The All Saints' Day holidays have become a very good spot for tourism, particularly for gîte rentals. A period which marks the good year recorded by Gîtes de France. The group, which records some variations depending on the time of year, sees emerging requests for medium stays and notes that the share of farmers among accommodation providers is increasing.
1. Too many elections hurt bookings
“The year is not over, but we are already at + 6% compared to 2023. It is rather a good year, which is also a sham,” explains Brigitte Hugon, director of Gîtes de France in Lot-et-Garonne. We experienced a roller coaster, like a month of July at -4%, fortunately offset by August at +26%. The season was also saved by a month of May with +30%. Our rentals are very sensitive to electoral deadlines, each election giving rise to a wait-and-see attitude, and those of July, unexpected, had an enormous impact. The weather hasn't been good either, but it doesn't matter so much in the South West. For 2025, we have recorded a poor start to reservations since September, and here too the current political uncertainties are not unrelated. »
2. Exit Holy Week
“The phenomenon that we are recording is a desire to leave for less than fifteen days, but more than a week, that is to say on average ten days. This is interesting for customers who have two days of driving, round trip, and who want a shift in arrivals and departures during the week instead of on Saturday. We are thinking about it with the agreement of the owners, who should not have too many holes in the racket and are ready to do the test,” underlines Brigitte Hugon.
3. It’s All Saints’ Day
For Gîtes de France, the short school holidays that work best are All Saints' Day, with regular and constant rental scores. “We are at + 39% in the first week, and + 10% at the beginning of November,” continues the director.
4. In the field and at the mill
Fifty years ago, farmers represented almost 100% of accommodation providers. A base which has diminished, but which is in the process of swelling again. “They also have very good projects, and projects with four ears of corn and large capacity are exploding, for example with the transformations of old farms and barns. Economically, it is very important for farmers. Rehabilitating and preserving heritage is a financial investment for them, and they make it grow with rentals. » A significant source of income given the current difficulties in agriculture, with number of productions down 30% this year. “They also have the pleasure of showing off their profession,” adds Brigitte Hugon.
By the numbers
Tourism linked to Gîtes de France generates 32.5 million euros in direct and indirect turnover in Lot-et-Garonne (up 95% since 2014), 329 jobs, 5 million euros in tax revenue and 10 million euros invested by the owners for the rehabilitation of the heritage. The group has 522 vacation rentals in Lot-et-Garonne.
