The benefits of labels for gîtes and guest houses

When you run a guest house or gîte, it’s not compulsory to hold a label, but it can nonetheless offer a number of advantages. For example, being part of a label can increase the visibility and therefore the reputation of your establishment, simplify rental management (via a global reservation platform, for example), or enable you to benefit from subsidies andfinancial aid. So how do you go about obtaining these labels? What are the specific advantages of each label? We explain it all!

In order to obtain a label, it is necessary for gîtes to register for the meublés de tourisme classification. This is compulsory to be listed in the Tourist Offices (of the département and the region) and to obtain ANVC vacation voucher approval. This starred classification is referenced by Atout France, France‘s tourism development agency and the government’s sole operator in this sector. B&Bs are not subject to a national prefectoral classification. As such, they are not obliged to register with the meublés touristiques classification, as they are not part of it. On the other hand, certain labels such as Gîtes de France and Clévacances offer a classification, depending on their label, with “épis” or “clefs”.

There are 4 major labels recognized by the Ministry of Tourism:

• Gîtes de France
  This label is France’s leading network for self-catering accommodation. As a member, you benefit from personalized services and specialist support (decoration, profitability, layout, etc.), as well as the possibility of being marketed through a central reservation system. To apply formembership, contact the federation’s regional office. The annual cost of the label is around €130.

• Clévacances
  This is the second major French label. You benefit from business support (training, legal assistance, technical support, etc.) and promotion of your rental property in France andabroad. However, this label does not offer a central reservation service.Membership is obtained from the head office in your département, and will also cost you €130 per year.

• Fleurs de Soleil
  This label is an association of B&B owners. It can help you with administrative formalities and list you on its website for a fee. Annual membership is 250€.

• Accueil Paysan
  This label brings together people with a passion for animals, gardening or professionals with agricultural status. Its ethical and humane charter aims to help travelers discover the work of the land. It is a solidarity-based tourism label with a presence in France and abroad. Annual membership costs 150€.

In addition to national labels, you can also obtain “complementary” labels. We have selected a few:

• Welcome to the farm
  Bienvenue à la ferme is an ecological and educational label that enables farmers to showcase their trades and products. In fact, it doesn’t just focus on accommodation. To sign up, simply contact your local chamber of agriculture.

• Tourism and disability
  The aim of this label is to offer accommodation adapted for people with disabilities. To be awarded the label, the site must meet a set of specifications and guarantee high-quality services and a warm welcome. To obtain the label, contact your regional tourism advisor.

• Rando-Plume
  This label certifies that the accommodation and its guest are a house of character, with a warm atmosphere, proposedactivities and numerous ancillary services. To obtain this label, contact a Rando-Accueil representative.

• Welcome to the château
  It’s an association whose aim is to create a label safeguarding French heritage. It’s a prestigious label! To join, you must first contact the association.

It’s not compulsory to have a label, but it’s a real asset when it comes to attesting to the quality of your accommodation and setting yourself apart from the competition. Labels can also enable you to specialize and be referenced in order to gain notoriety. As a result, travelers will be more likely to book your label-labeled rental, a guarantee of quality. Be careful, though, as to obtain a label you’ll need to meet the requirements and respect the label’s charter, or risk losing your membership.