Explore the best itineraries with a local specialist
Explore the best itineraries with a local specialist
Experience local: An adventure on the best cycling roads !
Experience local: An adventure on the best hiking paths !
  • November 12, 2020
  • Walking

Choose to stay in a small inn .. in this covid 19 period !

Choose to stay in a small inn .. in this covid 19 period !

WHY STAY IN SMALL INNS ESPECIALLY IN THIS COVID19 PERIOD

There is no secret we all have our tastes and preferences with a range of different requirements when it comes to choosing a hotel. But more and more travelers look for unique lodging accommodations as they would like to experience travelling in an ethical, responsible, and fulfilling way. Here are a few things to consider:

WARM HOME-FEEL AMBIANCE

Small independent hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Inn’s and Guesthouses have a lower capacity so fewer rooms and you do not find yourself in a crowded place. Most of the time the owners live on site. Find out what it is like to check into a small property and the person in front of you is truly excited to host you, imagine how it feels when they recognize your face. This cozy, quiet, intimate, and relaxing environment is difficult to find in the long hallways and overcrowded lobbies of chain hotels

CUSTOMIZED GUEST EXPERIENCE

You may actually interact with the owner or a family member and for them the guest is a top priority. They provide a more personalized experience and prioritize your comfort and happiness over everything else.

LOCAL CULTURE

No better way to get to know an area, the true locals know the local experience and you get a real feel of the local living style: wine, dine & shop local. They tell you all about the different restaurant choices, visits, must-do’s and the best of whatever you are looking for experience on your trip.

UNIQUE STYLE

They are designed and decorated to fit exclusively in its location and very often even the rooms have a different theme and decoration to give them a personalized unique style.

SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIES

This means spending your money in places that actually benefit the locals and that go back into the pockets of the community. The owners focus on creating a more authentic experience by infusing local culture into everything from the furniture & artwork they fill their property and also the food they source and prepare. The revenue goes back into the independently run property, the people they employ and the local businesses (farms, artists, etc).

ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE INN’S : in Saint Remy in the heart of Provence 

  • A very good example is the charming boutique hotel Sous les Figuiers with 14 rooms run by Armelle & Pierre. Their little green heaven is situated just a few steps away from the busy city center of Saint Rémy de Provence in the heart of the Alpilles mountains.
  • Most of the bungalow styled rooms feature a private terrace opening onto a wonderful garden with magnificent hundred-year-old fig trees but they all have their own unique decoration and style.
  • The couple and their daughter live on site and know the local area by heart, they love sharing their place and their insider tips, allowing you to experience Provence just like locals do. Immerse yourself in the local culture: stroll on the morning market, meet local producers, taste wine & olive oil from the valley. They are totally committed to putting forward the local products from the area.
  • The shower gel is produced only 30km away, on the breakfast buffet the jam is home-made using their own figs from their trees, during the summer months you get to taste the strawberries from their garden. With a bit of luck, during your hikes or rides in the Alpilles mountains, you might even see the goat’s herd from the farm, where they’ll get the cheese that you might have tried for breakfast.
  • On the bar menu you’ll find a selection of mostly organic & wines soft drinks all produced locally and served with marinated olives from the valley. You are not only staying in Provence, but you are also tasting, feeling and supporting it!

Our walking & cycling holidays in our favourite Inn's in Saint Remy