Converting commercial premises into tourist accommodation in Bordeaux

Why commercial premises appeal to investors

In Bordeaux, letting a property that is not your main home on a short-term basis generally requires change-of-use authorisation from the town hall. These authorisations are tightly controlled and may be limited in time.

Premises that are not a dwelling (shop, office, workshop) are not concerned by this residential change of use. Once converted into tourist accommodation in line with planning rules, they can be operated all year round, with no cap on nights.

That does not make the operation simple: it involves several authorisations, to be checked even before buying.

Step 1: read the co-ownership rules

The regulations must allow commercial or accommodation use of the lot, with no clause restricting the building to residential use alone. If in doubt, have them reviewed by a lawyer or a notaire before signing.

Step 2: change the use class of the premises

Bordeaux Métropole's local urban plan classifies each unit according to its use class. Moving from retail or office use to tourist accommodation is a change of use class: it requires at minimum a prior declaration, or even a planning permit if the works alter the façade or the structure.

The application is filed with the planning department of Bordeaux town hall, or of the relevant municipality in Gironde. In the protected area of the historic centre, the opinion of the Architecte des Bâtiments de France may be required.

Step 3: safety and accessibility

Depending on its capacity and layout, the venue may fall under the regulations for public-access buildings (ERP): fire safety, emergency exits, accessibility. An inspection body or an architect will tell you precisely what applies.

Step 4: register the activity

Once the authorisations are obtained, the activity must be declared (registration of the operator) and the rental registered with the town hall to obtain the registration number to display on every Airbnb, Booking.com or Abritel listing.

Fitting out for guests

A former shop calls for genuine renovation: sound insulation, double glazing, ventilation, carefully worked natural light. On the ground floor facing the street, privacy matters as much as comfort.

Quality bedding, a well-finished bathroom, a functional kitchen and self check-in via a smart lock or key box make the difference to the nightly rate and to the reviews.

Running the property day to day

Once the place is open, its performance depends on how it is run: listings across several platforms, prices adjusted daily, welcome, cleaning, linen and guest follow-up.

With the LP Performance offer at 20 %, RENT by LP takes on this complete management in Bordeaux and across Gironde, with a monthly report sent to the owner.