Tips

Setting up a B&B in France

We’ve noticed a rise in enquiries about B&Bs projects, so we thought we would give you some top tips on setting up a B&B in France.
You can also hear it straight from the horse’s mouth – we spoke to Eleanor and John, a Scottish couple who decided to live the adventure here in sunny France.

B&B2
Eleanor and John Gash, moved to France in 2008. They wanted a new start and an instant income, so taking on an already operational B&B was the ideal solution. They bought an elegant eight-bedroom townhouse in the village of Bellac in the Limousin’s Haute Vienne – and hit the ground running.

“We’d never managed a B&B before. But I could speak French and I felt we could cope,” says Eleanor, now 57. “We wanted a life change before it was too late.”
The 200-year-old French townhouse is well situated in the centre of town. This, according to Eleanor, is key to its popularity. Previously run by another British couple, it came with a number of repeat guests. They have updated the decor, room by room.”

B&B3
http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/48182MKE36/house-for-sale-in-perassay-indre-centre-france

They cook for their guests in the evening, using local ingredients and charging €50 per couple (bed and breakfast is €75 to €100 per night).

“We have a wonderful mix of guests, many of whom are house-hunting in the area, and we’ve had a lot of great suppers. Every day is different. Our five rooms are fully booked in summer.”

B&B4
http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/46378DKR11/house-for-sale-in-narbonne-aude-languedoc-roussillon-france

Although not everyone realises this, B&B owners can get a lot of financial help in France. “You can recover 15 % of the renovation costs from the département, €12,000 from the region and also money from the EU fund (FEDER). This means that up to 63 % of your building work is covered. The only condition is that you advertise your business on the Gîtes de France website for 5 -10 years.

The only downside is that there’s not much time off in the summer. They rest and recharge in January and February, when they close down and get some winter sun!

B&B5
http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/70762BGA56/commercial-for-sale-in-quistinic-morbihan-brittany-france

Here are our top tips for setting up a B&B in France:

1 – Location, Location, Location. The location must be appropriate for both your personal choice of lifestyle and for running a B&B.

   2- Research the region thoroughly. Visit and get detailed information on other B&B businesses. Listen to everyone’s stories and advice, and weigh them against your dreams and desires.

3- Make use of official information available from the local tourism department and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Don’t purchase on impulse !

4- Don’t make your choice only on the basis of ‘Oh, what a beautiful property’, but on objective criteria.

5- Carry out thorough market research on the overall area and workout: a) what market will you target: families / couples, overnight or holiday stay? b) what are the local attractions? c) how long is the letting season?

6- Prepare a realistic business plan. Seek professional help (local accountant, Chamber of Commerce, tourist board).

7- When purchasing a property to turn into a B&B, work closely with your estate agent, architect, local builder and mairie to budget for renovation costs. Never lose sight of quality and value for money. It’s a competitive market place.

To see all Bed and Breakfasts for sale in France with Leggett immobilier, please click here: http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/type/bed-and-breakfast/2