Before you hit “book” and reserve your hotels for your upcoming trip, keep the following tips in mind in order to score the best rate possible. After all, you’ll sleep tighter when you save a few euros.

How to Save on Hotels in France

Ready to save? Check out the following advice to save on hotels in France. Note: If you’re only spending time in Paris, be sure to check out our guide to saving on hotels in Paris. You may also want to check out our larger Paris budget travel guide.

1. Your hotel budget goes much further outside Paris.

First-time travelers to Paris often gasp when they first walk into their hotel room. “That’s it?” they stutter, as the door hits the side of the bed.

Yes, for the most part, affordable hotels in Paris have very small rooms, when compared to rooms that you’ll find in smaller towns in France or even in other European capitals (the average hotel room in Berlin, for example, is much larger than in Paris).

To top it all off, that tiny room in Paris can be quite expensive. It could cost you €175 … or more … and that would still be a good deal for Paris.

Fortunately, as you head outside the major French cities (especially Paris and Nice) into smaller destinations and the lovely French countryside, things change dramatically for the better. From Brittany and Normandy to Provence, hotels for the most part offer a better value (and have larger rooms!) than what you’ll find in Paris.

Related:

• Heading to Paris? Read our guide to saving on hotels in Paris.
• See our recommended budget hotels in Paris
• France itinerary: 10 days from Paris to Marseille

The Vieux Relais et Commerce, a Logis hotel in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire. Photo: cjp24

2. Sleep in a village inn or on a farm.

When traveling through France’s smaller towns, villages, and countryside, you’ll see plenty of hotels, but you’ll also see signs for other types of accommodation, including “chambres d’hotes” (guestrooms), “gites” (guest houses), and “Logis” (a network of small inns).

Logis (formerly Logis de France) is an association of independently-run rural inns, most of which offer fine regional meals in addition to accommodation. Logis sends undercover auditors to test out the guestrooms and restaurants at participating hotels, and classifies them by assigning a number of chimneys (for the hotels) and pots (for the restaurants). Logis serves a wide variety of budgets, offering everything from tiny cheapo-friendly village properties to extravagant chateaux, but nearly all have an abundance of charm.

Another French favorite is the “farm stay”, a sort of rural bed-and-breakfast option (although many offer delicious dinner options, often with locally sourced food). The best part? These can often be booked for less than a standard hotel! Check out the Gites de France website for more info. (I once spent a week at a gite in the Charente region of France and loved it so much I nearly moved in.)

3. Stars can be overrated.

I’ve written about this before, but it’s worth repeating: Be savvy when considering a hotel’s star rating. Stars are a classification given to the hotel by a tourism board or government agency, and reflect the services, amenities, and room size — they do not reflect the quality of the hotel or its user rating.

Many hotels game this system by adding lots of extra “stuff” to the room in order to get bumped up to the next star category. For example, a standard two-star hotel can throw in a hairdryer, cosmetic mirror, and safe in the closet… and suddenly get bumped into a three-star. But it doesn’t mean it’s any better.

And conversely, there are some perfectly good hotels can’t add certain services (like an elevator or a breakfast room) because of zoning laws, and thus get stuck in two-star territory.

So be smart about this and don’t strictly limit your options to only one star category. A charming two-star hotel may very well offer a much better experience than a hum-drum three-star hotel.

A cheapo-friendly Hotel F1 located north of Avignon. Photo: catorze

4. Try a French budget hotel chain for a surprise-free night.

Sometimes you simply need sleep for the night. In France you’ll find several budget hotel chains competing for your reservation. Unsurprisingly, many of these are located outside the center city, in industrial-feeling shopping districts, or just off major highways. We’re not talking cobblestone streets here.

Two of the largest budget chains are:

Ibis: The largest economy hotel chain, by far, is Ibis, which is owned by French mega-hotel operator, Accor. There are about 1,800 hotels around the world (mostly in Europe). Ibis operates three categories of hotel: regular old perfectly-pleasant Ibis, swankier Ibis Styles, and super cheap Ibis Budget (formerly Etap Hotels). I’ve stayed at all of these and am happy to report that they’re clean and do the job.

