A gîte () is a type of accommodation that comes in a variety of forms, ranging from a gîtes d'etape, a hostel, for walkers and cyclists, to a gîte rural, a

holiday home A holiday cottage, holiday home, vacation home, or vacation property is accommodation used for holiday vacations, corporate travel, and temporary housing often for less than 30 days. Such properties are typically small homes, such as cottage ...

in the country available for rent, often an

accessory dwelling unit Secondary suites (also known as accessory dwelling units, ADUs, in-law apartments and granny flats) are self-contained apartments, cottages, or small residential units, that are located on a property that has a separate main, single-family home, ...

. The term ''gîte'' originally meant quite simply a form of shelter. Gîtes d'etape, which resemble

mountain hut A mountain hut is a building located high in the mountains, generally accessible only by foot, intended to provide food and shelter to mountaineers, climbers and hikers. Mountain huts are usually operated by an Alpine Club or some organization d ...

s, or

youth hostel A hostel is a form of low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared ba ...

, usually provide meals and have dormitory accommodation. They are found along Grande Randonnée long distance trails. The holiday homes type are fully furnished and equipped for self-catering. Some owners may also provide meals. It is often suggested that a gite is a property whose owner lives nearby and can provide a warm welcome to guests, but the word is frequently used (or misused) in a much wider sense. Gîtes are generally old farmworkers' cottages or converted outbuildings and barns. This type of holiday accommodation is sometimes regarded as "basic"' in terms of facilities; however, most gîtes are generally very well kept, and a growing number will have fully fitted kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, TV, DVD, and access to a swimming pool or other sporting activities. The term ''gîte'' encompasses most forms of holiday cottage and even holiday flats or apartments. Many gîtes will also accept pets. Some gîtes do not provide

linen Linen () is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is very strong, absorbent, and dries faster than cotton. Because of these properties, linen is comfortable to wear in hot weather and is valued for use in garments. It also ...

as standard, so many gîte holidaymakers take their linen with them. However, many gîte owners do include linen at least as an option. Gîtes are encouraged by the local tourist board and planning authorities since they attract investment and tourism. Gîte owners are required to ensure that their gîtes are safe and comply with the necessary rules, regulations, and insurance requirements. In French-speaking regions of Europe, there are several associations of gîte owners. Gîtes de France is an organization where people can rent gîtes in France.

Gîte types

;''Gîte Rural'' :Offers self-catering accommodation located in the countryside, by the sea, or in the mountains. The gîte is completely self-contained with one or more bedrooms, a lounge or dining room, a kitchen and bathroom facilities. ;''Gîtes d'Enfants'' :Holidays for children. During the school holidays host families provide lodging for children of various ages with a wide variety of activities. Children's gîtes are regulated and inspected to ensure a safe and secure environment for each child. ;''Gîtes d'Etape'' :Stopover and holiday getaways off the beaten track for groups of walkers or cyclists. ;''Gîte Equestre'' :A staging post for people or groups travelling across France on horseback; or gîte offering stabling for horses. ;''Chalets-Loisirs'' :A complex of wooden cottages set in the countryside providing various activities, such as, fishing, horse-riding, archery, cycling. ;''Chambre d'Hôtes'' :

Bed and breakfast Bed and breakfast (typically shortened to B&B or BnB) is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast. Bed and breakfasts are often private family homes and typically have between four and eleven rooms, wit ...

the French way. Stay as a guest in a private home with a full breakfast provided. Some hosts offer ''Table d'Hôtes'' (

table service The foodservice (US English) or catering (British English) industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many ...

) which provide half board or full board service. If ''Table d'Hôtes'' is not available there is usually a local restaurant available for evening meals. :The term "''gîte''" is sometimes confused with "''chambre d'hôtes''", but in fact the two are different. A "chambre d'hôtes" is necessarily lived in by the service provider and breakfast served each morning. A "gîte" is a holiday home in an independent building and will always be self catering. A ''chambre d'hôtes'' thus is more akin to a

bed and breakfast Bed and breakfast (typically shortened to B&B or BnB) is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast. Bed and breakfasts are often private family homes and typically have between four and eleven rooms, wit ...

Origin

The word originally comes via the spanish and a misunderstanding of where gypsies came from; because they were thought to come from Egypt, gypsies were known as giptanes (or egiptanes) which evolved to gitanes in French. This came to be connected to their caravans or rural dwellings which later expanded to mean rural agricultural buildings used for passing travellers.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gite Vacation rental

Gîte types

Origin

See also

References