the Gîtes de France philosophy
A quality charter and a seal of approval
Gîtes de France provide a genuine alternative to the usual types of unimaginative and standardised holiday accommodation. Gites de France have raised leisure accommodation to new heights and offer what is beyond price: authenticity, a personal welcome, dialogue, a whole range of sensations and emotions, as you rediscover France, its people and its countryside.
Starting from a simple idea, the Gîtes de France have become key players in the domain of ecotourism in France.
The Gîtes de France label has grown and developed over the years and is now the largest guest-house network in Europe. In 2005, Gîtes de France celebrated its 50th birthday.
Our objectives:
- promote comfortable, friendly holiday stays,
- meet the special needs of holidaymakers seeking authentic, convivial holidays in natural settings, peace and quiet, novelty and wide open spaces,
- help to preserve and promote the French countryside and its special cultural heritage,
- participate in local development and bring stability to the rural population by providing additional resources through tourism.
A Gîtes de France holiday is both enriching and relaxing, thanks to the 43,000 men and women who welcome you into their homes, each one different and unique.
These values have made Gîtes de France a leading force in sustainable development for rural tourism.
A few facts & figures
In France, across the 95 departmental offices and the National Federation, Gîtes de France has a team of over 600 people to work with property owners and holiday-makers.
Overseas, Gîtes de France has been working with tour operators and has held a good position in the international market for almost 20 years.
43,000 property owners, 56,000 accommodations, 35 million holiday days give Gîtes de France a turnover of 450 million euros and provides 750 million euros to local communities all over France (20% of this from international clients). Gîtes de France has also invested 230 million euros in maintaining important heritage sites.
Rurals Gites "Gîtes de France"
- 43,800 rural gîtes,
- 2,500 of which are new each year, with an average investment of 58,400€.
- Average length of rentals: 16 weeks per year.
- Average level of occupation throughout the year (taking into account weeks rented and available dates): 43.4%.
- Average price per week: 408€ in high season, 267€ in low season and 167€ per weekend.
Guest Houses "Gîtes de France"
Gîtes de France History – A timeline
1951: Creation of the first rural gîte by Senator Emile Aubert.
1955: The National Federation of Gîtes de France is founded, the charter is written and the first guide is published (it contained 146 gîtes).
1969: The bed and breakfast (chambre d’hôtes) system becomes official.
1970: Creation of the first reservation service takes place in Isère.
1973: Children’s gîtes system becomes official.
1974: The Maison du Tourisme Vert (Institute for environmentally-friendly tourism) opens in Paris.
1987: Creation of 3,615 Gîtes de France. Information and guide ordering services become available via Minitel.
1990: EUROGITES, the European Federation of Tourism is created.
1997: The Federation qualifies with the Ministry of Tourism as a national organisation for the promotion and assessment of properties rented for tourism.
1998: The Gîtes de France website, www.gites-de-france.com, is launched.
2000: Gîtes de France sponsors Michel Desjoyeaux, winner of the Vendée Globe, around the world sailing competition.
2003: Two new labels are created: Charmance (for bed and breakfasts) and Pre Vert (for campsites)
2004: National extension of the ALLO chambre d’hôtes last-minute reservation service. Gîtes de France sponsors Vincent Riou, winner of the Vendée Globe.
2005: The Gîtes de France Federation celebrates its 50th birthday.
Mon panier
