Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee on a sun-drenched terrace, surrounded by French countryside, in a beautiful house that’s entirely yours for the week. No reception desk, no breakfast times, no other guests – just you, your loved ones, and the freedom to holiday exactly as you please. Welcome to the world of gîtes!
If you’ve been browsing French holiday rentals, you’ve probably seen the term “gîte” pop up. But what exactly is a gîte, and how does it differ from a villa or a chambre d’hôte? More importantly, is it the right choice for your French escape?
As a gîte owner myself, I know this style of accommodation inside out, and I’m here to clarify it for you. In this article, I’ll explain what makes a gîte unique and help you decide whether it’s perfect for your next holiday – because it really does depend on what you’re looking for. You’ll discover why gîtes are such an appealing choice for travelers seeking authentic French rural living, combined with independence, space, and character. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a gathering with friends, there’s a gîte to suit every style and budget. I’ll also share practical tips on finding and booking the ideal gîte for your needs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.What is a gîte and what does a gîte look like?
> What is the difference between a gîte and a chambre d’hote?
> What is the difference between a gîte and a villa?
2. What are the advantages of staying in a gîte?
> Space and confort
> Privacy and tranquility
> Flexibility and Independence
> Security
> Good value for money
3. What makes a gîte holiday special?
> Enjoying nature and the countryside
> Staying in an unusual place
> Discovering a region, its culture and local cuisine
> Indulging in premium private facilities
4. How to choose the ideal gîte
> Location
> Capacity and layout
> Facilities
> Other important elements
> Budget
> Gîte classification
5. How to book a gîte
What is a gîte and what does a gîte look like?
A gîte is defined as furnished and equipped accommodation that is rented out in its entirety for short-term tourist stays, usually a weekend or a week. It can be an apartment or a house, old or new, and located in the countryside, by the sea or in the city. The owner often lives nearby, on the same property or in the surrounding area.
British holidaymakers have a very close equivalent to the gîte, most commonly known as a holiday cottage or, more generically, self-catering accommodation.
You can find gîtes everywhere in France; they’re not specific to certain regions.
Many gîtes are usually converted farmhouses, barns, pigeonniers (free standing pigeon houses), mills, or traditional countryside properties. This is part of their appeal – authentic French rural living.
It’s worth noting that the term “gîte” is not legally recognised in France: gîtes are in fact classified as meublés de tourisme (furnished tourist accommodation), the rental of which is regulated. For example, standards of comfort, hygiene and safety must be met.
The main difference between a gîte and what is more broadly referred to as a furnished tourist accommodation or holiday rental (via Airbnb, etc.) is that the term “gîte” evokes character, authenticity, a connection with nature and local roots.
The gîte is often confused with other types of holiday accommodation, so here are a few clarifications.
What is the difference between a gîte and a chambre d’hote?
A chambres d’hôtes offers individual rooms for rent rather than the whole property. You stay in your host’s home, and breakfast is included. The British Bed and Breakfast is essentially the French chambre d’hôtes equivalent.
In a gîte, you rent the entire accommodation and cater for yourself.
What is the difference between a gîte and a villa?
The term “villa” describes the style of a building rather than its function – typically a modern detached property or a classic residence. A detached house in the leafy suburbs of a city, or a contemporary home in a village, might be called a “villa” while also being rented out as a gîte.
What are the advantages of staying in a gîte?
When road-tripping through unfamiliar territory as a couple, you might prefer the convenience of hotels, while solo city-hoppers exploring European capitals could choose B&Bs instead! But a gîte is the perfect choice if you’re looking for :
Space and comfort
You have access to the entire property and its outdoor space: a house, often detached, consisting of a living area, several bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace or garden.
A gîte can accommodate up to 15 people, which is perfect for enjoying quality time with family or friends.
The gain in space and comfort compared to a standard hotel room or a lodge is undeniable! A gîte allows you to feel at home!
Privacy and tranquillity
Whereas in a hotel or bed and breakfast you’ll inevitably encounter other guests, that won’t be the case in a gîte! It’s the ideal type of rental if you’re seeking peace and quiet.
An invitation to relax in the outdoor area of the gîte Le Perchoir du Quercy © Marine Brusson
Flexibility and independence
In a gîte, you live at your own pace: you get up when you want, have breakfast when you choose, and don’t depend on restaurant opening times for your meals as you do when staying in a hotel.
Security
As you’re not sharing your holiday accommodation with strangers, you control who has access. This can be reassuring when you have children.
Good value for money
The ability to cook on-site allows you to save money compared to a hotel stay that involves eating out. Moreover, typically, the price of a gîte stay doesn’t vary according to the number of people, unlike hotel pricing, which can be advantageous for groups of friends or families.
Of course, if you’d rather not go shopping for food, cook meals, tidy up, load and empty the dishwasher, or put the bins out during your holiday, then a gîte isn’t for you! Whilst end-of-stay cleaning is usually included, you are expected to take care of the property as if it were your own!
What makes a gîte holiday special?
Enjoying nature and the countryside
Many gîtes are found in the countryside, mountains, by the sea, or near natural parks, offering access to magnificent landscapes, hiking trails and other outdoor activities. It’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature!
