Fancy an all-inclusive 4 star break in Tunisia?
8 affordable B&Bs in France
How do French people really live? Satisfy your curiosity by staying at a Chambre d'hôtes (French bed & breakfast). Over a sumptuous breakfast, chat with your hosts (artists, farmers, or even princes and princesses) and find out the nooks and crannies of your destination, beyond the tourist guides. Or if you choose to stay at a table d'hotes, enjoy home-style French cooking for your evening meal.
by Anna Goldrein, with photography by Jon Martin
I have discovered 15th century farmhouses, grand châteaux, alpine chalets and smart townhouses, all offering excellent value for money and memorable stays. To find out more, dip into Alistair Sawday's French Bed & Breakfast Special Places to Stay (Alistair Sawday Publishing Co. Ltd - www.specialplacestostay.com, £15.99), Hunter Rivages' Maisons d'Hôtes de Charme en France (Editions Payot & Rivages, €21; French only) or useful tomes by the AA, such as Bed & Breakfast in France, (The Automobile Association, £11.99) and Thomas Cook Publishing's Selected Bed & Breakfast France (£11.99). For a wide choice of B&B accommodation in the capital, consult Paris Bed and Breakfast (Alcove & Agapes, 8 bis Rue Coysevox, 75018 Paris; Tel: 00 33 1 44 85 06 05; Fax: 00 33 1 44 85 06 14; info@paris-bedandbreakfast.com).
Le Char à Banc
Essentials: Farmhouse, convivial crêperie and antique shop set in a former mill, near the tiny village of Plelo, 20km from Saint Brieuc.
Story: The multi-talented Lamour family have created a haven of relaxation, indulgence and good taste. Choose from five rustic rooms; the Hatter's room, Musician's room, Clock room, Sewing room or Birds' room.
Suits: Gourmets, lovers of green spaces and kids (but, don't tell them those cute little piggies end up in the pot).
Eat and drink: Crêpes with homemade rhubarb jam for breakfast. At weekends (Saturday evening and Sunday lunch), tangy homebrewed cider, buckwheat savoury pancakes (galettes) or potée (pig stew with farm vegetables, simmered in a cauldron over a real fire). Finish with sweet pancakes.
On your doorstep: Farmyard animals, pedalo on the river in the grounds or take a ride on the Breton work horses.
Nearby: Sandy beaches of the Côtes d'Armor.
Cost: For one: €81; for two €89; for three €103; for four €109 (includes breakfast). Dinner around €10.
Contact: Lamour Family, Moulin de la Ville Geffroy, Plelo 22170 Chatelaudren, Côtes d'Armor.
Tel: 00 33 2 96 74 13 63
Fax: 00 33 2 96 74 13 03
Email: charabanc@wanadoo.fr
www.aucharabanc.com
Château de Mirvault
Essentials: Intimate château set in extensive grounds on the banks of the Mayenne River.
Story : The family of current owners, Brigitte and François d'Ambrieres, has owned this green land since 1573, accumulating the objets d'art, antiques and pictures that now decorate the spacious bedrooms, apartments and sitting room. Francois' family has owned the property since 1573.
Suits: Old-style romantics who will appreciate the Ambrieres' friendly but formal welcome.
Eat and drink: For breakfast, tuck into farm eggs, homemade jams, fresh croissants and local produce. According to the season, there are nuts, grapes and even farm-grown lemons.
On your doorstep: Once you have paid your board, all drinks included - bikes and even a boat are at your disposal. Explore the 40-hectare farmland and 10-hectare park. Prepare a picnic in the château kitchen then jump in a boat to a secluded spot. A former guest proposed marriage in the middle of the lake.
Nearby: Fantastical Museum of sculptor Robert Tatin with 6th-century stone house, King Louis XI's romantic little Château de Plessis-Bourre with drawbridge and sumptuous furniture (both at 20km); grandiose Château d'Anger (45km).
Cost: €76 for two; €23 supplement per person (breakfast included). If there is a third person, they can share the apartment (bathroom) with the couple already staying but have their own bedroom for a €23 supplement.
Contact: Brigitte and François d'Ambrieres, Aze, 53200 Château-Gontier, Mayenne department.
Tel/Fax: 00 33 2 43 07 10 82.
There is no dedicated website, but the château is on www.bienvenue-au-chateau.org.
Pavillon de la Maye
Essentials: When the luxurious Trianon Palace is full to bursting, the management send their clients to the Pavillon de la Maye, a smart townhouse in a quiet, residential street in chic Versailles.
Story: In 1998, Daniel-Etienne Hourdry, former general director of Maxim's, retired. By 2000, he and his wife had opened one of the smartest B&Bs in France with sweeping staircase, classically furnished salon and conservatory, well-tended garden and pristine antiques. All five bedrooms are spacious, with wooden flooring and marble bathrooms.
Suits: City slickers.
On your Doorstep: The Château and gardens of Versailles.
Nearby: Monet's home and gardens at Giverney, Chateau de Malmaison, former residence to Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Eat and drink: Breakfast comprises tea and coffee in a silver set, home-cooked Madeleine cakes and pear clafoutis with raspberry coulis, jams, croissant and brioche, cheese and fresh bread.
Cost: €168-€205 for two (breakfast included).
Contact: 16 avenue de la Maye, 78000 Versailles.
Tel: 00 33 1 39 23 21 00
Fax: 00 33 1 39 23 21 01
Email: pavillondelamaye@wanadoo.fr
www.pavillon-de-la-maye.com
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