Best Chambres d'hôtes en France 33 Boutique hotels

What to Expect from Chambres d’Hôtes in France

The definition of a chambres d’hôtes has expanded considerably in recent years. Typically, these B&Bs comprise guest bedrooms within the host’s home or adjoining structures. Farm buildings may have been renovated, old family properties restored, or individual rooms built in leafy gardens. In any case, visitors can expect a small number of bedrooms — generally between three and six — each individually decorated to reflect the owner’s personal taste or the history of the house. Design buffs will appreciate unique styling, original art and stacks of characterful charm.

Shared spaces tend to include a sitting room, dining room and terrace, as well as — in more rural homes — a verdant garden for little ones to race around. An increasing number of chambres d’hôtes offer swimming pools, too. Some might have tennis courts, walking trails or bicycles to borrow.

Part of the appeal of France’s chambres d’hôtes is the local recommendations from friendly hosts. Insights into hidden rambling routes, the area’s top village markets, or delicious nearby eateries make a holiday all the more memorable.

Dining is often another highlight. Breakfasts freature homemade or locally produced jam, cheese, cured meat and bread, served in the dining room or on a shaded terrace. Seasonal fresh fruit is usually superb, and cooked breakfasts are a real treat. Particularly special are the tables d’hôtes dinners offered at some beautiful properties. This is rarely the case in British B&Bs, by contrast, yet forms a memorable part of the French or wider European chambres d’hôtes experience. Many hosts will be delighted to welcome you to join them for hearty dinners of regional specialities, often using locally sourced ingredients. Generally booked in advance at an extra charge, this is a rare chance to share stories with hosts and fellow guests over food and wine in a striking setting.

Popular Chambres d’Hôtes in France

• Our favourite chambres d’hôtes in Normandy include Les Tilleuls Etretat, an imposing 18th century manor on the English Channel, as well as pretty half-timbered La Chaumière with sea-view rooms and an indoor pool in Honfleur. Further inland, Les Rochers offers design-led interiors and bold modern art pieces.
• Visitors to Sainte-Marine in Brittany will adore the beautiful 1913-built Villa Tri Men with its green shutters and Odet River views. 
• Close to the Spanish border, tastefully decorated Chambre d’Hôtes Etchebri oozes Basque Country charm.
• We’re big fans of Les Grands Chênes in the magical Périgord Noir. Think minimalist interiors, glass walls facing the forest, and a pool for long soaks after rambles to medieval towns and the legendary Lascaux Caves. 
• Tomette Singulière is another country hideaway, this time fusing old and new elements to host rejuvenating yoga retreats north of Lyon.
• Provence is sure to delight. Domaine de la Xavolière offers understated rooms with terracotta-tiled floors, and earthy-toned textiles just 10km from Grasse. South of Avignon, warm hosts welcome guests to the light-filled Le Mas des Fées. The 15th-century cloisters of Les Maisons de l’Hôtel Particulier, not far from Arles, have been transformed into ten gorgeous rooms with curved archways, a stone-lined swimming pool, soothing spa and tranquil gardens.
• Further west, immerse yourself in lovely Béziers’ history at 19th-century La Villa Guy & Spa, where grand guest rooms boast garden-facing balconies. North of the city, white-painted Château Autignac has striking contemporary interiors, a refreshing pool and an exceptional wine tasting room.
• Beautiful rustic escapes don’t get much better than Bergerie du Prunelli in Corsica. Rooms feature exposed stone walls, and guests are invited to feast on cheese and charcuterie boards of regional produce, as well as mouth-watering country cooking.