With European economies showing signs of recovery, there are some indications that the holiday rental season in France will be better than 2009. However, the gite market is very competitive, and although July and August may be good – the rest of the year could be difficult. Perhaps the Brits will still find it difficult with the strong euro but other Europeans will be vacationing in France.

Consumers are looking for value for money, and are conserving savings. So expect the last minute market to be very busy this year. The luxury end of the market was strong in 2009, and expectations are high for 2010. Those offering a range of activities and USPs will probably fare better.

Many gite owners are British, attracted by a less stressful lifestyle (how misleading), and often rely on pensions or income from the UK. Many have found it difficult to live on lower takings and less euros for their pension pounds, and have decided to sell up. Although gite property prices might have declined in the last couple of years, the Brits can sell at lower prices because they are getting significantly more pounds for their euros! There are still some desperate sellers.

So if you are thinking of buying, there are many gite bargains around. However, the Languedoc-Roussillon and Aquitaine, increasingly popular with the Brits does not have so many bargains – prices keeping relatively stable in the downturn.

Technorati Tags: french property market, french property market 2010

Gite Market Prospects

The New Year is often a time to reflect and plan for the future. Often, big decisions are made during this period. Many contemplate big life-style changes while others plan to settle their finances like mortgages and the like. If history is anything to go by, the number of enquiries about Gites will rocket in January, February and March. So what are the Gite Market Prospects for 2009?

Will it be the same in 2009? The financial crisis will have some impact – there is no doubt. But it will be a good time to buy with substantial price reductions in the pipeline.

The media has been full of stories about expats with diminishing pensions in euro land. The rapid demise of pound sterling against the euro, has devalued pensions by 30% in the last 12 months. So many expats are having to re-consider a return back to Blighty. Expats in France are being forced to sell-up and return to the UK too.

In these well publicised cases, the problem is the income is in pound sterling. Those fortunate to be running gites will not be affected by this particular issue – although they have a different set of problems (less tourists from the UK as they cannot afford to holiday in France!). Gite owners are typically paid in euros so their income will not subject to the exchange rate.

So in 2009, we think potential “expats” will look at the Gite market seriously as they will perceive that their income will be in euros. Gites will look attractive in this light – a lifestyle change and income in euros! This paints a rosy picture. The gite market still remains a fiercely competitive market – 2009 is likely to even more competitive as economies struggle with the recession and tourist numbers to France decline.

Our recommendation is to have a thoroughly researched business plan – that is realistic! Look at options for a niche market for your Gite – wine tours, painting weekends, rambler weeks, etc. These markets are easier to market to – rather than attacking a hugely competitive general tourist market. Look for an unique USP, and bear in mind the French only tend to book gites in July and August. Perhaps 10 weeks to make some income! You probably need to look at attracting business outside that 10 week time frame. Save money on your channel ferries too: Channel Ferries Deals.

C’est la vie!

Technorati Tags: Business plan, Gite Market Prospects, Travel and Tourism

Pyrenees-Orientales is located on the Mediterranean coast adjacent to the Spanish border and the Pyrenees. Its influences are many – Moors, Spanish and the French!

There are miles of sandy beaches stretching from the Languedoc-Roussillon towards the Camargue. Every water-sport conceivable! An abundance of marinas for the sailing fraternity, wind surfing, angling, and inevitable pedalos. Down near the Spanish border: Collioure, Port Vendres and many other fishing villages are located in rocky coves with fine restaurants, shops and cafes.

Venture inland and you have the delights of the Pyrenees – in the winter the ski slopes around Font Romeu are very active and in the summer the walks and views are unbelievable – the ski lifts are still working to take you to the mountain peaks.

Perpignan is the thriving heart of the Pyrenees-Orientales. A gentle multi-cultural society living in harmony. The city is a delight to walk-through with ancient relics and modern shops. Restaurants hidded in the narrow streets offer a wide variety of cuisines.

There is plenty to do and see – we have not mentioned the vineyards or the delightful villages in the foothills of the Pyrenees. If you enjoy extreme sports – you are in the right location. Want some history? This is the land of Kate Mosse’s Cathars so there are fortresses and even older caves to explore.

When are you going? For a selection of vacation rentals in Languedoc-Roussillon << click here

Technorati Tags: cathars, collioure, font romeu, kate mosse, pyrenees-orientales