If you have never rented a gîte before, the word may sound mysterious. It is simply the French term for a self-catering holiday home, usually in the countryside, rented by the night or by the week. For many French families, a week in a gîte is what a summer holiday looks like — and in a region like the Jura, with its lakes, forests and villages, it is by far the most natural way to stay.

This guide explains what to expect, how to pick the right area and the right property, and how to avoid surprises when you book.

What is a gîte, exactly?

A gîte is a furnished house, apartment or studio with its own kitchen, rented for holidays. Unlike a hotel, there is no reception desk or daily housekeeping: you get the keys, you live at your own pace, and you cook when you feel like it. Unlike a chambre d'hôtes (a bed and breakfast), you do not share the house with your hosts.

What you gain is space and freedom. A family or a group of friends can spread out over several bedrooms, eat on the terrace, and come back from a day at the lake without worrying about restaurant opening times.

Choosing the right area of the Jura

The Jura is larger than it looks on a map, and the roads are winding. The single most important decision is where to base yourself.

• The Lake District (Région des Lacs), around Orgelet, Clairvaux-les-Lacs and Lake Vouglans, is the best choice for a first visit and for summer holidays: beaches, water sports, waterfalls and hiking are all close by.
• The vineyards, around Lons-le-Saunier, Château-Chalon and Arbois, suit visitors who come for wine, food and heritage villages.
• The Haut-Jura, towards the Swiss border, is mountain country, with forests, high pastures and cross-country skiing in winter.

Pick one base and explore within about an hour's drive: you will spend your holiday enjoying the region rather than driving through it.

Choosing the right gîte for your group

Size

Match the property to your group rather than booking extra rooms "just in case". A couple will be perfectly comfortable in a studio; a family of four needs two bedrooms; for several families travelling together, one large group house is almost always cheaper per person than several small ones, and much more fun.

Equipment

Check what matters to you before you book: a private garden or terrace, parking, Wi-Fi, air conditioning for summer heatwaves, a dishwasher, a washing machine. Some gîtes also offer a private spa or sauna — a real luxury after a long day of hiking.

Pets

Many gîtes accept dogs, usually for a small extra fee. The Jura is wonderful dog country, with endless forest trails and lakeside walks — just ask before booking.

What is usually included — and what is not

This is where visitors from abroad are most often surprised. In France, a gîte price often covers the accommodation itself, with some services offered as options. Before booking, check:

• Bed linen and towels: included, or available for a small fee per person?
• Final cleaning: is there a fixed cleaning fee, or are you expected to leave the property clean yourself?
• Pets: is there a supplement per animal?
• Tourist tax: French municipalities charge a small nightly tax per adult, sometimes added to the bill.

As an example, at our Région des Lacs holiday home, all of these points are spelled out on the listing: the cleaning package, the towel option and the pet supplement are each clearly priced. A serious host will always tell you exactly what you are paying for before you commit.

When to book

For July and August, book several months ahead: the most popular properties, especially large ones, are taken early. Outside the summer holidays, availability is much easier, and you can often book a few weeks — or even days — before you travel. June and September are excellent months to visit, with warm weather and far fewer people.

Book direct and save

The big booking platforms add service fees on top of the rental price. Booking directly with the owner avoids that intermediary — and gives you the chance to ask all your questions before committing. All our holiday homes can be booked directly on our website.

Our holiday homes in the Jura

We rent a range of properties in the heart of the Jura Lake District, most of them in and around Orgelet, a few minutes from Lake Vouglans:

• For couples: our studio in Orgelet, or the Capitale du Jouet studio in Moirans-en-Montagne, close to Lake Vouglans.
• For families: the Résidence des Lilas in Orgelet, or the Région des Lacs holiday home, which sleeps six and has its own spa and sauna.
• For groups: our group holiday homes, for up to 16 guests.

New to the region? Our first-timer's guide to the Jura covers how to get here, when to come and what not to miss.

Questions before booking? The easiest way to reach us is by email: write to us in English and we will reply in English.

Question fréquentes Renting a gîte in the Jura: your questions