Where to stay in France: Areas & booking tips

Where you stay in France depends on what you’re really after – sun, snow, wine, waves, or just a good view of the Eiffel Tower. This isn’t a country of copy-paste hotels. In France, you’ll sleep in Parisian apartments with flaky ceilings and flaky croissants, Basque coast surf hostels, Alpine chalets, or B&Bs run by someone’s retired aunt who now makes world-class cheese.

The catch? The good stuff gets booked fast – especially in coastal towns in August, when half of France goes on holiday. In the Alps, prices shoot up in February for ski season. Paris? Always busy – always pricey near the sights.

This guide will help you work out where to stay in France – whether you want vineyard views in Burgundy, quiet lanes in the Dordogne, or a place near the nearest boulangerie that’s open past 7 pm.

Where to stay in France: From budget to luxury

France doesn’t do “cheap” all that well – but it does offer value if you know where to look. You won’t find hammock hostels or $10 dorms, but you can sleep affordably without ending up in a soulless chain hotel on the ring road.

Budget stays usually mean hostels in bigger cities, chambre d’hôtes in the countryside, or no-frills hôtels in small towns. Dorm beds start around $30-35 (€28-33), with basic private rooms from $65-90 (€60–85). Think shared bathrooms, peeling wallpaper, and maybe a killer croissant from the bakery next door.

Mid-range is where France hits its stride. For $110-180 (€100-165), expect boutique hotels, converted farmhouses, or modern apartments with a boulangerie downstairs. In rural spots, this might include a pool and breakfast with local jam and baguette still warm from the oven.

Luxury goes from château stays to Riviera villas. From $220 (€200) and up, you're talking Michelin-starred dining, vineyard views, and concierge types who’ll book you into a private Louvre tour or sunset cruise on the Seine. Quiet indulgence – with excellent wine.

Best accommodation types in France

France has its own rhythm when it comes to places to stay. You might end up in a 17th-century farmhouse with blue shutters and geese in the yard, a Parisian garret with a dangerously sloped ceiling, or a stone-walled chambre d’hôtes where breakfast is homemade brioche and strong coffee. It’s not the cheapest destination – but it’s rarely boring.

Here’s what to expect from the main types of accommodation in France.

Auberges de jeunesse and budget guesthouses

From $35 (€32) per night

French hostels (auberges de jeunesse) aren’t party spots – they’re calm, clean, and often beautiful. Expect bunk beds, shared kitchens, and maybe a courtyard strung with fairy lights. In rural areas, small guesthouses run by locals offer basic private rooms and lots of local knowledge – where to get the best chèvre, or which river is swimmable in September. Shared bathrooms and dodgy Wi-Fi are part of the deal – so is character.

Hôtels économiques

From $60 (€55) per night

Often found near train stations or autoroutes, these no-frills hotels (think Ibis Budget, Première Classe) are made for function, not flair. You’ll get a clean room, en-suite bathroom, and maybe a vending machine with Orangina and pre-wrapped croissants. Breakfast is extra – and usually just bread, jam, and coffee. No charm, but no surprises either.

Chambres d’hôtes and mid-range hotels

From $120 (€110) per night

This is where France starts to show off. A chambre d’hôtes is the French answer to a B&B – part family home, part small inn. You might get stone floors, lavender in the garden, and a homemade clafoutis for breakfast. In cities, expect boutique hotels with wrought-iron balconies and tiny lifts built in 1905. Not always perfect – but almost always memorable.

Gîtes and self-catering stays

From $100 (€93) per night

Want your own space? Rent a gîte – a self-catering holiday home, often in the countryside. Some are rustic farmhouses, others are chic little villas with a pool and pétanque court. You’ll need a car, and possibly a working knowledge of French plumbing. But for long stays or traveling in France with kids, they’re ideal – plus you can hit the local market and cook your own duck confit.

Châteaux, villas and luxe escapes

From $240 (€220) per night

France doesn’t do glitz – it does grace. Stay in a Loire château with ivy on the walls and chandeliers in the bathroom, or a sleek designer hotel in Paris where the minibar has vintage Champagne. On the Riviera, a private villa might get you sea views and croissants delivered by scooter. The service tends to be discreet – but efficient. You’re here for the setting.

Eco-lodges and glamping

From $140 (€130) per night

France has quietly nailed the “nature but make it comfortable” category. You’ll find treehouses in the Drôme, yurts in the Pyrenees, and solar-powered cabins in the Cévennes. Compost loos and hammocks come standard – so does a bottle of local wine and a sunset worth watching. The best places book up early – especially in July and August, when all of France goes on holiday. 

Average prices per night

France isn’t bargain territory – but if you’re smart about when and where you book, there’s still good value to be found. A basic private room in a budget hotel or guesthouse costs around $65-90 (€60-85). Mid-range hotels and charming chambres d’hôtes typically run $110-180 (€100-165). Boutique and luxury stays – especially in Paris, the Riviera, or wine country – start at $220 (€200) and climb fast.

Dorm beds in hostels average $30-35 (€28-33), while glamping cabins or eco-lodges hover around $140 (€130) per night, particularly in regions like the Dordogne, the Cévennes, or coastal Brittany.

