Gites France

Gites France are great ideas. A gîte (masculine gender, pronounced "zheet") is a French holiday home that is available for rent. Gîtes are fully-furnished and equipped for self-catering. There are over 55,000 gites registered in France with Gîtes de France, but many owners choose to handle their own rentals and you can find these by searching online or checking with the local tourist information office. Technically speaking to be called a gîte the owner must live close by in order to provide help, assistance and a warm welcome to guests. Gîtes are generally old farm workers cottages or converted outbuildings and barns within the proximity of the owners' principal residence. This type of holiday accommodation is sometimes regarded as 'basic' in terms of facilities, however most Gîtes are generally very kept and a growing number will have excellent faciltiies such as fully fitted kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, TV, DVD and access to a swimming pool or other sporting activities. The term gîte nowadays encompasses most forms of holiday cottage and even holiday flats or apartments. A number of classes of 'gîte' are defined and graded by Gîtes de France, * Gîte Rural Offers self-catering accommodation located in the countryside, by the sea, or in the mountains. The gite is completely self contained with one or more bedrooms, a lounge or dining room, a kitchen and bathroom facilities. * Chambres d'Hôtes Bed and Breakfast (B&B) the French way. Stay as a guest in a private home with a full breakfast provided. Some hosts offer Table d'Hôtes which provide either full or half board. If Table d'Hôtes is not available there is usually a local restaurant available for evening meals. * Gîtes d'Enfants Holidays for children. During the school holidays host families provide lodging for children of various ages with a wide variety of activities. Children's gîtes are regulated and inspected to ensure a safe an secure environment for each child. * Gîtes d'Etape Stopover and holiday getaways off the beaten track for groups of walkers or cyclists. The English equivalent is most probably a youth hostel. * Chalets-Loisirs A complex of wooden cottages set in the countryside providing various activities, such as, fishing, horse-riding, archery, cycling. Gîtes are encouraged by the local tourist board and planning authorities as they attract investment and tourism. All gîte owners are required to ensure that their gites are safe and comply with the necessary rules, regulations and insurance requirements.