In French, the term gîte originally meant “a form of shelter”, though nowadays it has come to signify “holiday accommodation that is available for rent”. Thirty or forty years ago, gîtes tended to be quite basic accommodation for the holidaymaker who wanted a reasonably priced self-catering break in France, and were often converted barns or former farmworkers’ dwellings.
With the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994, it has become even easier to journey to France. Today finding and booking a gîte is very simple as there are many online companies which specifically offer this type of accommodation. It is also easy to find listings of gîte locations on tourist information websites.
Spending a week in a French gîte still tends to be relatively inexpensive but many now have more modern amenities like fitted kitchens, wet rooms and en-suite bathrooms, TVs and DVD players and internet access. Some may even offer the use of a swimming pool or tennis court. Gîte holidays are ideal for those looking for peace and quiet in the idyllic French countryside. For holidaymakers who rent larger properties, it can be an ideal opportunity for gathering together and enjoying the company of the extended family all under one roof.