Our French gîte holidays
A gîte is more than a place to stay, it’s a way of being – slower, more thoughtful, more connected to the area you’re in. We personally inspect all our gîtes and choose them for giving you that connection, through owners who love where they live and want to introduce you to its sights, sounds and flavours, from the sparkle of Champangne, to the deep notes of Burgundy. Every one of our gîtes is as unique as the region it lies in, whether it’s a romantic gîte lost in the hills and valleys of Auvergne or a family escape on the banks of the Loire. How much you explore is up to you but, without even trying, you’ll discover the uniquely casual feeling of a gîte holiday.
Sawday’s was born in France
Our founder, Alastair Sawday, spent years of his youth as a walking guide in France. He loved exploring new places and meeting the people that defined the character of the country. When he finally returned home, he took his wine-stained notes on French gîtes with pools, dog-friendly gîtes and all the places he’d discovered, and turned them into a guide book. All these years later, the same spirit of adventure and authenticity is what drives us to find the people, and the gîtes, that will begin your own love affair with France.
Our favourite things to do in France
Any list of things to do in France will naturally lean towards the gastronomical. The wine, bread and cheese are globally renowned of course, but spare a thought, and a glass, for the soft, buttery cider of the northern regions and the mingled cuisine of the border regions. Again, the south coast is legendary, but the islands of Brittany are a more accessible alternative when coming from the north. And finally, although we could write reams on everything there is to do in France, you’ll find history, art and culture from the towers of Notre Dame to the colourful community of Collioure.
Why choose Sawday’s?
We’ve spent over two decades exploring France, but we’ve done it in a particular way. For us, a gîte holiday is about slowing down and appreciating where you are, not ticking off must-see sights and hustling on to the next photo opportunity. The place you stay is a huge part of creating that feeling, which is why the gîtes in our collection have to have heart. We personally inspect all our gîtes and talk to the owners, so we can be sure that when you stay you’ll be made to feel at home, starting your French adventure in the laid-back, friendly spirit that makes gîtes holidays so special.
