Europe in the summer has been totally off limits for me in the past few years. Graduating from college left me without the limitations of a school schedule and cheaper winter fares always seemed like such a better economically sound decision in light of my pile of student loans I’m still paying off. However, summer in France has always been one of my favorite times in the country—and thinking of the long hot days, eating salt water taffy in Quiberon, shopping at the markets in the south of France has made me desperately want to return to France during the more expensive summer months. Luckily, fares to Europe are way down this summer, meaning you may just be able to fly to France during June, July or August without racking up credit card debt or feeling guilty about the outrageous airfare.

Air France (my preferred airline when flying between the U.S. and France) has some great summer specials right now with low fares all over Europe. In fact, with fares like Philadelphia to Nice for $334 or Boston to Marseille for $342, it may be hard to resist booking a trip to the beautiful, sunny shores of the French Mediterranean to bask in the glowing light and take in the sparkling azure waters.

If you aren’t sure which beach (or coastline) would best suit your needs for a French vacation, you can read up about the best beaches in France. If you are sure that the Mediterranean is calling you this summer, but aren’t sure which town you should head for you can also read more about the best beaches along the French Mediterranean.

While the south of France is certainly not known as a budget destination, there are ways to visit this part of the country without emptying your bank account. There are a few affordable hotels near Vieux Port in Marseille as well as some inexpensive hotels near La Croisette in Cannes. If you are going to super budget route, Nice is also home to several great hostels (including one of the best hostels in the world). With a great location on the Mediterranean and a good reputation, the best hostels in Nice offer up guests a great spot to sleep for not a whole lot of money.