Chambres d'hôtes, your Bed & Breakfast option in France

Would you like to book a private room for your holidays in France? You have heard of “chambres d’hôtes” (Bed and Breakfast) but are wondering about the rules and legal obligations?

What is a “chambre d’hôte”?

A “chambre d’hôte” is a furnished room you will rent from a host, for one or several nights with breakfast and household linen included.

What is the difference between a “Chambre d’hôte” and a “Gîte de France”?

The “chambre d’hôte” has to be distinguish from the “Gîte de France”. In a “chambre d’hôte” you stay in the main residence of the renter. In the contrary, the “Gîte de France” is an independent touristic furnished rental, and it is not mandatory to furnish the breakfast and the household linen.

Good to know: labelling:

There is no official ranking for the “chambres d’hôtes” but it is possible to label the accommodation by private networks like “Gîte de France” or “Clé vacances”.

Rules and legal obligations of a “Chambre d’hôte”

  • A “chambre d’hôte” cannot have more than 5 rooms and receive more than 15 people.
  • The room must have a minimum surface area of 9m2 and at least 2m20 high ceilings.
  • The cleaning of the room must be made every day and without extra fees.
  • The host must receive you.
  • The “chambre d’hôte” must be declared at the town hall.​​​​​​​

Concerning the display of the price and the billing, the “chambres d’hôtes” are subjected to hotel regulation. Therefore, when you pay for your stay, the host must give you the bill with:

  • The date,
  • The business name and address,
  • The number of your room,
  • The duration of your rental,
  • Your name and address,
  • The price, taxes and service included in the furnished service,
  • The total amount due.

Good to know: “table d’hôtes"

The host can propose you meals during your stay. The name “table d’hôtes” can be used to describe this extra service. For that, a single menu should be proposed and preferably include local dishes. The meal must be taken at the family table in the company of the inhabitant.

Who to contact in case of a problem?

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