There is nothing better than planning for a trip to France – there’s just so much to look forward to! Once you’ve decided on the destination, finding suitable accommodation is the next step, and usually this means checking out available hotels in the area. But wait a minute! Hotels are great, but could it be time to try something new?
As amazing accommodation can give your trip that little extra something, or even set the tone for the whole stay, you might want to consider alternatives to a hotel stay. Have a look at the list below to see if one of the options could be something for you on your next trip to France!
Staying in an apartment instead of a hotel room can make you feel less of a tourist. Start the day by going to the nearest boulangerie to get some fresh croissants, and pop by a café for your morning coffee. When you have your own kitchen at your disposal, you can also head to the local market or grocery store if you want to cook at the apartment. In other words, this is a great way to embrace the French way of life and feel more like a local!
One of the most popular sites to book an apartment is Airbnb. What’s great about Airbnb is that you can be in touch with the host and ask for tips of things to see and do in the area, and who knows the area better than a local! Another popular site where you can find apartments is Booking.com, and you might want to check out the French website Abritel, too.
Being invited to someone’s home is probably the best way to get insights into the French way of life. By living with a host during your stay in France, you get expert local tips and advice when it comes to exploring the destination, and maybe you can even practice your French language skills with your host!
If you think this could be something for you, Homestay.com is a platform connecting host families with travelers who are looking for a place to stay. There are options for both longer and shorter stays, plenty of destinations in all of France, and you can read about the hosts and check out the reviews in advance to find a great match.
And if you are on a tight budget and looking for a different travel experience, a working holiday might be something for you! The concept is great – help a French host family and enjoy free accommodation in return. The work can be anything from gardening to baby sitting and art projects. Workaway is an excellent place to start looking for a suitable project. With a big community and all kinds of projects and hosts in France, you will surely be inspired.
Can you think of anything more French than staying at a château? Didn’t think so!
Thankfully there are many castle owners in France opening their doors for guests. You can simply browse online to see if there are such castles at your destination, or get inspired by sites such as Bienvenue au Château. Through their network you can find beautiful castles, often also offering activities such as culinary experiences and wine tours. Dreamy and luxurious!
If you happen to be traveling to southwestern France, you might want to check out Château d’Arbérats. For the background story, read the MSFH article on the couple who bought the château to start a chambre d’hôtes here.
Are you ready to switch the hotel room for a tent and enjoy the French outdoors? Whether you are an experienced camper or have never tried camping before, staying at a campsite can feel like an adventure. You can sleep in a tent or in a caravan or campervan, and often there are chalets you can rent as well. A stay without the obvious amenities can be extremely refreshing and relaxing, allowing you to fully focus on what the travel destination has to offer. On top of that, it’s easy to get in touch with other likeminded travelers at campsites who are as eager as you to explore the area. The owners of the campsites will give you their best tips, too.
If you are looking for a bit more comfort, glamping, or glamorous camping, could be your thing. In that case, see what kind of luxury tents, treehouses or cabins you can find at your destination. Some of the campsites even have waterparks, spas, and private beaches – there are lots of options that will make your stay in France feel totally unique! And you don’t necessarily need to limit yourself to summers only, as many campsites are open all year round.
Get inspired by checking out websites such as CampingFrance.com and CampsitesFrance.net, and you’ll be amazed when you see all the options out there!
Are you dreaming of peace and quiet in the French countryside? Then a stay in a French farmhouse could be just perfect for you.
Staying in a farmhouse can be a fantastic way to disconnect and unwind while enjoying what the beautiful French countryside has to offer. If you want privacy and time to yourself, look into staying in a private gîte, a cottage. There are many different kinds of gîtes, so you can go charming and basic, modern and luxurious, or something in between.
If you, on the other hand, would like to get to know some locals while experiencing what life is like on a French farm, book a stay where the owners are at your disposal. Do some research and read reviews to find warm and welcoming hosts who are happy to include you and show you around on the farm. If you decide to stay with hosts, breakfast is often included, and sometimes you can even have lunch or dinner together with the owners. What a great way to try some local products and dishes, and practice your French while doing so!
To narrow down your search for the perfect stay, remember to use filters. On Booking.com, try the ‘Farm Stays’ filter. For a stay with hosts, find a dreamy farmhouse with welcoming hosts on Homestay.com. And for a more private stay, you can find plenty of gîtes on the French website Abritel.
Whether you got some new ideas for your next trip to France or whether you are going to look for a hotel after all (totally get it, hotels are great too!) – happy planning and bon voyage!