The Atout France assessment, often referred to as the “Atout France ranking,” is now a must for any tourist establishment wishing to gain credibility, visibility, and appeal. Whether you own a hotel, furnished tourist accommodation, campsite, or vacation home, obtaining this official classification not only reassures your customers but also allows you to benefit from significant tax and commercial advantages. Discover in detail how to obtain the Atout France assessment, the steps to follow, the criteria to meet, and the advantages to be gained.
What is the Atout France assessment?
The Atout France rating is an official process for ranking tourist accommodations in France. It aims to guarantee the quality, safety, and comfort of establishments, while providing travelers with a reliable benchmark that is recognized nationally and internationally. This rating, which is demonstrated by the awarding of stars (from 1 to 5), is valid for five years and covers several types of accommodation: hotels, furnished tourist accommodation, campsites, tourist residences, holiday villages, tourist attractions, restaurants, etc.
Why is the Atout France assessment essential?
Credibility and Trust
The Atout France classification acts as a true quality label. It reassures guests about the level of service and the establishment’s compliance with current standards. Increasingly demanding travelers favor classified accommodations for their reliability and transparency.
Market Differentiation
Being classified as Atout France allows you to stand out from the competition. This official label is a powerful selling point, enhancing your establishment’s profile and allowing you to offer higher rates, justified by guaranteed quality.
Access to a Demanding Clientele
The classification attracts a more informed clientele ready to invest in quality stays. It encourages loyalty and recommendations, particularly through booking platforms and tourist offices.
Tax Benefits
For furnished tourist accommodations, the Atout France classification allows you to benefit from a favorable tax regime, with taxation in the BIC (Industrial and Commercial Profits) category and a higher flat-rate tax deduction.
Optimizing Management and Quality
The evaluation process encourages the maintenance of high standards in safety, equipment, cleanliness, and services. It encourages continuous improvement and professional management of the facility.
The types of establishments concerned
- Tourist Hotels
- Furnished Accommodation (Seasonal Rentals)
- Tourist Residences
- Holiday Villages
- Campsites and Residential Parks
- Leisure Parks
- Group Hostels
- Places to Visit
- Restaurants
Each category has its own classification system, adapted to its specific characteristics and target customers.
The Atout France evaluation criteria
The assessment is based on a grid of specific criteria, revised every five years in consultation with industry professionals and consumer associations. The main areas of assessment are:
- Comfort of facilities (room size, bedding, bathrooms, etc.)
- Quality of services (reception, catering, additional services)
- Accessibility (particularly for people with disabilities)
- Cleanliness and general condition
- Safety (compliance with fire regulations, facility safety)
- Environmental commitments (waste management, energy savings, etc.)
Each criterion is classified as mandatory or optional, with points awarded based on the level of service. Certain criteria, known as “ONC” (Obligatory Non-Compensable), must be met to achieve the desired rating.
The steps to obtain the Atout France assessment
1. Create your account on the Atout France platform
The first step is to create an account on the official website: classement.atout-france.fr. This platform centralizes all administrative procedures related to the ranking.
2. Self-assessment (optional but recommended)
Atout France offers an online self-assessment tool to assess your chances of achieving the desired ranking. For €50 including tax, you can simulate the assessment up to 10 times using the same basis used by inspectors. This allows you to identify areas for improvement before the official inspection.
3. Order the inspection visit
You must then request an inspection body accredited by COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee) to carry out the inspection. The list of authorized bodies is available on the Atout France website.
4. Submission of the Pre-Assessment
Before the visit, you must complete an online pre-assessment, which will be sent to the selected inspection body. This document details the characteristics of your establishment and prepares the inspector for the visit.
5. Inspection Visit
The accredited body conducts an on-site visit to verify your establishment’s compliance with the standard’s criteria. The general condition, cleanliness, safety, and quality of the equipment are meticulously inspected.
6. Submission of the Inspection Certificate
Within 15 business days after the visit, the inspection body issues a inspection certificate, available on the Atout France platform. This document certifies compliance (or not) with the criteria required for the requested classification.
7. Validation and Submission of the Application to Atout France
You validate the inspection certificate online, then submit the classification request to Atout France via the platform. The inspection visit remains valid for three months to finalize the procedure.
8. Classification Decision
Atout France reviews the application and issues the classification decision, subject to its completeness. The officially listed accommodation is then published on the Atout France website.
