We have had a fabulous week in France. We stayed at a friend’s apartment near Perpignan.
It would be super easy to eat out every night on holiday. I know many do. Not us though! We are on a budget and have been very frugal in France!
Frugal in France
Eating out
We had a delicious meal in a restaurant on our first evening. We had been up since 3 am and were exhausted. Even so, we had a good look at a few places before settling on one right on the seafront that came to just 16 Euros for three courses. It was perfect.
I had mackerel pate, moules frites (mussels and chips) and fruit salad. Mr S had marinated salmon, steak and chips and ice cream. It was delicious and such a bargain.
Most of the other restaurants were charging 19 or 20 Euros for a similar menu.
Eating in
The rest of the time, we bought easy to cook food from the supermarket. We had some delicious, almost restaurant quality fair of fresh fish, meat and vegetables.
Picnicking
One indulgence – we bought coffee out every day However, we took sandwiches, fruit from the market and drinks with us.
Excursions
We found loads to do, checking the internet and local tourist information centres for ideas.
Here is the pick of the crop of our week being frugal in France.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a stunning medieval fortified town. We walked the ramparts, wandered the narrow streets and peeked in the little shops. What a lovely place!
It was a good couple of hours drive each way. Mr S did a sterling job of getting us there and back. It was tiring but well worth the effort.
Collioure
Collioure is a pretty little coastal town just 20 minutes away from where we were staying. I think the photos speak for themselves.
There were so many different elements we didn’t know where to look first!
Céret
We had one day when it literally bucketed down all day. We chose to go to Céret as it houses a museum of modern art and several original Picasso artworks. A good place for a wet day.
I would have liked to have gone back in better weather but we ran out of time.
Elne
Just up the road, Elne has a beautiful little cathedral with some perfect flower filled cloisters. There were fab views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
It’s difficult to not be extravagant when you are on holiday but I think we did a decent job being frugal in France.
I managed to get by with my school girl French. It always makes me want to find time to learn the language properly. Maybe my next project…,
I’m linking up with this Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Frugal Friday’ linky.
Mo says
Photos are great; so glad you both had a lovely holiday xx
Julia says
What lovely pictures. So pleased you had a great time.
Hope you remembered to bring that fine weather back with you!
Alison Butler says
It does look lovely, and generally good weather. We love to be in France, and rarely eat out because, having a motorhome we can cook for ourselves every night. Unfortunately though over the last 3 years we have gone to the warmer weather of Spain (as we go away in the heart of the winter) so just driven straight through France. It is funny that you are inspired to expand your language skills as I always say that when I come back from France! (of course, I never do!) Maybe this should be a joint challenge?
Christina @ Bargainblog says
What gorgeous photos!! Hubs & I would love to venture to France someday…You did a wonderful job of having a memorable trip – without breaking the bank!
Becky says
OMG Carcassone – my daughter’s absolutely favourite board game and I didn’t know it was a place!!! #5frugalthings
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
I didn’t know it was a game!