What is a Gite

What is a Gite

To true meaning of Gite is a shelter. Originally gites were basic accommodation, usually in rural and semi-rural areas aimed at attracting tourists and therefore supplementing the property owner’s income. Many gites were located on or about farms. Gites were quite basic and this was part of their charm and they were intended to be used as  self catering holiday homes.

These days for gite you can read self catering holiday cottage or villa. Tourists now expect a higher standard of accommodation and many gites are furnished to a high standard with all modern conveniences. They usually have fully fitted kitchens and come with laundry facilities. Bedding is usually, but not always, provided or is available to hire a an extra cost. The same can be said for towels. When booking a gite or cottage it can be helpful to see if bedding and towels are included in the rental price. GiteSearch gives this information in its search results when you use our website to find a suitable self catering property.

Gites Today

Gite owners now try and market their properties to a wide range of prospective visitors. Gites can be found that specialise in welcoming dogs, children, fishermen and golfers, to name but a few. Again, by using Gitesearch’s “Need More Options” on our search page you can find as range of properties to meet your needs.

In warmer areas many gites or cottages have swimming pools. These are, as you can imagine, indispensable for children in hot weather. Where properties are grouped together  with a shared pool, they also provide instant playmates. Pool safety is taken very seriously in France and our gite details tell you what measures a gite owner has put in place to ensure their guests safety. Our article section as some information on Pool Safety as well as  tips and advice on how to find your perfect self catering holiday accommodation – see –  Swimming Pool Safety –  Choosing The Right Gite.

Gite, cottage and villa rental is strongly encouraged by the government through tourist boards and planning authorities to encourage investment in local areas.All gite, cottage and villa  owners work hard to ensure that their gites are safe and comply with the necessary rules, regulations, and insurance requirements.

Today, gite listing websites ave many properties that stretch the imagination to be called a gite – there are properties from simple apartments to castles and Chateaux. What ever your choice of property, renting a self catering gite in France gives you the chance to live “La vie francais”.