France is a fantastic place to get away to. Despite its proximity to Britain, it is a world away in lifestyle and culture. Many who travel to France do not want to stay in a hotel or apartment. Part of the appeal of a holiday in France is immersing yourself in the French way of life. To really relax, unwind and settle into the country you require a home from home.

Staying in a French Chateau is an increasingly popular option for many travellers. French Chateau conjures up the image of luxury and tradition and makes a fabulous treat for you and your family. There are different types of Chateaux to suit different groups. Some Chateaux are traditional and may have been owned by the same family for generations. In many cases these will give you a taste of the history of the area and are often filled with antiques. In addition, the owners of the Chateaux can also fill you in on the history of the building and of the local area.

Grounds are often large meaning you can spend the afternoon strolling around in the sunlight. In some areas, you may also find a range of activities to enjoy, such as archery, tennis, boules, wine tasting or even ballooning. It is important to make sure you have suitable travel insurance, particularly if you are taking part in any activities that many result in injury!

Other Chateaux may have been taken over more recently and restored to their former glory. Some have modern decor, so try to find out whether the building will suit your own individual tastes. If you do not simply want one room, but an entire wing, many can make this possible for you. Some owners even allow you to rent the entire Chateau on a self catering basis. Hiring a Chateau is a particularly good option if you are thinking of holding a large event such as a wedding or 50th birthday. The owners may well help to arrange the occasion by locating flowers, transport and liaising with the locals. Make sure you invite all guests, book the flights and travel insurance and the rest could well be done for you!

A Gîte, in contrast, is a self catering holiday home, analogous in many ways to the holiday cottages to be found in the UK. Gîtes are perfect for those who want a self catering option yet require more comfort than camping or a caravan. Gîtes are typically far cheaper than hotels or Chateaux yet guests usually enjoy plenty of space and peace. Many people rent out a gite for their entire family or a group of friends. When shared amongst many individuals, the cost of staying in a gite is relatively modest. Unlike hotels where children and friends may be separated, Gîtes provide a home from home in which all guests can have their own space yet live together. If you are travelling with others, many sure all members of your party are properly covered by travel insurance.

Gîtes are most commonly found in rural settings and are ideal for those who want to experience authentic French culture and get away from the stresses and strains of modern life. Gîtes are even more varied in size and style than Chateaux. A typical Gîte is likely to be a barn conversion or cottage set in a French village or possibly a remote location. Some are located in gite complexes, for example 12 Gîte situated on one site. This option is ideal for those who may be travelling with family or who would perhaps like to have a social element on site with other holidaymakers. Others may consider the presence of other parties to be a negative and will actively seek a remote location.

There are many different features from which you can choose when looking for Gîte. Some have a swimming pool, which may be an ideal option for those with children or couples looking for a romantic setting. Make sure children are accompanied by the pool and ensure you have adequate travel insurance for yourself and your children to accommodate any mishaps. Travel insurance cannot prevent accidents but it can help in dealing with the consequences. In many cases, the owners of Gîtes are flexible. If you have any particular requirements such as the need to accommodate a baby or toddler, many owners will be able to provide high chairs, stair gates and other relevant equipment.