Self-Catering France

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering France Brittany Ferries Gite Holidays in France 

	Brittany Ferries Gite Holidays in France
Millbay, Plymouth PL1 3EW			MAP
tel: (08705) 360 360; brochure: (08705) 143 537

Took over the Gites the France organisation for the UK and Ireland in 1997. This is now run in conjunction with the operator's ferry routes and offers around 1,300 properties. The advantage of booking through an organisation like this is that some sifting has taken place to select those most likely to appeal to British visitors. The brochure provides symbols for distances to the nearest supermarket, beach, pool, fishing etc. Overnight hotel accommodation can also be booked and those travelling to properties in selected regions of southern and eastern France, including Burgundy and the Cote d'Azur, receive one free hotel room for each week booked in a gite.
There are a number of themed gites including some offering walking, bike rental, tennis and fishing, highlighted with symbols in the brochure.
'Stylish gites' include a 16th century art deco residence, a restored stable with timbering and mountain chalets.
Many gites are located near or on farms and encourage children to help out on the farm or feed the animals.

Where

Throughout France, including Brittany, Normandy, Western Loire Loire Valley, Poitou Charentes, Aquitaine, Auvergne, Limousin, Languedoc Roussillon, Midi Pyrenees, Provence/Cote d'Azur, Rhone Alps, Burgundy, Franche Comte, Alsace Lorraine, Champagne Ardennes, Ile de France, and Corsica.

Style

Widely differing but with a limited number of very large properties. Around half can provide linen for an extra cost. Pets are accepted at more than 25% of gites (though holidaymakers must apply for a pet passport). A handful sleep over 12, suitable for larger parties. Properties particularly commended by Brittany Ferries visitors are awarded a ‘special' rating. Around 70% of properties have a pool on site (listed at the beginning of each section as gites with pools).

Season

Year-round, with a fire symbol indicating a property considered particularly suitable for a short break or long weekend (minimum three nights) heating may be extra. 30 gites have been highlighted for short breaks, being close to ports in Brittany, Normandy and Nord Picardie. Heating and firewood is included in the price.

Facilities

There are around 50 "Baby Gites" which offer free baby equipment such as a cot, baby bath, playpen, and stairgate. Cots may be available elsewhere but this is rare. In addition the brochure includes a guide detailing local attractions, including children's activities.

Extras

A handful of properties operate on a b&b basis and may be willing to provide other meals. For a fee of around £20, end of stay cleaning can be paid for.

Sample Price

A two-bedroom property in the Dordogne costs from £148 per person per week high season, based on four sharing, including seven nights accommodation and return ferry crossings for a car.