The value of labels for gîtes and bed and breakfasts

When you run a bed and breakfast or a gîte, holding labels is not compulsory, yet it can bring real advantages. Belonging to a label can, for instance, boost your property’s visibility and therefore its reputation, simplify rental management (through a central booking platform, for example), or give you access to grants and financial support.

So how do you go about obtaining a label? And what are the specific benefits of each one?

Here is everything you need to know!

Certification, an essential first stepTo obtain a label, gîtes must first register for the furnished tourist accommodation classification. This step is compulsory in order to be listed by Tourist Offices (at both département and regional level) and to obtain ANVC holiday voucher approval. This star rating is listed on Atout France, the French tourism development agency and the only state operator in the sector.

Bed and breakfasts are not covered by a national prefectural classification. They are therefore under no obligation to register for the furnished tourist accommodation classification, since they do not fall into that category. That said, certain labels such as Gîtes de France® and Clévacances do offer their own rating, awarded in ears of corn or in keys depending on the label.

National labelsThere are 4 major labels recognised by the French Ministry of Tourism:

• Gîtes de France®Thislabelis theleadingnetworkfor stays in private homes in France. As a member, you benefit frompersonalised serviceswith guidance fromspecialists(interior design, profitability, layout and more) as well as the option of beingmarketedthrough acentral booking service. Membershipapplications are submitted as a file to the federation’sdepartmental office. The annual cost of this label is around130 €.

• ClévacancesThis is France’ssecond largest label. You benefit fromsupport for your business(training, legal assistance, technical advice and more) and from thepromotion of your rentalboth inFranceandabroad. This label, however, does not offer a central booking service. Membershipis arranged through yourdepartmental head officeand will also cost you130 €a year.

• Fleurs de SoleilThis label is anassociationofbed and breakfast owners. It can help you with youradministrative proceduresandlist you on its websitein return for a contribution. Annual membership costs250 €.

• Accueil PaysanThis label brings together people who arepassionate about animalsandgardening, as well asprofessionalswith farming status. Itsethicalandpeople-focusedcharteraims to introduce guests to life on the land. It is afair tourismlabel present inFranceandinternationally. Annual membership costs150 €.

Complementary labelsIn addition to the national labels, you can also obtain “complementary” labels. Here is a small selection:

• Bienvenue à la fermeThis label takes anenvironmentalandeducationalapproach, allowingfarmerstoshowcase their workandtheir produce. It does not focus solely on the accommodation itself. To sign up, simply contact your localchamber of agriculture.

• Tourisme et handicapThe aim of this label is to offeraccessible accommodationforpeople with disabilities. To be awarded the label, a property must meet aset of specificationsand guarantee qualityservicesand a qualitywelcome. To obtain it, you can ask your regional tourism adviser for information.

• Rando-PlumeThis label certifies that thepropertyand itshostoffer ahome with character, awarm setting, suggestedactivitiesand a range ofadditional services. To obtain this label, you will need to get in touch with aRando-Accueil representative.

• Bienvenue au châteauThis is anassociationwhose purpose is to run a label safeguardingFrench heritage. It is intended to be aprestigiouslabel! To join, you will first need tocontactthe association.

So while holding labels is not compulsory, it is nonetheless a genuine asset for demonstrating the quality of your accommodation and standing out from the competition. A label can also help you specialise and be listed so as to build your reputation. Guests will therefore be more inclined to book your accredited rental, seen as a mark of quality. One word of caution: to obtain a label, you will need to meet the requirements set out and then comply with the label’s charter, or risk losing your membership.