A business other than gites
There are certainly alot of people who have small gite businesses here in southwest France. It is easy to do on a small scale and it is not heavily regulated or taxed, and can provide you with some top up income. (contact the local Chambre de Commerce for more information on www.dordogne.cci.fr).
However if you’re looking for a different business model, and one which provides a good income – here’s an interesting opportunity.
The owners of this property combine two businesses to earn good year round income. They are properly registered as a micro enterprise, which ensures professional standards and insurance. The first is a kennels and cattery service, offering good quality animal accommodation and care. The second, a soft fruits business, growing raspberries and blackcurrents and selling them in various packaged forms at local farmers markets. Again properly registered through the Chambre d’Agriculture and MSA (Mutuelle Societé Agricole), the company benefits from professional help, tax advantages and access to promotional markets.
The property includes a large stone house which has been completely restored (interestingly with 3 bedrooms which could operate as a gite or chambers d’hôtes), two large barns and 6.4ha (nearly 16 acres) of land in the northern Lot et Garonne, only 40 minutes to the south of Bergerac airport.