Budget Holidays in August: 9 Affordable Summer Getaways

Yes, taking a break in August means good weather, but it also means crowds of visitors and peak prices. Look beyond the tourist hotspots like Paris or Venice to places that offer a complete change of scenery while still being affordable. For the best deals, wallet-friendly accommodation and lots of free things to do, here are nine destinations in France and Europe for budget holidays in August.

Good weather is upon us and you’re yearning to get away on holiday. If you fancy a hideaway far from the bustle of everyday life, several unspoiled regions of France offer affordable stays. Here are three suggestions for under-the-radar getaways for couples.

Northwest of Marseille and well away from tourist crowds, the Med coastline is home to a necklace of charming, peaceful seaside villages backing calanques (coves) and azure seas. Base yourself at affordable ibis Martigues in magical Martigues – the “little Venice” of Provence – to stroll the enchanting Île district, the Miroir aux Oiseaux fishing port and quays lined with colourful houses. With waves gently lapping against traditional fishing boats, this tranquil setting inspired many early 20th-century artists.
 

In the afternoon, head to Plage de Ferrières for a refreshing dip in the sea and a glass of chilled rosé wine in one of its guinguette beach bars. While you’re in the area, you can also go snorkelling in the Calanque de Niolon or follow the Sentier du Lézard (Lizard Trail) shoreline walk between the laidback resorts of Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins – and if you’re happy to travel a little further afield, why not visit Nice for a day soaking up the sun on the city’s public beaches?

In northern Brittany, charming and historic Roscoff is a former privateering town with peaceful alleyways lined by elegant granite houses once held by wealthy shipping owners. It also lies on the legendary Sentier des Douaniers (GR34, Customs Officers’ Path) coastal trail that winds its way around cliffs and hidden coves offering breathtaking panoramas of the Iroise Sea. If you’re looking for well-priced accommodation, ibis Roscoff Bord de Mer has rooms overlooking the English Channel and direct beach access.
 

For a taste of old-world Brittany, take the 15-minute ferry trip to car-free Île de Batz to explore its untamed coastline and sun-kissed exotic gardens on foot. Back on the mainland, sandy beaches at Santec and Carantec provide idyllic swimming conditions in August.

Want to dodge the summer crowds and high prices in Venice? Head for the lush and sprawling Marais Poitevin wetlands in western France; you’ll find that romantic waterside villages like Coulon, Le Mazeau and Arçais are better-priced alternatives for budget holidays in August. You can explore by canoe, take leisurely cruises on flat-bottomed wooden barques along canals lined with pollarded trees, or stroll the waterways – the region’s soft light is best in early morning or late afternoon.
 

Medieval Niort is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin; base yourself at affordable ibis Niort Est Mendès France, near the city centre and major roads, and you can relax in its heated indoor pool after exploring the marsh.

Save money by choosing lesser-known destinations with a range of free outdoor activities. Here are three affordable places to travel in August for French family getaways that will be gentle on your wallet and provide lasting memories.

Still untouched by mass tourism, the Creuse in central France has all the ingredients for a happy family holiday: breathtaking landscapes, activities for all ages and reasonable prices. For easy access to the region and its many attractions, ibis Styles Guéret is a low-cost stay just 20 minutes’ drive from Les Loups de Chabrières animal park, where grey wolves roam in semi-freedom; kids will love learning all about their conservation on the interactive trail – and they can cuddle alpacas too!
 

Head to Lake Vassivière for an energetic day of paddleboarding and kayaking on the water – there’s supervised swimming in summer too, perfect for creating happy moments as a family.

Reconnect with nature amid the dramatic landscapes of Cévennes National Park, the perfect playground for families seeking budget holidays in August. Why? Because it’s brimming with free activities! There are walking and cycling trails for all abilities, as well as rocky plateaux and deep river canyons to explore. Pack a picnic and hike sections of the long-distance Stevenson Trail (GR70), or explore the Gorges du Tarn by canoe from Florac. Base yourself at ibis Styles Alès Centre Cévennes in lively Alès – gateway to the Cévennes – for an affordable stay and the all-you-can-eat breakfast; you’ll need to fuel up before a day of al fresco adventures!

The August heat can be stifling in big cities, but you can always escape on a low-cost August holiday in southeast France’s Vercors Massif – you’ll be guaranteed fresh mountain air, spectacular limestone gorges and flower-strewn alpine meadows. This breathtaking region is suited to family road trips, especially on the scenic drive through the Gorges de la Bourne between Villard-de-Lans and Pont-en-Royans. Further south, the panoramic Combe Laval route clings to the cliffside and has dizzying views over forested valleys.
 

For affordable family accommodation, book a family room sleeping up to four at comfortable ibis budget Grenoble Sud Seyssins, ideally located for exploring the region. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and via ferrata excursions to strolls through picturesque villages like Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye – on the fringe of the Vercors – where there’s a medieval festival in early August.

Encompassing summer festivals, a city built on islands and fascinating historical heritage, here are our three tips for European budget holidays in August.

Looking for somewhere lively for a cheap August getaway with friends? Budapest’s Sziget is one of Europe’s biggest festivals and promises five days of concerts and performances on Óbuda Island in the middle of the River Danube. Music lovers from across the globe gather in a festive and welcoming environment, with circus acts and workshops during the day, food trucks showcasing world cuisine and parties late into the night.
 

If you want to stay close by, ibis Styles Budapest Center is set in a stunning historic building, offers rooms for two or three people and is right next door to the metro. Make time between gigs to explore Budapest; take the funicular up to Buda Castle for panoramic views over the Chain Bridge and landmark Hungarian Parliament Building. After your sightseeing, shed any aches in the outdoor pool at palatial Széchenyi Thermal Baths, home of the legendary Saturday-night “sparty” with DJs, electronic dance music and laser shows.

Krakow is the former royal capital of Poland, and budget holidays in August take you on a journey back in time. Book affordable rooms at ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto and you’re just a few minutes’ walk from lively, UNESCO-listed Rynek Główny, the exquisite central square where café terraces buzz in the shade of elegant medieval houses. It’s dominated by the Cloth Hall, where market stalls selling souvenirs echo the city’s rich trading past.

Learn about the city's royal history in the castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill. Below the castle walls, a bronze statue of a dragon breathes fire every few minutes – legend has it that the dragon was defeated by King Krakus, founder of the city. Extend your city exploration into Kazimierz; the former Jewish quarter is today a lively cultural hub filled with art galleries and boho cafés.

With mild temperatures and long days, August is one of the best times to visit Sweden. Unique Stockholm is spread across an archipelago, with each island offering a different vibe. On budget holidays in August, you can stroll through Södermalm, a trendy district with vintage boutiques and fashionable cafés, or lose yourself in cobbled Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval heart and home of the Royal Palace. The elegant Östermalm district is known for its 19th-century covered food hall, and you’ll find traditional Swedish farmhouses and historic gardens at Skansen open-air museum on the verdant island of Djurgården.
 

To experience Stockholm like a local, book ibis Styles Stockholm Odenplan in Vasastan, a popular residential neighbourhood brimming with historic buildings and restaurants.