JES

I'm wondering in my search for a B&B if I should aim for one with Tables d'hotes where they offer lunch or dinner.
It seems like such a nice thing to do to have a casual meal with the innkeepers. Does anyone have any comments on this? Do you recommend doing this versus going to a local restaurant or vice versa?
Thanks for any opinions!

JES

Also, I'm assuming you have to be staying at the hotel to participate in their dinner--is that true?

cigalechanta

Chambre d'hote is not a hotel.
It's a B&B that offers dinner.
We will be staying in one for instance, in Albi. We will dine with the family.

JES

That's what I meant

Have you stayed at one before--is that why you're choosing to go this route? I'd love to hear details about it.

cigalechanta

It's something we like to do in the deep countryside, especially at ferme-auberges. You are in the boomdocks, lights are not bright to find your way back. But we like meting our hosts.

JES

Pardon my ignorance but what is ferme-auberges? Is that the name for a B&B with tables d'hotes? I have never been to Provence so this is all new to me.

If it's my first time in Provence, I only have a couple of days, and I'm staying in Luberon would you recommend this?

If so, are there any charming but inexpensive ones you can recommend?

Thank you!

cigalechanta

Most are less expensive. Ferme means farm.

DeborahAnn

JES, I will say that the one and only table d'hotes we stayed at was not in Provence but in Senlis . It was one of the most memorable stays we have had in our travels.

The meal was simple fare but the animated conversation, a bit difficult because my husband spoke very little French, with our hosts made it seem like the finest of cuisine.

Our host was a breast cancer survivor who during her chemo treatments created beautiful room miniatures to pass the time. We spent the evening admiring her wonderful creations and talking about our various travel experiences. Even though we were there only one evening it is something that will always remain a priceless memory.

I think it helps to have an extrovert personality when you are at a table d'hotes because interaction is definitely a requirement. I do look forward to doing it again and would recommend this type of stay to any "outgoing" persons. Deborah

JES

Thank you Deborah--that was a great answer and makes me want to do try it. I love meeting new people and it sounds so great and intimate but I didn't know if we'd feel the need after sharing breakfast.
I like simple fare--as long as it's good. I guess that was my only other thought--what if the owners are not good cooks

cigalechanta

I doubt that would be a problem, they couldn't stay in business. I had the best cassolet in a ferme-auberge in the SW. If you are an American a picky eater than it's not for you.

DeborahAnn

JES, our meal was dinner after our arrival that afternoon, breakfast came the next morning By that time it was like breakfasting with family. Deborah

JES

I'm not a picky eater--I'm not sure what being American matters in that regard? There's little I won't eat (lamb's brain in Morocco, Guinee Pig in Peru--which I'm actually still sorry about) but I cook a lot and I'm picky about it tasting good. If you're saying you can't choose what you eat, I like that idea--as if you're invited to someone's home for dinner.

Thanks Deborah--you have been most helpful

cigalechanta

Yes, you don't choose what to eat is what I mean. We've stayed at two goat farms, one cereal farm and one general farm , meaning lots of different animals. I love the ones where I can interact with the animals. You can't at all. I guess I wasn't much help to you. Sorry.

JES

wow cigal, that sounds great. I would love that.

DeborahAnn

cigalechanta, a ferme auberge does sound like a pleasure to me.

I think to stay most places in the US that offer getting to hang around with farm animals carries a premium price tag. Must be all the insurance they have to carry

One of the fun things about travel in France, there certainly is alot of variety. Deborah