10 Airbnb Surprises in France You Won’t See in the Listing

Booking an Airbnb in France seems like a great idea – until you find yourself hauling luggage up five flights of stairs, searching for a hidden lockbox, or realizing the “charming vintage decor” means a sagging couch and a shower that barely works.

Here’s what no one tells you before you book. Note: I ended up expanding the initial list of 10 quite a bit!

1. Many Are Run by Professionals, Not Locals

Think you’re renting from a friendly Parisian? In reality, many Airbnb listings in France, especially in big cities, are managed by companies or full-time hosts with multiple properties.

Personal touches are rare, and communication is often handled through automated messages. The “local experience” is often just a well-run business.

2. Poor Maintenance and Worn-Out Furniture

Many Airbnbs in France look great in photos but show their true age once you arrive. Older apartments often have peeling wall paint, wobbly chairs, scratched-up tables, and sagging mattresses. Appliances like washing machines or ovens may be decades old, with faded buttons and unclear instructions.

Some rentals are barely maintained because they’re managed by hands-off agencies that focus on maximizing bookings rather than upkeep. Guests often report broken shower doors, malfunctioning heaters, and leaky faucets that were clearly an issue long before they arrived.

If a listing has multiple reviews mentioning maintenance problems, take it as a red flag.

3. You Might Have to Take Out the Trash… Across the Street

Unlike hotels, Airbnbs don’t have daily cleaning. Many hosts expect guests to dispose of their trash before leaving. But in France, garbage collection is tightly regulated, and public bins can be blocks away.

In Paris, sorting rules apply – some hosts even leave detailed instructions to avoid fines or complaints.

4. No Air Conditioning (Even in Summer)

Many French homes, including Airbnbs, don’t have air conditioning. Buildings are designed for insulation, not cooling. While some hosts provide fans, they’re often small and ineffective in the August heat.

If you’re renting in summer, check the listing carefully, or be ready for sweaty nights in an overheated apartment.

5. The Staircase Surprise

Historic buildings often lack elevators. Many Parisian apartments sit on the 4th or 5th floor with narrow, winding staircases. Some buildings have old lifts, but they’re tiny and fit one person and a suitcase at best.

If you have heavy bags or mobility concerns, double-check before booking, or prepare for a workout.

6. Early Check-Out, Late Check-In

Check-out times for Airbnbs in France are usually 10 AM, while check-in often isn’t until 4 PM or later! Unlike hotels, there’s no lobby to store luggage.

If your host won’t allow early check-in, you’ll need to find a luggage storage service or drag your bags around for hours. Some hosts offer late check-out or luggage storage as a paid option (often 30€).

7. Key Pickup Can Be an Adventure

Some Airbnbs use keypads, but many require in-person key pickup. The key might be in a lockbox on the street, at a nearby café, or even require coordinating with a host’s friend.

Delayed flights or late arrivals can be a problem – if the key pickup spot closes, you might be stranded. In other cases, finding the lockbox can feel like an unplanned scavenger hunt especially if it’s hidden in an alley or behind an unmarked door.

8. Deposit

Some Airbnb hosts in France ask for a security deposit, either through the platform or directly. This is common with agency-run rentals, which often require hefty deposits.

The catch? Some agencies run hands-off operations with poor maintenance, then charge guests for damages that were already there. Since you don’t meet anyone at check-in, there’s no way to confirm the property’s condition.

Guests have been hit with unfair deductions for things like scratched furniture, leaky faucets, or faulty appliances that were never fixed in the first place. If a deposit is required, take detailed photos on arrival to avoid disputes.

9. Limited Towels and Toilet Paper

Unlike hotels, Airbnbs in France rarely provide unlimited towels. Many hosts leave just one per guest, and extras might come with a fee.

Toilet paper is another issue – some places provide only a starter roll, expecting guests to buy more. Running out late at night isn’t fun, so it’s worth checking before or upon arrival.

10. Wi-Fi Can Be Unreliable

Most Airbnbs list Wi-Fi as an amenity, but speed and reliability vary. Older buildings have thick stone walls that weaken signals, and rural areas often have slow internet.

If you’re working remotely, message the host for details. Some listings even limit bandwidth, so streaming or video calls may be a challenge.