Details of criteria and control
The inspection covers several hundred points, divided into mandatory and optional criteria. Mandatory criteria must be met to obtain the rating, with some being non-compensable (ONC). Optional criteria allow for additional points to be earned to achieve the desired star rating.
Examples of criteria reviewed:
- Minimum room size
- Private bathroom
- Multilingual reception
- Internet access
- Catering or breakfast services
- Accessibility for people with reduced mobility (PRM)
- Environmental commitments (waste sorting, energy savings)
- Fire safety and posting of instructions
Cleanliness and general condition are assessed during the inspection, with no validation based on a simple invoice or quote for the most impactful criteria (structural work, cleanliness, safety).
Authorized evaluation bodies
Only organizations accredited by COFRAC and authorized by Atout France may conduct inspections. The official list is available on the Atout France website.
For certain specific labels (e.g., Destination of Excellence), support from a label partner is mandatory until December 31, 2025.
Girault-Pasqué is authorized as an evaluation body for the Atout France label!
Duration and renewal of the classification
The Atout France classification is valid for five years. At the end of this period, it is necessary to renew the application by following the same procedure (self-diagnosis, inspection, submission of the application, etc.).
Cost of the Atout France assessment
The cost of the assessment includes:
- Self-assessment fees (optional): approximately €50 including tax
- Fees of the inspection body (varies depending on the size and category of the establishment)
- Possible support costs from a label partner (for certain specific classifications)
There are no application fees to pay to Atout France for the classification process.
The concrete advantages of the Atout France ranking
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Customer credibility and trust | Officially recognized label, a guarantee of quality and compliance |
| Increased visibility | Listing on Atout France websites, tourist offices, and booking platforms |
| Competitive differentiation | Strong selling point, ability to charge higher rates |
| Access to a demanding clientele | Attracts customers seeking quality guarantees |
| Tax benefits | BIC scheme and tax deduction for classified furnished tourist accommodation |
| Continuous improvement | Incentive to maintain high standards and invest in quality |
| Recommendations and partnerships | Recommendations by tourist offices, guides, travel agencies, and OTAs |
Practical advice for passing your assessment
- Prepare in advance: Use the self-assessment to identify weak points and correct them before the official inspection.
- Pay attention to cleanliness and general condition: These are disqualifying criteria during the inspection.
- Keep all supporting documents: invoices, certificates, plans, photos, etc., to demonstrate compliance with the criteria.
- Train your staff: A professional and informed welcome is an asset during the inspection.
- Anticipate accessibility needs: Welcoming people with disabilities is an increasingly valued criterion.
- Highlight your environmental commitments: Waste sorting, energy savings, etc., are positive points for classification and communication.
Frequently asked questions about the Atout France assessment
Is the Atout France ranking mandatory?
No, the approach is voluntary, but it is strongly recommended to benefit from the advantages mentioned and reassure customers.
Can you lose your ranking?
Yes, in the event of non-compliance with the criteria or deterioration in quality, the classification can be withdrawn after inspection.
Can we choose the number of stars?
You can aim for the desired category, but the allocation depends on actual compliance with the corresponding criteria during the inspection visit.
What are the deadlines for obtaining the classification?
The entire procedure (from application to decision) generally takes between 1 and 3 months, depending on the availability of the control bodies and the completeness of the file.
Is the ranking recognized internationally?
Yes, the Atout France ranking is recognized by tourism professionals and travelers around the world.
Conclusion: The Atout France assessment, a strategic investment!
Obtaining an Atout France rating is a strategic investment for any tourism establishment wishing to establish itself in the market, reassure its customers, and optimize its management. The process, while rigorous, is accessible to all professionals motivated to offer a quality experience. By following the detailed steps and adhering to the criteria of the standard, you maximize your chances of achieving the desired rating and reaping all its benefits.
For further information, don’t hesitate to consult the official Atout France documentation, contact an accredited organization, and seek guidance from industry experts.
Summary of the key steps to obtain the Atout France assessment:
- Create an account at classement.atout-france.fr
- Perform a self-assessment (optional but recommended)
- Order an inspection visit from an accredited organization
- Complete and submit the pre-assessment
- Accept the inspection visit
- Receive and validate the inspection certificate
- Submit the classification request to Atout France
- Wait for the decision and official publication
By following this guide, you are ready to take the Atout France assessment step and promote your establishment on the national and international tourism scene.