Setting up a gite business in France is something anyone can do with the right knowledge and preparation. With France constantly being one of the most popular countries for British people to visit and in which to buy a second home, setting up a gite business is an ideal way of having an income and making your property pay for itself.
So, what do you need to consider before you set up your own gite business in France? Here is a short guide to help you get started and a few tips on how and where to market your gite in order to make all your hard preparation work worthwhile!
This charming property in Vienne has three on-site gites
How to find the best location and maximise your potential
Make sure to do your homework regarding local competition, what your area has to offer and what amenities are close to hand. Stick to well-known tourist areas. It doesn’t have to be in a large town: a vibrant village or even rural is fine, just make sure it has something of interest within easy reach, whether it be the sea, a lake, some ancient buildings to explore or a popular restaurant or bar. All of these things will attract customers.
When looking for a property with a gite, outside space, even if just a balcony, really is essential. No-one comes to France to stay indoors.
Needless to say, smoke alarms are mandatory and think about general safety, i.e. stairs, handrails and light fittings.
Be realistic about outgoings: what is your gite going to cost you to set up? Make a financial plan and don’t expect a huge income at the start; your gite’s popularity will grow, depending on how you market it and of course word of mouth!
For guidance on budgeting your financials for a place overseas, speak to a dedicated currency specialist to discuss your requirements in detail.
Book a call back with Smart Currency today to get started.
Kit out your gite with decorations that exude warmth. Think pretty table lamps, attractive throws, decent towels, linen and a well equipped kitchen. There are plenty of good homeware shops in France where you will not need to spend a fortune. Think about what YOU would like if you were coming on holiday.
Make your outside space welcoming and comfortable too. Ideally, you’ll have a table and chairs and if enough space, a sun lounger or two. Invest in some planters with pretty plants and flowers and dot a few candles around. In the summer months, everyone wants to sit outside and soak up the sun in France.
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Practicalities of setting up a gite business in France
- Pop in to your local mairie (mayor) and tell them about your proposed gite. Ask for advice and let them know you want to contribute in any way you can to the community. The mairie is a fantastic fund of knowledge and having them on your side is always a good thing.
- If you can get a website together, all well and good. Other ways to market your gite are: word of mouth, social media, dropping off leaflets in local shops, telling all your friends and asking them to tell THEIR friends! The more you get out there, the more likely you are to have your gite occupied for most of the year.
- Install a key box. This not only ensures safety but it means you don’t necessarily have to be there to let your guests in. However, the personal touch is always welcome so do make sure you are on hand to answer any questions and clear up any problems, even if this is just at the end of a phone.
- Being on hand in person however pays dividends. Your guests will appreciate your assistance and will be far more likely to recommend your gite to others. If you cannot be around yourself, or don’t live near to your gite, it will probably benefit you to pay someone to look after it for you. The better maintained your gite is, the more likely it is you will get repeat customers.
- Ask around locally for recommendations for someone to look after the changeovers. Be practical: think about how and where you are going to clean the linen. Remember to factor in the cost of this to your budget.
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The sign for Gites de France – Joerg Steber via Shutterstock
Registering and insuring your gite
You need to register your gite business in France as a professional or as a non-professional. The former applies if you’ll be taking the job on full time, the latter if it is a secondary source of income. You will be liable for paying tax on your gite in France. It often pays to employ an accountant to help with your tax declaration in France: the forms can be quite complicated!
You can even apply for the popular label via Gites de France, expect there to be additional requirements but this will add to the visibility of your gite.
Note: if you declare your gite business in France as a non-professional, the takings need to be less than €23,000 per annum.
Your local “Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce” will supply you with the necessary form P0i for registration. Ask at your mairie if you are not sure where this is.
Renting out a furnished gite is exempt from VAT. However, if you decide to offer other services such as breakfast, a daily cleaner and guest reception, this may be seen as VAT taxable so do ask advice at the mairie on this also. You need to inform your home insurance company about your gite. The insurance must be separate from your own home insurance.
The cozier your gite interior, the more appealing it will be
Prices and budgeting for your gite
Once you are set up and ready to rent out your gite, do some research on local prices for holiday accommodation. Be realistic and don’t overprice it. Look at comparable B&Bs/rooms in your area. Your budget needs to take your outgoings into account, as well as making a profit, so it is important to strike the right balance at the outset.
For example, here is a really lovely home (with three onsite gites) for sale in a pretty village in the Minervois region of France.
Minervois property for sale with three gites and seven bedrooms!
This substantial property consisting of a 7 bedroom main house with over 200m2 plus 3 separate gites, games room, pool, courtyard and garage is currently run as a family home with 3 gites. The price is €480,000 for the whole property and it is in mint condition with an already established business.
Contact us for more information or to arrange a viewing.
You might also like:
- My top tips for earning a living in rural France
- Unlock the door to off-plan homes in France
- 5 French locations with great autumnal appeal
Find your dream home in France today
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