Gîtes
What is a gîte?
A gîte is a rental property - a cottage or
a villa or even an apartment that is let furnished to visitors
for short time periods (less than 4 months)
How do I set up a gîte?
You need to adapt and kit out your property
so that it meets standard French health, safety and hygiene
regs. The law is still pretty vague on actual procedures
but two main declarations must be made: first to the local
Mairie stating that you have furnished accommodation to let
and the second, of course, to the taxman.You do not need
to join the Gites de France or Clévacances or whoever, although
you may.
How can I market it?
If
you join a group like Gîtes de France then they will market
and manage your bookings ... for a fee. But it's much more
rewarding to do it yourself. First get a website (try Website
Creation France: they're gîte specialists) and then get
it known throughout the Net. Put it into portals like Abritel
or Homelidays and get the bookings coming in.
Where are the best gîtes?
Depends
on what you like: mountain air, sun-drenched beaches, mediaeval
villages? Do you need a pool (nearly doubles the price)
or can you do with the local municipal pool or the sea?
In general you'll find the cheapest gîtes in the Pyrenees
(6 person gîte above the Mairie in Illier (Vicdessos valley)
- €175 a week)) and the smallest and most expensive the
nearer you get to the coast. |
