Frequently Asked Questions

Booking and cancelation-related questions

I would like to book a few weeks/months in advance but cannot see any availabilities. How can I book?

No problem. The hosts' calendars generally open 1–2 months in advance. If you want to book further ahead, just WhatsApp us now or leave us a message  with the date(s) and the host(s) you would like to book. We will get back to you within 24 hours to confirm whether your selected host(s) will be available on your chosen date(s).

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes, you can but this is not an automatic function on our website. If you wish to reserve now and pay later, just WhatdApp us now or leave us a message with the date and the precise experience that you would like to book. We will then send you a reservation link by email. Payment will be due 72 hours before your experience.

Can I cancel my experience?

Change of plan? bad weather? No problem!

Before the experience: Feel free to cancel your reservation (100% refunded up to 48 hours before the experience, 70% refunded within the last 48 hours).

After the experience: If a Noknok experience has already taken place and did not provide full satisfaction (due to bad weather conditions, for example), Noknok will unfortunately not be able to offer a full or partial refund.

Can I modify the date of my experience?

Leave us a message or WhatsApp us now. We will contact you shortly and do our best to reschedule your experience, by suggesting other time slots or other hosts.

What does  “Instant booking” mean?

It means that as soon as you finalize your reservation and payment, your booking is confirmed. You do not need to wait for the host's confirmation or refusal of the reservation. All our hosts accept instant bookings.

Other frequent questions

What is Noknok?

Noknok offers travelers the opportunity to spend 4 hours with French locals living in charming countryside areas around Paris (50 minutes to 1.5 hours drive from central Paris). During your visit, you'll share a French meal with a glass of wine and participate in rural activities. The Noknok promise: Local food with cute people, in cute houses, and in cute countrysides!

Who is Noknok?

Noknok is a trademark of Oscar Tours, a French travel company based in Lille, France, registered in 2016 (Lille Trade and Companies Register Licence: 82121671000029). Noknok is supported by two travel startup incubators: France Tourism Labs of the Directorate General for Enterprise of France and Hauts-de-France Innovation Tourism. The project won the startup competition organized by the Paris law firm Arst Avocats, which provides legal support to the company.

Who are the hosts?

The hosts are ordinary citizens welcoming travelers into their homes for the pleasure of meeting people, sharing experiences, practicing foreign languages, and showcasing their local area, traditions, house, garden, and hobbies. They are not tourism or hospitality professionals. You will find teachers, journalists, researchers, pharmacists, artisans, entrepreneurs, and are often very cultured. They all speak English (see their language proficiency rating in their profile) and some speak other languages (Spanish, German...).

Have the hosts been selected and vetted?

Yes. Noknok selects about 1 host out of 10. A Noknok representative has visited their homes, validated the content and quality of the experience, the meal, the level of foreign language proficiency, the charm of the house, and the quality of their welcome.

Are the hosts paid?

Yes, they receive a portion of the amount paid at the time of booking. However, this is generally far from their primary motivation! They want to showcase their locality, their home and garden, have fun, meet foreigners and speak foreign languages...

Are the hosts reliable?

Noknok has rigorously selected and personally vetted the hosts in their homes. Additionally, a partnership contract has been signed with them, binding them to a series of commitments (availability, duration of the experience, details of meals and drinks, content of activities, respect for reservations...). Beyond the contract, these are serious, motivated, and reliable individuals who will be waiting to welcome you under the best conditions.

What activities are offered by the hosts?

Noknok is not only about eating with locals. Our hosts can offer small activities: picking fruits or plants, making herbal tea together, collecting fossils from the river, feeding horses, gathering chicken eggs, showing objects that belonged to Napoleon, listening to the host play piano or sing, walking in the countryside or village... These are informal activities and not formal classes.

What type of meals are provided? Are there menus?

Noknok has chosen to ask hosts to offer everyday French cuisine, according to their inspiration and the season. There is no pre-set menu, so let yourself be surprised! The goal is also to allow travelers to discover the French gastronomic meal, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage since 2010. You will enjoy at least a two or three-course meal (see each host's description), at least one glass of alcohol (generally French wine), a dessert, a coffee, and bread (very often with cheese). This meal will be preceded by an aperitif (alcoholic drink - one glass) and appetizers.

I have dietary restrictions, preferences, or allergies. What should I do?

No problem! Noknok hosts can accommodate most food allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences you may have. When making your reservation, you will be asked to indicate any restriction.

What is the best season?

From mid-April to late September. March and October can sometimes have beautiful days. However, the fall and winter seasons have an undeniable charm: settle in by the fireplace after learning to make crêpes with your hosts while it rains or snows outside!

Why are there so few hosts on the site?

Simply because the summer of 2024 is Noknok's launch summer, and we are starting with a handful of hosts. But we guarantee that the quality will be there!

Can I come with my baby?

Yes, no problem. However, hosts may not be equipped (high chair, changing table...). Noknok is free for children under 1 year old.

Are Noknok houses accessible to people with reduced mobility?

People with reduced mobility are, of course, welcome at Noknok hosts. Unfortunately, the houses are often very old buildings not adapted to people with reduced mobility. Do not hesitate to contact us for detailed information on access and movement conditions at the hosts' homes.

I only see lunches. Are dinners not possible?

Hosts generally prefer to serve lunch. But if you really want to experience dinner, contact us. We will do our best to meet your request.

Who can I contact for more info or assistance?

Please leave us a message, WhatsApp us (click on the green icon) or call +33781991156 (Noknok assistance)

What are your general terms of sale?

Our general terms of sale are listed here.

Any other questions? WhatsApp us now or contact us on the form below. We will get back to you within 24 hours.