Cheap holidays as a couple: all our tips

Getting away as a couple without blowing the budget is entirely possible in France. Regions such as Brittany, Occitanie or the Ardèche combine nature, charm and gentle rates, especially when camping and out of season. By choosing your dates and accommodation carefully, you can enjoy a romantic getaway from just a few tens of euros a night.

Here are our six favourite regions, the best times to book and our practical tips for a cheap holiday as a couple, without cutting back on the fun.

Our tips to remember

• Travelling out of season, in May, June or September, brings campsite rates down significantly.
• Camping remains the most affordable accommodation for a romantic getaway as a couple.
• Booking early or trying your luck last minute lets you snag the best prices.
• ANCV holiday vouchers cover part of your stay at most campsites.
• Cooking on site and aiming for free activities significantly lightens a couple’s budget.

Where can a couple go in France without breaking the bank?

France has plenty of regions where a couple can get away on a budget, far from out-of-reach destinations. The secret comes down to two things: targeting areas with a moderate cost of living, and favouring camping, the most affordable accommodation for a getaway as a couple. On our comparison site for low-price campsites, you’ll find over 1,800 establishments spread across mainland France.

Here are our favourite regions for a romantic getaway on a small budget:

• Brittany attracts couples in love with its wild coastline and the GR34 trail, ideal for walking together facing the ocean.
• In Occitanie, you can move from the Mediterranean to hilltop villages, between swimming and shaded terraces.
• The Ardèche and the Drôme combine rivers, listed villages and starry nights, far from the summer crowds.
• Head to the Vosges for their lakes, forests and deep calm, perfect for recharging as a couple.
• The Périgord combines castles and gastronomy, for a foodie weekend without breaking the bank.
• On the Atlantic coast, vast beaches and cycle paths can be explored together for just a few euros.

Our tips: for a truly budget-friendly romantic getaway, aim for the last week of June or the first week of September. The sea is still warm, campsites are running at a slower pace, and sunsets can be enjoyed without the crowds. Also consider booking a pitch rather than a mobile home: as a couple, a small tent is plenty and will make the bill melt away.

When should you go to pay less for the campsite?

Timing changes everything when it comes to the bill for a getaway as a couple. Camping is already among the most affordable accommodation options. To pay even less, avoid the height of summer and aim for the shoulder season.

Three levers bring down a couple’s bill:

• Book out of season, in May, June or September, when pitches start from €12 a night.
• Play the early-booking card, reserving several months ahead to lock in the best prices and a wide choice.
• Try last-minute deals, as campsites lower their rates to fill their last remaining pitches.

As a couple, you also gain in flexibility. With no school-holiday constraints, travel mid-week to enjoy the cheapest nights and a more peaceful campsite.

How can you lighten the budget as a couple?

Beyond the destination, several tricks can bring down the bill for a romantic getaway. The first is to take advantage of holiday assistance schemes. ANCV holiday vouchers, distributed by many employers, are accepted at most campsites and cover part of your booking. Note: VACAF assistance mainly targets families with children, so it rarely applies to couples without children.

A few simple habits can lighten the budget as a couple even further:

• Choose accommodation with a kitchenette to prepare your own meals rather than eating out.
• Focus on free activities such as hiking, swimming in rivers, local markets and watching the sunset.
• Travel light by train or carpooling, then hire bikes on site to limit petrol costs.
• Check which facilities are genuinely useful, such as the pool, wifi or entertainment, without paying for unnecessary extras.

What if your next getaway as a couple started right now? Compare low-price campsites all over France and book your romantic getaway at the best rate on our site. Find the destination that suits you, without letting the bill climb!

FAQ – Cheap holidays as a couple in France

What’s the cheapest destination for a couple’s getaway in France?

The cheapest destinations for a couple’s getaway are often far from the most sought-after coastline. The Ardèche, the Vosges, the Lot or the Périgord offer pitches from €12 a night, especially out of season. Camping remains the most accessible form of accommodation there for a getaway as a couple.

What budget should you plan for a romantic weekend camping?

For a romantic weekend camping, budget from €12 a night for a bare pitch out of season, and more for a mobile home. By cooking on site and favouring a few free activities, a couple can get away for two nights on a genuinely reasonable budget.

Can you pay for your campsite with ANCV holiday vouchers?

Yes, most French campsites accept ANCV holiday vouchers to pay for all or part of the stay. Distributed by many employers, they represent a real boost for a couple. Simply check that the campsite you’ve chosen is among the network’s partner establishments before booking.

When should you book for a cheap holiday as a couple?

For a cheap holiday as a couple, it’s best to book out of season, in May, June or September. Rates are much gentler than in July-August. Booking several months ahead or trying last-minute deals can also land you great discounts on your getaway as a couple.

Which region should you choose for a romantic seaside getaway?

For a romantic seaside getaway without spending too much, Brittany and the Atlantic coast offer the best coastal rates. Occitanie attracts Mediterranean lovers with its beaches and hilltop villages. Favour the month of June or September to enjoy reduced prices.