8 Cheapest Places to Fly to in France for an Epic 2025 Trip

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France keeps calling me back, and I finally figured out why: it’s not just about Paris. Last month, I scored a $500 round trip to Nice and spent mornings watching mega yachts glide past while eating still warm croissants on the Promenade. Everyone thinks flying to France means emptying their savings, but I’ve got some good news for you.

These are the best places in France that won’t destroy your travel budget. When I landed in Bordeaux for a $600 round trip and spent afternoons sipping wine in Saint-Émilion while watching the sunset paint ancient limestone buildings golden, I couldn’t believe the value. I’ve tested every possible route combination, and I’m sharing only the real flight deals I’ve found. No fantasy prices, just actual fares that’ll get you living your French dreams.

#1 tip to find cheap flights to France

Looking for cheap flights to France? Before diving into all the top cities and airports to fly to, I want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $319 roundtrip fare from Boston to Paris.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Now without further ado, here are the best France flights in 2025.

Cheapest Places to Fly to in France in 2025

Looking for the cheapest places to fly to in France in 2025? Visit Paris for its iconic landmarks and world-class museums, Nice for its stunning Mediterranean beaches and vibrant old town, Marseille for its historic port and diverse culture, and Lyon for its rich gastronomy and Renaissance architecture. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly travel experiences in France.

1. Paris ($319–$650 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 7-8 hours with 1 stop from JFK/ORD/ATL
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, Delta, United (usually cheapest via London or Amsterdam layover)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Major airport hub 🛬, tons of low-cost carriers 💰, competitive trans-Atlantic routes ✈️
• 🔥 Perfect for: Art lovers 🎨, food enthusiasts 🥐, romantics 🌹, first-time France travelers 🗼

Paris is the classic French destination that’s surprisingly affordable if you know when to book. This iconic city delivers on all your French fantasies with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and food that will ruin you for life.

The Eiffel Tower is obviously a must, but skip the tourist lines and head to Rue Cler nearby, a market street where locals actually shop for cheese, wine, and fresh baguettes at prices that won’t break your budget. Montmartre neighborhood feels like stepping into an old French film with cobblestone streets, artists painting in the square, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica offering the best views of the city.

The secret to affordable Paris is visiting in months like March or October when hotel prices drop by 30-40%. For flights, watch for Air France or Delta sales, which can go as low as $319 roundtrip during off-peak seasons. United sometimes has deals with longer layovers via European partners.

• Read next: Most Luxurious Airlines in the World

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2. Nice ($500–$700 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 9-11 hours with 1 stop from JFK/EWR/BOS
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, Delta, Lufthansa (usually cheapest via Paris or Frankfurt layover)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Gateway to French Riviera 🏖️, seasonal charter flights 🛫, competitive Mediterranean routes 🛥️
• 🔥 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏝️, luxury seekers on a budget 💎, food enthusiasts 🍷, outdoor adventurers 🧗‍♀️

Nice is how you get French Riviera vibes without blowing your entire budget. This Mediterranean city mixes French and Italian culture with killer beaches and surprisingly affordable food options.

Walk the Promenade des Anglais along the crazy blue water where locals rollerblade and tourists can pretend they’re celebrities. Head into Vieux Nice (Old Town) where the narrow streets are packed with markets selling local stuff and tiny restaurants serving legit Niçoise food like socca (these addictive chickpea pancakes). Meanwhile, Parc du Château has the most insane views of the coastline and there’s a free elevator if you don’t want to climb all those steps.

For flights, book 4-5 months ahead for summer or look for deals in spring or fall when prices drop around $500. Air France and Delta often offer smooth connections through Paris, while Lufthansa sometimes beats them on price via Frankfurt.

• Read next: Best Airbnbs in the French Riviera

3. Marseille ($450–$675 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 10-12 hours with 1 stop from JFK/BOS/ORD
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways (usually cheapest via Paris or London layover)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Expanding international airport 🛫, less tourist demand 👥, competitive Mediterranean routes 🚢
• 🔥 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, seafood lovers 🐟, outdoor enthusiasts 🏞️, travelers seeking authentic France 🇫🇷

Marseille is France’s oldest and second-largest city that most tourists completely skip, which means better deals and zero tourist traps. This gritty port city has transformed into a cultural hotspot with incredible food, beaches, and street art.

