What does the number of stars on a campsite correspond to?

Today in France, camping is more popular than ever with holidaymakers and the number of open-air hotels continues to grow. It is therefore difficult to make a choice among all these establishments. Although campers increasingly rely on the opinions of Internet users, they also take into account the number of stars obtained. In fact, a classified campsite is generally synonymous with a good stay and a guarantee of quality. But do you really know what a campsite’s number of stars means? Here’s an article to help you see more clearly and make the right choice of campsite!

The classification of campsites by stars

The number of stars of a campsite is governed by a prefectoral decree. The standards are now defined by the decree of 6 July 2010, giving rise to a score on more than 200 points. Although the star rating was introduced several decades ago, it has recently evolved to meet the new expectations of society and the market.

Criteria for evaluating campsites
If the star rating is reliable, it is because it requires the validation of rigorous technical criteria. Indeed, the quality of the service and the level of comfort take precedence in this classification. Ensuring a good level of customer satisfaction is essential! This classification corresponds to a number of commitments promised by guests to holidaymakers. Indeed, the campsites undertake to ensure, among other things, a warm welcome and regular maintenance of the structures for maximum cleanliness and comfort.

Various major evaluation criteria are listed in the ranking table, here are a few of them:

Sanitary facilities
Safety and security
The size of the pitches
Languages spoken by staff
Reception hours and staff availability
Access for people with reduced mobility
Roads and car park access
Lighting
Proximity to restaurants and bars
Infrastructure
Raising awareness of sustainable development

How to become a star campsite?
It is important to know that the request for evaluation is voluntary. In fact, it is an optional process carried out only by owners who wish to do so. Campsites may be eligible from 5 tents/caravans or as long as they have a minimum capacity of 20 people. Once the application has been submitted to the prefect of the department concerned, an accredited inspection body will visit the site to carry out the assessment. This inspection visit will result in a mark of 1 to 5. This rating is valid for 5 years, after which a re-evaluation will have to be considered in order to keep the stars.

How to choose your star campsite?

Now let’s find out in a little more detail what the number of stars corresponds to. From 3 stars upwards, you can speak of a top mid-range campsite. In a 3-star campsite, the facilities are of good quality and the campers have access to quite varied services and equipment. 4 and 5-star campsites fall into the category of top-of-the-range facilities. These are the most luxurious camping structures: superior comfort, multiple services, various facilities, spacious pitches… There are no major differences between these two classifications, except in terms of price.

The 4 star campsite – Les Cascades
A 4-star campsite must meet a certain number of criteria, such as the availability of staff, a welcome in 3 languages or a minimum surface area of 80 square metres per pitch.

Although a 4-star campsite is not necessarily required to offer a swimming pool, this service is still a big advantage for the accommodation. In addition to meeting all the criteria imposed by the classification, the 4-star Camping Les Cascades offers many other services! For example, there is a heated swimming pool, bed linen and towel hire, a grocery shop and a bar-restaurant.

It is also concerned about the environment and sustainable development by adopting a Glamping approach. Its privileged location in the Gard near the Sautadet waterfalls also gives it a non-negligible charm for unforgettable holidays!