22 Leggett Magazine
RUNNING A GÎTE BUSINESS IN FRANCE
and then apply to change your
visa status for one that allows
"meuble de tourisme".
Of course, location is key.
"Choose somewhere within an
easy drive of the Channel Ports
- especially with rising fuel
costs," suggests Ken.
Creating a USP for your
gîte - or knowing your target
market - in what is a crowded
marketplace is also something
he suggests. The couple -
whose gîtes are a large studio,
a one-bed, and a two-bed -
cater for adults only. In contrast
to the Greatbanks' property
which is ideal for the multigenerational
family market. "We
have a large property and three
smaller ones. This has given us
a good mixture between larger
groups of holidaymakers and
small families," says Bob. "We
have a tennis court and actively
promote our gîtes to tennis
clubs to bring in business during
the shoulder seasons."
Knowing the rules and
regulations for running a gîte
business is essential from the
start. "You must register with the
local Mairie and tax offi ce. There
are laws regarding safety with
pools and smoke alarms," says
Ken. "You can insure most things
in France, though accidental
damage is not typically off ered."
"The Mairie will give you a
unique reference number for
each rental unit. You will then
need to contact your nearest
Offi ce de Tourisme. They will
require you to collect a small tax
on their behalf (tax de séjour),
typically around €1 per adult per
night, and they will also be able
to help you through the system,"
says Alan Fuller, Leggett agent
in the Loire/Vienne. "The Mairie
is very helpful as they know
your business will be bringing
extra people to the area who
will spend money in local bars
and shops."
If intending to be resident
in France, then you will need
to register the business and
pay social contributions, but
you must declare your income
whether you are resident or
non-resident in France. You will
also need to go to your "Impôts"
or tax offi ce to fi ll out a "début
d'activité" declaration. There's
more advice on running gîtes
online, courses you can pay
for, and offi cial guidance at
Entreprises-gouv-fr.
BOB & GERALDINE GREATBANKS
and their holiday village comprising of a main
house, 4 gîtes, 3 pools and tennis court. Charente.
Ref. A05680 €850 000 HAI
Energy class: E Climate class: D
SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS
with 5 gîtes and
owners' property.
Deux-Sèvres.
Ref. A15160
€614 800 HAI
Energy class: F
Climate class: B
WELL ESTABLISHED
gîte business set in 4 acres. Côtes-d'Armor.
Ref. A13043 €1 456 000 HAI
Energy class: D Climate class: A