The Vieux Port (Old Port) is where everything happens — fishing boats bringing in the daily catch, street performers, and outdoor cafes selling bouillabaisse, the famous fish stew invented here. Le Panier district is the oldest neighborhood with narrow streets covered in street art, tiny squares with cafes, and boutiques selling stuff made by local artists. You can also take the bus to Calanques National Park, where limestone cliffs drop into crystal clear water. 

Flights typically hover around $550 roundtrip with Air France through Paris, while British Airways sometimes dips under $500 with a London layover.

• Read next: Top Attractions & Activities in Lozère

4. Lyon ($475–$690 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 9-11 hours with 1 stop from JFK/ORD/ATL
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, Delta, Lufthansa (usually cheapest via Paris or Frankfurt layover)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Major secondary hub 🛬, business traveler focus 💼, competitive European connections 🚆
• 🔥 Perfect for: Food obsessives 🍽️, history nerds 🏛️, wine lovers 🍷, travelers who want Paris vibes without Paris prices 🏙️

Lyon is a food lover’s dream with none of the Paris price tag. This riverside city blends history, charm, and legendary cuisine in a way that feels authentically French.

The Old Town is full of these secret passageways called “traboules” cutting through Renaissance buildings where you can explore without crowds and get those perfect empty-street shots for Instagram. Take the funicular up to Fourvière Basilica for ridiculous city views and check out the ancient Roman theaters right next door that are completely free to explore. The food scene? Legendary, with Lyon’s specialty restaurants called bouchons that serve traditional Lyon dishes like pike dumplings and offal.

Flights usually hover around $550 roundtrip with Air France via Paris, or slightly less with Lufthansa through Frankfurt. Time your visit in spring or fall for the perfect weather to explore.

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly in December

5. Nantes ($480–$700 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 10-12 hours with 1 stop from JFK/BOS/IAD
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, KLM, Lufthansa (usually cheapest via Paris or Amsterdam layover)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Emerging destination 🚀, increasing flight connections 🛣️, less tourist competition 👤
• 🔥 Perfect for: Art lovers 🎨, steampunk enthusiasts ⚙️, Loire Valley explorers 🏰, off-the-beaten-path travelers 🗺️

Nantes is France’s weird, wonderful creative capital that most tourists overlook. Once an industrial port, it’s now known for public art, food, and one of the coolest attractions in Europe.

Les Machines de l’Île is the absolute must see. It’s this crazy steampunk park with a 40-foot mechanical elephant you can actually ride that sprays water from its trunk. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a legit medieval castle right in the middle of downtown where you can explore the ramparts for free. The surrounding Bouffay district is packed with bars, creperies, and student hangouts with happy hours offering pints for $3-5 and galettes (savory crepes) for under $12.

If you visit in spring or early fall, you’ll get good weather, low hotel rates, and access to the Loire Valley without summer crowds. Flights hover around $550 with Air France via Paris or KLM via Amsterdam. Book 3 months out for the best deals that will go under $500.

Nantes gives you that “I discovered something cool before everyone else” vibe, plus it’s the perfect gateway to both Brittany’s coastline and the castle-packed Loire Valley.

6. Bordeaux ($600-$750 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 9-12 hours with 1 stop from JFK/BOS/IAD
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, British Airways, KLM (usually cheapest via Paris or Amsterdam layover)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Wine tourism growth 🍷, expanding airport connections 🛬, high-speed rail competition 🚄
• 🔥 Perfect for: Wine lovers 🍇, architecture fans 🏛️, foodies 🧀, beach hoppers 🏖️

Bordeaux is basically wine heaven with a stunning city attached. This perfectly preserved 18th-century port town has more protected buildings than any French city except Paris, but with way fewer tourists and better wine.

The entire city center is UNESCO-listed with no modern buildings to ruin your pics. The Place de la Bourse with its mirror-like water feature makes for killer Instagram shots, especially at sunset. Rue Sainte-Catherine is Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street where you can find everything from cheap local brands to fancy boutiques. 

