and “une demie” (French for half-pint) for €2.50-4. Or you can go the “super cheapo” route with a DIY picnic. Most grocery stores have a pretty reputable selection of regional brews for much more reasonable prices than a bar or beer store — giving you the biggest bang for your buck.  Carrefour or Monoprix are good options and usually stay open longer than other grocery stores.

Le Lobby

10 rue de Royale, Vieux Lille

This beer bar is situated on one of Vieux Lille’s best streets for enjoying a good Northern beer. Serving more than 10 beers on tap, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s always teeming with people (mostly young adults), as there’s plenty of space, and almost always playing a good mix of old classics and indie music, making it an admirable place to rendezvous with friends. FYI: most pints here will cost you €6, which is very reasonable for this area!

La Capsule

25 rue des Trois Molettes, Vieux Lille

Think of La Capsule as the grandfather of Le Lobby — but with 28 beers on tap! They take beer seriously here, and if you’re not a suds expert, their highly-informed staff of beer specialists will be happy to help you with a smile on their face. Although the ground floor is quite small and cozy, they do have an underground space that they open up when the place becomes too packed.

Les 3 Brasseurs

22 place de la Gare, Lille

This is a classic Lille institution of beer situated just across from Lille Flandres, the main train station. It’s a great place to kill time during your stopover and get an authentic taste of the Ch’ti culture. 

La Rumeur

59 rue de Valenciennes, Moulins

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, this may be the place. It’s not only a brasserie and bar, but also a coffee shop, restaurant, concert venue, and art gallery. And the best part? It’s super affordable, with low beer prices (including their own brews) and tasty food options ranging, from €6-9 per plate or a pre-fixed menu for only €12.

L’Abbaye des Saveurs

13 rue des Vieux Murs, Vieux Lille

This is arguably one of the best craft beer shops in France! And they don’t only sell one of the widest selections of regional and international craft beer, but also several specialties of the Nord region, making this a perfect stop for some authentic souvenirs and beers to go.

Beer tours in Lille

For beer through the eyes of a local, you can take the Treasure Hunt and Beer Tasting Tour, giving visitors a unique opportunity to both explore Lille and discover its rich beer culture and history. The tour lasts three hours and includes four blind tastings for a total of $30. It’s a little on the steep side, but for beer aficionados, it could be worth the money.

If you have a rental car and feel like doing a little beer tour, this beer mapping project will be your perfect guide – showing you the location of numerous breweries, beer shops, brewpubs, beer bars, and even homebrews!

Do you have a favorite brewpub or brewery in France? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Lille, France: How to enjoy the city’s famous beer culture for less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of places that are typical day trips but can also easily be transformed into a budget overnighter from Paris. You just need to nab a cheap bed for the night (that’s where EuroCheapo comes in).

So as much as we love Paris, let’s take a break and get out of town! Here are our 7 favorite overnight escapes:

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is well worth the trip from Paris. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

Bayeux

In just over two hours you can reach Normandy and the town of Bayeux. (The train can be a bit pricier, so renting a car might be a better bet.) The town, known especially for its famous medieval tapestry, is charming enough to hold your attention for an afternoon.

Bayeux was the first town to be freed by the Allies in the waning days of World War II and wasn’t destroyed during the Liberation. Spend an evening in town, and the following day drive out to the Normandy beaches to explore an important piece of World War II history.

Hotels: Bayeux and the surrounding area offers nearly 50 hotels with online booking. Still, if visiting during peak tourist season (late spring to early fall), book well in advance. Search hotels in and around Bayeux

The glorious Château de Chantilly gives Versailles a run for its money with lower fees and fewer tourists. Photo: gcattiau

Chantilly

Forget Versailles. The Château de Chantilly, located just 25 minutes from Paris by train, is worth exploring for a full day. It houses a series of rooms decked out with furniture and art but draws nothing like the number of tourists at its more famous cousin, Versailles.

And there’s more than just the chateau here — be sure to stroll the beautiful gardens, and visit the stunning stables (and catch a dressage show, if you’re lucky!). The town itself doesn’t have much to boast about, but grab a bike and ride around the grounds or even as far as the tiny town of Senlis to take advantage of an overnight.

Hotels: Chantilly has only about a dozen hotels with online booking, but also far fewer overnight tourists. Search hotels in Chantilly

Prepare to be captivated by the stunning city center of Chartres. Photo: Peter D

Chartres

You can get to Chartres in about an hour by train. The standout feature here is the cathedral, stunningly preserved with many original stained glass windows. You’ll notice a disparity between the two steeples, as well – a signature feature.

