Where to go for a cheap weekend break? 15 easy destinations from France

You know that feeling when you need to get away… but your bank account is like “absolutely not”? Yeah. Same. The good news is : you don’t need a two-week holiday in the Maldives to reset your brain. Sometimes, a simple 2 or 3-day weekend trip is enough to breathe again, eat something new, walk somewhere pretty, and come back feeling human.

And honestly, if you’re hunting for good deals, I’d always start by checking a few price comparisons and promo lists like https://www.voyages-pas-cher.biz – it’s the kind of site that can save you from paying double just because you booked in a rush. Then you pick a destination that’s easy from France (train, car, budget flights) and boom : weekend sorted.

Below, I’m sharing 15 cheap weekend destinations that are genuinely doable from France without turning the trip into a stressful marathon. Some are classics, some are a bit underrated, and a few might surprise you. Ready ?

Quick tips to keep your weekend cheap (before we jump into destinations)

1) Travel light. Not “minimalist influencer” light. Just… don’t pay for luggage if you can avoid it. A backpack = instant savings.

2) Go off-peak if you can. Friday night + Sunday night is usually pricey. If you can do Saturday morning → Monday evening, you’ll often win.

3) Stay slightly outside the centre. 10–15 minutes by metro/tram can cut accommodation costs a lot. And sometimes the neighbourhood feels more real.

4) Don’t over-plan. A cheap weekend is also a relaxed weekend. Pick 2–3 “must-do” things and let the rest happen.

1) Brussels, Belgium (easy, foodie, no stress)

Brussels is one of those cities that’s perfect for a quick cheap weekend. You can arrive by train, walk a lot, and snack constantly (which is basically my travel style).

Don’t miss : Grand-Place at night (it’s honestly gorgeous), fries from a proper friterie, and a wander in the Marolles for vintage shops.

Budget vibe : You can eat well without spending crazy money, especially if you do street food + casual cafés.

2) Bruges, Belgium (fairytale vibes without flying)

Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s still worth it. Bruges looks like someone designed it specifically for weekend photos : canals, little bridges, cobbled streets… the whole thing.

My advice : go early in the morning before the day-trippers flood in. The calm atmosphere hits different.

Cheap tip : grab pastries and coffee to go, then picnic by the water. Simple, perfect, and way cheaper than sitting in the main square.

3) Amsterdam, Netherlands (doable on a budget if you’re smart)

Amsterdam can be expensive, I won’t lie. But it can also be a cheap-ish weekend break if you plan it right : book transport early, stay a bit outside, and focus on free stuff.

Best cheap moments : cycling around like you belong there (even if you don’t), walking the canals at sunset, exploring neighbourhoods like De Pijp.

Little warning : accommodation prices can be brutal. If you see a decent deal, don’t overthink it.

4) London, UK (classic, fast, always a good idea)

London is rarely “cheap cheap”… but as a weekend break from France, it’s ridiculously easy. Eurostar, done. No airport drama, no long transfers, just straight into the city.

Free things that slap : British Museum, Tate Modern, a long walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge, and markets like Borough Market (even if you just browse).

Budget move : meal deals from supermarkets. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

5) Lisbon, Portugal (sun, tiles, and good food)

If you want a weekend that feels like a mini holiday, Lisbon is a winner. It’s bright, it’s lively, and the city has that warm “let’s sit outside forever” energy.

Must-do : ride a tram (yes, touristy, but fun), eat pastéis de nata while they’re still warm, and watch the sunset at a viewpoint like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Real talk : the hills are no joke. You’ll feel it in your legs the next day.

6) Porto, Portugal (smaller, cheaper, super charming)

Porto feels more compact than Lisbon, and honestly, I find it easier for a short trip. You can walk a lot, eat well, and still have time to just… chill.

Don’t miss : Ribeira by the river, crossing Dom Luís I Bridge, and trying a francesinha if you’re hungry-hungry.

Cheap pleasure : a coffee by the river with that soft golden light. It’s such a vibe.

7) Barcelona, Spain (energy, beaches, and tapas)

Barcelona is great when you want a weekend that’s not too quiet. There’s always something happening. Even just walking around feels like an activity.

