Running a B&B in Languedoc Roussillon, South France - the Pros & Cons

If you're thinking of running a B&B in Languedoc-Roussillon, south France, then it's  probably a good idea to think long and hard about the Pros & Cons. Especially the Cons. What can seem an exciting, creative, social venture from the outset could eventually turn into something you regret - as the work and hours required to run a B&B successfully in Languedoc may well be beyond what you'd imagined. So to help you on your way - here's our starter for ten...

PROS

• You’re earning money from your own home. No more commuting for you!
  
  
• You don’t need any formal qualifications or experience to run a B&B.
  
  
• If it isn’t your main source of income, you don’t need to formally register your B&B business.
  
  
• You don’t need to spend big bucks up front. You can offer just one or two bedrooms at the start, and expand over time.
  
  
• You’ll meet lots of people from all over the world (and some of them will be interesting).

CONS

• You are not alone (ever!). You will have to be on duty 24 hours a day, in your own home. Privacy is a thing of the past. Strangers will be wandering round your home. Funny thought, isn’t it?
  
  
• Abandon your hobby now. Once you’re running a B&B, “me” time is history.
  
  
• Buy a new pinny – go crazy, buy two. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen rustling up breakfast, and if you offer evening meals, you may find you forget what the outside world looks like.
  
  
• Guests come and go as they please – which means you may be up till the wee small hours ushering in late arrivals, only to get up again at the crack of down to see someone off on an early start. Great!
  
  
• Customers don’t just rock up - you have to work at attracting them. Advertising in some shape or form will be essential. Be sure to budget for this.
  
  
• You’ll meet lots of people from all over the world - and some of them will be crushing bores.