Low Season Holidays in France – Tips for Savvy Travellers

Organising a holiday in low season gives you the chance to travel slowly, enjoying each stage of the trip without rushing and leaving yourself open to spontaneous encounters. Travel out of season, and you’ll help boost local economies over winter as well as rediscovering the simple pleasures of travelling at your own pace.

The off-season corresponds to periods when there are fewer tourists around. In France, this varies between regions. With the exception of the Christmas markets in north-eastern France and the ski resorts in the Pyrenees and Alps – for both, winter is very much high season – the months November through to March are generally considered low season in coastal areas and major cities like Paris and Lyon. May is shoulder season in most regions, but not on the French Riviera, where Cannes Film Festival takes place early in the month, kicking off the influx of tourists for another year. 

Travel when prices drop and treat yourself without breaking the bank. Book plane tickets at more affordable rates and find discounted rooms in well-located hotels – you may even get a room upgrade! In low season, everything is less frenetic; service in restaurants is often better, and tourist guides have more time on their hands to invest in you. It’s the perfect time to travel to France more often, and to discover new places without piling on expense.

In low season, normally crowded resorts, attractions and cities breathe easier. With fewer visitors and therefore fewer queues, you can explore at your own pace and meet locals who have more time to chat without pressure. It’s an opportunity to amble at a leisurely pace through quiet museums (just imagine the Louvre without the crowds!), engage with stallholders at markets and take all the time you need to soak up the landscapes around you.

Some cities remain vibrant in every season. Opt for a major cultural centre like Paris or a gastronomic destination such as Lyon. Nantes, Strasbourg, Lille and Bordeaux are also bursting with museums, markets, unusual activities and great restaurants year-round – yes, even in winter – just without the crowds. Choose places with good transport links to limit travel time and make the most of your stay, whether it’s a weekend break or a fortnight’s leisurely exploration.

Outside the summer high season, many French attractions reduce their opening hours. Before you leave home, check the official websites of any museums, monuments and restaurants on your itinerary for low-season opening times. A visit to the local tourist office can also prevent any unpleasant surprises.

With winter being low season in France, you can expect colder, wetter weather – but contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t rain non-stop from November to March on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. The sky often remains blue, even in the depths of January. While planning a trip in low season means accepting that the weather may vary, it also gives you the chance of wonderful experiences minus the crowds, so dress appropriately and pack a raincoat just in case.

Paris can be enjoyed in a different way in low season. Fewer queues, less hustle and bustle, more space and time for visiting museums, drinking coffee on a café terrace or exploring hidden neighbourhoods at your own pace. For a handy base in the heart of the capital, ibis Styles Paris Opéra Lafayette is just a stone’s throw from the Grands Boulevards. Peaceful rooms, modern décor and breakfast included: everything you need for a convenient, well-priced and relaxing stay. 

Fancy Nice in winter? Soft light, pleasant temperatures and strolls along the Promenade des Anglais without the crowds. It’s the ideal time to explore the narrow streets of Old Nice or the hilltop village of Èze almost alone. Located just a few metres from the beach, ibis budget Nice Californie Lenval offers affordable comfort and direct access to the tramway and restaurants nearby: it’s a budget base for a low-season getaway by the Med!

Normandy offers superb landscapes and a charming, relaxed lifestyle all year, but even more so outside the tourist season. You’ll have the marinas, beaches, fragrant markets and dramatic coastal paths to yourself, well away from the summer crowds. Welcoming you to Honfleur – the jewel of Normandy – ibis Honfleur has spacious rooms, bike storage and a 24-hour snack bar. If you opt for Deauville, book in at ibis Styles Deauville Centre and you’ll be 300 metres from the famous Promenade des Planches and 150 metres from the ornate Casino Barrière Deauville. As a bonus, the hotel has a fitness room and lounge with a terrace for low-season stays that are as cosy as they are convenient.

Looking for more money-saving ideas for your low-season break in France? Learn about the best budget places to stay in Paris.