When opening a gate or B&B, the owner can label his establishment. This procedure is not compulsory, it is at the owner’s discretion. Today, there are more than fifteen different labels in France. Each label has its own characteristics and requires compliance with precise specifications. Faced with the multitude of labels, the owner can find himself a little lost. Thanks to this article, identify the label most related to your project.
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Labelling your establishment : advantages:
Membership has a label that offers owners a number of benefits. As soon as his establishment is labelled, the owner receives a grant from the General Council. The amount varies between departments, on average, 18000€ for a gate and 4000 for a bed and breakfast. This financial contribution can help owners to develop their project. At the same time, they benefit from increased visibility and credibility thanks to the reputation of the labels. Some of them even offer services to owners to market their establishment via a paper guide or via the label’s official website. Training courses are offered to owners around the theme of gites and guest rooms. As an example, the association “Gîte de France” organises training courses on cultural differences as well as language courses to help the owners welcome international guests.
When he decides to adhere to a label, the owner undertakes to respect a set of rules concerning the facilities of the establishment but also the reception of travellers. Each label has its own criteria to guarantee the quality of an establishment. In some cases, accommodation can be classified according to the number of conditions met. In addition, membership of a label has a cost. Most of the time, owners are required to pay an annual fee to obtain the label for their establishment.
Labels recognised by the Ministry of tourism
There are 3 major labels recognised by the Ministry of Tourism. “Gite de France” is the best known. The association brings together more than 45,000 owners of gîtes and B&Bs. Initially, this label was created to encourage the development of rural areas. The specifications are based on four essential points: authenticity, comfort, tourism and quality. In addition to the annual fee, a commission is charged on each reservation made via the Gîte de France platform. Its latest agreement with the distribution giant Expedia allows it to reach travellers all over the world.
The “Clevacances” label lists different types of properties: apartments, houses, residences, chalets, unusual accommodation… The quality and comfort of the accommodation is the basis of the 200 criteria checked. A filing system is set up to sort accommodation. It is based on the allocation of keys and varies from 1 (simple comfort) to 5 (exceptional equipment and environment).
Finally, the “Accueil Paysan” label brings together owners who have a link with agriculture, whether they are farmers or not. The aim of this distinction is to promote the terroir and the peasant know-how. The criteria for obtaining the label are centred around the values of agriculture and ecology. This is an opportunity for travellers to discover the rural world. The accommodations are not classified because this label is based on exchange and sharing.
Thematic labels
In addition to traditional labels, there are also labels created around a specific theme. The “European Eco-label” rewards owners committed to an environmental approach. The aim is to promote environmentally friendly establishments (selective sorting, use of recycled products, etc.). A traveller concerned about his impact on the environment will go to this type of establishment.
Recognised as a prestigious brand, the “Bienvenue au Château” label offers a collection of guest rooms in castles in France. This distinction was created to preserve the historical and architectural heritage of exceptional homes. It is an opportunity for the traveller to live in the shoes of a lord for the duration of a stay. To join this label, owners are required to be fluent in English.
Finally, the “Tourism and Handicap” label brings together accommodation accessible to people with disabilities. Necessary infrastructure must be put in place to accommodate people with reduced mobility. The aim of this label is to encourage tourism accessible to all. Contrary to other labels, membership is free, the owner only has to pay for the beach to be fixed on the facade of his establishment. This distinction can be obtained by other types of establishments: restaurants, breweries, amusement parks…
Although membership of a label allows you to gain visibility, the owner must respect precise rules. Indeed, the latter is no longer totally free in the management of his establishment. This is why an owner wishing to label his property must study each label to find the label that corresponds to it. Once you have obtained the label, don’t hesitate to mention it on your website to inform travellers.
