(Gite in the Loire Valley)
France
rightly famous for its culture, its cuisine, its wines, has given
much to the world - not the least of which is the Gites de France
organisation and the opportunities for economical and reliable country
holidays which it provides. Gites de France is about self-catering
holidays in the French countryside. It was designed to meet the ever
increasing demand for an affordable holiday combined with the chance
to meet local people and experience village life far from the traditional
tourist circuit.
A Gite is a privately
owned, self-contained country holiday home. Often a converted farm
cottage, this style of accommodation was developed with the aid of
grants from the French government. The concept was created in 1955
to promote rural tourism, the main aim being to make use of redundant
properties by converting them into holiday accommodation thus facilitating
contact between rural and urban dwellers. The federation supervises
the integrity of the accommodation and ensures its members provide
a good welcome, a minimum standard of comfort, and reasonable prices.
Each gite is graded. Instead of a three star property you would be
looking at a rating of three ears of corn much more in keeping with
its rural theme.
Normandy
Over
the years we have experienced many Gite holidays both as a family
and as part of our cycle tours. It has allowed us to experience the
diverse regions of France as well as a full range of accommodation
styles. Our gites have ranged from a small purpose built modern cottage
in the Auvergne to a 16th century farmhouse (with 20th century plumbing)
in a walnut grove in the Dordogne, to a 18th century chateau in Burgundy,
to a renovated barn in the Loire which accommodated three families
in comfort. Gites can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 20 people and
the cost is calculated per unit not per person. The average cost for
a week’s accommodation for four people ranges from $550 - $750.00.
Once
settled in your gite you are free to explore the region. Each day
you can set off in a different direction by car, on foot or by bike.
The first stop should be the closest tourist information centre which
can provide current information on Market days in the nearby villages
as well as a complete listing of the local festivals which take place
throughout the summer. The markets provide the opportunity to shop
for regional specialties, fresh produce and to experience a unique
way of life. The local festivals allow you to witness and experience
village life and to celebrate historical and cultural events highlighted
with regional dishes and topped off with magnificent displays of fireworks.
Canal
boat on the Canal de Midi
Bookings
are made on a weekly basis, Saturday to Saturday. Once your booking
has been confirmed you receive a photograph or plan of the property
listing the range of facilities provided. Most properties come with
a well equipped kitchen including a microwave and dishwasher; laundry
facilities and television. It provides an affordable accommodation
alternative for families, or groups travelling together. A 25% deposit
will hold your property and the balance is due 45 days prior to your
rental period.
In response to
the popularity of Gites as an alternative accommodation option EurpGite
has come into existence. Other European countries are buying into
the idea and creating a similar organization in their countries. Now
is the ideal time to consider making a reservation in order to get
the type of accommodation in the specific area of France (or Europe)
you are planning to visit. This type of holiday is very popular amongst
Europeans and there is a significant demand during the summer months.
However, almost all properties are available on a year round basis.
The only proviso is that these properties need to be booked well in
advance. If you are traveling during the summer months, August in
particular, you need to start your search as early as November and
no later than February. These are not hotels and should not be considered
as such when you are considering them as an accommodation alternative.
If you are interested in more information on this type of
holiday experience please complete the form and forward it to Shelagh
at The Traveller’s Tale, 526 Cliffe Avenue, 703-0168 or info@travellers-tale.com.
