Les gîtes de France (Cottages in France)Les gîtes de France (Cottages in France)A ‘gîte rural’ (‘rural cottage’) is a countryside residence used for holidays which contains a fully-equipped kitchen, shower-room or bathroom, toilet, living room and bedrooms that comply with the ‘Gîtes de France’ charter.
All Gîtes de France accommodation is regularly inspected by the Gîtes de France departmental teams. Each address is given a rating, in ‘ears of corn’, based on its surroundings, level of comfort and services and is reassessed at least once every 5 years. They are most often revisited in the event of a dispute.
The Gîtes de Charme guide contains character residences, such as manors, stylish properties, traditional renovated farms and typical houses. The guide features more than 450 rural gîtes throughout France offering a superior level of comfort and fittings, all of which have a minimum rating of 3 ears of corn.
1 ear: Outside area, garden furniture, shower-room and WC for up to 6 people, two bathrooms for 7 people or more, rotisserie or mini-oven, hobs, pressure cooker, fridge, household utensils and basic cleaning products, iron and high chair upon request.
2 ears: In addition to or instead of 1 ear facilities: barbecue (except where prohibited), washing machine for 6 people or more, blender, coffee-maker, TV aerial socket, sheets, table and bathroom linen upon request*.
3 ears: In addition to or instead of 2 ear facilities: private access and garden, 2 WC for 7 people or more, washing machine, dishwasher for 5 people or more*, oven, colour TV*, phone*, cleaning service upon request.
4 ears: In addition to or instead of 3 ear facilities: character residence, exceptional surroundings and interior decoration, fireplace or wood stove (except where prohibited), microwave oven, fridge with freezer compartment, tumble dryer for 6 people or more.
5 ears: In addition to or instead of 4 ear facilities: private park or landscaped garden, provision of leisure facilities (such as tennis court, swimming pool, sauna or jacuzzi), garage or covered shelter; for 3 people or more, dishwasher and tumble dryer, hi-fi system, video player.
In exceptional cases, these fittings and services may not be present or offered in some accommodation; if so, you will be notified when reserving the gîte.
EC means that the property is awaiting classification.
Prices for gîtes are charged per week (16.00 on Saturday to 10.00 on the following Saturday) or weekend (18.00 on Friday to 18.00 on Sunday or 18.00 on Saturday to 18.00 on Monday). These vary in accordance with 4 periods: High season: July and August; Mid season: June, September and school holidays except July and August; Off season: other periods and weekends. Rental fees, except in a few instances, do not include taxes.