When traveling in France, you’ll find a diverse range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From traditional hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts to modern Airbnb rentals and unique stays in historic castles, France offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Paris, relaxing in a rural gîte, or enjoying the countryside in a private house, each type of accommodation provides a distinct way to experience the country’s rich culture and scenery. Understanding the different options and their associated French vocabulary can help you choose the perfect place to stay during your visit.
Appartement (Apartment)
Fully furnished apartments can be rented short-term, ideal for longer stays or those looking for more space and facilities like a kitchen.
French Vocabulary:
- Location saisonnière: Vacation rental
- Séjour: Stay
- Caution: Security deposit
- Propriétaire: Landlord/Owner
You can find these rentals on seloger.com, pap.fr, leboncoin.fr, lacartedescolocs.fr, etc.
Maison Individuelle (Single House)
These are standalone houses, often rented out for short-term stays. They provide privacy and space, ideal for families or larger groups.
French Vocabulary:
- Maison individuelle: Single house
- Jardin privatif: Private garden
- Garage: Garage
- Terrasse: Terrace
Hôtel (Hotel)
Hotels range from budget to luxury and can be found in cities, towns, and near tourist attractions. They offer various services, such as room service, restaurants, and sometimes wellness facilities.
French Vocabulary:
- Chambre simple: Single room
- Chambre double: Double room
- Petit-déjeuner inclus: Breakfast included
- Réception: Reception desk
Airbnb
A popular online platform where individuals can rent out their homes, apartments, or even single rooms to travelers. Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations, from simple apartments to luxurious villas.
French Vocabulary:
- Location Airbnb: Airbnb rental
- Logement entier: Entire home/entire place
- Chambre privée: Private room
- Commentaires: Reviews
Auberge de Jeunesse (Youth Hostel)
Budget-friendly accommodations often used by backpackers and young travelers. Dormitory-style rooms are common, and there may be shared facilities like kitchens.
French Vocabulary:
- Lit en dortoir: Bed in a dormitory
- Chambre partagée: Shared room
- Cuisine commune: Communal kitchen
- Casier: Safety Locker
Gîte (Holiday Cottage)
A self-catering accommodation, often in rural areas, perfect for families or groups. Gîtes can be houses, cottages, or apartments rented out to tourists.
French Vocabulary:
- Maison de vacances: Holiday house
- Cuisine équipée: Equipped kitchen
- Séjour: Living room
- Jardin: Garden
Chambre d’Hôtes (Bed and Breakfast)
Similar to a B&B, where guests stay in a private home and the host provides breakfast. This offers a more personal experience with local hosts.
French Vocabulary:
- Petit-déjeuner: Breakfast
- Table d’hôtes: Shared meal with hosts and other guests
- Lit et petit-déjeuner: Bed and breakfast
- Hôte: Host
Camping
Campsites are widespread in France, offering places for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Some sites have additional amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, and entertainment.
French Vocabulary:
- Tente: Tent
- Caravane: Caravan
- Emplacement: Campsite pitch
- Sanitaires: Sanitary facilities
Résidence de Tourisme (Tourist Residence)
A mix between a hotel and a self-catering apartment, offering facilities like a reception desk and often located in tourist areas.
French Vocabulary:
- Appartement meublé: Furnished apartment
- Services hôteliers: Hotel services
- Piscine: Swimming pool
- Réservation: Reservation
Château (Castle or Manor House)
For a unique experience, some travelers stay in historic castles or manor houses that have been converted into luxury accommodations.
French Vocabulary:
- Chambre de luxe: Luxury room
- Demeure historique: Historic residence
- Parc: Park (large garden)
- Visite guidée: Guided tour
Péniche (Houseboat)
In some regions, especially along canals, travelers can rent a houseboat (péniche) to stay on the water and explore at their leisure.
French Vocabulary:
- Bateau: Boat
- Canal: Canal
- Écluse: Lock (on a canal)
- Croisière fluviale: River cruise