Obviously, wine is the main event here. Visit La Cité du Vin, a modern wine museum with panoramic views, or sip local vintages at Bar à Vin, where glasses start at just 

Flights are best booked 3-4 months out, with Air France and KLM often offering deals around $650 roundtrip.

7. Toulouse ($520–$710 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 10-13 hours with 1 stop from JFK/IAD/ATL
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, British Airways, Iberia (usually cheapest via Paris or Madrid layover)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Airbus headquarters 🛩️, business travel competition 💼, increasing low-cost routes 💰
• 🔥 Perfect for: Space geeks 🚀, architecture fans 🏛️, food lovers 🧀, travelers seeking authentic southern France 🌞

Toulouse is literally called “The Pink City” because all the buildings glow pink-orange at sunset. This southern French city has perfect weather, incredible food, and way fewer tourists than those other spots on the Mediterranean.

The city center looks like a movie set with these grand squares like Place du Capitole where you can grab a coffee for half what you’d pay in Paris. The Basilique Saint-Sernin is this massive medieval church that’s basically unchanged since the 11th century and completely free to enter. For the best views of all that pink architecture, cross the Pont Neuf bridge right before sunset.

Toulouse is also considered as France’s aerospace capital, with Cité de l’Espace (Space City) letting you explore actual spacecraft and see a piece of the moon. It’s basically space camp for adults. 

Flights are usually around $600 roundtrip with Air France through Paris. Iberia sometimes drops to $550 via Madrid if you don’t mind a longer layover.

8. Bastia ($540–$720 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 11-14 hours with 2 stops from JFK/BOS/EWR
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, Lufthansa, Air Corsica (usually cheapest via Paris and Nice/Marseille layovers)
• 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Seasonal charter flights 🏝️, increasing Corsica tourism 🏔️, European vacation competition 🧳
• 🔥 Perfect for: Beach enthusiasts 🏖️, hikers 🥾, foodies 🍯, travelers seeking French-Italian fusion vibes 🇫🇷🇮🇹

Bastia is your ticket to Corsica, that wild French island in the Mediterranean that most Americans completely skip. Think turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and a blend of French and Italian culture without the Riviera prices.

The Vieux Port (Old Port) is lined with pastel buildings, seafood restaurants, and boats heading to nearby beaches. Deep blue water against terracotta rooftops and limestone cliffs? Crazy burst of colors! Meanwhile, the Place Saint-Nicolas is this massive square lined with palm trees where locals hang out at cafes playing pétanque (French bocce ball) and sipping local Corsican wine.

For flights, book about 4-5 months out with Air France connecting through Paris and then to Bastia, typically running around $650 roundtrip and can go under $600 off-peak season.

Visit in spring or early fall for the best time to experience Corsica’s natural beauty without the high prices or peak season crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Cheapest Places to Fly to in France

Need more help preparing for your vacation? Here are a few common questions and answers about the cheapest places in France.

What is the cheapest city in France to fly to?

Among the cheapest places to fly to in France, Marseille often tops the list. The city’s airport, Marseille Provence Airport, is served by several low-cost carriers. As such, it’s a popular choice for budget travelers. Additionally, its location in the South of France offers a strategic point of entry for those wishing to explore the Mediterranean coast.

Where is the best place to fly to France from the USA?

The best spot to start your French adventure from the US is Paris. Why? It’s home to two big airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, that have lots of flights from the USA. You can find cheap flight deals to France with airlines like Air France, American Airlines, and Delta. They often fly from major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago straight to Paris. So, you can start sipping your café au lait by the Eiffel Tower in no time!

What month is the cheapest to fly to France?

January is often the cheapest month to fly to France. Post-holiday travel lulls make for more affordable flights to France, and airlines tend to lower prices to encourage tourism during this cooler, less busy time.

How can I travel to France on a budget?

Think France is too pricey for a budget trip? Think again! With smart planning, you can enjoy France’s most beautiful places without breaking the bank. Here’s how:

• Snag cheap flight deals to France by booking early or catching last-minute deals.
• Skip expensive hotels. Try hostels or vacation rentals for cheaper stays.
• Get around cheaply using public transport like buses, trains, and city metros.
• Enjoy free stuff! Walk in public parks, join free museum days, and soak up local culture.
• Eat on a budget by shopping at local markets and avoiding touristy spots.

