The benefits of labels for gîtes and guest houses

When you’re running a guest house or gîte, it’s not compulsory to hold a label, but it can have certain advantages. For example, belonging to a label can increase the visibility and reputation of your establishment, simplify rental management (via a global reservation platform, for example), or benefit from subsidies andfinancial aid.

So how do you get 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 step is compulsory to be listed in the Tourist Offices (of the department and the region) and to obtain the ANVC vacation voucher approval. This star rating is referenced by Atout France,France’s tourism development agency and the government’s sole operator in this sector.

Bed and break fasts are not subject to a national prefectoral classification. As such, they are not obliged to register for the meublés touristiques classification. On the other hand, some labels such as Gîtes de France and Clévacances offer a classification, according to their labels, with “épis” or “clefs”.

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

• Gîtes de France
  This label is the leading network of home-stay accommodation in France. 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. Membership applications must be submitted to the federation’s regional office. The annual cost of this 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. This label, however, does not offer a central reservation service. Membership is obtained from the head office in your département, and also costs €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 is a label for people with a passion for animals, gardening or professionals with agricultural status. Its ethical and human charter aims to help travelers discover the land’s craft. It is a solidarity tourism label established in France and abroad. Annual membership costs €150.

In addition to the national labels, you can also obtain “complementary” labels. We’ve selected just a few:

• Welcome to the farm
  Bienvenue à la ferme is an ecological and educational label that enables farmers to showcase their work and products. In fact, it doesn’t just focus on housing-related services. To register, simply go to your local chamber of agriculture.

• Tourism and disability
  The aim of this label is to offer accommodation adapted for people with disabilities. To qualify for the label, the site must meet a set of specifications and guarantee high-quality services and a warm welcome. To obtain one, 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, suggestedactivities and numerous ancillary services. To obtain this label, contact a Rando-Accueil delegate.

• Welcome to the château
  This association aims to create a label to safeguard French heritage. It’s a prestigious label! To join, 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. The label can also enable you to specialize and be referenced in order to gain notoriety. Travelers will be more likely to book your quality-labeled rental. Be careful, though, because to obtain a label, you have to meet the requirements and respect the label’s charter, or risk losing your membership.