klondike

So we could go to on vacation together as a family, we have changed our dates to the last 2 weeks in July. I know, the absolute worst time!

We have a gîte for a week near Béziers so are looking for a way-point stop or two each way from/to Parisas well as maybe an overnight stay in Collioure area since we really enjoyed that the last time. Adding that fourth person has strained the budget, so we are looking for ways to go as inexpensively as possible (we usually stay in 2** price range)

My husband and I usually travel in the off-season and prefer to "wing it" as we go, but realize that is not the smartest to do this time of year. But my attempts to secure one night only reservations have been met with "no room at the inn" responses. I'm not so sure that it isn't more "holding out" for those that are staying for a week or two (which I couldn't blame them for). In Collioure area, I can't find any option and in other areas, hotels that do have rooms are requiring demi-pension...so we aren't getting a budget break there.

Any secrets/tips to secure a one-night only room in the Dordogne/Languedoc areas? We are 4 adults, aren't averse to sharing a quad or doing a ferme visite/B & B. Some of us speak French and all would enjoy meeting "real" citizens. Are there other internet sites besides Gites de France to research? Thanks!

WillTravel

I do not know this area at all, but I went to the Accorhotels.com site, and entered Collioure, and got a number of hotels that are in the general area, and which seem willing to do a 1-night stay. If you have a car, maybe the precise location is not too important. You would likely have to pay for two rooms, but maybe the price is reasonable enough that this is acceptable.

Sherbrooke

Have a look at logis-de-france.com. Lots of small family-owned inns.

Christina

That is a heavy vacation time, so if you are trying very popular or cited places, it is possible they really do not have any rooms for your dates. In those type of areas (Provence, etc), I haven't had any problem booking 1-2 nights in places that are really hotels. I can see that you might have more trouble in B&Bs and places like that, where they want longer stays during their prime season. It is illegal in France to force someone to buy demi-pension, but I know that even though it is illegal (and I've read the law), there are places that try to do that.

kenderina

Yes, it is illegal (meaning they cannot force you) but they just ask..and book the people who say yes (the people who is going to leave them more money). Most of those places don't even open during the year so it seems logical they want to have some "extra" profit in the summer season. I would book hotels that work all year long, it will probably be cheaper than "seasonal" places.

mpprh

Hi

I think it is the B&B type of accommodation who are trying to get full weeks bookings at peak periods. Understandable since they can not afford to lose a one week booking in the peak period ?

However, for one night stops, there are many hotels in the area. Here is a list of some in the Languedoc part of the trip : http://www.the-languedoc-page.com/to...ndex-towns.htm

The Logis de France hotels are small, family run, and generally low cost.

Ibis & Etap are low cost. F1 is very low cost !

Peter

Christina

no, it isn't really that some places just "ask" if you want demi-pension and choose their tenants. Some French B&Bs (or small inns, whatever you call it) even say right on their website that demi-pension is "obligatoire". I've seen it in Provence.

Now that I think of it, it's been a while since I read that law, so possibly some very small B&Bs could be exempted and it might be for establishments of a certain size. Perhaps not, but whether it is illegal or not, you can't waste your time trying to argue with them or getting them to change their standards.