Self-catering, ideal for family trips and longer stays.
Gîtes and self-catering accommodation are a great option for those who want to holiday to their own rhythm, shopping at markets and enjoying a barbecue in the sun. Staying in a lovely cottage by the sea, surrounded by rolling countryside or nestled in a pretty village … there are plenty of options when choosing your self-catering gîte: from small cottages to smart complexes and even châteaux. Many come with pools and barbecue facilities for a wonderfully relaxing holiday.
There are increasing numbers of speciality gîtes, such as those that cater for fishermen, with fishing lakes within the property. Some gîtes offer a welcome basket of basic groceries such as bread and milk – if you’re arriving late, especially on a Saturday night, this is a useful option. In the UK or USA you are guaranteed to find a shop open almost any hour of the day or night, almost wherever you are but while more and more French grocery shops do open on a Sunday morning now, in rural France you cannot assume that you will find something open on a Sunday.