The town has some pretty cool light shows at night from April to October, which means an overnight will be essential to see the city at its most illuminated. You can spend the next morning strolling along the Eure River or exploring the medieval vestiges remaining throughout the town.

Hotels: Chartres has several budget hotels available near the center of town. Search hotels in Chartres

Giverny

Take the train 45 minutes to Vernon to explore Monet’s gardens at Giverny. If you take the train, there are bikes available from the café at the station’s exist for just a few euros – a much better option than cramming onto the bus with the other tourists. You’ll bike through the town of Vernon, which has cute streets and a church that are lovely to explore.

The main attraction, of course, is nearby at Giverny, with its famous pond, Japanese bridge, and water lilies. While the garden is the main draw, there is also a Museum of Impressionists nearby that’s worth visiting.

Hotels: A small town, Vernon offers a few budget-friendly sleeping options. Book early. Search hotels in Vernon and Giverny

Lille

A major French city that’s too often skipped over by travelers, Lille is only about an hour away from Paris by TGV. Tasty foods like waffles from Meert and Flemish dishes are a welcome change of pace from Parisian offerings (even though Meert is also in Paris!).

Offering a market three days a week, several museums and plenty of architecture to explore (including the impressive Place Général-de-Gaulle), a daytrip could suffice. An overnighter, however, means you get to enjoy the city’s beer culture – it’s really close to Belgium, after all!

Hotels: A major city, Lille has no shortage of budget-friendly hotel options. Search 150 hotels in Lille

Reims

The TGV can get you to the heart of Champagne in just over 45 minutes, but with two main towns to visit, it might be best to rent a car and explore it all with an overnight trip (though drink responsibly!). All that talk of bubbly might have anticipating a hefty price tag, but it only costs around €15 for a visit to one of the regions famous “caves”, including a Champagne tasting.

Be sure to also visit the Cathedral Notre Dame at Reims, and make time for taking a tour at one of the big champagne producers, like Veuve Clicquot or Pommery. On day two, keep on tasting in nearby Epernay, where you can visit the smaller luxury houses before heading back to Paris.

Hotels: With 65 hotels offering online booking, Reims offers a variety of budget options. Search hotels in Reims

Rouen

In as little as 69 minutes, you can arrive in the town where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. While the cathedral, famously painted many times by Monet, dominates the skyline, many medieval buildings give the town its own unique charm.

A market early on Saturday and Sunday make it worth staying the night to wander and explore. If you arrive by car, be sure to visit the charming port town of Honfleur, just 90 km away.

Hotels: A large city, Rouen offers travelers nearly 50 hotels with online booking. Search hotels in Rouen

Your favorite overnights from Paris

What’s your favorite overnight destination from Paris? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Paris: 7 favorite day trips and overnight getaways appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Many travelers opt for Eurostar for its sheer convenience. With a headline travel time of just 2hrs 16mins from the heart of London to the middle of Paris, Eurostar will invariably be the fastest option. Others favor the international rail service for its reasonable fares. Book when tickets first go on sale (four months before travel on the London to Paris route), and you’ll surely catch a bargain.

From edgy and unloved landscapes…

But there is quite another reason why canny travelers bound for Paris are so inclined to hop on Eurostar. This journey has a remarkable cinematic quality. Climb aboard, settle down in a comfortable window seat and just watch.

The departure from St Pancras is a gentle piece of theatre. Then tunnels and light interact, with screenshots of edgy and unloved landscapes in Essex and north Kent. Cut from a scene of the old automobile plant at Dagenham to a late Saxon stone church stranded on the Essex marshes.

… to the garden of England

The train zips under the Thames then over the Medway, suddenly entering a green and pleasant land, a more rural England than we have seen in the first part of our journey. The railway plays cat and mouse with the Downs, here and there diving through tunnels under chalk hills.

Along the way, there are gorgeous scenes of Kentish orchards and pasture land. This is pure therapy.

Flanders fields

On, under the English Channel, and you’ll be in France within an hour of leaving London. Here the landscape has a more expansive demeanor.

Cassel, a magnificently-situated hill town in the distance, is a reminder that Flanders is not totally two-dimensional. Dashing south from Lille, the line cuts through territory defined by its rivers. We bridge the Scarpe and the Somme. This is a journey that evokes memories of too many wars. But it captures too the blessings of peace.