11. No Dryers, Just Drying Racks

French apartments rarely have clothes dryers. Even Airbnbs with washing machines usually provide a drying rack instead. In winter or humid weather, clothes take ages to dry.

Some guests try hanging laundry out the window, but that’s frowned upon. If fast drying matters to you, look for a laundromat nearby.

12. Extra Fees Can Add Up

The price you see on Airbnb isn’t always the price you pay. Many listings charge cleaning fees, service fees, and sometimes linen or tourist taxes. A cheap-looking apartment can quickly become expensive.

Always check the total before booking – some rentals end up costing more than nearby hotels.

13. BYO Soap and Shampoo

Hotels provide toiletries, but many Airbnbs in France don’t. Some hosts leave a tiny bar of soap and nothing else. Shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner are often missing.

If you’re used to hotels with stocked bathrooms, pack your own, or be ready to make a stop at the nearest supermarket.

14. Quiet Hours Are Serious Business

French apartments have strict noise rules. Many buildings enforce quiet hours starting at 9 or 10 PM, and neighbors won’t hesitate to report loud guests. Some listings even include noise monitors that alert the host if sound levels get too high. Parties or late-night gatherings? Not an option.

15. Many Hosts Expect You to Clean Before You Leave

Even if you pay a cleaning fee, some Airbnb hosts in France expect guests to do basic cleaning. This can include taking out the trash, washing dishes, and stripping the bed.

Some hosts mention this in the listing, but others only bring it up in the checkout instructions – and they might charge you if you don’t comply.

16. No Oven, Just a Stovetop and Microwave

Many French Airbnbs, especially in cities, don’t have full kitchens. A stovetop and microwave are common, but ovens are rare.

If you plan to cook more than pasta or soup, check the listing carefully. Some travelers expecting to bake or roast end up disappointed.

17. Limited Hot Water

Some apartments, especially older ones, have small water heaters. If multiple people shower back-to-back, the hot water might run out. In winter, this can be a real problem.

While listings typically include a water heater in the description, it’s worth scanning reviews to see if past guests had issues.

18. Heating Can Be Weak or Seasonal

In France, some buildings have central heating controlled by the landlord, not the Airbnb host. Others rely on electric radiators that don’t always heat well. Some Airbnbs don’t turn on heating until mid-November, even if it’s cold. If you’re visiting in fall or winter, check before booking.

19. Tourist Tax Adds to the Cost

Most cities in France charge a taxe de séjour, a small per-night tourist tax that’s often collected separately. Some Airbnb listings include it in the total price, but others require you to pay it in cash on arrival. It’s usually a few euros per night, but it can add up.

20. Bed Sizes Can Be Smaller Than Expected

French beds are often smaller than their American or British counterparts. A “double” bed in France is usually 140 cm wide (about 55 inches), which is narrower than a standard US queen.

Some listings call these “queen” beds when they’re not. If you’re used to more space, check the measurements before booking, or you might end up uncomfortably squeezed.

21. Parking Can Be a Nightmare

If you’re renting a car, don’t assume your Airbnb will have parking. In cities like Paris, Nice, and Bordeaux, street parking is scarce and garages are expensive. Some listings advertise “parking nearby,” which often just means public pay lots. In rural areas, narrow village streets may not have parking at all. Always double-check before booking.

22. Street Noise Can Be a Problem

Many charming city-center Airbnbs are in older buildings with little to no soundproofing. Thin windows mean you’ll hear traffic, late-night revelers, or even early-morning garbage collection. In lively areas like Le Marais or the Latin Quarter, noise can go on all night. If you’re a light sleeper, look for listings that mention double-glazed windows or bring earplugs.

23. Bathrooms May Be Tiny or Awkwardly Designed

Some older French apartments have tiny bathrooms, with showers so small you can barely turn around. Others have awkward setups, like a separate toilet room with no sink or a shower placed right next to the toilet without any partition. If space matters to you, check the photos closely before booking.

24. Neighborhood Markets and Bakeries Close Early

If you’re used to 24-hour convenience stores, France will surprise you. Many bakeries and small markets close by 7 or 8 PM. On Sundays, they may shut by noon or not open at all. If you’re arriving late, don’t expect to grab groceries easily – plan ahead to avoid a frustrating night.