France is well known for its breathtaking landscape, old world charm, exquisite wines, and appetizing foods. Vacationing to France can be both relaxing and enjoyable if carried out with forethought and research. The French Chambres d'Hotes (http://www.chambresdhotes.org/English/) offers links to various gites in the region. A popular style of accommodations in the smaller villages, gites are rental houses, refurbished barns or apartments that allow families of those travelling in groups to stay together in a house-like setting. The charm of these ancient buildings are unmarred by modernized and top of the range hotel amenities. Holiday rentals in the Midi-Pyrenees region host guests in rustic villages, and offer all the amenities including; kitchens, en suite bathrooms, terraces, gardens and sweeping views that are always welcomed by any traveller.

Ariege Department

Directly to the south of Toulouse, Ariege is an outdoorsman's paradise and offers grand views of the Great Pyrenees. Travellers come to Ariege to hike, go horseback riding, fish, ski, and even rock climb. Rock climbing has gained a terrific reputation in this region due to the stunning backdrop of the breathtaking mountain range.

While in the Ariege department, travellers will find welcome respite at Pechine (www.ariege-discovery.com). This particular Gite boasts accommodation for four travellers. With sweeping views, a pool, and large patio area, this Gite offers a chance to take in the natural beauty of the area. Indoors, the Gite has all of the amenities of a modern and well designed home. You will find a full kitchen, wash and dryer, full cable television and DVD's. While staying at the Pechine, travellers are treated to shopping services (20 Euros) and also a weekly cleaning service which always offers further relaxation to the fussiest of guests. Guests will also enjoy the nurturing character of the proprietors, Mike and Jo, as well as their two housecats, Brie and Tache.

Aveyron Department

Noted for accommodating ten of France's most beautiful villages, Aveyron hosts festivals year-round for both residents and visitors alike. This particular department is wonderful for families of all ages, as there are plenty of things you can do as a family, including; museums, animal parks, chateaus, and castles, all of which you can explore until your heart's content.

Lasfonds Holiday Gite and B & B (www.sallevezines.net) is the perfect getaway for families. The suite offers two bedrooms with en suite restrooms as well as an additional sofa bed in the living room. In addition you will find a full kitchen which provides ample space for guests to make themselves at home. If travellers prefer, the property offers reasonably priced evening meals, which feature four courses constructed of fresh and organic produce, alongside local meats. Outdoors, you can take in the breathtaking sunsets on the terrace and enjoy the terrific 2-acre garden, which plays host to a family of donkeys, Marius, Sophie, and Chocolat. Meanwhile, the children can play on the swing set and in the miniature wooden chateau.

Tranquil surroundings abound at The Old Barn of Recoules (www.lefrenchgite.co.uk). Situated on a sprawling farm, this Gite offers luxuriant accommodations alongside breathtaking views. This converted barn is both modern and spacious, boasting three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a fourth bathroom in the hallway. The full kitchen equips even the most discerning chef with the necessary tools to create a wonderful meal, from the local produce and meat of Hamlet of Recoules. The Old Barn of Recoules keeps some of the old-world charm alive by leaving the exterior of the barn rustic. The patio boasts ample seating and is a lovely site to take in the view of the rolling hills of Aveyron.

Haute-Garrone Department

The Haute-Garrone department features something for every traveller. The popular town of Toulouse is situated in the northern part of this department and the Cite de l'Espace offers insight into France's space program, with a live rocket ship on the site. In the southern region, the peaks of the Great Pyrenees offer a skier's paradise, while the nature provides a tranquil setting for the areas many spas, and thermal baths.

Gers Department

To the north of Haute-Garrone, the department of Gers is known for its rolling hills and quaint villages. The strongest industry in Gers is agriculture and brandy, foi gras, wild mushrooms, and other rare delicacies that hail from this region. The gorgeous Great Pyrenees border to the south of this department offer remarkable views of the wonderful sunsets.

Located in the village of Pouy Roquelaure, Le Clozet (www.leclozet.com) offers two nicely appointed gite accommodations. The La Bergerie gite is a three-bedroom apartment equipped with a full kitchen, living area with top-of-the-range sofas, DVD player and television. The L’Ecurie also boasts three bedrooms, three en-suite bathrooms, and a full living area apartment. The full kitchen is accompanied by a dining area that can seat up to six people. La Bergerie provides comfortable accommodation for up to six guests, while L’Ecurie has the space to sleep eight. The grounds at Le Clozet feature mature oak and walnut trees and a large swimming pool with spectacular views of rolling green hills. The property has a large library of books and DVD’s to lend and also offers free use of the property’s bicycles for guests to explore the surrounding area.

