France offers a wide variety of accommodations for tourists. Most people are familiar with hotels and bed and breakfasts, but there is a third option; the "gîte"!

gîte: noun [zheet] (plural gites): a vacation accommodation in France.  A country cottage or small house in France offering fairly simple accommodations that can be rented for a vacation. Late 18th century French: gîte "stopping place"

Although gîtes are sometimes called 'holiday homes' they actually come in many sizes and are often located in unusual and interesting places.  A gîte can be anything from a full chateau or cottage in France to a guest suite built in the base of a windmill, someone's home, or even a single room off of a public building in the village. They generally have a separate, private entrance allowing you to fully experience what its like to live on your own in France.  The main difference between a gîte and a bed and breakfast is that the gîte generally does not come with food or maid service, nor any of the other service oriented amenities hotels have, although there are exceptions to this in some of the high-end and specialty gîtes.  They are usually beautifully decorated and very clean; perfect for independently minded tourists who enjoy privacy while mingling with the locals.

Gîtes may be rented for brief stays or long holidays. You will find them throughout France, in the heart of the countryside, near the sea or nestled in the mountains.  To ensure quality, France has come up with an official "Gite de France" certification that works much like the Michelin Guide's star system. Each gite is given an 'epis' (e.g. ear of corn) rating from 1 to 5. A holiday home rated 4 or 5 'epis' can be quite luxurious.

To view and book gîtes online for the region you plan to tour, please visit the official website of Gites de France [1].

Facts about Gîtes de France

• There are 55,000 self-catering gîtes in the Gîtes de France program.
• 25% of the customers are foreigners. 33% of Gites owners are farmers.
• An average rental costs 375 Euros per week in the high-season.

• Actual prices range from 150 to 600 Euros per week, classified with 1 to 5 'epis'.

Minimum requirements to be certified Gîtes de France:

• Must be in calm, preserved rural settings far from pollution and heightened noise levels.
• Must have its own entry and be able to sustain living on its own.
• Must have a living room, bathroom, bedroom and a toilet (i.e. everything needed for a family to live; bedding and kitchenware should be impeccable).
• Must have an adjoining field or garden.

Nowadays, many Gîtes de France will go beyond this list to include a dish-washer, clothes washer, etc. Some even offer private swimming pools.

Types of Specialized Gites:

• Gîtes de Neige; snow gîtes which must be within 15KM of a ski resort.
• Gîtes for the physically impaired; accommodations for wheel chairs, etc.
• Gîtes de Peche; fishing gîtes.
• Gites Panda; these must be in a regional or national park with specific observation points and information for the visitors.
• Sejour en Vignoble;  wine country gites which must be located in an active, wine producing farm and expose its activities to the visitors.
• Chambre d'hotes; like a bed and breakfast, usually within the house of the owner. They are rated with 1 to 4 epis. Average price 45euro/night with breakfast for two.
• Table d'hotes; similar to "Chambres d'hotes" but with family meals based on regional products and, when possible, produce from the garden or farm on site.

If you have ever stayed in a French gîte, please do share your experience with us here.  Leave a comment and let us know of any pros or cons you discovered.  We are always happy to receive specific recommendations from and for Members, too.

Need transportation?  Don't forget to browse the FrenchFriends.info section on Car Rentals [2].  Bon Voyage!