Gîtes d’Etape: Rustic French Budget Lodging

photograph courtesy of lludovic

Renting a gîte (a private French country residence) doesn’t usually sync up with the budget-minded agenda. Luckily, there is a rustic getaway option for Cheapos, too.

Gîtes d’etape are the budget counterpart of the traditional French gîte. While you won’t have a house all to yourself, you should be able to choose between an exciting slate of outdoor activities. Many gîtes d’etape sponsor a range of outdoor adventure sports. Mountain biking, hiking, climbing, kayaking, surfing, and horseback riding are all typical offerings, though some gîtes d’etape also provide skydiving and sailing opportunities.

Most gîtes d’etape provide dorm facilities and a limited number of private rooms, making them similar to hostels in terms of accommodation. The good news is that rates also remain hostel-standard: typically €12 to €16 for a dorm bed and €30 to €45 for a double room. Dining options run the gamut from guest kitchens to in-house restaurants, half board to full board.

For more information on gîtes d’etape, directories, and practicalities, check out our Guide to Gîtes d’Etape on EuropeanHostels.com.