How are tourist hotels classified?

Verified 05 March 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

A hotel can be classified (from 1 to 5 stars, including the ''Palace distinction'') or benefit from a label (Tourism & Handicap, European Ecolabel). The rating or label is requested by the hotelier.

The tourist hotel can be classified (expressed in number of stars), regardless of the number of rooms.

The ranking is not not obligatory.

It takes place at the request of the operator of the hotel.

The hotel can also have a label as well as a rating.

The classification of hotels is organized in 5 quality levels: from 1 to 5 stars.

Stars are awarded on the basis of criteria, belonging to the following 4 categories:

  • Quality of comfort of the equipment
  • Quality of customer services offered
  • Good practice in environmental protection
  • Best practices for accommodating guests with disabilities
Tableau - Hotel Rating

Ranking

Category of accommodation

Hotel 1*

Economic

2* hotel

Mid-range

3* hotel

Mid-range-up

4* hotel

High-end

5* hotel (including the palaces)

Very high-end

To keep its ranking, the accommodation must be evaluated every 5 years.

Classification is voluntary: the operator must submit the request for classification of his establishment toAtout France.

FYI  

if circumstances prevent the application for renewal from being filed within 5 years, the classification shall be maintained temporarily until notification the new classification decision.

To find out which hotels are rated, you can use this online service:

Search for classified tourist accommodation

Please note

the prefect of the department where the hotel is located may decide to downgrade the hotel in case of absence or insufficient maintenance.

Warning  

The listed hotels 5 stars may request the 'Palace' distinction. Those who obtain it or hold it must renew it every 3 years. The terms of reference that were to be renewed between June 9, 2021, and September 31, 2024, have a additional time until 1er april 2025 to make the request. The selection criteria are reinforced.

Classified hotels are required to display a sign proving their classification, visible from public space.

The sign indicates that the hotel has been inspected by an accredited inspection body and is classified by Atout France.

It specifies the number of stars and the year of award of stars (which are valid for 5 years).

Approved formats of signs are available on the website of Atout France. Two models are possible for each category: classic or eco-responsible.

The label Tourism & Disability is awarded to hotels offering a welcome and services adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities.

It is possible to consult an online service to search for a labeled establishment Tourism and Disability.

Search for a tourist establishment labeled Tourism & Disability

TheEuropean Ecolabel means that the hotel has implemented certain environmental measures.

These measures may include:

  • Limiting energy and water consumption
  • Decrease in waste generation
  • Use of renewable resources
  • Raising customer awareness about environmental preservation

TheEuropean Ecolabel is symbolized by a flower.

A list of tourist accommodation and a list of campsites certified European Ecolabel.

FAQ