Optimizing the quality of tourist services
Tourism consumers are increasingly discerning in today’s world, and star ratings remain an important universal benchmark. France has resolved to improve its official classification system by adapting it more closely to today’s consumer expectations and international practices.
Accommodation classification
A true benchmark for all travelers, the official star-rating system ensures consumers a reliable level of comfort and service corresponding with the respective number of stars.
In France, star ratings may be applied to hotels, tourist residences, vacation villages, campsites, and residential leisure parks. For example, 87% of hotel rooms are classified according to this voluntary system.
The French classification scheme has been built over time. The law of July 22, 2009 – on the development and modernization of tourism services – significantly ramped up the classification method, now a reference on the international scene.
- An establishment is classified in one of 5 categories, from 1 to 5 stars.
- Among the 5-star hotels, certain exceptional establishments are awarded the Palace distinction in official recognition of their excellence and uniqueness.
- Each classification is valid for 5 years. Accommodation providers must have their establishment inspected every 5 years to maintain their status.
- In order to ensure the establishments’ competitiveness and attractiveness over time, the classification criteria/references are revised every 5 years according to usage developments and consumer trends.
Each accommodation provider may choose to have their establishment classified, but is under no obligation to do so.
Atout France is the agency responsible for coordinating the classification system.
It conceives and regularly updates the classification standards, coordinates accommodation evaluations, and the publication of the list of classified establishments on a register available for consultation by consumers.
At any time, the agency may re-evaluate an establishment’s classification level if it is shown to no longer meet the criteria for its category through a regulatory procedure triggered by customer complaints.
The Palace distinction
French authorities created the Palace distinction in 2010. This supreme classification distinguishes the 5-star hotels with exceptional characteristics.
These luxury establishments are the crown jewels of French tourism that contribute to the influence of French culture and the international appeal of France as a destination worldwide.
- Four Seasons Hotel George V
- Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
- Hôtel Lutétia
- Hotel Plaza Athénée
- La Réserve Paris-Hotel and Spa
- Le Bristol Paris
- Le Meurice
- Mandarin Oriental Paris
- Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme
- Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris
- Shangri-La Hotel Paris
- The Peninsula Paris
- Cheval Blanc Courchevel, Courchevel
- Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges – Courchevel
- Hôtel L’Apogée – Courchevel
- Hôtel Le K2 , Courchevel
- Hôtel Les Airelles, Courchevel
- Le Royal Évian - Évian-les-Bains
- Byblos Saint-Tropez - Saint-Tropez
- Château de la Messardière - Saint-Tropez
- Château de Saint-Martin & Spa – Vence
- Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc - Antibes
- Cheval Blanc St-Tropez – Saint-Tropez
- La Bastide de Gordes - Gordes
- La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel Spa and Villas - Ramatuelle
- Villa La Coste – Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
- Hôtel du Palais – Biarritz
- Les Sources de Caudalie - Martillac
- Hôtel les Prés d'Eugénie, Michel Guérard - Eugénie-les-Bains
- Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France - Saint-Barthélemy
Paris
The French Alps, Courchevel
Côte d'Azur - South Eastt
South West
French Carribean
The official "Destination d'Excellence" label
The “Destination d'Excellence” label, created in 2024, aims to enhance the quality of all sectors of the tourism industry: accommodation, restaurants, visitor and leisure facilities, tourist information centers (tourist offices in particular), and transportation.
In addition to the sector's focus on quality of welcome and services, this new label also raises the bar in terms of eco-responsibility.
It has replaced the “Qualité Tourisme” label since May 2024
The "Tourisme & Handicap" label
The Tourisme & Handicap label helps to better meet the needs of disabled people, whatever their disability: motor, visual, auditory or mental, so that everyone can choose their vacations and leisure activities in complete freedom.
In particular, the label guarantees easy access to the establishment's buildings and services, as well as a personalized welcome offering attention and kindness.
The label covers accommodation, catering, places to visit, leisure and cultural activities, and tourist information centers. 4,000 establishments have already been awarded the Tourisme & Handicap label.
A certified establishment must meet the following criteria:
- accessibility of tourist facilities and services,
- customer reception and information,
- safety of tourist facilities and services.
The label is valid for 5 years.
Registration of travel and holiday operators
To ensure the protection of travelers, travel and tourism operators must register with Atout France in order to carry out their activity. Registration attests that the operator in question meets the financial guarantee and professional liability requirements stipulated by the French Tourism Code.
All these conditions are verified by Atout France's registration commission. Registration is valid for 3 years.
A register of registered organizations is available to consumers.