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The Gîtes de France formula for family vacations
The Gîtes de France celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2015. Indeed, it was in January 1955 that the National Federation of Gîtes de France was created. A real success for the 38 owners, who today welcome families in nearly 000 rural accommodation throughout France. The gîte formula has several advantages: discovering a region, accommodating a large family, saving on rentals, etc… Explanations with Christophe Labes, manager of the Gîtes de France in Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
The “Gîtes de France” quality label
The National Federation of Gîtes de France awards the “Gîtes de France” label. This approval allows its owner to use this name for his accommodation on condition that he respects certain qualitative criteria such as a rural environment, calm and preserved, without danger for the children, far from any pollution and noise nuisance, a house furnished with specific equipment for families, so that the stay is comfortable. The owner welcomes families on the first day and listens to them throughout the stay.
The main criteria of rural lodgings
The Gîtes de France are classified in stars and ears of corn from 1 to 5 according to their exterior environment, quality and interior fittings.
To be approved, a rural lodging must at least meet the following conditions:
- be completely independent (if the managers have their own house on the property)
- include a common room with a kitchenette, a bedroom, a bathroom and independent indoor toilets
- be provided with hot water and electricity
- include the furnishings and equipment necessary for a family’s stay: bedding and crockery must be impeccable
- be located in a quiet environment and pleasantly furnished for guests, with garden furniture for example.
- necessarily offer adjoining land, if possible closed.
- other qualitative equipment can be offered: washing machine, dishwasher, sheets, etc.
Holidays in a rural lodging: “a family welcoming another family”
As Christophe Labes, head of communication for Gîtes de France des Pyrénées-Atlantiques, points out, “it’s a family that welcomes another family. But without being present. “For him, this formula appeals to more and more parents who wish to bring together several generations to celebrate a family event or spend a week off together. “The advantage of this formula also lies in the fact of reducing costs”, continues Christophe Labes. Indeed, as Anne Lanot, owner of a Gîte de France, in Lys, in the Pyrenees, explains, families can get together in a large house and share the rental costs: “My house has a capacity for accommodation. for 10 beds. Families are very interested in my property because I provide the sheets in the beds when they arrive. This avoids traveling with an overload of sheets and towels. The advantage is also a very well located house, close to access to mountain activities for example and to renowned walks in the region. The garden is closed and gives the children complete freedom to roam without danger ”. Another advantage compared to a guest room, the lodgings have a kitchen. A plus to save money.
Gîtes de France specifically for children These are specially equipped accommodation for children aged 4 to 13 who come without parents. They can accommodate between 2 to 11 children during school holidays. There are 340 in France. Children find themselves in a family atmosphere in the great outdoors. Depending on the host families, the children will be able to practice one or more activities of their choice: cycling, manual activities, horse riding). The owners must be holders of the National First Aid Certificate (BNPS) or the Brevet d ‘Aptitude à la Poste Animateur (BAFA). |