Lot Department

The department of Lot is nearly completely untouched by any modern advances. The beautiful countryside is home to Rocamadour, the famed cliff-side village. This village is also known for its delectable goat's cheese. The gorgeous Dorgone River snakes through the area, creating opportunities for outdoor activities such as canoeing, swimming, hiking and even picnicking if you can tear yourself away from the water.

While in Lot, travellers will find great accommodations at the Gite of Le Segala (www.lesegala.com). This lovely site offers views of the valley below from its particularly large garden. There is a large and refreshing pool, barbeque area, and various fruit and nut trees. Inside, the Gite displays original natural wood beams in all rooms giving your accommodation a pastoral feeling. There are four spacious double bedrooms, each appointed with its own bathroom. The living area features a DVD player with a multitude of films for all ages to enjoy. The wonderful kitchen is a great place to gather and cook meals, why not use the ingredients from the nearby Les Quatre Routes du Lot. The village itself has a local market, bakery, wine shop, and pharmacy which will no doubt satisfy all your needs.

Hautes-Pyrenees Department

Breathtaking views and dramatic mountainsides make Hautes-Pyrenees a popular spot for people that enjoy the outdoors. Activities like rafting, hiking, cycling, and touring are more than common for tourists of the south of this region. In the north of the Hautes-Pyrenees, the famed Lourdes draws in thousands of people each year in hopes they will reap the benefits of this majestic healing place.

Just north-east of the Tarbes lays the small village of Lameac, which is home to the Gite d’Arros (www.gitedarros.com). This two-bedroom gite was recently refurbished and has plenty of modern features for terrific levels of comfort. The two upstairs bedrooms are serviced by a shower bathroom. There is also an additional bathroom with a shower on the first floor. The first floor also offers a full convertible sofa for additional sleeping space. The full kitchen features modern appliances for guests to whip up meals to serve in either the lounge or the dining room. The Gite d’Arros offers satellite TV and a DVD player as well as a welcome basket complete with wine. The exposed wooden beams and the traditional French chateau architecture make the Gite d’Arros an attractive and welcoming holiday spot for all different types of travellers.

Tarn Department

The Tarn department is popular for wine-lovers. The Gaillac region in particular is noted for its wonderful vineyards. The landscape of Tarn is crossed by four rivers, playing host to an array of outdoor activities, and with a milder climate than many other mountain ranges, the winters in Tarn are often exquisite and scenic. Families will especially enjoy the outdoor adventure park in Saint Pierre se Trivisy. This park spans an amazing four hectares of different games and activities including mountain biking.

In the Gahuzac-sur-Vere you will find the large and accommodating Gite Solterre. (www.gitesolterre.com).The Gite Solterre was converted in 2009 from an old winery.  Found in the vineyards of the famous wine producing area, the Gite accommodation overlooks stunning surroundings. In the local area there are also plenty of activities to partake in, including cycling, walking, hiking and wine tasting. Alternatively, if you would just like to relax, you can always spend time in the wonderful Gite accommodation. The house provides 2 large bedrooms and 2 spacious bathrooms alongside a private heated pool and Jacuzzi. Even though the accommodation was converted in 2009, it keeps a lot of its original rustic design features; however, you will find the best of modern appliances including Freesat, WiFi, plasma TV, DVD player and even under floor heating.

Tarn-et-Garrone Department

Old world architecture is well preserved in the Tarn-et-Garrone department and is most notable at Lauzerte, Montpezat de Quercy, and Faillal. The rivers, La Garrone and La Tarn, cross the region of Tarn-et-Garrone. This fertile region boasts various agricultural benefits such as lovely fruit, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.

Sitting in its own valley surrounded by sprawling green hills, the gite at Le Farat (www.lefarat.com) is the perfect holiday destination for travellers wanting the ‘true’ French experience. This 200-year-old structure offers accommodation for up to eight guests and is completely self-contained. There are two large bedrooms with either two twin beds or a king-sized bed, as well as a sofa bed in each room. The rooms also have their own full en-suite bathrooms. This gite also offers a private terrace that faces west for fantastic sunset views. The full kitchen features all expected modern appliances as well as a washing machine, and a terrific dining table if you want a home cooked meal. There is also a DVD player, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi for guests wishing to stay indoors. Le Farat offers a private lake for fishing, a salt-water pool, and 5 acres of manicured grounds to explore, which truly make this gite one of the finest available.