DoDDS World Reunion

This section is intended for people who have rented a place somewhere in the world or who owns one and would like to rent. Pass the information on to our webmaster, Richard Smith - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and he will put it on the site.  IT IS NOT INTENDED FOR COMMERCIAL USE.

Here is a great site for you to do some research and find out what is available.  Vera Morgan and Mag McGinley, both DoDDS teachers, have a site which is exclusively for past and present DoDDS teachers/employees for the purpose of home exchanges for vacation purposes.  Go to www.GoGoTeachers.com for more information.

What is a Gite Holiday in France?

A gite is usually a typical home of the region, and can be a everything from a small cottage to a farmhouse or even a chateau.   Many are the families' old barn which they renovated. Gites are available that sleep any number of people, so are suitable for both smaller and larger groups.  Most commonly the term 'villa' is used for more modern properties, although not always.  On a gite holiday you will be staying in a self-contained property, usually with a garden, where you can 'faites comme chez vous' (act as if you were home).  Gites are sometimes independent of other properties, and sometimes form part of a small group of properties at the same location.  The owners, sometimes French, sometimes expatriates, will often be English speaking and may also live on the same site as the gites.  They will then be on hand to offer invaluable advice about the most interesting things in the region, or to help it any problems arise.  There are several advantages of a gite or self-catering holiday.  First is the freedom it supplies to do your own thing.  No fixed meal times, no need to dress for dinner, eat and drink what you like, and usually you will be closer to the countryside and beauty of France, giving you a better feel for 'the real France'.  You can do things at your own pace, travel as far afield as you like, or do nothing at all.
A separate benefit is that a gite will almost always cost less per person than a stay in a hotel.  But that doesn't mean you are missing out on luxury.  Many gites have swimming pools, perhaps for that property alone, and are maintained to very high standards.  As with everything, the more you pay the more you get, and a gite for 6-8 people might cost anything from 750 euros per week or more in high season.
It is true that there are also gites in a poor state, inadequetly cleaned, where you would not want to pass a holiday.  Happily with the internet it is easy to see in advance what you will be getting for your money.  I recommend only choosing a property where you have seen quite a few photographs, both internal and external.
I would also recommend trying to reserve your gite sooner than later.  Gites are usually available, even at short notice, but the choice of gites will be much more restricted.  Although there is a chance of a last-minute bargain, it is generally better to choose from the wider range available earlier on - there will be bargains in these also, if you look hard.  I would try and book a gite for the July - August period by the end of February if possible.
How to find a gite?  In France there are thousands of gites, and ten in not hundreds of gite listing sites, and the task of choosing one can be a challenge.  More so if you are booking late, because many of the enquiries you send will be returned as 'sorry, property already booked'.   To avoid this you can select a property from one of the sites which maintains availability schedules for all the properties.  I personally would recommend dealling directly with the owner, both for the cost savings, and the extra comfort you get from speaking directly or indirectly with the owner.  This will also make it easier for you to discuss special needs for your visit.  Conculsion?  If you have never had a gite or self-catering holiday in France I recommend you try it.  It's a perfect way to see the French countryside, and a well-chosen gite can give you the holiday of a lifetime.