Hotel F1: Accor now owns and operates the even cheaper F1 hotel chain (short for “Formule 1”) that line the main French highways, near aiports and city outskirts. When we’re really just looking for a clean bed, we’ll stay at an F1, as rooms are clean and seriously cheapo… from €22, with free parking. Note that many of the cheapest options share bathrooms and may require you to bring your own towel (or buy a cheap one from the reception).

5. Watch out for extra charges.

When searching for hotels in France and comparing your options, be sure to see what’s included in your room rate.

• Is Wi-Fi free? It should be at this point, but there are still some hotels charging for it.
• Is Breakfast included? (Usually the answer is no. See my next point.)
• Do you need a late checkout? Compare the hotels’ policies.
• Is parking offered? Is it free? (More on this below.)

Note that in France a tourism tax, called the “taxe de sejour“, is charged per person per night. This charge is almost never included in the room rate that you see when you book your room, but is mandatory for hotels located in most tourist destinations in France.

6. Ask what’s for breakfast before you pay for it.

A hotel breakfast in France is usually a bit less robust than what many North American travelers are expecting. (Unlimited waffles for breakfast? Ha! Dream on!)

A typical French hotel breakfast includes a choice of pastry (usually croissant, sometimes also pain au chocolat) and part of a baguette, butter and jam, coffee or tea, and juice. Possible additions include fresh fruit, yogurt (and muesli), hard boiled eggs, cheeses, and fruit. In all but the ritziest four-star hotel buffets, you can forget about omelets, bacon, sausage, etc.

You’ll be asked at check-in if you’d like to have breakfast. As the options are usually pretty limited and breakfast is almost never included in the room rate, it’s best to ask in advance what the breakfast consists of before committing to it. Or, at the very least, only commit to one day of breakfast if you’re staying for several days. You can test it out, and then see if you can do better elsewhere. You’ll most likely find a nearby cafe that offers something even better at a more reasonable price.

Related:How to save on breakfast in Paris.

Where you gonna park? Driving into the pedestrian heart of Angers, France. Photo: alainrouiller

7. Driving? Think about parking when choosing your hotel’s location.

When choosing your hotel’s location, consider your parking options. I’m always a fan of sleeping in the old center cities of French towns. In Avignon, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Chartres, Aix-en-Provence… I tend to look for hotels that are in the historic old town (“centre ville”), and sometimes within the old walls, too. It’s where all the action is, including the top sights, restaurants, and activities.

While these central spots are often convenient for those arriving by train (many stations are within a quick walk of the old center cities), those arriving by car might have an expensive surprise awaiting them. Be aware that many of these historic centers are pedestrian-only zones, and hotels in these areas almost never offer free parking for guests.

This shouldn’t dissuade you from choosing a hotel here, of course, as parking options will be offered by the hotel — however, you’ll most likely have to pay top dollar for it. Garages inside the “old centers” tend to be the most expensive anywhere. When comparing hotels, you might find hotels within a quick walk of the old center that offer free onsite parking. It might be worth the walk to avoid an overpriced garage.

Related:Tips for renting a car and driving in France

8. Should you book early or last minute? It depends.

As I wrote in my article about when to book hotels for the best rates, if you have your eye on a particular hotel, book it. If it’s a popular, top-rated property, or you’re visiting during the high season, you should just go ahead and secure a room as far in advance as possible.

However, if you’re more flexible about where you stay and you’re not traveling during peak travel times or when a local festival or business conference is happening, you could take a chance on scoring a last-minute deal. It only makes sense to play “wait and see”, however, if you do preliminary hotel searches and see lots of availability for your travel dates. If you see only a few hotels available, you’d be better off booking something right away, as waiting could force you to stay in a far-flung location or pay through the nose.

Another option is to book a fully refundable hotel, and then play wait and see. You’ll be able to upgrade to a better option as your travel dates approach if one presents itself, and cancel your old reservation.

9. Finding super high rates? Be wary… and be flexible.

If your hotel searches are turning up surprisingly expensive rates, you might have stumbled into festival or conference dates. (This is a regular issue travelers face when unwittingly booking Paris trips during fashion weeks.)

Try adjusting the dates back or forward a week. If you see a big change, visit the website of the city’s official tourism office to determine if your visit is coinciding with a special event or business conference. If you have flexibility with your itinerary, it might be wise to change course and visit at another date.

