The picture perfect town that's a cheaper alternative to Paris this autumn - 'great shops'

When you think about Paris, France's capital of love, lights and arts, the sweet sound of the accordion from the movie 'Amelie' might start playing in your mind. But visiting the iconic French city isn't cheap.

According to a Luggagehero report, around 2.7 million Brits visited Paris last year, and for every person who had a fabulous time, there was someone who found it too expensive or too crowded.

According to the Numbeo Cost of Living calculator, Paris is around 20% more expensive than other French cities. It's also incredibly busy all year round-the 2.2 million-strong local population is dwarfed by 30 million tourists visiting from all over the world annually.

But fear not, Francophiles. There are plenty of cheaper and less crowded French regions. And there is one particular city, just an hour and a half flight from the UK, that is as beautiful as the French capital and has great food and shops, too.

It also home to major European institutions, boasts a great art scene, and like Paris, is divided up into distinct districts, all with their own special character and charm.

Strasbourg, just a few kilometres from the German border, is a very popular international destination, hosting major European political institutions and one of Europe's biggest Christmas markets.

Its majestic cathedral is the most visited in France, after Notre-Dame de Paris. A real symbol of the city, it was built in 1220 and remains one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. The Grande-île, where it is located, makes it the historic centre of Strasbourg.

The fully pedestrianised Cathedral district is unique for its cosy, narrow streets, most of which are lined with shops. Strasbourg Cathedral of course is a definite must-see and is the symbol of the city. Constructed of pink sandstone from the Vosges Mountains, it took nearly three centuries of work to complete this "gigantic and delicate marvel", as Victor Hugo called it.

After strolling around its narrow streets, treat yourself to a well-deserved sauerkraut (cabbage and sausages) and Alsatian beer break for a typical experience in the heart of the Alsace region.

Like Paris, shopping is very much part of this pretty city's culture. Starsbourg boasts large department stores like Galeries Lafayette, (again like Paris) to independent boutiques and a vibrant farmers market at La Nouvelle Douane. You can find major brands, specialty shops, and local produce in the city centre, with Kleber Square and Rue des Juifs being key shopping areas.

The city, like Paris with its famous arrondissments, is divided into districts. The city's center is walkable, allowing for a pleasant experience combining shopping with sightseeing in its historic squares and streets.

Emblematic of Strasbourg, the 'Petite France' district was the district of millers, tanners and fishermen. Its half-timbered houses, narrow streets and waterfront areas give it a romantic, intimate atmosphere and it is perhaps the most picturesque area of this diverse city.

By contast there is Neustadt. Also known as the German imperial district, Neustadt means "new city". It was built at the turn of the 20th century, after the Prussian annexation. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017, it boasts an outstanding architectural heritage

Then there is the European District, a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation and of the construction of Europe after WW2. It features some superb showpieces of contemporary architecture, including the famous European Parliament.

Food wise you will want to discover the famous winstubs which are traditional restaurants / wine bars serving Alsatian specialities. The area also boasts a number of very pleasant squares, such as Place du Château, featuring the Notre-Dame museum and Palais Rohan.

Strasbourg, being the capital of the Alsace region of France, is famous for its food and is a vibrant area for gastronomy in France with influences from both French and German culinary traditions. Key specialties include choucroute (sauerkraut with meats), fl, and Baeckeoffe, (a meat and potato casserole), often enjoyed at the traditional winstubs. The region also produces high-quality local wines and beers to accompany these dishes.

Airlines offering direct flights from the UK to Strasbourg include easyjet, British Airways, and Ryanair from London Gatwick and Manchester, from £26.99. considerably cheaper than the Eurostar to Paris! So what are you waiting for? Bon Voyage!