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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about accommodation
Frequently asked questions about rental agreements and payment
Frequently Asked Questions about the website
Questions about my stay in a gite rural
Questions about my stay at a Chambre d’Hôtes (B&B)
Frequently Asked Questions about accommodation
Who are Gites de France / Finistère ?
GITES DE FRANCE has evolved over the years to become the European leader in the field of private holiday accommodation. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005. The characteristics of Gites de France are:
  • A sense of tradition
  • A sense of calm and well-being
  • A choice of rural and coastal properties
What is a Gite rural?
A “gite rural” is a self-catering holiday home, renovated in keeping with its original character. It can be rented for a week or a weekend throughout the year. Our gites sleep from 2 people to as many as 15. They are situated either by the sea or in the countryside in quiet, undisturbed, rural locations.
What is a Chambre d’Hôtes?
This is the French equivalent of a B & B. Spend one or more nights in private homes (farmhouses) where you will be treated like a friend of the family! Some hosts also offer guests the possibility of sharing their - often excellent - meals.
What is a country campsite?
Pitch your tent or park your caravan on shaded grounds at the heart of the countryside. Campsites provide space for about 20 families in a peaceful and relaxing rural setting.
What does the label “Charmance” mean?
It is a new designation for Bed and Breakfast accommodation approved by Gites de France.
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What is a Gite de Charme?
A Gite de Charme is rated 3 or 4 “ears of corn” and is particularly comfortable and cosy.
What is a character Gite?
The “Gites de caractère” have been restored in keeping with the local architectural style. They are built of traditional materials (authentic walls, roof and openings), the surroundings are well-kept and the gites have retained many of their original features such as exposed beams, a traditional fireplace, rustic-style furniture and harmonious interior décor.
What is a Gite for groups and overnight stays?
The accommodation for groups and for overnight stays is ideally suited to groups and families (from 12 to 50 people) who want to stop off and rest up for a weekend or a holiday. Stopover gites are a great way to relax on a hiking, cycling or riding trip.
What is a leisure chalet?
A leisure chalet is a single-storey building of light construction (wood-built cottage, etc) set in the heart of the countryside on a rural campsite. Each chalet can usually accommodate from 3 to 6 people and is equipped with a living-room/kitchen area, bedrooms, washing and toilet facilities.
What is a Gite Panda?
It is a self-catering holiday home with facilities for nature-watching. All “Panda gites” provide their guests with an educational kit of nature-watching equipment (binoculars, compass etc.). They are located in the Armorique Natural Park which was been granted this status by WWF France and the Federation of Natural Parks.
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What is a Gite suitable for disabled guests?
The French National Association for the disabled (A.F.P.) and the Gites de France have compiled a list of gites providing satisfactory access for the disabled.
What is a “Gite Senior”?
A “Gite Senior” is suitable for senior citizens who do not have any transport. The owners of the gite are happy to take guests to and from the railway station or airport, to take them to places of interest and shopping areas.
What do the 1, 2, 3, 4 ears of corn mean?
Please refer to the chapter concerning the rating system.
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Frequently asked questions about rental agreements and payment
Online booking
As soon as you have chosen your gite, click on “book now” and follow the instructions. There is no need to give your credit card details unless you make a last minute booking.
What should I do if I do not wish to reserve online?
Please contact the reservation service who will forward the rental agreement to you.
Tel: 00-33-2-98-64-20-21
Fax : 00-33-2-98-64-20-29
Email : reservation@gites-finistere.com
Postal address : Gites de France – 5 allée Sully – F-29322 QUIMPER CEDEX
Do I have to pay by credit card if I book online?
Online payments are secure and compulsory for bookings with an arrival date of less than 30 days. For other bookings you may either pay your deposit by credit card or send us your payment by normal mail when returning the rental agreement.
Can the gite be rented throughout the year?
With very few exceptions owners welcome guests all year round. Take advantage of reduced rates in the low season.
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What is the final deadline for a booking?
Telephone bookings (00.33.2.98.64.20.21) may be made up until 6 pm on a Friday for next day arrival. Booking is subject to our being able to contact the owner.
How can I confirm my rental agreement?
Your rental agreement is confirmed as soon as our office (Relais départemental des Gites de France) receives the signed copy of the rental agreement together with the deposit of 25% within the stated time limit. The balance must be paid one month before the arrival date. This information is set out in the General Conditions of Sale which we will send you with the rental agreement.
Can I take out cancellation insurance?
Yes, if you book via the Reservation Service you will be offered this possibility (3% of the rental / 8 Euros minimum charge).
Do I have to pay additional charges?
Bookings made via the Reservation Service are subject to a booking fee of 14€ (7€ for a weekend). For all other charges please refer to the relevant document (Additional charges, PDF format)
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May I bring a pet?
Yes, please select accommodation which accepts pets. In the case of more than one pet, the owner’s prior agreement must be obtained.
Why is online booking not possible for some gites?
Not all gites are part of the Reservation Service. Some owners belong to the Direct Reservation System. In this case, please contact the owner direct.
Frequently Asked Questions about the website
 All the gites I have selected are already fully booked. How can I find out what accommodation is available?
Make a search by “date” or contact the reservation service (00.33.2.98.64.20.21)
I get too many matches, I need help
If you have difficulty in making a choice, use the advanced search (choice of area, price per week, distance from the sea etc.) and call the Reservation Service (00.33-98.64.20.21). Our team will give you the reference numbers of the available gites that meet your criteria.
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Questions about my stay in a gite rural
Where do I get the key from?
Call the owner before you leave home and give him your approximate time of arrival. He will be there to welcome you at the gite.
Do I need to take anything to the gite?
Unless otherwise stated in the description of the accommodation, you should bring household linen (sheets, pillowslips, towels), tea towels, table linen and cleaning products. Pillows and blankets are supplied.
What is the maximum length of a rental?
As a general rule a self-catering gite is rented from Saturday 4 pm to 10 am the following Saturday. Weekend and short break bookings (3-4-5 nights) can be made if the owner gives his agreement. For stays of 3 or 4 nights, the Reservation Service will generally contact the owner to find out how much he would charge.
Can I make a booking for a weekend?
Weekends and short break bookings (3, 4 or 5 nights) can be made with the agreement of the owner. For stays of 5 nights or more the weekly rate is applied. If the owner accepts weekend bookings (1 or 2 nights), the special weekend rate is shown below the description.
When should I arrive and leave?
The arrival time for one week stays is 4 pm and departure is at 10 am. For stays of different lengths, please call the owner to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Questions about my stay at a Chambre d’Hôtes (B&B)
Can I take my meals on the premises?
Many hosts offer «table d’hôtes” by prior arrangement. Guests can enjoy evening meals of local dishes shared with the whole family.
When should I order the Table d’Hôtes?
Let your hosts know if you wish to use this service at the time of booking or the day before your arrival. The owners will tell you if it is possible or not.
How much do I have to pay for breakfast?
Breakfast is included in the price of an overnight stay.
What is the length of rental in a Chambre d’Hôtes?
One night or more.
When should I arrive and leave?
You will be expected to arrive after 6 pm on the arrival day and to leave by 10 am. Please contact the owner in case of special arrangements.
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