10. Book on EuroCheapo!

Naturally, we can’t wrap up the article without mentioning that EuroCheapo offers reservations at thousands of cheap hotels in France through our reservation partner Booking.com. Sleep better knowing that you’re not blowing your budget in your sleep.

• Do a search on our homepage for your destination or in the search box below.
• Check out our recommended hotels in Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg.

Your tips?

Have a tip about ways to save at hotels in France? Share with us in our comments section below!

This article was edited and updated on April 30, 2024.

The post How to Save on Hotels in France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You’ll notice very quickly once you arrive how the French café culture and wine culture go hand in hand. It’s true: the French love drinking wine! So even if your budget is small and limited, there are plenty of ways you can revel in the French capital of wine, Bordeaux, without entirely breaking your wallet.

While we wouldn’t necessarily don it a “super cheap” destination, you’ll soon find out there are many thrifty ways to experience the historical glamour and gastronomy Bordeaux and its surrounding regions have to offer.

More advice for visiting France
• 5 Fun activities in Bordeaux beyond wine
• How to find cheap hotels in France
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to France

Bordeaux budget travel guide

While you may know Bordeaux solely for its venerated wine culture, we have good news for you: wine is only the first of many reasons why people are coming to explore this southwestern region.

Believe it or not, Bordeaux wasn’t always the cosmopolitan hotspot it is nowadays. It wasn’t until 2007, when the city of Bordeaux became classified as the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site. While parts of the city still embody antediluvian grime, the urban transformation that took place ten years ago has embraced the city’s true grit and mélange of ancient architecture, which stems back from the age of Enlightenment.

According to UNESCO, Bordeaux, also known as Port of the Moon for its crescent-shaped contour, “represents the success of philosophers who wanted to make towns into melting pots of humanism, universality, and culture.” Oui, c’est vrai (Yes, it’s true); Bordeaux is all of that and more, and you can enjoy it even if your budget is limited!

A glass of wine perhaps? The answer is always “oui” in Bordeaux. Photo: Chris.

When to go to Bordeaux

Two words for Cheapos: Off season! If you like to maximize your wallet, then you probably already know the benefits of off-season travel. On the plus side, the off-season usually means fewer crowds and fewer lines. The off-season in Bordeaux takes place during the spring or early autumn; however, if you’re planning your trip in the winter, December can be a very jolly time of year to visit the Port of the Moon… just be prepared for many of the vineyards to be closed.

Getting there cheaply

If you plan on directly traveling to Bordeaux from overseas, I highly recommend flying into one of Paris’s two main airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). Thanks to new high-speed train service, the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique, traveling to this wine paradise has never been faster! In just two hours, you can hop aboard a train at Paris’s Gare Montparnasse and arrive in Bordeaux for a full day of Dionysian delights.

If you book your ticket even just a week in advance during the off-season, you can get to Bordeaux via train for prices as low as €16 during the week and €19 during the weekend. That’s a bargain.

Meandering Bordeaux’s historic city center

France is one of those special countries where no matter how large or small the city, exploring by foot is always a pleasurable option. When it comes to Bordeaux, this rule of thumb speaks volumes! As aforementioned, Bordeaux boasts a broad and impressive range of architectural styles, and after Paris has more protected buildings than any other city in France. At times you’ll feel like you’re in a small village, other times in a regal urban sprawl saturated with Parisian joie de vivre.

If you like having a handheld map like me, head to the Office of Tourism where you’ll find a plethora of resourceful brochures and handouts.

Bordeaux CityPass

If you want the biggest bang for your buck, you may consider buying a Bordeaux CityPass, which starts at €29 for a 24-hour pass. This includes a walking tour, bus tour, admission to the Pey-Berland Tower, access to the majority of museums, including La Cité du Vin (if you go before noon), free access to all of Bordeaux’s public transport network, and many other discounts, the list goes on! If you were to pay for all of these separately, it would add up to €56, so even if you only end up at a few of these attractions, the CityPass could help you save a few euros.

Top Bordeaux activities

Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror
Located along the banks of the Garonne River, this elegant square, emblematic landmark and optical illusion is a must-see for every visitor.

Pont de Pierre 
The first bridge built over the Garonne River in Bordeaux, it was planned and designed under the orders of Napoléon Bonaparte I. Until 1965, this bridge was the only one connecting the left and right banks.

