French Hotel Classifications & Room Sizes
France's official Atout France agency rates hotels from 1★ to 5★ based on strict objective criteria (elevator required from 4 floors, AC in 4★/5★, minimum room square meters), with an ultra-elite 'Distinction Palace' above 5★ (e.g., Le Bristol, Ritz Paris, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc). Historic Parisian buildings have compact rooms (14–18 m² is standard for a Classic Double); always check whether the building has an 'ascenseur' (elevator) and 'climatisation' (air conditioning) for July/August stays.
Chambres d'Hôtes, Gîtes & Taxe de Séjour
In Provence, Normandy, Alsace, and the Loire Valley, stay in 'Chambres d'Hôtes' (owner-hosted B&Bs capped at 5 rooms, always including homemade breakfast and often 'table d'hôtes' family dinners) or weekly self-catering 'Gîtes de France'. All guests aged 18+ pay a municipal 'Taxe de Séjour' (€1.50–€11.00 per person per night depending on star rating) upon check-out.
Key Takeaways & Local Tips
- Verify schedules and book high-speed train tickets directly on SNCF Connect or the Bonjour RATP app.
- Save our offline French Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards on your phone before boarding your flight.
- Always greet staff with 'Bonjour' before asking a question in English or French.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: