In case you’re searching for inexpensive accommodations...

In case you’re searching for inexpensive accommodations in Paris, Pascal Lefebvre figures he has the answer. A Parisian, Lefebvre operates a B&B; service with singles available for as little as $27.50 U.S. a night, doubles for around $31. Those are Lefebvre’s rock bottom rates (room only). A two-room apartment will cost you about $82. Paris gets overcrowded during the automobile show, air show and other events. Lefebvre says that during one show recently, “There was not a single room left anywhere within 50 kilometers of Paris.” Still, he was able to secure accommodations in what appeared to be a hopeless squeeze. For reservations write to Lefebvre, c/o Bed & Breakfast 1, 73 Rue Notre-Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris, France.

Farm Festival

City dwellers will be heading for Bakersville next weekend (May 28-30) for the annual Farm Festival hosted at the Al Bussell Ranch (the largest “pick-your-own farm” in California). Free tram rides out to the fields, orchards. Prizes for the biggest peach or apricot picked by visitors. Entertainment daily, snacks served at a country food bar. A rare opportunity for city kids to enjoy a little farm life. From Los Angeles take Interstate 5 North to the Stockdale Highway East off-ramp. “You can’t miss us,” said a ranch hand. “Nothing but our sign and jack rabbits.” For a schedule of future events, write to Al Bussell Ranch, 26500 Stockdale Highway, Bakersville 93312, or call (805) 589-2677.

Canada

British Columbia has produced a 102-page accommodations directory (a beauty of a publication), plus a travel guide, pinpointing destinations and attractions in B.C. The guide takes in 10 areas (lakes to mountains).

In addition to listing hotels, motels and B&Bs;, the guide provides customs information, national park listings, hunting/fishing regulations, details on currency exchange. For free copies write to the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, 3400 Wilshire Blvd., Ambassador Hotel Arcade No. 34, Los Angeles 90010, or phone (213) 380-9171.

Summer’s Best Bet

Here’s a chance to beat the high cost of vacationing in Europe this summer. French families are inviting Americans to stay free in their homes. You pay nothing for meals, accommodations. Hundreds of French families have volunteered to play host in regions throughout France. “The only compensation they receive for having you in their homes is the pleasure of your company,” says Heather Thompson of International Friendship Service (IFS), which is recruiting Americans for the trips. Invitations are for visits as short as 48 hours or for as long as three weeks. Guests are matched with French families according to age, interests. For details contact Thompson c/o International Friendship Service, 22994 El Toro Road, El Toro, Calif. 92630.

Vermont By Bike

Tom Yennerell, a Vermont innkeeper, operates bike tours. Uses “fat tire bikes” designed for all terrain. Riders follow foot paths through maple groves, over cross-country ski routes, quiet back roads. Trips are six to 15 miles. Groups bed down at Yennerell’s Pittsfield in Pittsfield, Vt. None of that business of packing and unpacking daily. Just stay put and ride out each morning. After a day on the road, Yennerell’s guests cool off in a swimming hole near the inn, explore the little village of Pittsfield with its town green, country store and bandstand. Write to Yennerell c/o Vermont Mountain Bike Tours, P.O. Box 541-B, Pittsfield, Vt. 05762, or call (802) 746-8580. A five-day package will cost you $475 (lodging, meals, guide).

New Zealand

Pub crawling is a new habit among travelers in New Zealand. Only instead of hitting the road when the barkeep shouts “last call,” you head upstairs to bed. These “pub hotels” are priced as low as $20 U.S. a night. The New Zealand Tourist Office has published a 42-page booklet telling all about them. Title is “Country Pubs of New Zealand.” Contains dozens of listings in small towns (populations 2,500 or fewer) where travelers can get acquainted with the locals. For a free copy, write to the New Zealand Tourist & Publicity Office, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1530, Los Angeles 90024, or call (213) 477-8241.

Seoul Olympics

Several weeks ago we mentioned that the big hotels in Seoul, South Korea, are sold out for the Summer Olympics. Now the Korea National Tourism Corp. reminds us that “rooms are plentiful” in yogwans , the country’s little hotels/inns. Rooms feature Western-style beds, color TV, private bath, air conditioning. Rates: $15/$26 U.S. a night, plus a 15% service charge. Or there’s a home-stay program for $25 single, $30 double (room and breakfast). For details contact the Korea National Tourism Corp., 510 West 6th St., Suite 323, Los Angeles 90014, or phone (213) 623-1226.

Reader Recommendations

California--J. and R. Holman, San Juan Capistrano: “Casa Laguna Inn is a charming, intimate B&B.; Ocean view, swimming pool. Complimentary breakfast, tea, wine, hors d’oeuvres. Rates: $85/$170. Address: 2510 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 92651, (714) 494-2996.”

Colorado--Lucille Hardy, Woodland Hills: “The O-Bar-O-Resort near Durango is convenient to the Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge train and other vacation activities. Rates: $50/$70, two to four persons. Address is 11998 C.R. 240 (Florida Road), Durango, Colo. 81301. All river-front rustic cabins. Kitchens fully furnished, stone fireplaces. Each cabin fronts on the Florida River.”

France--Barbara Miller, Beverly Hills: “During a recent visit to the French Riviera, we fell in love with a picturesque village 15 minutes from celebrated St.-Paul de Vence. The highlight of our day was a restaurant, LeBrin D’Herbe, at the entrance to the village. The meal for two, including wine, was $35 U.S. The chef and his wife (both fluent in English) went out of their way to make our stop a most memorable experience.”

Spain--Richard Pearce, Garden Grove: “Discovered a new and interesting restaurant in Madrid called Multifood of Madrid, 91 Paseo de la Castellana. Serves the cuisine of different cultures: Italian, Chinese, American and Spanish. Prices are reasonable. Dinner with wine, approximately $8 U.S. per person.”

New Zealand--Michael Breslauer, San Diego: “Enjoyed the Doone cottage, R.D. 1, Motueka, New Zealand. This is a renovated, century-old house in the Mt. Arthur Valley near Nelson. Exudes charm, warmth, comfort. Rate: $110 New Zealand a night for two, including wonderful home-cooked meals.”

Wales--Richard T. Powers, La Mirada: “Enjoyed Sychnant Pass Hotel, Sychnant Pass Road, Conwy, Gwynedd LL32 8BJ, Wales. “Secluded, excellent accommodations and restaurant. In Snowdonia National Park. Convenient base from which to visit Conwy Castle, then Llandudno and the city of Chester.” Rate, including a full English breakfast and four-course gourmet dinner, is $70 U.S. a night.”

England--Richard C. Bunten: “The loveliest B&B; in England, Massetts Lodge Guest House, 28 Massetts Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7DE, England. A five-minute taxi ride from Gatwick. Eight double and family rooms, mostly with private baths. We stayed in Room 7 and it is equal to the most palatial hotel room we have ever rented. Rates are 32 (about $62 U.S.) a night double with full English breakfast.”

England--Jack and Peggy Newstead, Riverside: “A 500-year-old house full of antiques and comfortable rooms with a large and lovely garden. It’s the home of Margaret and Nigel Faulkner. The Maltings, Aldwincle, Kettering, Northants NN14 3EP, England. B&B; is 15 (about $30 U.S.) per person.”