Prices spike in July and August – peak holiday season for the French themselves. Book well in advance for beach towns, mountain retreats, or anywhere near a wine festival. Paris stays pricey year-round, with small dips in winter.

Breakfast isn’t a given – and when it’s included, it’s usually sweet: coffee, baguette, butter, jam. Don’t expect eggs unless you’re in a higher-end stay or order à la carte. Watch for add-ons like city tax (taxe de séjour), which is charged per night, per person, and not always included in the listed price.

Where to stay in France: Best areas by region

France may be vast, but where you stay changes everything – from how early you start sipping pastis to how close you are to a 12th-century church or a good bakery. Whether you’re into vineyards, surf breaks, or late-night jazz in a wine cave, picking the right base makes a big difference.

Paris

Big, bold, and impossible to see in one trip. Where to stay in Paris depends on how much walking you’re up for – and how close you want to be to the crowds.

• Le Marais is central, walkable, and packed with vintage shops, falafel joints, and art galleries. Expect boutique hotels and lively streets. Stylish and a bit smug.
• Canal Saint-Martin is edgier – think natural wine bars, indie bookshops, and fewer tourists. Great for a younger crowd and cheaper stays.
• Montmartre looks good in photos, but can be overrun. Stay just downhill in South Pigalle or SoPi for cooler cafés and fewer walking tours.
• Belleville and Ménilmontant are grittier and more local – full of street art, global food, and music. Great value if you don’t need to be near the Eiffel Tower.

Marseille

Raw, sunny, and proud of it – Marseille is France’s rebel port. Pick your base carefully: this city doesn’t fake it for tourists.

• Le Panier is the old town: narrow streets, pastel shutters, and arty vibes. Charming, but steep.
• Vieux-Port puts you in the center of things. Lively, walkable, and good for first-timers, but it can be noisy and overpriced.
• Cours Julien is all street art and student energy. Great for nightlife and food, less great if you want an early night.
• Endoume or Roucas-Blanc offer quieter stays near the sea – lovely spots if you want coastal views and a slower pace.

Nice and the Côte d’Azur

Sun, sea, and old-school glam. Just don’t expect it to be cheap.

• Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice) is full of color, markets, and baroque buildings. Atmospheric but crowded.
• Cimiez is leafier and more residential – Roman ruins, art museums, and boutique hotels.
• For more space and seaside charm, stay in nearby towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer or Antibes. You’ll still get the Riviera magic – with fewer yachts and more soul.

Lyon

France’s foodie capital – and a dream for city breaks. Walkable, elegant, and much easier on the wallet than Paris.

• Presqu’île is the central strip between two rivers. Handy for shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Vieux Lyon is all cobbled lanes and Renaissance buildings. Great for romance, tricky with luggage.
• Croix-Rousse sits on a hill, with boho energy, indie shops, and serious bakeries. Feels like a city within the city.

Bordeaux

Wine, food, and riverfront strolls – Bordeaux is as polished as it is drinkable.

• Chartrons is the sweet spot: elegant, quiet, full of wine bars and antique shops.
• Saint-Pierre and Saint-Michel are more central – busier, noisier, and great for a lively stay.
• For something different, try Darwin on the Right Bank – it’s got skate parks, coworking spaces, and eco-conscious stays in a converted army barracks.

Booking tips and travel advice

Booking a place to stay in France isn’t just about snagging a pretty room with a shuttered window – it’s about booking smart. Prices shift wildly with the season, location descriptions can be vague, and some “charming” gîtes turn out to be drafty outbuildings with wasps. A bit of prep goes a long way.

Here are some essential France travel tips to help you get the best out of your stay:

• Book well ahead for July and August. This is peak French holiday time – coastal towns, Provence, the Alps, even inland villages get packed. Don’t expect last-minute deals in August unless you like panic and disappointment.
• Aim for late spring or early autumn. May-June and September-October hit the sweet spot: mild weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Vineyards are active, the lavender’s still blooming, and locals haven’t fled for their own vacations.
• Winter’s for cities and ski towns. Paris is atmospheric in winter, and mountain resorts like Chamonix and Les Deux Alpes are in full swing. Elsewhere, small-town France often goes quiet – or closes entirely. Always check off-season opening dates.
• Check what’s really included. French hotels love à la carte pricing. Breakfast isn’t always free – and might just be coffee and tartine. Parking, air con, and even Wi-Fi can cost extra, especially in older properties.
• Compare platforms, then go direct. Use booking sites to browse, but always check the hotel or gîte’s own website. Many offer better rates or freebies (like breakfast or a bottle of local wine) if you book direct.
• Don’t sacrifice location for price. That €70 hotel 10km from town? Looks great – until you’re stranded without a car or paying €30 in taxis. Pay a little more to stay where you actually want to be.
• Expect eccentricities. “Garden view” might mean the neighbour’s hedge. “Historic charm” often includes creaky floors and no lift. Read recent reviews, especially for smaller places – and pack a sense of humor.
• Don’t count on walk-ins. This isn’t the place for last-minute wandering. Outside major cities, many places require advance booking – especially gîtes, which are often family-run and closed midweek between guests.