Summary
The chambres d’hotes or bed and breakfast market in France is booming. All over France, from large cities like Bordeaux and Marseille, small towns like Arras and Antibes to the rural depths of the Auvergne, homeowners have transformed their properties into charming bed and breakfast businesses.
This trend is advantageous for property owners and offers travelers an opportunity to experience something unique, enjoyable, and valuable. In recent years, traditional hotels in France have faced significant challenges.
With stricter government regulations, bypassing motorways diverting traffic away from small towns, and affordable package holidays luring people outside of Europe, many small hotels have struggled to stay afloat. Consequently, charming little hotels may now be reverting back to private residences or apartments.
What You Can Expect
- A genuinely friendly welcome
- Assistance with planning your sightseeing from a local expert
- Breakfast included in the price
- A glimpse into French family life
- Respect for your privacy
- A maximum of five guest bedrooms
- An ensuite bathroom of a high standard
In many bed and breakfasts, you’ll discover an array of books in multiple languages, games to pass the time, and valuable information on local tourist attractions. The hosts are often well-informed about their regions, providing up-to-date and honest recommendations on where to explore. Moreover, activities such as boating, canoeing, tennis, or boules may be available for guests.
For travelers in remote areas, hosts may offer pickup services from the nearest station or town for convenience.
What Not to Expect
- You may encounter a family-oriented atmosphere that is not as pristine (or anonymous) as a hotel
- There might not be a lock on your bedroom door
- You may not have a dedicated table for meals
- A bar for drinks may not be accessible
- Access to the house during the day may be limited
Eating at Your Bed and Breakfast
All accommodations usually provide a quality continental breakfast included in the room rate, often featuring homemade jams and freshly baked bread.
Additionally, some establishments may offer evening meals by prior arrangement, which are typically good value and inclusive of wine and at least a three-course meal. Often, the vegetables are sourced directly from the garden, ensuring maximum freshness. Average costs are around 25 euros per person, proving to be more economical than dining in a restaurant.
Choose Your Style
With numerous bed and breakfast options available, the variety of houses and rooms is vast. You can find everything from rustic stone farmhouses in Provence to stylish townhouses and converted barns. While most owners live on the premises, some chambres d’hotes include simple kitchens for guests to prepare their own meals.
What You Pay
Prices can vary significantly. While the average cost for a room and breakfast for two people ranges from 60 euros to 100 euros, some premium options, such as castles or exquisite farmhouses in the Luberon, can exceed 200 euros per night. Nonetheless, these prices reflect the quality and service provided.
Find Your Bed and Breakfast
Alastair Sawday
Numerous publishers release annual guides to bed and breakfasts. One of the most reputable is published by Alastair Sawday, who has specialized in unconventional accommodations across Europe for decades.
Local Tourist Office
Travelers exploring France who have not made advance reservations should visit the local tourist office, where a list of regional bed and breakfast options will be available alongside hotels and gîtes.
Gites de France
Established over 58 years ago, Gites de France is the largest guest network in Europe, offering holiday cottages for weekend or longer stays. They represent over 10,000 bed and breakfast properties across France, making it easy to find charming accommodations in desired locations. Their goals are focused on:
- Promoting comfortable and friendly holiday stays
- Meeting vacationers’ requests for authentic holidays in tranquil settings
- Helping to preserve the French countryside and its cultural heritage
- Supporting local development and stability through tourism
Other Publications
Figaro Magazine and other publications produce annual guides that highlight the best bed and breakfasts; these guides are often more current than traditional guidebooks.
What About the Owners?
Some bed and breakfasts operate as businesses, while others are run by owners who genuinely enjoy meeting new people. For numerous hosts, this endeavor allows them to reside in a desirable home or signifies a shift towards simpler living after retiring from the fast-paced city life.
Moreover, many bed and breakfasts prioritize eco-friendly practices, striving to minimize their environmental impact while sourcing food from local producers.
Rating Systems
No standardized government rating system exists. Instead, each region may have its own rating system. Many utilize ‘ears of corn’ as a symbol, where a greater number indicates a higher rating (with four being the best).
Arrivals and Departures
As most bed and breakfasts are often family homes, there may not be a formal reception desk. Guests are typically welcomed by their host upon arrival (usually after 4 p.m.). In case of delays, it’s considerate to notify them, particularly if you have scheduled dinner.
Payment
If you arrange accommodation in advance, payment procedures may differ based on the system you chose.
Typically, if you are settling the bill directly upon departure, expect that credit card transactions may be uncommon. Paying with Euro traveler’s checks is possible, yet foreign checks are often not accepted due to high banking fees. In most towns across France, ATMs that accept Visa and MasterCard are available.
Additionally, be prepared for the inclusion of a local taxe de sejour on your bill, which is relatively small, ranging from 0.52 to 2 euros per person.
Tipping
Generally, owners do not anticipate receiving tips. However, if you enjoyed your stay, a small gift is always appreciated. If you become a regular visitor, bringing a token from your home country is a thoughtful gesture.
