Your accommodation classification

The star rating system is a voluntary initiative by lodging providers that offers a guarantee of quality, service, and comfort to French and international guests.
Accommodations are inspected by an accredited inspection body every 5 years. Undergoing a major overhaul in 2009, the classification system’s primary objective is to provide an official guarantee of service quality and comfort in French tourist accommodations. Although voluntary, it remains the official benchmark for quality in accommodations.

Which tourist accommodations are covered?

Furnished tourist apartments, campgrounds, vacation villages, hotels, and tourist residences.

Comfort Levels:
A rating system from 1* to 5* for all accommodations:

• 1* corresponds to an economy-class option
• 2* or 3* correspond to the mid-range
• 4* or 5* correspond to high-end and very high-end accommodations

Key features:

• A warm welcome in a well-maintained establishment;
• Accurate and comprehensive information about the services offered;
• Handling and follow-up regarding guest satisfaction and complaints;
• A staff trained to accommodate guests with disabilities;
• A team committed to sustainability

For furnished accommodations, how do you get certified?

The first step
It is mandatory to register a furnished tourist rental with the city hall, whether it is classified or not. This is done at the city hall of the municipality where the rental is located, using Cerfa form No. 14004*04 (Downloadable document) Any changes to the information provided (regarding the owner, the furnished tourist accommodation, or the rental periods) must be reported to city hall via a new declaration.

Why Get Classified?

• To highlight your commitment to quality to French and international guests.
• Recognized star ratings that meet international standards.
• Various benefits associated with the classification depending on the category (e.g., acceptance of vacation vouchers, reduced VAT rate…).
• Enjoy increased visibility and promotion on French tourist destination websites.

Steps in the classification process

• File a declaration with the town hall—(Cerfa Form No. 14004-04). Exception: if the vacation rental is the owner’s primary residence and they occupy it for more than 8 months a year.
• File a declaration with the Community of Communes to pay the flat-rate tourist tax.
• Apply for a classification, which certifies the quality of your service.
• The opportunity to partner with the Tourist Office: an annual membership entitles you to a range of services, including promotion of your property through advertising inserts, access to digital services, and quality support to help you obtain tourism certifications. You will be asked to provide photos of your property, and the Tourist Office will provide you with codes to update your availability.

What about bed-and-breakfasts?

Bed-and-breakfast establishments are not included in this process, but the French Tourist Office has established a national certification framework to enable these establishments to guarantee the quality of their services: the “qualification” program.

If you’ve decided to pursue certification for your property, become a “Chambre d’hôtes Référence”! Download the “Chambre d’hôtes Référence” certification guide now.