Important landmarks in our history

National Federation of Gîtes de France :

1951 : creation of the 1st rural gîte, in the Basses-Alpes, by Senator Emile Aubert

1955 : the National Federation of Gîtes de France was founded, the rural gîte charter was drawn up and the 1st guide published (it contained 146 gîtes)

1969 : the guesthouse (B&B) option was made official

1970 : the 1st reservation system was started in the Isère

1973 : the children’s gîte option was made official

1987 : 3615 Gîtes de France available on Minitel – an information and booking service

1990 : EUROGITES, the European Federation of privately owned tourist accommodation, was founded

1997 : the Federation was awarded Ministry of Tourism accreditation as a national organisation for the promotion and assessment of properties rented for tourism

1998 : launch of the Gîtes de France website: www.gites-de-france.com

2000 : Gîtes de France sponsored Michel Desjoyeaux, winner of the Vendée Globe round the world yacht race

2003 : two new labels created: CHARMANCE (for guesthouses – B&B) and PRE VERT (for campsites)

2004 : the ALLO Chambre d’hôtes last-minute reservation service extended to the whole country . Gîtes de France sponsored Vincent Riou, winner of the Vendée Globe round the world yacht race

2005 : the National Federation of Gîtes de France celebrated its 50th anniversary

2006 : version 3 of the www.gites-de-france.com website

2008 : 1st TV advertising campaign

2009 : 2nd TV advertising campaign

Gîtes de France in the Cantal :

1957 : inaugural General Meeting of the Relais Haute Auvergne des Gîtes de France

1991 : the Relais Haute Auvergne des Gîtes de France became an independent body but continued to have its headquarters in the Chambre d’Agriculture (departmental farmers’ association)

1994 : creation of our own booking service for Gîtes de France accommodation

1998 : the Relais moved into its own offices and opened a small shop

2000 : launch of our 1st website

2004 : premises purchased by the business

2005 : launch of new website

2006 : all activities achieved ISO 9001 2000 quality management standard

2007 : 50th anniversary of Gîtes de France in the Cantal