Fabulous/Inexpensive B and B's in France
 

Am just starting to plan my itinerary for a 2-3 week France trip with 2 girlfriends. Looking for some great B and B's that had nice rooms with a good breakfast that won't
break the bank and are near sightseeing spots. Deciding what to see in France is easy as we have never been and want to see everything, but finding good lodging is the difficult part

But where in France do you want to be and what defines inexpensive to you?

Yes I know this is a very vague question but we like to find really good places to stay and then work the itinerary around them by using the B and B's as home bases for day trips to the sights in the area...usually like to stay in places that have popular sights to see--will be renting a car and driving through much of the country--of course Paris, Bordeaux, D Day beaches, Lyon, Versailles, Cannes, Nice, there will be 3 of us sharing a room so hoping for less than 50 Euros each per night--just hoping some people will remember nice places they stayed

It's a bit of an odd way to cobble together an itinerary, and yet it's the kind of odd approach that I can actually relate to. I might suggest drawing three circle ("regions") on a map of France and then focus on places in those regions - - with only "2-3 week(s)" for such a trip.

I think you will find many such places to choose from, and doing the looking yourself will yield as many good answers (because you know what looks nice to you) as asking here. Search "chambres d'hote france" (or more specific region) on yahoo/google/etc and you will find plenty. Especially on gites-de-france.com

So, having said all that, here are two specific selections...

...the first, from simply looking for something that seems to meet your criteria (I know nothing about the place personally - - just that it looks like a good match for what you are seeking):

http://www.bed-breakfast-france.co.u...cott/Scott.htm

...and second... here is one I chose by almost exactly the method I propose to you. I am staying there later this month, so I will be able to provide a first hand review upon my return. It's just slightly above your target budget range. Also not in one of the target areas that you list.

http://www.l-oree-du-bois.fr

I found it on gites-de-france.com

Best wishes,

Rex

A wonderful resource to consult is a book entitled Michelin: 1000 Charming Hotels and Guesthouses; 2007 France edition. It may be exactly what you are looking for. I have stayed at some of the places listed throughout France and found they were delightful. Drop me a line if you need more information

try
www.logis-de-france.fr/uk/index.htm

ttt

Thank you thank you--this info was very helpful and I will start to look in the 3 main areas that we want to be in for the trip!!! If anyone knows of any specific B and B's that they have actually stayed in and can vouch for as wonderful please feel free to post the names so I can add them to my list

What are the three main areas?

La Baume in the Cevennes, near Florac.

But how does that help you?

In Bayeux - Les Remparts - www.lecornu.fr

Quiet, immaculate, charming B&B, ruj by a young couple, close to the city center with free parking.

In Chenonceaux - la Rosarie www.charmingroseraie.com
Adorable, quaint small hotel with the most fabulous hosts ever - Laurent and Sophie - walking distance to the famous and lovely Chateau Chenonceau in the Loire Valley. Nice restaurant, too...don't miss this one!

I would call Les Remparts B&B in Bayeux inexpensive, but hardly fabulous. Convenient, clean, and overall a very good value, but the place itself is a faded and eclectic old building built into the ramparts of the city. The rooms are fussy and old-fashioned, painted beams, wallpaper, bed with canopy, an odd assortment of towels.
The host was polite, but distant, and we barely saw him during our 2 day stay. He does also run a family ciderie, and the B&B has a store and a cellar in the place. Good value, but not a place to build an itinerary around, IMO. I do like the town, and would recommend the B&B for its value - at 52 euros/double, you can't go wrong.

On the other hand, the Cour St. Catherine, in Honfleur, run by the Giaglis, is fabulous. It's received many glowing reports on Fodors, and they are definitely deserved. It is a delightful and relaxing place, and the Giaglis are classy and gracious hosts. Great for a base for several days, and Honfleur is a wonderful town to stay in.

Paule

I stayed at this farmhouse in September 2005. It was a lovely, working 17th century famrhouse, run by a delightful couple:

http://gitefillatre.free.fr/

It is located outside the town of Mortain, about 45 minutes east of Mont. St. Michel.

Drop me a line if you need more information..

WOW, what fantastic B and B's you are all recommending...went to each web site and am amazed at the prices and the accomodations!! Keep them coming!!

In Burgundy, we loved http://www.lemonestier.com/english/default_e.html

Great hosts, nice breakfast, off the beaten path.

I'd recommend having them prepare dinner one night, it was excellent. Also, recommended some very nice little restaurants in the area.

in Loire valley www.chateau-tertres.com