Touristique

What licence is required for a chambre d'hôte?

Published at August 23, 2024 by Amandine Disdero

Create a bed and breakfast furnished accommodation is an exciting way to share your living environment with travellers in search of authenticity and conviviality. However, this activity requires in-depth knowledge of the legal and regulatory obligations, administrative formalities and licences required to comply with the regulations in force. This article details the procedures to be followed, including the different licences required for a chambre d'hôte, specific obligations regarding the sale of alcohol to the public, licence prices, safety standards and compulsory services.

Contents
1. Licences required for a chambre d'hôte
1.1. Declaration at the town hall
1.2. Licences to sell alcohol
2. Regulatory obligations
2.1. Capacity and safety standards
2.2. Compulsory benefits
2.3. Registration and affiliation
3. Summary of procedures and obligations
4. Conclusion

Licences required for a chambre d'hôte

Declaration at the town hall

The first stage in opening a bed and breakfast in an establishment is to make a prior declaration to the town hall. Under article L. 324-4 of the French Tourism Code, any landlord offering one or more guest rooms for rent must file a declaration with the mayor of the municipality concerned. This formality can be made in person, by registered post, or online if the municipality has a dedicated teleservice.

Licences to sell alcohol

If you want to offer alcoholic beverages to your customers, you need a suitable licence for your accommodation. In France, there are several types of licence, depending on the type of drinks served, and the price varies according to the type of licence: chambre

Small restaurant licence : Allows the sale of group 2 alcoholic drinks (wine, beer) only with meals.
Restaurant licence : Authorises the sale of all categories of alcoholic beverages, but only as an accompaniment to meals.
Small takeaway licence : Authorises the sale of group 2 alcoholic beverages (wines, beers) to take away.
Takeaway licence : Authorises the sale of all categories of alcoholic beverages to take away.

To obtain these licences, it is necessary to follow a specific training course and obtain an operating permit. This permit is issued after a one-day training course for bed and breakfast operators, often given by an approved organisation. Successful completion of this course is essential to ensure compliance. The permit is valid for 10 years and requires a certificate of successful completion.

Regulatory obligations

Capacity and safety standards

Bed and breakfasts must comply with certain capacity and safety standards to ensure the safety of residents and guests:

Maximum capacity: 5 rooms and a maximum of 15 people.
Minimum surface area: Each room must have a minimum surface area of 9 m² (excluding sanitary facilities) and a ceiling height of at least 2.20 m.
Fire safety: Guest rooms must be equipped with standard smoke detectors, in compliance with current regulations.

Compulsory benefits

The rental of a chambre d'hôte must include the following services:

Overnight stay: Each rental includes an overnight stay and the provision of household linen.
Breakfast: Serving breakfast is an obligation for all bed and breakfast owners. This meal must be served in a clean dining room that complies with food hygiene and health standards.

It is important to maintain a high level of hygiene and provide an impeccable service to ensure customer satisfaction.

Registration and affiliation

Opening bed and breakfast establishments is considered to be a commercial or agricultural activity. chambre The farmer must register and join the Sécurité sociale des indépendants or the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) depending on his income. The necessary forms must be completed carefully to ensure legal status in line with current regulations. The owner must also comply with the following schemes tax related to this activity, including the payment of related taxes. Hirers must also display legal information about their status and services, so that customers are properly informed. It is important to comply with the legal provisions, particularly with regard to social security contributions, to avoid any problems later on.

Summary of procedures and obligations

Declaration to the Town Hall: Mandatory before starting work tourist.
Licence to sell alcohol: Necessary if you offer alcoholic beverages.
Reception capacity: A maximum of 5 furnished rooms and 15 people.
Safety standards: Installation of smoke detectors.
Compulsory services: Provision of linen and breakfast.
Registration: As a commercial or agricultural activity.
Social Security registration: Compulsory depending on the income generated by the business.

Conclusion

The idea of opening a chambre d'hôte is an excellent opportunity to share your passion for hospitality and discover your region. However, it is essential that you comply with the legal requirements and have the necessary licences to carry out this tourist activity with complete peace of mind. By following the administrative procedures and complying with the regulations in force, you can offer your customers a memorable experience while staying within the rules. Don't forget to be aware of the specific conditions relating to customer protection, particularly in terms of public health, to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.