Accommodations in France: Overview
The grand lobby of the Hotel George V in Paris (photo by the author).
France Hotel Rating System
Hotels in France are rated by the government on a one- to four-star system. One-star hotels are budget accommodations; two-star lodgings are quality tourist hotels; three stars are first-class hotels; and four stars are reserved for deluxe accommodations. In some of the lower categories, the rooms may not have private bathrooms, but a cabinet de toilette (a sink and maybe a bidet). In such hotels, toilets and showers are down the hall.
Hotels and Hotel Chains
France is a tourist mecca and therefore abounds in hotels of all types. In most major French cities you can find everything from upscale deluxe hotels to rock-bottom priced hostels. Specifics are available on our hotel guides for French cities.
With regard to hotel chains, one good moderately-priced choice is the French hotel giant Accor, which owns the Mercure and Formule 1 chains. Mercure hotels are simple, modern hotels offered throughout France. Even at the peak of the tourist season, a room at a Mercure in Paris can rent for as little as 65€ per night.
Formule 1 hotels are basic but safe, offering rooms for up to three people for around $30 per night. They resemble Motel 6 in the U.S., which Accor also owns. Built from prefabricated units, these air-conditioned, soundproof hotels are shipped to a site and assembled, often on the outskirts of cities like Paris. There are 150 of these throughout the rest of France. Formule 1's low cost makes it unprofitable for the chain to allow customers to reserve rooms from the United States, so you'll have to reserve upon arrival.
Relais & Châteaux
Now known worldwide, this organization of deluxe and first-class hostelries began in France for visitors seeking the ultimate in hotel living and dining in a traditional atmosphere. Relais & Châteaux establishments (there are about 150 in France) are former castles, abbeys, manor houses, and town houses converted into hostelries or inns and elegant hotels. All have a limited number of rooms, so reservations are imperative. Sometimes these owner-run establishments have pools and tennis courts. The Relais part of the organization refers to inns called relais, meaning "post house." These tend to be less luxurious than the châteaux, but are often charming.
Bed & Breakfasts (Gîtes)
Called gîtes-chambres d'hôte or simply gîtes, these may be one or several bedrooms on a farm or in a village home. Many offer one main meal a day (lunch or dinner). The best source for booking a gîte is Gîtes de France, which has over 55,000 properties in its database.
Condos, Villas, Houses & Apartments
If you can stay for at least a week and don't mind doing your own cooking and cleaning, you might want to rent a long-term accommodation. This option provides a feeling of a home-away-from home and saves money on dining out. Venere.com offers a variety of long-term accommodations in France.