Bordeaux Cathedral (St. Andrew’s Cathedral)
Even though it might not be as impressive as other French churches, this beautiful cathedral is an architectural treasure for Bordeaux. Entry: €2.

Les Chartrons
This lovely, village-esque district near the Bassins à Flot is bustling with wineries, restaurants, cultural centers and boutiques.

Darwin 
An alternative urban space with an eco-friendly philosophy housed in former military warehouses, Darwin is a cool kids’ paradise, full of workshops, small businesses and organizations, and cafes.

Raise a glass at the brand-new La Cité du Vin. Photo: patrick.

Wine, anyone? Saving on Bordeaux’s wine culture

Best bargain for wine lovers

Bordeaux’s École du Vin (3 Cours du 30 Juillet), just across from the Office of Tourism in the “Golden Triangle”, is where your wildest, wine-iest dreams can come true… without spending every last euro in your wallet. This fine institution — not to be confused with the Maison à Vin, also located near the Office of Tourism — gives wine enthusiasts one of the most affordable ways of tasting a wide variety of wines at their chic, yet unpretentious wine bar.

And unlike the overpriced full & half-day vineyard tours, the pours here are very generous. For €2-5, you can drink full glasses of some of the region’s finest wines and learn all there is to know about it. The servers are properly trained sommeliers, so don’t be shy or suspicious when it comes to their knowledge of wine.

This bar additionally offers a few different cheeseboards that cost around €9 and like the wine pours, are generous in portion, so this could be a great way to substitute a picnic outdoors.

Best spot for history buffs

La Cité Du Vin (134 Quai de Bacalan), Bordeaux’s newest architectural masterpiece, a glimmering structure redefining the up-and-coming Bassins à Flots district, opened its doors in June of 2016. If you love wine (likely) and appreciate history (probably), this museum is chock-full of high-tech exhibits, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the winemaking process, as well as the long-established history of wine culture in France.

While the €20 entrance fee might deter Cheapos, it might be worth it if you end up visiting Bordeaux during the colder months or run into some unfortunate weather.

Bonus tip: Your admission also includes a glass of wine to be enjoyed on the 8th-floor wine bar, where you can equally relish one of the best panoramic views of Bordeaux!

Cheap eats in Bordeaux

Chez Pompon
4 cours de Verdun

Right near the Jardin Public, this modish, yet cozy restaurant has a wonderful terrace and dining space. Here you can enjoy an Entrée and Plat (appetizer & main dish) or a Plat and Dessert for €14, while glasses of wine will only set you back only €2-5. If you’re a party of two, you can buy a nice bottle of wine for €10-16! The restaurant’s elegant simplicity is found in its rotating menu of delicious, regional meals that highlight the flavors of Bordeaux.

Marché des Capucins
Place des Capucins

Not far from the Saint-Jean train station, the emblematic Marché des Capucins food market, which recently underwent a face-lift of sorts, is a great place to grub and people watch all at once. Situated in the Saint-Michel district, it’s become a trendy hangout spot teeming with cafés, cheap local eateries, and produce and seafood vendors selling some of the Atlantic coast’s best oysters! This place is full of locals, especially Bordeaux’s laidback student population, so if you’re wanting to experience something authentic and inexpensive, make this one of your first stops of the day.

The market is open Tuesday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saint-Émilion: For true oenophiles

You don’t have to take a pricey winery bus tour to enjoy the famous wines of Bordeaux. Instead, you can plan a day trip to the renowned wine village of Saint-Emilion. It’s located only 35 minutes by train from Bordeaux and the price is right — a round-trip train ticket will cost you €18.

Read more about how to visit Saint-Émilion on a budget.

The breakfast room at Hostel 20 in Bordeaux.

Best Cheap Hotels in Bordeaux

Ready to explore the southwest of France? Sleep for cheap at our favorite budget hotels.

You’ll find dorms rooms for less than €30 at Hostel 20 Bordeaux. For something stylish, spend the night at ibis Styles Bordeaux Mériadeck or stay in the heart of the city at Hotel Bleu de Mer.

Search more than 900 hotels, hostels & apartments in Bordeaux

Have you been to Bordeaux? Tell us how you were able to save money!

The post Bordeaux Travel Guide: Budget tips for visiting Bordeaux appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.