Top picks : Gothic Quarter for wandering, Montjuïc for views, and a late tapas dinner (because Spain time is different, and you’ll adapt fast).

Budget tip : avoid eating right next to the most famous attractions. Walk 10 minutes away and it’s instantly better and cheaper.

8) Valencia, Spain (underrated and super weekend-friendly)

Valencia is one of those places people forget about, and that’s exactly why it’s a good deal sometimes. It’s got beaches, great food, and a mix of old and modern architecture.

Do this : explore the old town, then head to the City of Arts and Sciences area. It’s futuristic and kind of surreal.

Food note : paella is the local star here. If you’re going to try it anywhere, Valencia makes sense.

9) Madrid, Spain (big city, big personality)

Madrid is pure life. It’s not the “I’m here for the beach” destination. It’s more like : museums, parks, late nights, and a lot of people enjoying themselves.

Weekend plan : Retiro Park for a slow morning, then neighbourhood hopping (Malasaña is fun), and churros with chocolate because… yes.

Cheap win : many museums have free entry times. Check ahead and plan around that.

10) Milan, Italy (quick, stylish, surprisingly doable)

Milan gets dismissed as “just fashion and business”, but I actually like it for a weekend. It’s efficient, walkable, and you can do a lot in two days.

Highlights : the Duomo (go up if you can), the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and aperitivo culture in the evening.

Personal opinion : Milan isn’t the most “romantic Italy” city… but it’s cool. And sometimes cool is exactly what you want.

11) Turin, Italy (quiet, elegant, and great for food)

Turin is a gem if you want Italy without the chaos. It’s calmer, the architecture is classy, and the cafés feel old-school in the best way.

Don’t miss : chocolate and coffee culture (Turin takes it seriously), and a stroll under the long arcades when it rains.

Cheap comfort : it’s the kind of city where you can have a simple meal and still feel like you’re eating well.

12) Geneva, Switzerland (pricey… but still doable for a short trip)

Okay, Switzerland isn’t known for being cheap. But Geneva can work for a weekend if you treat it like a nature + city break and don’t go wild on restaurants.

Best bits : walking along the lake, seeing Jet d’Eau, and just enjoying how clean and calm everything feels.

My honest take : bring snacks. It sounds silly, but it helps.

13) Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (tiny, pretty, and easy)

Luxembourg is super convenient from France, and it’s a cool “different” option when you’ve already done the big capitals.

What to do : explore the old town, walk the Chemin de la Corniche (amazing views), and wander through the lower parts near the river.

Weekend vibe : calm, scenic, and perfect if you want a slower pace.

14) Strasbourg, France (postcard city, especially in winter)

If you want to stay in France and still feel like you travelled, Strasbourg is a brilliant pick. Half-timbered houses, canals, and that Alsace charm that just works.

Must-see : Petite France, the cathedral (seriously impressive), and a cosy meal with something cheesy because… Alsace.

Personal favourite moment : walking near the water when the lights reflect in the canals. It’s simple, but it hits.

15) Marseille, France (sun, sea, and real character)

Marseille is not the polished “perfect” city. And that’s why I like it. It’s loud, lively, messy sometimes… but it’s got soul.

Weekend essentials : Old Port, a trip to the Calanques (even just one), and a sunset by the sea with salty hair and tired feet.

Food note : you don’t have to do a fancy bouillabaisse to eat well. Simple seafood and local spots can be amazing.

How to choose the right cheap weekend destination (without overthinking it)

If you’re hesitating, ask yourself these quick questions :

Do you want sun or city ?
If you need warmth and light : Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Marseille. If you want museums and streets : London, Brussels, Madrid.

Do you want calm or energy ?
For calm : Turin, Luxembourg, Bruges. For energy : Amsterdam, Barcelona, London.

Are you okay with walking a lot ?
Because some cities are basically a free workout. Lisbon especially. Your calves will remember.

Final thought : cheap weekends are the best kind of escape

Honestly, a cheap weekend trip is sometimes more satisfying than a big holiday. It’s quick, it’s easy to plan, and you don’t spend three days “recovering” from the travel itself.

So… where are you going next ? Are you more “canals and waffles” or “sunset and sea air”? Either way, pick a date, book it, and give yourself that little break. You deserve it.