Our best ideas for a cheap and unforgettable romantic weekend in France

Going away for a romantic weekend can be a great way to reconnect, make new memories and simply enjoy time together away from the daily grind. Whether you decide to organise a short break together or it's a surprise for your other half, it's not always easy to plan this kind of weekend away. On top of that, we sometimes find ourselves confronted with proposals for weekends at exorbitant prices. Don't worry, we've got all the ideas you need to plan a romantic break on a budget, while making the most of every moment you spend together! 

1. CHOOSE A LESSER-KNOWN ROMANTIC DESTINATION

When we think of a romantic weekend away, we immediately think of places that are world-famous for being romantic: Paris, Venice or the Greek island of Santorini, for example. Of course, these destinations are very beautiful, but they are also very expensive. So you'll need to spend a certain amount of money to enjoy these places as they should be. As in all very touristy places, it's difficult to find a nice hotel at an affordable price, and activities, restaurants, souvenirs... will also cost much more than elsewhere. Victims of their own success, these romantic destinations can also quickly become a nightmare. When we go on a romantic getaway, it's above all to meet up and spend some quality time with our partner, so we don't necessarily want to find ourselves surrounded by dozens or even hundreds of other couples admiring the sunset from the same spot as us. 
If you're looking for a superb romantic break, you'll need to find a romantic destination that's a little less touristy. This will allow you to benefit from more affordable rates and enjoy a more authentic experience. Here are a few ideas for lesser-known, less expensive romantic destinations that will still give you an unforgettable romantic weekend: 

• the pretty beaches of the Côte d'Opale, in Hauts de France 
• the medieval hilltop villages of the Lubéron, on the Côte d'Azur
• Bruges, the "Little Venice of the North", in Belgium
• The Andalusian way of life in Seville, Spain
• Medieval charm in Prague, Czech Republic

2. FINDING AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHOUT COMPROMISING ROMANCE

It's perfectly possible to find cosy accommodation that combines comfort, practicality and romance. You should also be careful to choose accommodation that offers good value for money. In fact, some accommodations take advantage of their originality or exclusivity to inflate their prices, without providing the comfort and services you might expect. Here are our tips for finding affordable accommodation for your next romantic weekend away: 

• Go outside the peak tourist periods: If you want to get the best possible price, we recommend that you avoid July and August and weekends that include a public holiday. As well as saving money, you'll benefit from another advantage: fewer tourists once you arrive at your destination. 
• If you're relatively flexible about the dates of your romantic weekend, book last minute. Booking accommodation at the last minute can enable you to take advantage of attractive offers, especially when you are outside school holiday periods or public holidays. Several websites and mobile applications offer substantial discounts on unreserved hotel rooms.
  Find a cosy nest at a discounted price by broadening your horizons: accommodation options are not limited to the traditional hotel. You can enjoy the comforts of a hotel even by booking accommodation in another type of establishment. For example, you could opt for the appart-hotel concept, which lets you enjoy the services of a hotel with all the comforts of a small flat. There are plenty of alternatives: bed and breakfasts, Airbnb rentals or even unusual accommodation such as gypsy caravans or tree houses. These are often less expensive options, yet offer a unique and intimate experience: ideal for a romantic weekend away. 

3.CHOOSE FREE OR LOW-COST ACTIVITIES

There are lots of free or inexpensive activities to do during a romantic weekend away. Because there's more to enjoy than spas and gourmet dinners, here are our suggestions, which you can of course adapt to suit your destination: 

• A romantic walk: walks are a great way to spend time together without spending a penny.Choose picturesque places such as parks, gardens, beaches or hiking trails to enjoy nature and create lasting memories.Don't hesitate to contact your destination's tourist office for advice on the most beautiful walks in the area.  
• A gourmet picnic: A picnic is the perfect opportunity to share a meal outdoors while enjoying a romantic setting. Prepare sandwiches, salads and a few sweets to enjoy together in a park or by the water. Don't forget to bring a blanket and perhaps a bottle of wine to toast your love.
• Visit museums or tourist attractions: In almost every city, there are museums or tourist attractions that you can visit free of charge or at affordable prices. 
• Visit the historic quarters of your destination: Wherever you go, there's bound to be a town or village whose historic quarters you can explore. Admire the architecture, cobbled streets and local history.
• Visit the local markets: Head to the local market to discover fresh produce, handicrafts and local flavours. You might even be able to pick up a snack or a souvenir of the weekend. 
• Go for a bike ride: there's bound to be a bike hire company in the area!This can be a fun and inexpensive activity. 
• Photograph your destination: this is a fun activity that leaves a mark!Have fun capturing certain moments of your romantic weekend.You can even go in search of a photo booth - they're often to be found in larger towns and cities and will give you a unique souvenir for just a few euros. 

PLAN NOW YOUR FRENCH ROMANTIC WEEKEND ON A BUDGET 

It's perfectly possible to spend an unforgettable weekend in France with your partner without breaking the bank. By opting for affordable accommodation, free or low-cost activities and less popular destinations, you can create memorable moments without sacrificing romance. So don't wait any longer and start planning your budget getaway today!