Our selection of charming guest houses in France
To end the summer in style or to escape at the beginning of the school year, discover our selection of the most beautiful guest houses in France.
1) It looks like the South: Le Mas de Rique
A stone's throw from the Beaux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy or Arles, Le Mas de Rique is the promise of a dream getaway in the heart of the superb protected forest of the Alpilles. The charm of this bed and breakfast lies in its environment: nature is waiting for you wherever you look and the scent of jasmine accompanies your day. Settle down in the shade of the trees and let yourself be lulled by the song of the cicadas before diving into the pool. And with only two rooms reserved for guests, the hosts have taken the gamble of absolute tranquility and comfort. The delicious breakfast is served under the lime tree (or in bed, you've earned it).
Booking : From 125 euros (breakfast, 30 euros for two people)
Mas de Rique, Chemin du Mas du Juge, 13103 Saint Etienne du Grès.
masderique.com
2) A stone's throw from Paris: Maison Plûme
Treat yourself to a gentle interlude less than two hours from the capital, in the village of Villequier, where this superb Norman house has been lovingly renovated by Jeanne and Simon. The duo offers a simple but very elegant decoration to its five rooms on the banks of the Seine with their soft colours, their bouquets of flowers and their vintage furniture. We admit to having a small preference for the Brume room which seems to be suspended on the river. As a little bonus, you can even select the "detox" option: you will only receive the key to your room in exchange for your phone or tablet - enough to forget everything.
Booking: From 149 euros, breakfast included.
La Maison Plûme, 1 rue Ernest-Binet, Villequier, 76490 Rives-en-Seine.
lamaisonplume.com
3) City break: Les chambres d'Aimée
Ah Carcassonne! Its ramparts, its majestic city... and its hordes of tourists. But Carcassonne is also the Bastide Saint-Louis or "lower town" and the charm of its small winding streets and its ochre tiled roofs. In the heart of the Bastide, you will discover the Chambres d'Aimée, a magnificent 19th century residence that has been carefully restored by its owners. Five luminous rooms overlooking a beautiful city garden where the wisteria provides a green setting for the arbour and the infinity pool. A small paradise only ten minutes from the medieval city.
Booking : From 90 euros, including breakfast.
les chambres d'Aimée, 60 rue Aimée Ramond, 11000 Carcassonne.
leschambresdaime.com
4) To turn the page: La forge de Montolieu
Do you know Montolieu? This village of books and arts at the foot of the Montagne Noire in Languedoc-Roussillon is a paradise for literature lovers. Montolieu, it's 800 inhabitants, beautiful houses on the cliffside... nearly 17 bookshops! To discover all these marvels, we chose to put our suitcases a few minutes from the village in the incredible Forge de Montolieu. This former industrial site nestled in the heart of 16 hectares is the crazy project of Charles and Laure Cowen, two enthusiasts who have lovingly restored the main building and the park. Sit under the huge Douglas fir by the river, walk by the waterfalls or discover the chef's inventive cuisine. An ideal setting for devouring dozens of books you've unearthed in the village.
I reserve : Rooms, gîtes and Glamping, From 80 euros, breakfast included.
La Forge de Montolieu, 676 La Forge, 11170 Montolieu.
forgedemontolieu.com
5) For gourmets: PieuX, Chambres de circonstance
Alexandre Gauthier, the chef of the famous Grenouillère, which he took over in 2013, continues to pay tribute to his village of Montreuil-sur-Mer with his bed and breakfast, PieuX. his dream? To make the village a destination - he is also responsible for the bistro l'Anecdote and the rotisserie Froggy's Tavern. And the challenge has already been met, as this new bed and breakfast keeps its promises: the former garage renovated by the architect Julie de Charentenay offers four rooms with a refined decoration around a luminous winter garden. We love the "Traversin" with its mustard tones and its bench where it is good to relax after having dined in one of the chef's restaurants.
Booking: From 140 euros, including breakfast.
PieuX, 1 Rue des Étuves, 62170 Montreuil-sur-Mer
pieux.ellohaweb.com
6) For those who like to decorate: Le 35 mai
Nestled in the heart of the village of Vans, in the southern Ardèche, this house is the second project of Muriel and Eric, the owners of Les Blanches de Payzac. Here, the couple has brought a 19th century house back to life with 1950s and 1960s accents, Moroccan touches and beautiful original cement tiles. The five rooms (M, A, I, 3 and 5) offer views of the old Carnet de Vans or the village rooftops, and each has been carefully decorated in a unique style. Room 5, with its pastel shades and nostalgic canvas paintings, is a particular favourite. The little extra? A superb 15-metre swimming corridor, nestled between the trees in the garden, which will delight swimmers (and Instagram fans.)
Booking: From 145 euros, including breakfast.
Le 35 mai, 15 rue des Bourgades, 07140 Les Vans.
le35mai.com
