What is a gîte?
A house where you can make yourself at home…
A holiday home that can be enjoyed by family or friends all year round. A gîte is a private property that can be rented for a week (usually from Saturday to Saturday), a weekend or a short stay at certain times of year. Each gîte has reception rooms, bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom and is well equipped to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Where can they be found?
They can be found all over France, in the countryside, in the moutains or on the sea. Either way, they are near beautiful outside spaces.
What's the difference between a gîte and a regular vacation home rental?
What differentiates a gîte from a holiday rental home is the role the owners play. The owners of gîte either live on the property in another building or nearby in town. They are there to provide you with a warm welcome, tourist information and show you the French way of life. Openness, willingness and generosity are owners’ watchwords to make your stay both interesting and exciting.
What do they look like?
The structure of a gîte is as varied as the many activities available throughout the different regions. Wherever you stay, you’ll find plenty of nature to see and plenty of things to do. The range of gîtes available is enormous, ranging from 2-person to 10-person accommodation. Some owners have more than one gîte allowing families to go on holiday together in the same area.
How can I rent a gîte in France?
In Canada, there are two ways to rent a gîte, either through gite.com in Toronto or through the official association of gîtes in France, called "Gites-de-France".
How can I be sure of the quality?
The Gîtes de France label guarantees quality accommodation that complies with a national charter. Under this system, each gîte is awarded 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 ears of corn. Each gîte is rated according to its surroundings, its level of comfort and its amenities. All the gîtes are re-assessed at least once every five years and much more regularly if a customer has raised concerns about the property.
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