Where to stay?
Let's explore our accommodation options. One word upfront: We do not opine on hotels belong to one of the big chains - their standard is well known. Nor do we give recommendations (with few exceptions) on the ultra luxury lodgings - too expensive for our pockets, albeit they are probably worth it. We focus on three accommodation options: charming hotels and country inns, upscale B&Bs and self-catering vacation rentals.
Please keep in mind that you might need to book very early especially during European school vacations. But even during the shoulder season it is advisable to make a reservation well in advance.
Go straight ahead to our recommendations of hotels and B&Bs, click on the region which interests you. By the way, all our hotel and B&B recommendations have been checked as to location (quiet) and standards.
- Aix en Provence & Environs
- Arles, Alpilles & Camargue
- Avignon & Environs
- Côte d'Azur
- Drôme Provençale
- Haut Var and Gorges du Verdon
- Luberon & l'Isle sur la Sorgue
- Vaison & Pays du Ventoux
Another good accommodation choice if you stay a week or longer: rent a self-catering vacation home. How do you go about renting one? Check our tips here.
You can also read about the pros and cons of the various accommodation choices first:
Hotels
Searching for hotels in the Provence under a "Hideaway" concept will inevitably lead you to the smaller hotels and country inns in the villages and countryside, albeit there are some very nice and romantic hotels in the larger towns also. Unfortunately websites and hotel guides very often do not provide enough information to assure you that they are quiet, clean, friendly staff, charming and offer good value. We have selected a number of small hotels and country inns, which meet these criteria. Again - we go for quality not quantity.
Bed & Breakfast (B&B)
In Europe B&Bs are an appealing choice for many travelers, especially when traveling in the UK, Ireland and France. It's the best way to meet people, be it the hosts or fellow travelers. We admit, many years ago, it took us us some time to get used to the idea. Would we feel comfortable to "invade" someone's home? The reality is that most B&Bs - especially those in the medium to upper price range - are run pretty professionally. Owner's living quarters are normally separate from guests' quarters. Many of these B&Bs are in reality run like small hotels ..... but with that extra touch of personal service.
There is a wide range of B&Bs in France, from very simple to luxurious, equalling standards of a 3 - 4 star hotel. We highly recommend that you try this option, it's fun, entertaining, convenient and does not have to be expensive. With proper reservations in advance you can book a room at a B&B with swimming pool and including continental breakfast for as low as Euro 85 per night (double room with en suite bathroom for 2 persons). More simple B&Bs start at around Euro 65. These are prices in the Provence during summer time. Staying at luxurious B&Bs in choice areas can cost you Euro 150 or more per night. During the summer season most B&Bs ask for a minimum stay of 2 nights.
Do not hesitate to ask questions about the location (quiet?), the room (queen size or French type beds, ensuite bathroom?), breakfast hours should you need to depart early and if pets are accepted. Are there non-smoking rooms available? France is one of the last bastions for smokers. Question if the B&B has its own swimming pool (a good idea in July and August).
You might be asked if you would like to have a table d'hotes, i.e. dinner prepared for you by your hosts. We have had outstanding dining experiences at B&Bs, some of our hosts were professional cooks. Here is what is especially nice: Very often you will sit at the table with the B&B owners and have a great conversation.
Here is a little tip for you not to get upset: Many B&Bs do not provide fresh linens and towels on a daily basis, like a hotel. In fact your bed might not be made and towels might not be changed unless you ask for it. At the lower to medium price spectrum: don't ask for it, it is simply not done. Unless you stay for a week or more, of course.
Language issues: Most likely your hosts speak some English. Your efforts to speak some French will be rewarded, even if it is just a couple of words. If you are not shy, they won't be. The owners of the more expensive B&Bs almost always speak fluent English.
Vacation Rentals
A great idea. There is a good selection of vacation rental properties in the Provence. During summer vacations many property owners ask for a minimum of two weeks. Make your reservation as early as possible if you need to rent during July and August. You can contact a vacation rental agent or search for a property on the internet. There are excellent web portals, which normally lead you to the owner's website.
There is a classification of seasonal rentals according to decree dd. Jan.8, 1993. Theoretically these ratings should assure a quality product. We recommend not to rely on these ratings; many vacation property owners do not obtain these ratings, because of their rather mechanistic approach. The best way to assure you get a quality product is to ask detailed questions, obtain photos and look at the owner's or agent's property website. Especially for more expensive properties most owners or agent's have pretty good websites. Iron rule: If an owner is unwilling to give clear answers or beats around the bush, don't rent the property. It's your vacation and you want it to be quality time. Testimonials are good, but nothing beats word of mouth by people or a competent vacation rental agency.
For additional tips on renting a vacation home click here.
