Farmstays or Gîtes (pronounced zheet) Ruraux as they are known are a great way to experience rural France. Gîtes can cater for families, couples and small or large groups and can work out cheaper than hostels per person.   Gîtes are essentially fully furnished self catering holiday rentals usually on a farm or vineyard. Accommodation is typically converted stone barns or other farm buildings.  Gîtes like holiday rentals need to be rented for a week at a time (usually Saturday to Saturday).   Technically the owner must live on the property, provide a welcome and assistance to guests if need be.     A Gîtes Ruraux property might often offer Chambres d'Hôteand Camping a la Fermeas well.  There are over 55,000 gites registered in France with the official organisation Gîtes de France. The Gîtes de Francesite is in English and you can search by region, price, number of people etc.