French Tourism Code

Tourist residences are assigned to one of the categories designated by an increasing number of stars, according to the criteria set out in a classification table drawn up by the body referred to in article L. 141-2 and approved by order of the minister responsible for tourism. Publishers of tourist guides, directories and advertising indicators are bound by these classifications. No tourism advertising document may contain any indication likely to…

Operators wishing to obtain classification must submit their application electronically to the body mentioned in article L. 141-2 , together with a visit certificate issued by a type A or C assessment body accredited to inspect tourist residences by the French Accreditation Committee (COFRAC) or any equivalent European body in accordance with article L. 321-1. An order by the Minister for Tourism specifies the procedure to be followed and the…

The inspection certificate referred to in Article D. 321-4 includes: a) An inspection report certifying compliance with the classification table for the category requested and stating the opinion of the assessing body on classification in this category; this inspection report is based on an inspection carried out in the three months preceding transmission of the application for classification to the body referred to in Article L. 141-2; b) The inspection…

In the month following receipt of the complete application for classification, the body mentioned in Article L. 141-2 takes the decision to classify the property in the category for which the assessing body provided for in Article D. 321-4 has issued a favourable opinion. Classification is granted for a period of five years. If, before the end of the five-year period provided for in the previous paragraph, the operator has…

Establishments classified as tourist residences are required to display a sign on their facade in accordance with a model drawn up by the body referred to in article L. 141-2 and approved by order of the Minister responsible for tourism.

The classification decision referred to in Article D. 321-6 may be revoked or amended for the remaining period of the initial decision if, following an adversarial procedure initiated by the body referred to in Article L. 141-2 following a complaint, the operator fails to demonstrate compliance with the classification table on one or more of the criteria on the basis of which classification was granted. An order by the Minister…