Labels for farm and vineyard tourism in Pays de la Loire

Accueil Paysan

"Accueil Paysan" is a French label designed to promote tourism in rural areas, by emphasizing the link with the land and the living world. It is awarded by a network of men and women involved in welcoming visitors to farms and rural areas.
In addition to educational activities, farm visits and discovery workshops, Accueil Paysan label structures offer a wide range of accommodation, from bed & breakfasts to camping, gîtes and inns. It's a simple way to discover rural life and local produce.

The Accueil Paysan label is based on three fundamental values:
- A commitment to offering affordable rates to as many people as possible, including those with special needs.
- An invitation to dialogue and exchange between urban and rural dwellers.
- The defense of peasant agriculture, which respects biodiversity.

To find out more, visit the Accueil Paysan website

Welcome to the farm

The "Bienvenue à la ferme" label is a 35-year-old French label that aims to promote farm-based tourism by promoting farm products and know-how. It is run by a local network coordinated by the Chambers of Agriculture.
"Bienvenue à la ferme" members offer a wide range of accommodation and activities, from farm visits to product tasting, and participation in production or processing workshops. On the agenda: good farm produce and a warm, professional welcome in a well-kept setting. The fundamental values of this label are proximity and conviviality.

- You are welcomed by working farmers.
- They produce, raise, process and market products directly, with respect for the terroir.
- They offer personalized activities enabling you to discover their trade.

To find out more, visit Bienvenue à la Ferme website

Caves touristiques and Caves d'Excellence

The "Caves touristiques" label is a Loire label designed to promote the hospitality offered by wineries in the Loire Valley. It is awarded by InterLoire, the Loire Valley wine trade association.

The "Caves touristiques" label rewards wineries that offer a high-quality welcome, informative and attractive tours and tastings, and activities around the vineyard. It can be complemented by the "Caves d'Excellence" label, which rewards wineries that stand out for the quality of their welcome, the richness of their offer and their commitment to sustainable development.

To find out more, visit the Val de Loire wines website

Gîtes de France

The "Gîtes de France" label is certainly one of the oldest in France. Its aim is to promote tourism in rural areas, by highlighting local heritage and the comfort of accommodation.
Gîtes de France offers a wide range of accommodation, from self-catering cottages to charming gîtes, bed & breakfasts and campsites in the countryside. They are spread across the whole of France, giving visitors the opportunity to discover rural France in comfort and authenticity.

To qualify for the Gîtes de France label, gîtes must meet precise specifications, including the following aspects:
- Be comfortable and well-equipped.
- Be located in buildings typical of France's rural heritage.
- Be environmentally friendly.

What's more, since 2005, Gîtes de France has been developing a whole range of eco-responsible accommodation through its Ecogîte, Gîtes Panda, Gîtes Biodiversité and Écogestes labels.

In Pays de la Loire, there are over 2,000 Gîtes de France available!

To find out more, visit the Gîtes de France website

Vignobles & Découvertes

The "Vignobles & Découvertes" label is awarded by Atout France, France's tourism development agency, to tourist and wine destinations. In Pays de la Loire, 3 destinations carry this label: Muscadet Loire Océan, Anjou Saumur Val de Loire, Vallée du Loir.

Each destination must offer a wide range of tourist products, which will themselves be awarded the Vignobles & Découvertes label: accommodation, restaurants, wineries, leisure activities, etc.

The common thread? To help visitors discover the vineyards and the world of wine, with a taste for sharing and respecting sustainable development.

To find out more, visit Atout France website

Ideas for green weekends in Pays de la Loire

Gourmet itineraries
Staying in Pays de la Loire means taking the time to make discoveries, meet new people and enjoy convivial moments. And where there's pleasure to be shared, there's pleasure to be tasted! Let yourself be inspired by six gourmet itineraries concocted just for you, to enjoy with your partner, family or friends, along the roads and paths of Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe or Vendée.

DIY activities for an original stay on a farm
Treat yourself to an original getaway in Pays de la Loire with a DIY "do-it-yourself" activity on one of the farms welcoming visitors for a day or a bucolic stay.

Five unusual wine experiences in Pays de la Loire
Looking for authenticity, sharing and unusual wine experiences? We've selected five original activities to make your trip to Pays de la Loire an unforgettable experience, with wine at the heart of it all.

Five unusual places to stay
Alongside farming and livestock activities, farms open their doors to tourists to share their lives, their know-how and their love of nature.