Essential French Vocabulary for Running a Gîte in France

Nothing says ‘Welcome’ more than a beaming smile – remember, body language is so important, especially if you aren’t quite as fluent in French as you might like to be. A big smile and ‘Bienvenue’ (welcome) goes a long way. Keep it basic, and that way you can remember and build your repertoire from there.

Puis-je vous aider avec vos bagages / valises ? = Can I help you with your luggage/suitcase?

Suivez-moi, s’il vous plaît  = follow me please

Voici la / le xxxx = Here is the xxxx (la piscine, la buanderie, votre gîte, etc)

Voici vos clés = Here are your keys

Vous trouverez les brochures et les cartes dans le salon = You will find tourist brochures and maps in the living room

Merci de ne pas fumer dans le gîte = Thank you for not smoking in the gîte

Si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit, n’hésitez pas à me contacter = If you need anything, just ask

Terms and Conditions need to be signed, and it is a good idea to provide a copy for guests to keep during their stay for them to read at leisure. They should have already receive this documentation via your previous communications when the booking was made; however, we still always like to remind guests of our expectations on arrival.

Je vous explique = I will explain…

Il y a un système de tri / recyclage = there’s a recycling système

Evitez de mettre de la graisse dans les canalisations, s’il vous plait = avoid putting grease down the sink / évier

Le javel est inderdit – bleach is not permitted

Voici votre copie = Here is your copy (of the Terms and Conditions or the Etats des Lieux)

Le depart se fait avant 10 heures = checkout is before 10am

Vous avez déja versé votre caution remboursable, merci = you have already paid your refundable security deposit

Votre caution, s’il vous plait? = Your security deposit, please

On fait le tour ensemble ? = We can look around together, i.e. to do the check in / Etats des Lieux

Merci d’avoir séjourné à xxxx = Thank you for staying at (insert name of your establishment)

Recommandez-nous à vos amis, s’il vous plait = Please recommend us to your friends

With these basics, you have a solid starting point. Some people prepare a small script or have a laminated card with bullet-point reminders to help them in the early days. Others have a pre-translated ‘Welcome Sheet’ to give to guests on arrival. Others prefer to ‘wing it’!  It really is down to whatever works best for you and your guests.

My advice would be to be prepared and offer the warmest of welcomes. Bonne chance!