Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation in southern France is delightful, abundant and often expensive.
Hotels
Hotels have one to five stars; they run the gamut of the comfort spectrum, from simple pen-
sion to no-holds barred luxury. Pools are common in this sunny part of France but note that
few are heated, which means you'll only really be able to swim from April to October.
Most midrange and top-end hotels have air-con (which you'll only really need from June to
September).
Irrespective of price range, single rooms are rare (smaller doubles are often sold as
singles, but are more expensive than a real single). King-size beds are the exception rather
than the rule (and often made up of two single beds). Triples and quads, frequently avail-
able, have two double beds or a double and one/two singles.
Chambres d'Hôte
An increasingly modish way to sleep, eat and dream Provence is in a
chambre d'hôte
, the
French equivalent of a B&B. Many are on farms, wineries or a historic property and are
highly sought after. They are limited by law to six rooms and therefore tend to be more
convivial than hotels. Hosts are the cornerstone of the
chambre d'hôte
and their advice and
company is a major draw for visitors keen to engage with the locals.
A feast of a homemade breakfast is included in the price, and many serve a delicious
dinner around a shared table (known as
table d'hôte
) a few nights a week.
Self-Catering
Who hasn't dreamt of having his or her own century-old
mas
(traditional stone farmhouse)
in a cherry-tree orchard, a designer pad in Nice or a villa with a magnificent pool? Self-ca-
tering accommodation in Provence-Côte d'Azur is a great option, particularly for families
or those seeking to experience 'life as a local'. Amenities range from basic bathroom facil-
ities and simple kitchenette (with oven, hot plates and fridge) to superb bathrooms, fully
equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, TV, wi-fi, garden and pool. Linen
can be rented.
Tourist offices generally keep lists of local studios, apartments and villas to rent.
