Why a B&B instead of a Hotel?
A B&B is a family oriented environment and is like staying at home during your travels. The meals you will encounter are often with the owner and you are, in fact, sharing their home. You will experience the charm of the village and house, so be prepared to sleep on an “antique bed” with all the squeaks to go along with it and to have old plumbing that is never able to be completely updated that adds a bit of adventure to your rural visit. These houses have all the love idiosyncrasies to make your stay memorable, so remember you have not chosen a modern hotel, but rather a quaint village home.

What is special about French B&B's & La Dolce Vita?
French B&B’s are never alike and all have their own personal style and charm. Each homeowner has created unique guest spaces and wants to share that with you. La Dolce Vita is in the heart of the French countryside and the owner is pleased about being able to share that life with you, so expect down home country style living with special meals, surprises & services with a personal touch – not an impersonal, hotel service!

What can I expect from my stay at this French B&B?
Our Chambre D’Hotes is an unexpected treat in that you will meet people from all walks of life and from many parts of the world. The exchanges you will have during your stay at a French B&B will enrich your life and give you the opportunity to form new, lasting friendships. The owners will treat you to a taste of the local culture and life, along with the other guests, who may offer you their adventures while sitting around the dinner table. And you may experience the flurry of a grape harvest; olive gathering or a local event with all the village festivities, as well as the very quiet days that pass, where it seems the town is asleep. You will be able to take walks around the village and discover all the little niches and history or the beautiful views of the vineyards and the canal beyond. There is much to see here and it is a perfect location for day trips throughout the region.

Can we bring our children and our pets?
Children are welcome and so are well-trained family pets. Please inquire ahead of time for special accommodations and pricing.

What is a Table D'Hotes?
Neither a restaurant nor an auberge. What you will find is that you are eating in the family home, often even sharing the family meal. Usually booked in advance, so that there is enough to go around, you will not have a menu to choose from but can often discuss the meals available with the owner. Everyone at the table shares the same meal, except for special requests like vegetarian or children’s diets for example, and that may only be as simple as a fava bean omelet or cheese & pasta. The prices may vary as well, depending on the type of meal served, be it family style or a four-course dinner. Sometimes lunches are offered, or you may order in advance a picnic style take-away lunch. It is an experience to remember and a very personal meal!

What about the food and wine?
Local fare is abundant and delicious. We can even suggest restaurants for you in some villages and cities you plan to visit or you may opt to dine with us!

What is the local wine like?
It's good, it's inexpensive (unless you choose the oldest bottle, of course), and vineyards and wineries should definitely be on your list of things to see. At La Dolce Vita, we serve only local wines so that you can experience and get a taste for the true South - both table wines and higher quality will be available for purchase while staying in our home. Wine is an absolute must to try in the Minervois, Languedoc & Pays d’Oc - and we can suggest tasting rooms, wine routes etc.

Is the Kitchen available for our use?
The kitchen is part of the house and is, in this case, the owner's domain. You are welcome to come in and chat while meals are being prepared and may even be invited in for tea. But please do not assume because you have rented a room, that you may help yourselves to all of the rooms in the house. This is a guesthouse and there are many others staying, as well as catering and meal preparation happening at all times.

Can we come and go as we please?
This is a family home, not a hotel and often times the owners have lives outside of the house, so, please make special requests and ask ahead of time if you have schedule requirements during your stay, as we are happy to coordinate your schedule with ours to adjust the check-in and check out times.

Must we confirm a booking?
Of Course, this is still a business and there are many walk-in guests, so if your reservation is not confirmed via FAX or e-mail then the room may not be available upon arrival. So, please, make sure and provide all your contact information when booking your room.

Are basic amenities available in Azille?
Here in Azille we have a grocery, bakery, butcher, post office, doctor and a pharmacy. There is no banking service unless you have a local account here in France and then the tabac can give you cash against a C/A bank card. At La Dolce Vita, there is a telephone, fax and Internet for emergency use only, and also a number of public phone booths in town. Regarding cellular phones, unfortunately the signal in and around Azille is intermittent, but you can often catch a signal from the terrace while enjoying the rays of sunshine!

What about cash?
The currency in France is now the Euro. You may change currency at the airport when you arrive, or use your credit card to obtain instant cash at commonly found ATM's (don't forget your PIN). Most larger stores and restaurants accept credit cards as payment, but plan to have some cash, as many small villages are not equipped for credit card transactions.

What about personal electrical appliances?
If you have an appliance you wish to bring, remember to have a 220 volts switch and an adaptor plug for French plugs. These adaptors can be found at your local luggage retailer or department store, or at the airport.

Will I have a language problem?
At La Dolce Vita we speak English, Spanish, Italian, French and an occasional additional language or so. We can give you certain helpful phrases, but as a general rule rely on your translation books or school French! You will notice that the locals in the countryside may speak with a strong dialect, although sometimes difficult to understand, we still encourage you to try to communicate with them as the effort is well worth it.

Can I prepare for my trip to France?
If you really want to impress the French, take a short course (or a more extensive one, if you are really serious!) in conversational French. This will teach you the basics in speaking and may help you ask the French to speak slower so you can understand them as well! You will also find many French guidebooks at your local bookstore. Look for one you can relate to and that has basic city maps for finding your way around.

Will I be able to make special requests?
Please do! If there is a birthday, anniversary or other special event to celebrate during your stay, or a special request for your diet, please let us know - we are happy to tailor your sojourn with us, just the way you like it.