Gîtes de France History – A timeline

1951: Creation of the first rural gîte by Senator Emile Aubert.

1955: The National Federation of Gîtes de France is founded, the charter is written and the first guide is published (it contained 146 gîtes).

1969: The bed and breakfast (chambre d’hôtes) system becomes official.

1970: Creation of the first reservation service takes place in Isère.

1973: Children’s gîtes system becomes official.

1974: The Maison du Tourisme Vert (Institute for environmentally-friendly tourism) opens in Paris.

1987: Creation of 3,615 Gîtes de France. Information and guide ordering services become available via Minitel.

1990: EUROGITES, the European Federation of Tourism is created.

1997: The Federation qualifies with the Ministry of Tourism as a national organisation for the promotion and assessment of properties rented for tourism.

1998: The Gîtes de France website, www.gites-de-france.com, is launched.

2000: Gîtes de France sponsors Michel Desjoyeaux, winner of the Vendée Globe, around the world sailing competition.

2003: Two new labels are created: Charmance (for bed and breakfasts) and Pre Vert (for campsites)

2004: National extension of the ALLO chambre d’hôtes last-minute reservation service. Gîtes de France sponsors Vincent Riou, winner of the Vendée Globe.

2005: The Gîtes de France Federation celebrates its 50th birthday.