INTRODUCTION - France 2014 - page 37

confusion,Ihaven'tlistedthesestarsforCHs.VirtuallyallofmyrecommendedCHshave
private in-room bathrooms, and some have common rooms with refrigerators. Doubles
with breakfast generally cost €60-80 (€100-120 for the fancy ones).
Tables d'hôte are CHs that offer an optional, reasonably priced home-cooked dinner;
the meals are almost always worth springing for, and they must be requested in advance.
Hostels
You'llpayabout€22perbedtostayatahostel (aubergedejeunesse) .Travelersofanyage
are welcome if they don't mind dorm-style accommodations (usually in rooms of four to
eightbeds)andmeetingothertravelers.Cheapmealsaresometimesoffered,andmosthos-
tels offer kitchen facilities, guest computers, Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry. Nowadays,
concerned about bedbugs, hostels are likely to provide all bedding, including sheets. Fam-
ily and private rooms may be available on request.
Independent hostels tend to be easygoing, colorful, and informal (no membership
required); hostelworld.com is the standard way backpackers search and book hostels these
days, but also try www.hostelz.com , www.hostels.com , and www.hostelbookers.com .
Official hostels are part ofHostelling International (HI)and share an online booking
site ( www.hihostels.com ) . HI hostels typically require that you either have a membership
card or pay extra per night.
Camping
In Europe, camping is more of a social than an environmental experience. It's a great way
for American travelers to make European friends. Camping averages about €20 per camp-
site per night (though most municipal sites cost less), and almost every destination recom-
mendedinthisbookhasacampgroundwithinareasonablewalkorbusridefromthetown
center and train station. A tent, pillow, and sleeping bag are all you need. Many camp-
groundshave small grocery stores and washing machines, and some even come with cafés
and miniature golf. French TIs have camping information. You'll find more detailed in-
formation in the annually updated Michelin Camping France, available in the US and at
most French bookstores.
Gîtes , Apartments, and Hotel Barges
Whether you're in a city or the countryside, renting an apartment, house, or villa can be a
fun and cost-effective way to delve into Europe. Throughout France, you can find reason-
ably priced rental homes that are ideal for families and small groups wanting to explore a
region more closely.