Discover the real France with Brittany Ferries' Gîte Holidays

So what exactly is a gîte? Many Britons have already discovered the delights of a gîte holiday, but first-timers are in for a real treat – the ultimate French experience.

In the broadest terms, a gîte is a French-owned holiday home. They are usually cottages or houses, but can include anything from manor houses to converted watermills, barns, stables and even – in the case of Brittany Ferries' French Collection – a renovated château watchtower.

The owners have to sign the official Gîtes de France charter, and maintain the highest standards of comfort and décor. As a further guarantee, Brittany Ferries' staff personally inspect each and every one of the 1,000-plus gîtes in the French Collection brochure.

Gîtes are self-contained, self-catering properties equipped with everything the guest will need.

Usually, the owner lives nearby and will be on hand to offer help and advice on anything from shopping to sightseeing.

And without exception, a gîte holiday is the perfect way to immerse oneself in the real France, browsing through fascinating markets, cycling, canoeing or horseriding through idyllic countryside, sampling locally-produced food and wines – in fact, a gîte holiday is anything you want it to be, so long as you want it to be French!

For further information or to make a reservation call 08705 360 360.

Released 21 July 2004