Rent a Gite de France

We like to fly into Paris or Nice, spend a few days touring and getting over jet lag and then head out into the countryside. We enjoy hotels and the service, but for longer trips, it can be expensive. To save money, we like to rent cottages either in the country or in small villages. That costs a lot less than a hotel. So when we are in long-term visiting mode, we usually turn to the Gites de France, a wonderful organization that rents out houses and apartments all over France, often in picturesque rural areas. We once found a beautiful little house (2 bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen) in the tiny village of Bard le Regulier about an hour from Beaune. It is on a dairy farm and the gentleman of the house was a local town councilman.The house was spacious, clean, had a fabulous view and the owners were incredibly friendly and helpful. The cost varied from 180 euros a week in low season to 340 euros a week in high season so, as you can see, it was very affordable even in high season.

What appealed to us was the fact that we were out in the countryside with easy in and out access, could interact with people who lived in the area and had incredible views from our private courtyard. The host family was wonderful; the farm was fun and we could zip all over Burgundy without having to face city traffic getting started each day.

We had a full kitchen but only ate breakfast there. We had our main meal wherever we were sightseeing that day and then had a picnic in our wonderful private courtyard in the evening. We attended the local church and shopped the local shops, indeed, were even sold half of a shop-owners baguette one evening when the entire town had run out of bread. Not many places would offer you half their dinner!

After that experience, we were hooked and turn to Gites de France on nearly every trip. We’ve stayed in farmhouses, village cottages, lakeside cottages, and once in a real château for less than 500 euros the week. With the Gites, you sign a contract and pay before you go so you don’t have to deal with money on the trip. You have a choice of doing your own cleaning or having it done for you. Different places have different choices so read the web site carefully and know what you are getting. We prefer free wifi and a shower. In small towns, parking is useful. In the country, it isn’t usually a problem. If you have questions after checking the web site, contact the owners and ask them. We’ve always received a prompt reply. They aren't guaranteed to speak English so I usually write in both French and English to make certain my question is understood. If you don't speak French, use Google Translate. It isn't perfect, but it is good enough to get the point across. Google Translate

When looking at hotels and apartments in France, if you're from the USA, keep in mind that in France the first floor is called the ground floor; the second floor is called the first floor in France because it's the first floor above the ground floor. A lot of folks find a first floor apartment and think there will be no steps only to discover a flight of stairs when they arrive. Fine for most folks, but not if you have a handicapped person with you.

So remember, the floor at ground level is the "ground floor" (rez-de-chaussée). The floor above that is called the first (premier) floor but you have to walk up a flight of stairs to get there. Their 2nd floor is our 3rd floor. The French 3rd floor is our 4th floor. In other words, when it says 4th floor walkup apartment, you are walking up 5 flights of stairs. These stairs can be winding and narrow too so check before you arrive and are disappointed.

This is also a great way to get to know the local population since you will get to know the Gite owners, the local shopkeepers and sometimes the local market vendors. Most Gites require a full week stay although you can pay for a week and stay only part of it. The prices are low enough that you usually still save money doing that. We’ve rented as long as a month and there are usually lower rates for longer term stays. You do have to ask; this won’t be advertised. If you’re staying for a month or more, be sure to ask if there is a lower rate for this length of stay.

Visit the Gites de France web site in English by clicking here: Gites de France English web site