I used to offer petit'dej to my gîte dwellers. It was a typical French breakfast, nothing fancy. Idk what fanny charges for her breakfast but for €5 a head I would provide, in a picnic basket outside their door, 2 croissants p/p, half a ficelle p/p (it's a skinny baguette), hot coffee and hot tea with fresh milk (not LL), a decent sized glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, honey and homemade jam - I found some charming little bowls with "confiture, fait maison" hand painted on them at a local pottery market that I would decant the jam into and a small glass jug for the honey. There were never any leftovers. The guests always seemed happy.
As the gîte was self catering I also used to provide a welcome basket, which was something I offered at no additional cost. Typically a bottle of local plonk, a baguette, a slab of butter, ground coffee, fresh milk, a jar of homemade jam, a couple of schallots, a tin of tomatoes and local speciality like cassoulet. That way if they arrived after the shops had closed they had supplies to make an evening meal and breakfast before heading out in the morning. Also, this was back in the day when the shops closed at 5 or 6pm and either didn't open on a Sunday or Sunday mornings only. Many weary travellers aren't willing to get up early the morning after arrival to go shopping! They also had the option, pre- arrival for me to do a food shop for them and then pay on arrival. I'd be interested to know what fanny offers her self caterers!
On the one occasion I offered full board to guests (a professional cycling team so geared to their requirements) the breakfast was as above plus fresh fruit, fresh compot, dried fruit and nuts, yoghurts, muesli, porridge, cooked meats and cheese. Funnily enough not eggs. Lunch was 3 course's with bread, typically rice or pasta €10 p/p. And dinner was 4 course's with bread and wine usually a salad starter, fish or chicken main with seasonal veg, cheese and dessert €24 p/p. We all sat down together, riders, team mechanic and team soigner and my family. I served and my son and husband helped clear away. I didn't charge them any extra for the privilege of sitting with us. And we have stayed in touch with all of them and followed their careers through the professional cycling team ranks.
That's how you make lasting friendships and then friendships turn into family. Not charging guests exorbitant prices for mediocre meals and having them believe they are in the presence of royalty!
Comments from yesterday's flog...
