Socially distant family holidays at these beautiful, isolated gîtes in France
When looking for places to stay in France, renting a gîte (pronounced “jeet”) is often your best option to give you somewhere which feels like a home away from home. Comfortable and full of character, gîtes give you the perfect holiday home and the ability to avoid crowded hotel restaurants and stay safe.
Gîtes to rent in Northern France
The variety of Northern France landscapes means that wherever you go there’s plenty to do. While visiting some of the region’s famous landmarks might be a bit crowded, the number of stunning beaches, vast countryside, and beautiful vineyards mean there’s plenty of ways to avoid busier places and enjoy a relaxing family holiday.
Manoir de Bolu, Brittany
Although you may be sharing a site with another gîte, La Grange, Manoir de Bolu still provides a quiet stay in Brittany. A gîte is a fantastic option for large groups and families as there’s plenty of space. The large, landscaped gardens and private heated swimming pool gives you the chance to unwind in the same privacy you would enjoy in your family home.
This gîte is based in the commune of Le Quillio, so you’ll have plenty of stunning scenery right on your doorstep. If you fancy a change from your gîte for a night, Brittany also has some fantastic campsites to try.
Chill out on the beach at Wimereux
Étoile de Mer, Nord-pas-de-Calais
Meaning ‘starfish’ in English, this delightful holiday villa is in the heart of Wimereux. Just a stone’s throw from Calais, Étoile de Mer is a bright and cheerful gîte. Only 400 meters from the beautiful sandy beach, you’ll have ample opportunity to feel the sand amongst your toes, without a long drive beforehand.
The property has an enclosed garden and private parking, so you and your family can relax undisturbed during your stay. The location of the gîte means you’re less than two hours from Lille, meaning there’s plenty to do if you decide to explore.
Audrey’s Beautiful Gîte, Beauficel
Set in Beauficel, Audrey’s Beautiful Gîte offers guests the chance to truly get away from it all. Complete with a private garden and terraced area, you and your family can spend your evenings enjoying the sunset accompanied by the fabulous smell of a barbeque.
There are plenty of hikes right on your doorstep, giving you the chance to get out and about while staying away from crowds. There’s also a golf course less than 3km away if you fancy some more exercise.
Gîtes to rent in southern France
Although known for the iconic Riviera, there’s plenty more in Southern France to enjoy. From secluded seaside escapes to the Loire Valley, Pyrenees mountains, and the Dordogne, there’s something for everyone. If you have ample time during your trip, a gîte in Southern France makes the perfect final destination for a family caravan tour!
Fontandreau Gîte, Saint-Mathieu
The seven-hour drive from Calais is well worth it when you arrive at Fontandreau Gîte. Not only does the property have a gorgeous terrace and garden area, but pets are allowed on request, so no one in the family needs to miss out on the holiday.
You’ll be surrounded by plenty of natural beauty here as just over a mile from the gîte is the saint Mathieu lake, while Rochechouart Nature Park and La Chassagne Lake are within a twenty- minute drive. All ideal spaces to explore without too many crowds. If you’re a keen canoeist or just feeling adventurous, Saint-Mathieu is within an hour from the Dordogne which has some of the best canoeing waters in France.
Gîtes Ste Catherine, Teyssode
If you’re looking for a place to completely unwind without the hustle and bustle of a hotel, look no further than Gîtes Ste Catherine in Teyssode. Your nine-hour drive from Calais easily allows for a few stops. Once you arrive you can relax beside the gîtes seasonal outside swimming pool with your book and a croissant. If you fancy the full spa experience, the gîte has access to a jacuzzi and sauna for an extra charge.
Rural gîte getaways
For a truly French holiday experience, rural gîtes are unbeatable. Avoid crowds and stay safe, without sacrificing on the scenery or the chance to spend time with your loved ones.
Le Pré, Indre-et-Loire
This gîte is ideal if you’re looking for a secluded escape in the heart of the countryside in central France. Sleeping four people, with one double bed and two singles, Le Pré is decorated in a traditional style throughout, with many of the original stone features well-maintained. Alongside the Creuse river, Le Pré is in the historic commune of La Guerche, giving visitors the perfect mix of countryside and town to explore.
Explore the stunning town of Champigny-sur-Veude
La Belle Croix, Assay
In the Loire Valley, these gîtes are beautifully restored holiday homes near to the Vienne river. A 19th- century property surrounded by woodland and meadows, La Belle Croix can be found near to the pretty commune of Champigny-Sur-Veude and is a perfect option for a summer escape to France.
La Belle Croix sleeps up to eight people and is close to the many beautiful castles of the Loire Valley if you do fancy doing some socially distanced sight-seeing. The villa has access to a private pond where guests can fish without a license and a shared swimming pool.
La Maison des Barriques is located in the Minervois wine region of Languedoc – Roussillon
La Maison des Barriques, Minervois
Found in the beautiful town of Paguignan, La Maison des Barriques is an ideal choice if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, or you fancy staying somewhere with a bit of extra luxury. Once a winemaker’s home, the building has been restored to perfection, with light and stylish décor throughout, including a beautiful oak staircase, white-washed timber floors and a fantastic kitchen, which is well-equipped. For views of the surrounding countryside, enjoy breakfast on the terrace, or have dinner at sunset.
Gîte Rural de Trémont, Mirambeau
Located in Mirambeau in the Poitou-Charentes region Gîte Rural de Trémont is surrounded by natural beauty. The property itself is complete with a terrace and outdoor dining facilities along with a barbecue. Pets are also welcome, and with the amount of natural beauty that is on your doorstep, this is the ideal holiday for them. Nearby you’ll have access to Patiras Island, de Montendre Lake, and Estuaire de la Gironde so don’t forget your walking boots or your swimming costume.
Travel to your gîte with LeShuttle
Travelling to France could not be simpler (or safer) with LeShuttle. The journey from Folkestone to Calais takes just 35 minutes, and from there you have the whole of France to explore before arriving at the peace and quiet of your gîte.