After a river cruise on the Seine, Saone and Rhone from Paris to Port Saint Louis, I want to stay in a Gite. I will have three weeks starting 17 July, 2022. I may or may not have a rental car. I am somewhat open to locations; anywhere away from Paris. I have looked at Strasbourg, Colmar and Bordeaux. I am looking for suggestions for some less expensive areas to stay?
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2708 posts
Firstly, gîtes are not typically located in cities. You will almost certainly need a car if that is where you want to stay.
Secondly, anywhere away from Paris leaves a lot of territory. You might simply select a region, such as: Normandy, Provence, Dordogne, and look at what is offered.
Lastly, consult one of the well-known gîte websites to narrow your search:
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Tocard’s advice is good. Unfortunately, hiring a car in peak season is not going to be cheap. Gites, by definition are in rural locations where a car is necessary. There are apartments etc in more urban areas. What is your weekly accommodation budget in euros?
Bordeaux could be very hot in July - I was there late May 2019 and it was pushing 36 degrees most days.
Accommodation prices in France rocket after the first few days of July, when peak season prices kick in - you can expect to pay a large premium for anywhere at the end of July, but particularly close to the coast. Inland areas in the north tend to be less expensive where the weather can be more inclement.
What do you want to see and do?
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thanks for your reply Jennifer. I have never learned how to drive a standard shift; that's why I don't want a rental car. I have 3 weeks between 2 cruises, and I just want an inexpensive house to stay in. I'll look for one near the North coast.
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
In the Gites de France website you can filter by different requirements once you’ve chosen a region. One of the filters is Citybreak. If I weren’t renting a car I’d look for Gites in towns and book day trips if I wanted to see other things in the region.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thanks Mona. Good advice. I'll take a look.
Posted by
la la land...
1018 posts
have never learned how to drive a standard shift; that's why I don't want a rental car.
Automatics are available in France these days, so that should not be a concern.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1194 posts
Hello from Wisconsin,
Please go to the 'gites de france' website. The website is a bit clunky. You will likely have to hit the British flag (upper right) for English translation several times during a visit. It translates most of what appears. Keep fumbling around, you will eventually get the hang of it.
A map is also likely to appear with the counties or regions of France in outline BUT not named. Keep at it. Try a region. You will be astounded at how many of these "cottages" are available. You will eventually land on a map that shows the locations of the gites available. Not just offerings of individual gites but a map showing the location to the gites of the region. The sooner you book the better. Because you will looking for a July/August rental you will be competing with the owners and the french for a spot. Typically they want to rent Saturday to Saturday. But many will do two or more days depending upon seasonal demand.
The gites themselves are rated in wheat sheaves. I go for a three no need for more for me. Three sheaves usually provides internet, and washer/dryer. Kitchens are usually way above what you would expect, it is France after all. I also seldom rent a gite that doesn't provide a photo of the shower/toilet area. However some regions just don't provide this. The entire region is absent those photos. Period. Too shy I guess. But if the gite has a modern remodeled kitchen, trust me, the toilet is modern too.
Gites de France as a system is really designed for French vacationers. So when you get into the nitty gritty of a rental you will often find that sheets and towels are extra and pricey. The French vacationers throw them into the car before leaving home and have no need to rent them. Also it is common for an allotment be included in the rental for utilities. Americans usually use more than the allotment (we leave the heat on when not home, we take long and frequent showers...), so expect an extra charge at the end of the rental after they read the meters. Plus make sure you are aware of any cleaning charge. Many offer you the opportunity to cleanse the place yourself rather than hiring the owners.
I highly recommend using gites. Excellent quality for the price. When I go 'home' to where I was raised the local Motel charges WAY more per night than a really fine gite does. They are so much better than staying in a hotel, especially for a length of time. You typically get a kitchen/dining area, bath/shower, and bedrooms larger than a hotel room.
Yes, there are gites within walking distance of villages and cities. If it is a small village make sure it has a baker, butcher, grocer, and a coffee shop. Or you will be taking the bus to somewhere else frequently.
wayne iNWI