More on French B

Jo Giese’s article on French B&Bs; (“Bed & Breakdown,” April 9) rings true, but is also quite misleading. Having traveled the B&B; route in France, my wife and I can appreciate the Gieses’ chagrin over the squeaky bed, the preoccupied hostesses and the occasional smoky dining room. On the other hand, it seemed that Ms. Giese (and her spoiled husband, Douglas) condemned all French B&Bs; because of two or three lodgings that didn’t live up to their naively romantic expectations.

French B&Bs; (called chambres d’ho^te ) are usually in out-of-the-way locations, offer basic accommodations and most often are added to a home or farm to give the family extra income. What they are not are the cutesy and costly American B&Bs; operated by professional innkeepers.

My wife and I have had very positive experiences in chambres d’ho ^ te and we would advise travelers to France to at least try a couple of well-recommended B&Bs.; They will find clean, quiet rooms (usually with private baths or showers) and friendly hosts who provide an informal and inexpensive base from which to hike or bike in the countryside, explore surrounding villages or relax.

Guests will also be served breakfasts that are far superior to those found in moderately priced French hotels. Most chambres d’ho^te do not serve an evening meal, but the hosts can usually recommend a local auberge or a more casual brasserie where one can experience moderately priced, regional specialties. JAMES CRANDALL Oxnard

First, I want to say how much, in general, the Travel section has improved in the past year. But “Bed & Breakdown” was the most amateurish and uninformative piece I have ever read in this section. Please tell Jo Giese to stick to her essaying. KATHARINE McCORMACK Tarzana