9 Budget Holidays in November for Fun, Sun, Culture and Food

Sandwiched between the clocks going back and the frantic run-up to the festive season, November often gets a bad rap. Yet it’s the perfect time to beat the blues with a late autumn getaway. Travel and accommodation are more affordable, and you’ll get to see the sights at a more leisurely, low-key pace. Head to France for local markets laden with yummy produce, Germany for the first Christmas markets, Switzerland for the glitz or Italy for enchanting landscapes.

When it comes to the best places to travel in November on a budget, France is a good place to start. From the Loire Valley to the Périgord countryside, this is the season to enjoy the slow French lifestyle that rewards long, leisurely walks with wholesome food and wine.

Less than two hours on a train from Paris lies Bourgogne – the Burgundy wine region, home to dry red pinot noirs and crisp white chardonnays. Discover the local nectars on the 80-km Route des Grands Crus from Dijon to Santenay. The route passes through over 30 villages, taking in the Meursault, Pommard and Nuits-Saint-Georges appellations along the way. Post-harvest and pre-pruning, the vineyards are swathed in morning mists and soft sunshine, creating a mystical atmosphere.
 

Come for a city break in November for the Hospices de Beaune wine auction. The iconic event has been held on the third weekend of the month for over 160 years, and the town comes alive with traditional parades and gourmet markets. Book a stay at the ibis Beaune Centre hotel to experience the festivities to the full – it’s just a five-minute walk from the Hospices.

There's a special stillness to the Loire Valley in November. Chenonceau Castle is reflected in the tranquil waters of the River Cher in the soft autumn light; picturesque Chambord is surrounded by golden-leafed oaks. The ibis Styles Contres Cheverny hotel is comfortable, affordable and ideally located for a road trip along the Loire.
 

Don't miss Cheverny Castle, which can be spotted in the Tintin comic books. The colourful interactive exhibition on site will delight kids and adults alike – plunge into the story and embark on your own adventure!

Enjoy the scenic Périgord countryside and medieval towns without the searing sun and summer throngs. Visit in November to admire the golden walnut trees and limestone cliffs that dominate the Dordogne valley and its medieval hilltop villages. Saunter the narrow streets of Rocamadour and Martel at leisure, and visit the Lascaux prehistoric cave at its tranquil best.
 

Food here is hearty and earthy. November is peak season for ceps and mushrooms and the markets are gearing up for festive feasts with walnuts, truffles and foie gras. Fill up at the marché du gras at the Place Saint-Louis in Périgueux every Wednesday and Saturday from mid-November. The ibis budget Périgueux Boulazac hotel is ideal for exploring quaint villages and endless countryside, with affordable rates, a generous breakfast and triple rooms to keep costs low.

Wondering where to go for a budget holiday in November? Head south for some gentle winter sun in the run-up to winter.

Channel your inner Michelangelo as you roam the colourful hills and villages of the Italian countryside in the soft autumn sun. The scenery here is out of this world, and long walks lend themselves to a budget holiday in November. The ibis Firenze Nord Aeroporto hotel is great for visiting Tuscany – it’s well situated for Florence and close to the main transport links. See the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo in the city, then venture out to the picturesque villages of San Gimignano, Montepulciano and Volterra.
 

November is eagerly awaited on the Tuscan foodie calendar, as it’s harvest time for truffles and the first olive oils of the season. San Miniato holds its annual white truffle festival on the last three weekends of November. Go along to sample delicately flavoured dishes and take part in a truffle hunt with a local trifolau.

November is a good time to visit Athens. Explore the Acropolis without the crowds, admire the Parthenon without the heat and see the Agora without queuing for hours. Mild, sunny weather makes sightseeing a breeze, and it’s easy to bag an outdoor table to enjoy a plate of mezze as you watch the world go by.

Runners can combine a budget holiday in November with the Athens marathon! The city comes alive with a special buzz as the Greek capital pays tribute to the soldier Pheidippides, who ran nearly 42 km to announce the Greeks’ victory over the Persians. Whether you come to run, support or simply spectate, the ibis Styles Athens Routes hotel puts you at the heart of the action, with a leafy patio designed for sipping a drink in the midday sun.

With its mild weather, the Var coast is a must for a budget holiday in November. The autumn light glints off the salt marshes and peaceful coastal paths of Hyères. Keep your eyes peeled and your bird-spotting book handy for migratory species – it’s not uncommon to spot great cormorants, herons and numerous species of duck.
 

Take a ferry over to the islands of Port-Cros, Porquerolles or Le Levant for a leisurely afternoon, then end the day watching the sun set over the Med on Almanarre beach. For total relaxation, choose the ibis Styles Hyères Rooftop & Spa hotel for its jacuzzi and sauna. Head up to the rooftop bar for a luxury view!

France, Germany or Switzerland are great for a half-term break with the kids or a weekend away with friends.

Germany’s Rhine Valley really comes into its own in November. The golden colours of autumn mingle with the first frosty landscapes, cloaking the region in ethereal beauty. Standing guard on the banks of the river, the medieval castles of Marksburg and Rheinfels could be plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Stroll through the quaint village streets of Bacharach and Oberwesel, and visit a local vineyard to taste (and stock up on) some Riesling.
 

Cologne is another good choice for a budget holiday in November. The first German Christmas markets spring up around Cologne Cathedral in mid-November, and you can spot the famous Heinzels elves dotted around the streets. Whether you come as a couple or a family, you’ll be well placed at the ibis Koeln Centrum hotel to get into the festive feel at the giant ice rink and curling rinks on Alter Markt square.

Ease into winter with a spa getaway on Lake Bourget in Aix-les-Bains. The ibis Styles Aix-les-Bains Domaine de Marlioz hotel in eastern France lies in a vast 10-hectare wooded park, just a few minutes from the town centre and a stone’s throw from the Bains des Alpes spa. Fill up on fresh air with long mountain walks, and follow with a soak in the spa’s heated outdoor pool and a deliciously relaxing massage.

See the pretty towns of Annecy and Chambéry and pop over the Swiss border to Geneva – all three are within an hour’s drive. If you fancy hitting the slopes, you may be in luck – if snowfall is good, some high-altitude resorts may be open at the end of November. Savoie Grand Revard and Semnoz are often among the first.

Looking for a budget city holiday in November? Hop on a low-cost flight to the Swiss capital! The ibis budget Bern Expo hotel makes the perfect base for a week’s holiday with a picturesque backdrop – the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the landmark Zytglogge – Bern’s famous astronomical clock, or the colourful fountains and Gothic cathedral. And if the weather isn’t great, you can shop till you drop – Bern has the longest covered shopping arcade in Europe, totalling 6 km.
 

Fancy a culture fix? The Museum of Communication, Museum of Fine Arts and Einstein’s House are must-sees. Between visits, pop into an artisanal chocolate shop to get into the festive spirit! Bern is also an excellent base for exploring the region: Fribourg is just a 20-minute train ride away, and Basel less than an hour.