Staying with Locals: The Concept

A Different Way to Travel

What does staying with locals mean, and how does it work?

While there are many ways to find accommodation while traveling, one of the most enjoyable is to spend time living with local residents. Even if it’s not a common practice in France to stay and share the daily life of people you don’t know, it remains an excellent way to discover a country or city "from the inside."

One important note: the primary goal of this experience isn’t to find free lodging (a contribution or registration fee is often required) or to impose yourself on others. Instead, it’s about sharing moments and experiences.

Different Options

B&B or Guest Room

This refers to a furnished room in a local’s home designed to welcome visitors. Note that in Quebec, a "chambre d’hôtes" is called a "gîte," while what the French call a "gîte" is known as a "tourist residence."

Gîtes

This is a residential building, often in the countryside, more or less close to the owners’ home, typically intended for stays of several nights.

Guesthouse

Originally, this was a small family-run accommodation with a few rooms, though the term now also refers in many countries to a budget hotel for backpackers.

CouchSurfing

With just a few years of existence, this system has over 2 million members offering free accommodations worldwide. Other smaller networks operate on a similar principle.

House Swapping

During your vacation, you exchange your house, apartment, or even your mobile home or camper for an equivalent elsewhere in your country or the world.

How to Behave with Your Hosts

Once you’re sharing the daily life of a family, think of yourself first as a guest, not a customer. Refusing a meal or a welcome drink would be impolite.

Take the time to chat with your hosts—remember, that’s part of why you’re there. Especially if you’re on another continent, share stories about where you live, your city, your home, or your family. Not everyone has the chance to travel! And never forget that the people hosting you are not at your disposal. Respect their home and their customs!

Unless the system is explicitly free (like Couchsurfing) or clearly priced (like B&Bs), consider the cost of the stay in your interactions. Outside Western countries, it’s advisable to give the family who hosted—and perhaps fed—you roughly the equivalent of what you would have spent at a hotel. This could be in cash, food, or by offering something they need. Gauge what will be most appreciated—you don’t want to offend your host, but rather thank them for their hospitality. Don’t hesitate to bring gifts for the children or send them a photo once you’re home; it’s always appreciated.