Better understand the classification of Gîtes de France

The Gîtes in France under the label Gîte de France belong to the category of furnished tourism or furnished holidays. These general public accommodations must respect a certain number of rules in order to have the best ranking.

What is the Gîte de France label ?

Created in 1951, this label is a national federation, which guarantees through standards the comfort, welcome and service offered by gîtes in France. The classification of the gîtes is done every 5 years. This label groups together thousands of gîtes all over France.

This federation delegates the management of the gîtes to the regions. The region must then label and classify the establishments.

What is the Gîtes de France’s classification in ears of corn ?

The Gîte de France “épis” classification is there to guarantee the quality of services and infrastructures in all the label’s accommodation. This classification is carried out after the passage of an accredited expert.

This classification varies according to the architectural quality of the house and the environment, the degree of comfort, the decoration, and the services offered.

The thicks

The ears correspond to the stars for the hotels. All as they are classified from 1 to 5 (5 being high standing gites).

1 ear of corn : When there is 1 ear, the traveller should expect at least one outdoor space such as garden furniture. A bathroom and WC for up to 6 people and a second one for 7 or more. The accommodation must also have household appliances to enable travellers to cook: mini oven, hob, refrigerator. As well as the necessary household items.

2 ears of corn : The 2 ears of corn must meet all the expectations of the 1 ears of corn with in addition : a barbecue (if the locality authorizes it), washing machine for establishments from 6 people. A TV, sheets and table linen.

3 ears of corn : In addition to or instead of the 2 ears of corn: independent access and private garden, 2 WC from 7 people, washing machine, dishwasher from 5 people*, oven, colour TV*, telephone*; cleaning service on request.

4 ears of corn : The true threshold and double requirements from the 4 ears. Indeed, all aspects of housing must meet very specific expectations. The house must have character, only accommodation with character architecture will be eligible for 4 épis. The interior decoration will also be taken into account and will have to be up to scratch. For the equipment : fireplace or wood stove (except local derogation), microwave oven, refrigerator with a freezer compartment, electric tumble dryer from 6 persons, must be present.

5 ears of corn : For all the establishments that aim for this high ranking, they will have to be up to the challenge of a demanding clientele. Thus, in addition to all the expectations of the 4 épis, leisure facilities must imperatively be included in the accommodation: private park or landscaped garden, provision of leisure facilities (such as tennis, swimming pool, sauna or jacuzzi), garage or covered shelter; from 3 people, dishwasher and electric tumble dryer, hi-fi system, video recorder.

For conclusion

For all the establishments classified Gîtes de France, it is important to have a high “épis” classification. However, in comparison to hotels, the classification of bed and breakfasts is much less important in the choice of voyeurs. Indeed, travellers who choose bed and breakfast will be more seduced by the location and charm of the establishment than by its classification. The equipment remains very important depending on the type of holiday chosen. But the place itself remains the most important.

Nowadays, you have to have a place that stands out and above all know how to sell it. Having a beautiful website is important because it is nowadays the preferred interface for travellers. It is important that the site is clear and that the customer finds all the information he needs, including a reservation system.

A good website and good web referencing, are today for the gîtes more powerful tools than the ears of corn.