B & B in France or to give it its full name of Bed and Breakfast in France has become a major source of income for many families as well as companies. The original idea of B& B being literally a bed for the night with some breakfast to see you on your way provided by a local family as a way of earning a little ‘pin money’ has developed into an industry in its own right. French B & B establishments can range in size and price from a small house in a suburban street to a suite in a magnificent French chateau. Many owners of French B& B properties have formed associations to work together recommending and passing clients along the chain; this can be beneficial to both the customers and the owners of bed and breakfast in France. One excellent example of this that I know of personally is a group of seven French B & B s situated a days walk away from each other who cater for walkers staying for one night then providing transport for their luggage while the clients walk to the next nights lodging. In this manner larger numbers of guests can be catered for and the establishments are occupied each night. This system can be operated for any group of people wishing to stay in B & B in France just to provide lodging for the night so that they may continue their tour the next day. This could be any activity such as walking, mountain biking, cycling, sightseeing or of course for one of the many wine tours in France.
In France B&B is a very popular alternative to the traditional French hotels, an advantage for the proprietors is that generally the visitors depart after breakfast leaving the establishment empty which allows the owners or staff to prepare unhindered for the evenings next visitors whereas in a hotel in France the staff have to work at the convenience of the guests. This also helps to keep the costs down as the French B & B owner does not have to provide day-staff to look after clients as would be expected in hotels in France.
At the top end of the scale, many French B&B establishments are associated with or also offer top class restaurants so that one may dine on the finest French food accompanied by the finest French wines. The French as a nation are inordinately proud of their gastronomic abilities as well as the wide variety of wines, champagne, brandy and liqueurs produced.
Personally I love to stay in bed and breakfast in France on say a working farm eating breakfast with the family and absorbing some of the local culture and tradition or at least as much as my broken French will allow.
