The Gîtes de France label has grown and developed over the years and is now the largest guest-house network in Europe. In 2005, Gîtes de France celebrated its 50th birthday.

The objectives :

• promote comfortable, friendly holiday stays,
• meet the special needs of holidaymakers seeking authentic, convivial holidays in natural settings, peace and quiet, novelty and wide open spaces,
• help to preserve and promote the French countryside and its special cultural heritage,
• participate in local development and bring stability to the rural population by providing additional resources through tourism.

Clévacances rentals and bed & breakfasts are classified according to three essential criteria :

• Environmental: attractive appearance (building itself, surroundings, location, etc.) and total absence inconveniences (noise, smell, rights of way, etc.),

• Internal: space, furniture, decoration, household equipment and sanitary facilities, rooms compared with sleeping capacity,

• Human: service and assistance from the landlord or landlord’s representative.