Gites de France
Traditional French accommodation, the Gite is very popular in the South of France. Including beautiful ancient properties in Dordogne, Gascony or any other wild region, the Gites de France label has a wide range of holiday cottages on offer.
Gites de France can actually refer to self-catering accommodation as well as Guest Houses (or Bed and Breakfasts). Holiday makers rent the cottage for a short period, they can then stay completely independent or benefit from Chambre d'Hote services - depending on the owners' will.
These holiday homes are located in the French countryside (hence their typical name, "gite rural") and receive their labels from the
Gites de France National Federation.
Their rating is given by the
number of ears of corn (épis) they are granted (from one to five).
These original holiday cottages are in fact officially
sponsored by the local French administration.
Lovely cottages, farmhouses or restaured homes in the French countryside are indeed turned into holiday rentals thanks to the support of the county. Apart from providing new income to the owners, the
Gîtes have been increasingly created in order to
boost the economy and tourism of some wild regions of France.
The first rural gîte was founded in 1951 by Senator Emile Aubert.
The official Gites de France Guide was published 4 years later (containing 146 holiday cottages), when the French bed and breakfast system (Chambre d’Hôtes) would be created only in 1969.
The successful "Gite Rural" Label was eventually extended to Europe, you can find details at Eurogites.org.
The main characteristic of these
rural gites is that they are foremost located in the
French countryside, mountain areas or by the sea, providing stunning outdoor spaces, gardens or pools.
An excellent option to get all of your friends together and experience convivial holidays in France!
Gite Holidays also give you the chance to discover - and share - the French traditions and
savoir vivre! Beyond their warm welcomes,
property owners always make sure your stay would be as much comfortable as possible, either for a night or a week.
For further information about France Gites ratings, locations and facilities, do not hesitate to visit the
English Version of GitesdeFrance.com!
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