We are going to tour Normandy Beaches for a couple days in October and just wanted to find last minute lodging in Bayeux, is that a good idea?
We will also be in the Loire Valley for a couple nights but wanted to be flexible, is this a good idea or should we book before? If so, what is a great place in Loire to stay?
Gail
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1601 posts
My thinking is you won't have any issues. If traveling off season, I tend not to book ahead and just show up and find a place. Only caveat, make sure there isn't some big festival or school holidays which may disrupt your plans.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
If you will be driving, before you go have a look at the website for Logis de France, an association of small, family-owned hotels all over France.
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
The local tourist office will always help you find somewhere to stay, and they are usually the easiet place to find in a French town (after the church!).
Roger
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I prefer to travel shoulder season (May, September) without reservations. In October it gets even easier. I've found a few places where reservations would have worked better, really popular lodging or during local festivals (which are less frequent outside of high season).
I research five or six lodging options at each destination before my trip then call ahead the morning before I arrive there. It usually works great. Most of the time I'm offered better rates because the room will be empty if they don't book me. Sometimes I have to stay at my second or third choice, which is fine for me.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Only if there is some particular hotel or auberge where it would just kill your trip if you couldn't stay there.