Which French city is better: Bordeaux or Paris?

Now, that’s a tricky one! Choosing between Bordeaux and Paris depends on your travel preferences and budget. Paris is globally renowned for its iconic landmarks, extensive art collections, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be more expensive. Bordeaux offers a more relaxed vibe, with a rich wine culture, and stunning architecture. It’s generally kinder to your wallet, and is home to one of the cheapest airports in France. Both cities have unique offerings, and your choice should align with your interests and financial plans.

Where is affordable in the South of France?

Nice is a fantastic and affordable destination in the South of France. While it’s known for its stunning waterfront and artistic history, travelers can find cheap flight deals to France landing at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. The city also offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations and free or low-cost attractions.

What are some of the cheapest French airlines?

Looking for cheap flights to France from the USA? Good news! Several French airlines offer great prices and quality service. Here are some to check out:

1. Air France: Keep an eye out for their sales and special deals on international flights.
2. Transavia: Great for budget-friendly options and regular deals.
3. French bee: Offers cheaper long-haul flights, so you can travel far for less.
4. Corsair International: Look for their discounted rates on certain routes, especially to French territories.

Where is the best place to fly to France?

The “best” place to fly into France largely depends on your travel plans, budget, and the region you intend to visit. However, here are some of the major airports in France that are popular entry points for international travelers:

1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris: This is the largest and busiest airport in France and the second busiest in Europe. It serves as a major hub for international flights and offers numerous connections to other parts of France and Europe. If Paris is your primary destination or you’re planning to explore multiple regions in France, flying into CDG might be the most convenient.
2. Orly Airport (ORY) in Paris: Slightly smaller than CDG, Orly is another major gateway to Paris and is closer to the city center. It handles both domestic and international flights.
3. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) in Nice: If you’re heading to the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), this airport is the primary gateway. It’s perfect for those planning to visit Monaco, Cannes, and other towns along the Mediterranean coast.
4. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) in Lyon: Ideal for those wanting to explore the Rhône-Alpes region, including the French Alps.
5. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) in Marseille: This is the main airport for Provence and the Western Mediterranean coast.
6. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) in Toulouse: A good choice for those heading to the Midi-Pyrénées region or planning to explore the Pyrenees mountains.
7. Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) in Bordeaux: For wine enthusiasts and those exploring the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is a great entry point.
8. Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) in Nantes: Useful for those visiting the western part of France, including Brittany.

Where is the cheapest place to fly into Paris?

When flying into Paris, there are two primary airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). Between the two, the cost of flights can vary based on several factors, including the airline, time of year, and your departure location. Here’s a brief overview of both airports:

1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Located in Roissy, about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, CDG is the largest and busiest airport in France. It serves as a major international hub and is the primary airport for long-haul international flights to and from Paris. Many major airlines operate at CDG, which often means there’s a wider variety of flight options and potentially more competitive prices.
2. Orly Airport (ORY): Located about 13 kilometers south of Paris, Orly is smaller than CDG and handles both domestic and European flights, as well as some long-haul international routes. Some budget airlines operate out of Orly, which might offer cheaper flights, especially for intra-European travel.

Final Thoughts on the Cheapest Places to Fly in France

France awaits, offering experiences that don’t require deep pockets. Imagine exploring the calm beauty of Provence, basking in Nice’s sunshine, or wandering through Paris’s iconic landmarks. And the journey there? More accessible than you think with airlines that fly to France providing great deals.

Pondering your first stop in France? Let your passions lead you. Cultural lovers will adore cities like Marseille and Bordeaux, filled with art and history at surprisingly affordable prices. For a unique vibe away from throngs of tourists, Lyon and Nantes are perfect picks.

Traveling smart means making savvy choices. It involves using the cheapest airports in France, choosing budget-friendly times to fly, and planning your trip wisely. This way, you get to uncover all the French marvels without fretting about expenses.

Your adventure in France awaits, promising new discoveries at every turn. It’s a journey filled with culinary surprises, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments. So, gear up for your trip to France — it’s going to be a remarkable adventure!