Guide to starting a gite business in France

Do you dream of running your own holiday business in France? Maybe running a gite, or a chambre d’hotes (B&B) in the sun are what you long for. We share some top tips for starting a gite business in France…

Find the right property

You need to research the area you are thinking of living in really well to make sure it’s appropriate for the business you want to run. Is an airport or train station within easy reach for clients who don’t arrive by car.

If you’re in a sunny area, is there a swimming pool, or can you get planning permission for a pool?

Is there parking space for clients with a car. Can guests walk to a boulangerie, or is one close enough for you to provide them with breakfast if need be.

Write down the pros and cons of the location to help you decide if it’s the one!

What’s your Unique Selling Propoposition?

There are masses of beautiful gites, villas and holiday cottages in France – the competition is fierce. So think about your USP, what makes your accommodation more special than the competition, what makes you stand out from the crowd.

It’s good to have a niche. Maybe there’s something you really enjoy doing that can help your business – a unique selling point. Is the area is perfect for bird watchers, cyclists, hikers wine lovers etc. Think of your property as a product, not the place you fell in love with. Really put yourself in your clients’ shoes when you’re considering what are the must-haves and the nice-to-haves. And consider what would make guests choose you over another gite or B&B. Target your market appropriately, if your area is great for cyclists, then offer space for guests to keep their bikes safe, find out where to hire bikes from and negotiate a discount for your guests, know where the repair shop is, great cycle routes etc. If your in a wine growing area, know which are the best vineyards, get a discount for tasting visits for your guests.

Do your research, check out the competition, book in as a guest in their accommodation, be a guest at your own place. Compare and learn what works, what doesn’t.

It’s hard work

That bargain property you are thinking of may need work. Think about how long it might take to complete – and the fact that you may not have an income while that’s going on.

Look for the potential in whatever you buy. Is there room for additional accommodation, a yurt, or treehouse or extension. Make sure you can get planning permission before you start the work, France loves its admin and getting the paperwork right up front saves a lot of heart ache later. If a pool is a deal breaker, ask the notaire to include a clause in the purchase documents to include that the purchase depends on the granting of planning permission and sort that out before you sign on the dotted line. Use a reputable company like FrenchPlans.com – the English speaking architects in France.

And when you open, you have to be organised, like people, be practical and creative. And you must keep the accommodation, pool, and gardens in tip top condition – all the time.

Get starry-eyed

You need to register your gite, B&B. with the townhall or town council. Keep your cool, there are enough forms issued by different government departments to sink a battleship. And to apply for stars – inspections must be arranged with the tourist office to achieve the valued 4 stars from the Tourist Office. (find more details here: essential guide to running gites in France)

Top tip: Make sure you have a good filing cabinet. Keep every bill, document and letter forever. You never know when you may need them for French admin purposes.

There’s lots to consider when moving to France and setting up a gite or B&B business – come and meet experts in all aspects of moving to France – estate agents, finance, visas and more, at The French Property Show: October 19-20/2024

Find details and get your free ticket here: thefrenchpropertyshow

Janine Marsh is the author of several internationally best-selling books about France. Her latest book How to be French – a celebration of the French lifestyle and art de vivre, is out now – a look at the French way of life. Find all books on her website janinemarsh.com.