Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chambre d'hôtes | feminine, alternative form | |
| bed and breakfast | masculine | |
| bed-and-breakfast | masculine | |
| gîte touristique | /ʒit tu.ʁis.tik/ | masculine |
| chambre d'hôte | /ʃɑ̃.bʁə d‿ot/ | feminine |
| maison d'hôte | /mɛ.zɔ̃ d‿ot/ /me.zɔ̃ d‿ot/ |
feminine |
| maison d'hôtes | feminine, alternative form | |
| couette et café | Quebec, masculine |
The standard French term for a bed and breakfast is chambre d'hôtes. While English speakers often use the English term bed and breakfast directly in France and it is understood, other terms exist depending on whether you are referring to the specific room, the whole house or a different type of rental.
What does it mean word for word?
The term chambre d'hôtes literally translates to 'room of guests'.
Which one should you use?
The form chambre d'hôtes refers specifically to the room or the accommodation itself, whereas maison d'hôtes refers to the entire house or establishment. Additionally, gîte touristique typically implies a self-catering holiday rental or cottage rather than a bed and breakfast where the host provides meals.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the colloquial expression couette et café is used for a bed and breakfast. In some regions such as the French Alps, the word auberge can also refer to bed and breakfast-style accommodation. In France, the English phrase bed and breakfast or bed-and-breakfast is also used and understood.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase chambre d'hôtes, the word hôtes is almost always plural, even if you are referring to a single room.
Did you know?
- In France, the term chambre d'hôtes is strictly regulated by law to distinguish it from a hotel. To qualify, the host must actually live on the premises and provide a personal welcome to guests.
- A chambre d'hôtes often functions as a social hub where guests share a table d'hôtes, a communal dining table where everyone eats the same meal prepared by the host.
- The word in chambre shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'camera'. Both trace back to a Greek word for a vaulted or arched space.
Examples in context
- Nous avons séjourné dans une chambre d'hôtes pittoresque au bord de la mer.We stayed in a quaint bed and breakfast by the sea.This sentence is useful for describing a stay in a quaint chambre d'hôte by the sea.Tatoeba #10067830 by lbdx, translation #9934477 by ddnktr
- Je voudrais réserver une chambre d'hôtes, s'il vous plaît.I would like to book a bed and breakfast, please.
- Est-ce que vous avez des chambres d'hôtes disponibles pour ce week-end ?Do you have any bed and breakfast rooms available for this weekend?
- Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une chambre d'hôtes, s'il vous plaît.Hi, I would like to book a bed and breakfast, please.
- Cherchons une chambre d'hôtes pour ce week-end.We are looking for a bed and breakfast for this weekend.
- Cette chambre d'hôtes est très accueillante.This bed and breakfast is very welcoming.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing their travel plans for a vacation.
- LéaOn réserve une chambre d'hôtes à Lyon ?Should we book a bed and breakfast in Lyon?
- GabrielOui, c'est une excellente idée, Léa.Yes, it is an excellent idea, Léa.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as trouvé un bon endroit ?Did you find a good place?
- GabrielOui, j'ai trouvé une charmante chambre d'hôtes.Yes, I found a charming bed and breakfast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bed and breakfast” translations and entries chambre d'hôtes, gîte touristique, chambre d'hôte, maison d'hôte, maison d'hôtes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chambre, gîte, touristique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