Arriving in Paris

Two hours out of London and we are into the final act. Paris suburbs are pushing north into fields where not so long ago sugar beet was grown.

We surf the city, making tracks for the Gare du Nord. But watch carefully, for just before arriving at the terminal, the River Seine has a minor walk-on role. You’ll catch a glimpse of it on the right as the train cruises south through St Denis.

Just over two hours of pure cinema. And like all good movies, it’s one worth watching time and time again.

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In recent months, budget coach operators have been edging into the cross-Channel market, providing deeply discounted fares for travel between London and the near continent. And no doubt giving established operator Eurolines cause for thought.

Megabus connections

Megabus’ garish yellow-and-blue coaches (shades of Ryanair in their choice of livery) started running from London to four continental destinations last spring—a big step for a company that has hitherto focused on its extensive UK network.

The budget company offers now two routes across the Channel: London to Paris with an en-route stop in Boulogne, and London to Amsterdam with a stop in Brussels. Checking for travel dates in January 2013, we found fares from London on both Megabus routes to the continent from just four pounds (about €5) one-way. A real travel bargain.

An iDBUS in London. Photo: Eastleighbusman

iDBUS crosses the Channel

iDBUS launched in July this year. The long-distance coach operator is a wholly owned subsidiary of French rail giant SNCF. iDBUS based its first hub in Lille and last month opened a second base in Lyon.

iDBUS’ debut routes linked Lille with Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and London, but the company has expanded rapidly.

iDBUS departures from London

From London, for example, iDBUS now offer nine departures a day to France. There are seven coaches each day from London to Paris, with four of those services making an en-route stop in Lille. That’s only a short hop from the autoroute, so the Lille stop just adds an extra 25 minutes on to the London to Paris travel time (upping it from 8h 35m for the non-stop services to nine hours for those which make the short detour into Lille).

The two other departures from London each day run to Lyon, each stopping along the way at Charles de Gaulle Airport (which is located just off the autoroute northeast of the French capital). London to CDG takes eight hours, while London to Lyon takes 16h 30m.

Slow but cheap

Compared to the train, iDBUS is slow, slow, slow. London to Paris on Eurostar typically takes just 2hrs 20mins, and Eurostar’s direct London to Lyon service (which launches on May 4) will link the two cities in well under five hours.

So on both the Paris and Lyon routes the bus takes more than thrice as long as the train. But with one-way fares from London to Lille and Lyon of just £9 and £29 respectively, iDBUS makes a pitch to budget travelers who might otherwise just stay at home. These fares are very much cheaper than the best offers by rail.

London to Italy by coach

Last month, iDBUS added new services from Lyon to Italy to its network. Although they are not yet advertising through fares from London to Milan (via their Lyon hub), those with a real appetite for long-distance coach travel can now create budget itineraries from London to Italy.

The post Discount Coach Routes: London to France and beyond appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Remember, of course, that local and regional train services are often bookable but not reservable. So, although you can book tickets, you’ll not be able to reserve a seat.

The three-month-rule

There are minor variations in how that three-month-rule is interpreted. For Thalys train services, linking Brussels with Amsterdam, Cologne and Paris, tickets become available three months to the day before travel. For bookings on the Deutsche Bahn website, each new day’s wave of bookings is released at midnight (Central European Time), 92 days before travel.

Eurostar services: Four months ahead

For services linking London with Lille, Paris and Brussels, Eurostar accepts online bookings four months in advance of travel. But if you want to use Eurostar’s direct services from London to Avignon in the south of France, you’ll find that Eurostar is already accepting telephone bookings for journeys up to September 10, 2011.

Looking east

For journeys to and from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, trains are usually bookable 60 days in advance, although we have noted that for journeys within those countries, the forward booking window may be only six weeks.

Finland works on a sixty-day-rule for services into Russia but domestic trains may be bookable longer in advance. For example, they are presently accepting bookings thru late April. Finland is unusual in that its online booking system closes down at night.

Early birds get the deals

Remember that for long-distance trains in Europe, it really pays to book just as soon as you can firm up your plans after bookings open. That one-way fare from Salzburg to Amsterdam for just €39 may be there for the taking 92 days in advance, but a week later may have crept up to €69. Leave booking till just one month prior to travel and you may have to pay €99 for the same journey. Early birds get the best deals.

Rail pass options

Interested in seeing a full list of rail pass options? Visit our booking partner, Rail Europe, to compare rates, destinations covered and see their latest promotions.

The post When Should You Buy Train Tickets in Europe? The three-month rule appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.