1951 : the Senator Emile Aubert creates the first rural gite

1955 : creation of the National Federation of Gites de France, a gite rural charter is written, and the first brochure of rural gites is published, with 146 gites inside.

1969 : the chambre d'hotes formula (bed and breakfast) becomes official

1970 : the first booking service is created in Isère

1973 : the gites d'enfants (children's gite) formula becomes official

1974 : The Maison du Tourisme Vert (house of green tourism) opens in Paris

1987 : creation of "3615 Gîtes de France", which is a information service and allows to order brochures through the Minitel

1990 : creation of the European Federation of Tourism in owner's houses, called Eurogites.

1997 : the National Federation of Gites de France is recognized by the State Tourism Department to classify and control touristic accomodations

1998 : creation of the web site www.gites-de-france.com

2000 : Gîtes de France sponsors Michel Desjoyaux, the Vendée Globe sailing competition winner

2003 : two new brands are created to qualify the bed and breakfast (Charmance) and the campings (Pré Vert).

2004 : creation of the "Allo Chambres d'hôtes" service (service for bed and breakfast last minute booking). Gites de France sponsors Vincent Riou, the Vendée Globe sailing competition winner

2005 : Gites de France celebrates its 50th birthday