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The French Riviera is one of those places where you can make your champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true.

Not exactly the kind of description which shouts budget traveling, isn’t it?

Well, you need not scratch it off your list just yet. There are still some places in this fashionable resort which you, dear one with limited finances, can afford to stay and enjoy.

Rather than look for a place in Monte Carlo, Cannes or Saint Tropez, consider staying in nearby Nice. It’s not cheap but it’s cheapER AND is also a great destination in itself.

Budget Accommodations:  Check out Gites de France for listings of Chambres d’hotes (that’s bed and breakfast for you!).  Not only would it be cheaper than a hotel but guests are allowed to self-cater.

Dining on a Budget:

• If you want to cook your own food, head for Cours Saleya, a daily market, which sells local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other specialities. It is located right in the center of Vieux Nice and is open daily from 6am until 1pm.
• If you want to try genuine Provencal dishes, check out Lou Pilha Leva in rue de Collet, right in the middle of old Nice. You can enjoy traditional Nicois dishes prepared with fresh ingredients for less than 5 euros.  You would have to share your table and sit on benches but, hey, the food is superb.
• If you want to have something a bit more formal but nothing that would be too expensive, check out the restaurants along Quai Lunel at the port. Seafood restaurants which offers 3-course meals under 12euros are aplenty.

Budget Activities:

• If you time your visit on the first Sunday of the month, you can get into municipal museums for free.
• You can people watch. That’s free, too.   Just sit on the beach, get a tan and watch the stylish people of Nice walk around.
• Or, head for Monte Carlo, Cannes and Saint Tropez to see how those others make their champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true.

Stop dreaming and start planning!

[photo source: your french retreat]

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