|
Visiting a town or city is a wonderful experience at any time of year and can be made even more memorable by staying in a B&B. This alternative choice of accommodation offers a more authentic experience, enabling you to get a closer look at a city and its proud inhabitants who appreciate the art of welcoming guests to their homes.
This option offers the benefit of a cosy and friendly atmosphere as well as the opportunity to pick up some useful tips (the best places to shop, eat and buy local arts and crafts) and to immerse oneself into the life of a district. An added benefit is that all this often comes at a reasonable price. Urban B&B's - a city break with a difference!
In Paris
A network of Parisians "passionate about their capital city"
The HQP (Hôtes Qualité Paris or Paris Quality Hosts) label brings together a group of incoming tourism professionals working in partnership with the City of Paris and operating according to a strict charter.
Its members include Meeting The French (local residents who offer tours that provide a unique insight into the city) and Les Parisiens Associés (who reveal their best-kept secrets such as chic addresses, "in" restaurants, the local cultural scene, fun sports events etc) and Parisian members of international bed & breakfast networks such as Fleurs de Soleil and Bed and Break. Rates vary between 60 and 150€, depending on the level of comfort, with options for single travellers, couples and families available.
The Association of Parisian Bed & Breakfast Properties (FPPCH)
www.chambre-ville.com
&
www.authenticbandbparis.com
A quality charter encompasses four separate booking centres covering around 400 of the most authentic bed & breakfast properties. The group has also established an internal label for 150 eco-responsible urban B&Bs. Please call for further information on these.
Contact: 0033 144 06 96 71
Le Jardin Secret, in Noisy-le-Grand (to the east of Paris)
A fine example of a prestigious house with a garden in verdant surroundings in Noisy-le-Grand, very close to the centre of Paris and just 20min by RER train (line A) from Disneyland. English and German spoken.
Bonne nuit chez les Marchand, in the Marais district
This quiet apartment in the heart of the lively Marais is the perfect illustration of old-style charm. Good conversation is also guaranteed with the owners, a Parisian couple who are happy to wax lyrical about beekeeping and the local heritage of the Périgord region!
Villa Paris: 4 luxurious guestrooms
Refinement and a designer feel come together inside the red brick walls of this 1900s-style villa nestled in an elegant district near the Parc Montsouris. The decor of the 4 guestrooms shows the influence of an architect-designer, a painter and a ceramicist.
A contemporary apartment in Montparnasse
What the building it occupies lacks in historical interest is more than compensated by the owners' passion for art.
In Lyon
A network of bed & breakfast properties in the heart of Lyon, a UNESCO-listed city
Discover Lyon's historical heritage, the traditions of its unique way of life and the culinary expertise for which the city is famous through its inhabitants, who are much friendlier than their reputation would suggest. A unique way of getting to know the city's "traboules" (arcaded passageways, steep alleyways etc) and converted lofts nowadays occupying the former workshops of "canuts" (silkworkers) where silk was once woven.
A barge on the left bank of the Rhône
Top-quality service, designer decor and organic breakfast products are the main attractions of this "floating house" moored near the Pont Morand, which leads directly to the heart of the town (the Presqu'île).
Staying in La Croix-Rousse
Attractively situated guestrooms in an 18th century residence on the side of a hill in an historic district that is so typical of the city.
In Bordeaux
"Une chambre en ville"
Refined yet cosy bedrooms in the heart of a UNESCO-listed city which is a standard bearer of French elegance.
In Marseille
Les Amis de Marseille
An attractive property with a panoramic terrace superbly situated in the centre of the city just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Vieux Port etc.
Villa Etoile
This 19C house with a garden and swimming pool is perched on the Corniche close to some of Marseille's most famous beaches (Les Catalans and Le Prophète) and several typical small harbours (Vallon des Auffes).
In Strasbourg
The Demeure Saint-Florent
Situated along a tram line and close to the TGV railway station, this 1930s-style house is particularly attractive. As is the case in most B&Bs, the property is non-smoking and pets are not allowed.
In Toulouse
Les Loges de Saint-Sernin
This elegant building boasting 4 bedrooms is close to the key sites in the "Ville Rose" such as the Capitole and Saint-Sernin basilica. Highly refined decor and a very friendly welcome are the hallmarks of this bed & breakfast property.
The Maison Anjali
This renovated property occupying a typical renovated Toulouse-style townhouse with disabled access is just a 15-minute walk from the Capitole. Four large and contemporary bedrooms with a very cosy atmosphere, plus an attractive tree-shaded garden.
A few additional properties
Les Clés d'or
This network is made up of a number of superb "residences" (hotels and bed & breakfast properties), some of which are located in towns and cities.
Samedi midi
The website of a specialist publisher who selects the best bed and breakfasts in towns and cities.
Likhom
A respected bed & breakfast network
Gîtes de France
This trailblazer and major player in the bed & breakfast sector has a huge choice of properties on offer.
Something different - the apartment-hotel
Offering accommodation for a one- or two-night stay, a weekend or a week (but not for long-term lets), the apartment-hotel is an interesting alternative to the traditional hotel.
Guests can enjoy the benefit of a fully furnished apartment, often with a designer feel, created to provide a practical solution for all types of visitors to towns and cities.
In Paris
Apartment Paris
Paris Appart Hôtel
In every major city
Adagio-City & Citea (Pierre & Vacances group)
|