The stop-over Gîte (gîte d'étape) is group accommodation for which priority is given to walkers without motorised vehicles who are following a footpath route to explore a particular area. It is, above all, a resting place and is not intended for long-stay purposes. Unless otherwise indicated, cooking on the premises is possible. Walkers should supply their own sleeping bags.

The shelter (refuge) is of more rudimentary comfort than the stopover gîte but fulfils the same conditions concerning its access.

The relay-house (relais) is accommodation where either the facilities do not comply with those required for a stop-over gîte or for which booking in advance is a must because walkers are net necessarily given priority.