Our tips for an unusual weekend near Paris
Life in Paris or its inner suburbs can sometimes seem unusual to people from the provinces. But for you and for us who live in the Ile de France, we need more unusual than a place overlooking the Seine! It's to help you that we've decided to put together this guide to real unusual family weekends near Paris.
By close to Paris we mean journey times of no more than 3 hours. That sounds like a lot, but it already takes a good hour to leave Paris. So 3 hours seems like a good compromise for a weekend with children near Paris. Loir et Cher, Eure, Seine et Marne, Vienne and Calvados are on the programme. Depending on the time of year, you'll find unusual accommodation even closer to Paris at Familytrip, with Versailles and Rambouillet.
To guide you in booking your unusual weekend, we'll start by talking about the types of accommodation you can book: tent, house in the branches, etc. We'll then move on to the price section. Unusual accommodation is often more expensive than traditional accommodation. We'll finish by talking about the ideal number of nights for an unusual stay.
The types of unusual accommodation
Unusual accommodation is a type of accommodation that differs from accommodation that might be considered traditional or classic, such as hotels, hotel residences or campsites, in its originality and creativity. It is often atypical accommodation, designed to offer a unique and memorable experience for families or, more specifically, children.
Unusual accommodation has developed significantly in France over the last ten years or so. At Familytrip, we have selected all types: from simple cabins to tree houses, transparent bubbles, yurts, igloos, teepees, floating houses, caravans and yurts.... We also have accommodation on the water! If you're staying in a tree house with children, you'll need to be aware of the height of some tree houses. They may not be able to accommodate a cot, or the height of the railings may not be suitable for children under 6. Don't worry though, everything is perfectly indicated on our site.
Sometimes it's not the accommodation that's unusual but its surroundings. For example with Familytrip you can book a lodge... in a zoo! Here it's really the fact that you're spending a weekend with your family surrounded by animals that will be unusual.
It's worth noting that unusual accommodation isn't necessarily synonymous with discomfort. You can find everything from a poorly or unheated yurt to a treehouse with every comfort. We've even got a castle in the trees! So don't worry when you decide to go away for a weekend in an unusual accommodation in France, you'll find every comfort if you want it. Sometimes we're even surprised, as in our gypsy caravans, where you'll even find a kitchen and sanitary facilities. Some campsites also have some unusual accommodation. So you'll have classic mobile home accommodation in the middle of more unusual accommodation.
Finally, in terms of comfort, on Familytrip we offer unusual accommodation with a swimming pool, water bubble, activities and even a spa for a relaxing weekend for parents. As you can see, we're a long way from a simple cabin!
What's the price for an unusual family weekend in France?
The price of an unusual weekend in France depends very much on the type of unusual accommodation you book, the location, the time of year and the options you choose. In general, this can vary from a few dozen to several hundred euros per night.
At Familytrip, prices will range from €170 for a house in the branches in the heart of the forest or a cabin to €600 for a lodge in a zoo. Not to mention little extras like bike hire or restaurant meals.
How many nights should you spend in an unusual accommodation?
Unusual accommodation is clearly not designed for long stays. The exotic side of unusual accommodation only "works" for a few nights. At Familytrip, we advise you to book unusual accommodation for between 1 and 3 nights maximum. We don't generally spend our holidays in unusual accommodation, but rather a weekend.