Staying in an unusual place
Every gîte is unique and reflects the tastes, personality and values of its owners. For example, you could spend a few days in an old building that has been lovingly renovated, with architecture and decoration typical of a region, such as a Norman longère or a Burgundy stone house. Or you could have the opportunity to discover a different type of accommodation, such as a mill, a barge or a hut on stilts. And increasingly, you’ll find properties committed to sustainable tourism.
Personally, my gîte is an eco-responsible round log house that looks like a birdhouse perched on a hilltop. It reflects my values: it was designed to provide my guests with a sense of well-being and to limit the environmental impact of their stay.
Discovering a region, its culture and local cuisine
Often located far from overcrowded tourist areas, a gîte allows you to live like a local and discover a region in a more authentic way. You can pop to the market to buy regional products, then cook traditional recipes you’ve discovered whilst chatting with local farmers and producers!
What’s more, hosts are often happy to share their knowledge of the region and their favourite places, and to suggest activities or events that you might not necessarily have found on your own.
Indulging in premium private facilities
Some gîtes boast facilities such as a whirlpool baths, spas, hot tubs or swimming pools, entirely at guests’ disposal! Sometimes, you can even enjoy them while admiring a breathtaking view…
A nordic bath with a view, at le Perchoir du Quercy, Montcuq, southern France © Marine Brusson
How to choose the ideal gîte
So, have you made up your mind? Are you going to book a gîte for your next French holiday? Just in case, here is a list of elements to consider to create your checklist for finding the place that best suits your needs and expectations!
Location
Would you prefer a seaside, countryside, or mountain holiday? Near the beach, a lake, or a river?
Do you want to be able to get there by train? Once there, would you rather avoid using the car?
Would you like tourist attractions nearby?
What activities that might appeal to you are available in the region?
Are there shops and restaurants in the area?
Capacity and layout
How many bedrooms do you need, or how many beds?
The living area and kitchen: do they need to be spacious or not?
Would you like outdoor space?
Do you need parking?
Facilities
List the facilities that seem essential to you: appliances, Wi-Fi, television, etc.
Are bed linen and towels provided?
Would you like to enjoy a swimming pool or a spa?
Other important elements
How many smoke detectors are there and where are they located? Is there a fire extinguisher?
Does the property have mobile phone coverage?
Are pets allowed?
Budget
What maximum cost per night or per week are you planning for?
Watch out for additional charges that may apply, such as for cleaning or linen hire.
Gîte classification
Gîte owners can have their accommodation assessed for comfort, facilities, and services to obtain an official meublé de tourisme classification from 1 to 5 stars. This is the only official classification recognised and managed by the French state, and is mandatory for displaying a star rating. A 1-star gîte offers basic comfort and facilities, whilst a 4 or 5-star gîte is high-end accommodation.
There are also labels awarded by private associations. The best known is Gîtes de France, which uses a similar classification system with ears of wheat (épis) instead of stars.
How to book a gîte?
Of course, you can search for your ideal holiday home in the extensive Gîtes de France catalogue. The organisation is so well known, even in the United Kingdom, that many people mistakenly believe that “gîte” is synonymous with “Gîtes de France”! But not all gîtes are listed with Gîtes de France (mine isn’t)!
For a gîte to legally use the ‘Gîtes de France’ brand and logo (with its famous ears of wheat), the owner must join the association and agree to comply with the quality charter and network inspections.
Many gîte owners prefer to remain independent and have their accommodation classified as meublé de tourisme (with stars). This guarantees official recognition by the French state, certifying the gîte’s level of comfort, quality of facilities, services, and safety.
You can find independent gîtes on Airbnb and similar platforms, and/or by booking directly through their own websites.
By booking directly with a gîte owner, the rental price will be cheaper than going through a booking platform. So, if you’ve already chosen a destination, use your search engine! Type “gîte” followed by the department, village, or tourist area you’re targeting, such as the Luberon or Quercy Blanc, for example. The results page will show you listings from Airbnb and other platforms, but also a list of gîtes promoted via their Google Business profiles and websites.
Whether you book through a platform or directly with the gîte owner, use your checklist and make sure you read the accommodation description thoroughly as well as reviews left by previous guests. These will give you a clearer idea of the property, activities available nearby, the comfort and cleanliness of the accommodation, and the quality of the bedding and facilities.
You now know what a gîte is and how to find that hidden gem that will transform your next stay into an unforgettable experience. Renting a gîte for your holiday means opting for far more than just accommodation. It’s choosing an authentic experience, comfortable living space, and immersion in an often unspoilt environment.
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a traditional property, the tranquillity of a secluded spot, or the unusual character of a quirky dwelling, a gîte offers that rare flexibility that allows everyone to create memories tailored to them.
Take time to define your criteria carefully and compare the options available to find accommodation that perfectly matches your expectations. And don’t forget: beyond material comfort, it’s often the warm welcome from owners and their invaluable advice that make all the difference.
So, for your next holiday, why not try the unique experience that a gîte stay offers – a retreat of freedom and authenticity that could well become your favourite type of accommodation!
🏡 Why not come and create some wonderful memories at my uniquely designed gîte surrounded by nature? I look forward to welcoming you at Le Perchoir du Quercy, located in Montcuq, one of the Lot’s most beautiful villages, in the south of France.
Gîte Le Perchoir du Quercy, in Montcuq, Lot, southern France © Marine Brusson