Interview with Édouard Bon, Appart'City

"In 2013, after Marseille and Orléans, we will be opening residences in St Nazaire, Bobigny, Angers, Amiens, Perpignan, Cherbourg, Mulhouse and Annemasse. These new residences feature our new concept, with its modern lines and contemporary tones, not to mention a new, more spacious bed and plush duvets. As a result, we are approaching the milestone of 75 residences for 9400 flats, representing an increase in our offering of 15%. Norte's pace is set to be just as brisk in 2014 and 2015. In this context, we have no plans to segment our offering. It has to be simple and understandable, with a unity of prices and products - between 2* + and 3* - from Lille to Marseille.

With the significant growth in urban tourism, we are focusing our development efforts on the French metropolises, with a priority, more than the number of new residences, on a choice of promising city-centre locations. So, in the future, although we already have a strong network of residences, we plan to expand our offer in the Paris region, add a second establishment in Strasbourg and a third in Lille, and even set up in towns where we are not present, such as Bourges and Dijon.

Our growth means we can meet the needs of major accounts who send their staff across France, SMEs looking for affordable accommodation, and the entertainment industry for accommodation for touring companies. Compared to hotels, residences offer business travellers the chance to feel at home over a long period. And with attractive rates for medium and long stays.

In terms of additional services, all our residences have breakfast rooms and most have car parks. This means we can meet the demand from key accounts, who generally prefer accommodation products that include breakfast.