FrenchEntree Newsletter
18th March 2010
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Gîtes in France

sally stone - topic host
Welcome to the Gîtes in France zone of FrenchEntrée. Running a gîte business in France is a very popular way of earning an income - or covering the mortgage payments on a second home.
However, over the years the French holiday rentals market has changed - this zone is here to help you work your way through all the issues from the state of the gîte market, advertising and marketing your gîte in France to renovation and refurbishment and even the tax implications of running a gîte.
My name is Sally Stone and I am the joint founder in 2002 of the successful network Les Bons Voisins, caretaking holiday homes across France.
Thanks to LBV, I know a huge amount on this subject - and am chock full of common sense! - which I look forward to sharing with you.
So do treat me like your on-line neighbour – knock on the FrenchEntrée door and get in touch for tips and advice on every aspect of owning a gîte in France, as well as finding real life stories telling it like it really is.

A bientôt!

Sally

Top tips for running a gîte in France

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Advice from those in the know
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Is your gîte up to scratch?

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Take the check-list test to find out! More...

Make sure your gîte is clean!

There is nothing worse than discovering your holiday cottage is grubby. Make sure your gîte is spotless and welcoming. more...

How Much do Gîte Complexes Cost?

Aerial gite view
Wondering whether the gite complex you've just looked at is worth the money? As a guide, apply this formula... More...

RUNNING A GITE IN FRANCE

Planning to move to France and thinking of a gîte business to earn an income? Then take a look at our advice and real life stories to help you decide whether you want to do it, the best way of going about it plus tips and advice from those already making a living. Also, you can view our gîtes for sale database.
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How to ensure your gîte business is profitable

Use neutral colours in roomsSally Stone, who runs a successful gîte and property management business, reveals how to ensure, in these changing financial times, that your gîte not only attracts holiday-makers but keeps them returning year after year... more...

Gîtes in France - Can you still make a living?

french house outside smallThe gîte market in France is ultra-competitive - but this doesn't mean it is impossible to earn an income. However, to make it work you have to be committed, focused and tough.... more...

Tax liability on French holiday home rental income

David FranksMany owners like to let out their second homes in France when they are not using them. But what are the tax implications for this? David Franks, Chief Executive of Blevins Franks, explains...more...

Tax Break for owners of EU Holiday Homes

Holiday HomeAlistair Darling's 2009 Budget report signalled the end of tax breaks for owners of UK based holiday homes. However, in the short-term, owners of holiday homes elsewhere in Europe have been granted a tax rebate for this tax previously only available to UK-based holiday home owners...more...

The Three Rs - renovation, refurbishment and running costs of a gîte in France

paintbrushes smallYou've bought a property and now you need to get it ready. Check out our tips and good advice on getting your gîte business ready - and when you need to start marketing more...

Marketing your gîte - it's never too early to start

Gite - unappealing picWould you want to stay in a gîte if it was advertised with this picture? Of course not. Not only is there no point in having a fabulous gîte if no-one knows that it exists, if you don't advertise it well, then you may as well not have bothered at all.

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Gîtes for the disabled

disabled signIf you're interested in adapting your gîte so it is suitable for people with disabilities, here's some advice on what you will need to do... more...

New rules for running a chambres d'hôtes in France

chambres d'hôtes picIf you want to run a chambres d'hôtes in France there are restrictions on the number of rooms you may let out and the staff you can have... more...

+++++ REAL LIVES +++++

What is it like to run a gîte in France? How has the market changed over the years? Read our first-hand accounts of those already in the business

'I don't think gîtes can provide your only income'

boet cot pool smallKim Kaye has run a gîte complex since 2002. Despite a marriage break-up, she loves what she does and would never give it up. But, she says, gîtes cannot provide a complete income.. more...

'How a change in our marketing doubled our bookings'

gite - kerronesJayne and Tony Abbato have had a gîte complex since 1993. Despite their wealth of experience, by last year their bookings had dwindled to just a few weeks a year. Then, they updated their marketing strategy... more...

'If you have a good product, sensibly priced, it will sell!

real life jim and gail Jim and Gail moved to the Charente-Maritime in April 2003. Usual story - they wanted out of the rat race and so bought a property with a tumble-down wreck attached. But now the wreck is a beautiful gîte, and the couple have discovered the recipe for success with holiday lettings...more...

A gîte in France - from the French perspective

Gite - french ownerLong before the British started renting out their properties there was 'Gîte de France', the official French body that controls and administers the gîtes in its network. FrenchEntrée spoke to one French gîte owner, who has run a gîte business for the past seven years. more...
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Holidays in France
FrenchEntrée Holidays - bringing new tourism business to France
Gemma Driver, Editor, FrenchEntrée Holidays
Gemma Driver
Holidays Editor
FrenchEntrée's independent guide to holidays in France is becoming more popular every day - take a tour! Editor Gemma Driver says "France has a fantastic choice of holidays for all ages - my aim is to introduce holidaymakers to exciting new options, regions and holiday specialists." Try our Holiday Directory for tour operators and services.
Need Euros for your gite purchase or renovation?
Euro NotesIf you need advice or a Euro currency exchange quote for your gite purchase or development work, make a no obligation enquiry to Moneycorp, FrenchEntrée's Currency Partner

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