In France, a traditional guest house is most commonly known as a Chambre d'Hôtes. This term literally translates to "host's room" and is the French equivalent of a Bed and Breakfast (B&B). Unlike a large hotel, a Chambre d'Hôtes is typically a private home where the owners offer a limited number of guest rooms (by law, no more than five rooms for a maximum of 15 guests). This setup provides a more intimate and authentic experience, often including a homemade breakfast served in a communal dining area. For travelers looking for a self-catering option rather than just a room, the term used is a Gîte. A gîte is usually a fully furnished holiday cottage or apartment that is rented out by the week. Additionally, if the guest house offers an evening meal shared with the hosts, it is referred to as Table d'Hôtes. Staying in these establishments is highly popular in rural regions like Provence, Normandy, and the Loire Valley, as it allows visitors to engage with local residents and enjoy the French "art de vivre" in a domestic setting that is often significantly more charming and historic than a standard commercial hotel chain.