Our selection

GemSign

The Gemlidays committee's signature

The official 4 or 5-star classification remains the main route into the Gemlidays network. But some properties, recent or renovated, already offer comparable quality without having gone through the process — sometimes by choice, sometimes for lack of time. GemSign is our second admission route, reserved for these properties: an equally demanding selection, based on our own inspection rather than on a state classification.

What the GemSign signature means

The GemSign badge attests to a check by the Gemlidays selection committee, which puts its signature to it. This check is most often based on a visit, in person or by video call, carried out by a member of the committee, or on an independent visit that we recognise, such as the Gîtes de France 4 or 5 épis label (the Gîtes de France network's own quality rating). Unlike the official classification, it is not a decision by a state-accredited body: it is our own assessment, made in our name.

GemSign is neither superior nor inferior to the 4 or 5-star classification: it is a different route to the same high standard. Both badges appear on the website on an equal footing, and a property cannot hold both at once. Classification takes precedence: a property classified 4 or 5 stars always joins the network through the classification route, even if it also holds a Gîtes de France label.

Three conditions, all required

A property must meet all three of the following conditions to obtain the GemSign signature.

A recent or substantially renovated property.
Ten quality criteria, all required — size, bedding, equipment, comfort, welcome, cleanliness. The full details are checked when the application is reviewed.
An inspection visit, in person or by video call, carried out by a member of the Gemlidays selection committee, unless a recognised equivalent applies (see below).

The ten criteria, in brief

Here is an outline of the grid applied during the inspection visit. The precise details (dimensions, quantities) are set out in the application pack.

Size	Suited to the number of beds, with a minimum size per bedroom
Bedding	Double bed 160×200 cm minimum, quality bedding
Bathroom(s)	A second bathroom from 3 bedrooms, toiletries and hairdryer
Kitchen	Equipped kitchen, espresso machine, dishwasher, fridge suited to the number of guests
Comfort	Double glazing, washing machine from 4 guests
Outdoor space	Private terrace, balcony or garden, where the layout of the property allows
Connectivity	Wifi, flat-screen TV
Welcome	Beds made on arrival, welcome gift, household linen provided
Information	Welcome booklet or tourist information, in French and English
Cleanliness	An impeccable standard, confirmed over time by guest reviews

A property holding the Gîtes de France 4 or 5 épis label automatically obtains the GemSign signature, on presentation of a currently valid label certificate: the labelling visit takes the place of the grid and the inspection visit. A property already classified 3 stars by an accredited body may also be exempted, if its classification visit report already validates our criteria (notably through the optional Atout France criteria selected). Some criteria may also be validated on supporting documents.

Why this route exists

Around 2% of French furnished holiday rentals are classified 4 or 5 stars. Many other properties that are just as good remain outside this minority: sometimes because their owners have not yet started the process, sometimes by choice. GemSign allows us to welcome them without ever suggesting that they are classified, or that they are any less worthy.

A signature to be upheld

A signature is never granted once and for all. We monitor the guest reviews of each GemSign member over time. Any property that no longer meets our selection criteria loses the signature and is removed from the network, under the conditions set out in our charter.

Do you think your property meets these criteria? Find out how to apply.