ACCOMMODATION QUALITY CHARTER " STAGE EUROPEAN ROAD OF D'ARTAGNAN "
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ACCOMMODATION QUALITY CHARTER
« STAGE EUROPEAN ROAD OF D'ARTAGNAN »
Agreement - type ERAA - HOSTERS
Accommodation is one of the essential links of the European Road of D'Artagnan and as such,
accommodation providers are considered not only as providers of a service but as full partners of
the ERAA association. The charter and the associated agreement describe the relationship between
the host and the Association in the context of this joint activity. In addition to providing
accommodation, the role of the host is to participate in the Association so that it can develop for
the good of all, in keeping with the Musketeers' motto "All for One, One for All".
The Charter defines the ERAA Association's expectation from the hosting provider while the
agreement governs the contractual relationship.
The purpose of the Quality Charter is to identify and promote tourist accommodation suitable for
hosting hikers who are primarily equestrian, whether on a stopover or a stay, with the assurance of
a guaranteed level of service quality throughout the European Road of D'Artagnan.
Institutions applying for the "Stage European Road of D'Artagnan" label are invited to visit the
ERAA website in the Provider-Hosting section:
"Become a STAGE REA".
Accommodation providers are invited to offer rates justified by the quality of the accommodation.
It is recommended to offer a daily package including dinner, bed and breakfast for the hiker as well
as welcome and food for the horse.
The establishments labelled "Stage European Road of D'Artagnan" will be listed on the ERAA
website.
I. DEFINITION OF A " EUROPEAN ROAD OF D'ARTAGNAN " STOPOVER
ACCOMMODATION
a) The "Stage European Road of D'Artagnan" label can be awarded to tourist accommodation
that is already classified or labelled, according to the regulations in force in the 6
countries concerned. For example, in France:
• classified accommodation with a regulatory classification according to national
standards. These are hotels, campsites, residential leisure parks, tourist residences,
holiday villages and furnished tourist accommodation which are subject to a
classification. The accommodation should be included in the national file of
classified accommodation (e.g. https: //www.classement.atout-France.fr or send a
copy of its regulatory classification),
• Labelled accommodation that does not have a regulatory classification according to
1national standards must be labelled according to the quality charters referenced by
the local assessment body. These include, for example, youth hostels, holiday
centres and collective accommodation, bed and breakfasts (Gîtes de France labels,
Clévacances, Bienvenue à la ferme, Bienvenue au château, Fleurs de soleil, Accueil
paysan, Châteaux Hôtels Collections, Nature and Heritage accommodation (Regional
Natural Parks), stopover and holiday gites, unusual accommodation (brands or
labels), etc.) (please send the corresponding certificate).
b) The establishment must be on or close to the European Road of D'Artagnan (maximum of 3
kilometres unless an exemption is granted). It must offer, map and communicate a quality
equestrian route to reach the main building from the itinerary.
c) The establishment must be able to accommodate individual hikers as well as groups,
according to its capacities.
d) The accommodation provider undertakes to welcome hikers for the night in case of early
booking. This commitment is not guaranteed for overnight stays without reservation and is
left to the accommodation provider's discretion according to availability.
e) As a member of ERAA via the chosen ERAA club, the hosting company undertakes to
contribute to the life of the Association.
II. RECEPTION OF HIKERS
a) The host provides a personalised and pleasant welcome (smile, availability, knowledge of
the area...), if possible in different languages.
It shares its knowledge of the history of D'Artagnan, the Musketeers, 17th century heritage
sites and local equestrian art sites, provides information on the major equestrian events in
the area and on the European Road of D'Artagnan.
It provides information on the equestrian players in the area (riding centres, farriers,
veterinarians, etc.) and on the network of accommodation and "Stage European Road of
D'Artagnan" sites thanks to the map provided by ERAA as soon as it becomes available.
b) The accommodation provider is invited to equip himself for the reception of the different
types of hikers. He shall inform ERAA of those he is able to accommodate.
c) To be labelled, the establishment must meet the legal obligations and declarations. It must
be in order with the administration to carry out the activities offered and regarding the
equestrian aspects, for health reasons:
• To have proceeded to the declaration of equine keeper to the referent organisation,
• Keep a record of the presence of Equidae.
III. SERVICES & EQUIPMENT
a) For the reception of hikers, the accommodation provider will have to provide the following
services:
2• Make available for consultation tourist information and services useful for their stay:
tourist documentation, information specific to equestrian tourism, maps (1:25,000),
etc.
• To be able to advise hikers on the course of their equestrian stay at local and
regional level
• Display the contact details of local equestrian organisations: equestrian centre,
veterinary surgeon, farrier, riders' association, resource person, etc
• Organising and/or facilitating the transfer of luggage and/or the hiker to his/her van,
to the next stage point or to the nearest public transport (free or paying).
• Information on weather conditions (free of charge)
• To offer hikers the possibility to wash and dry their clothes (free of charge or for a
fee)
• Enable the recharging of the hiker's digital and communication media (free of
charge)
• Facilitate Internet access
b) For the reception of the horses, the accommodation provider provides the rider with the
following elements (included in the daily package) to guarantee maximum safety for the
horses:
One or more paddocks close to the main building or within the grounds of the property,
suitable for accommodating horses in complete safety and comfort. If the paddock is in the
immediate vicinity of the hiker's accommodation, custody of the horse is not transferred to
the accommodation provider. Otherwise, the responsibility of the host may be engaged.
When the rider takes care of his horse, he is responsible for it.
• These areas must be equipped with clean drinking points, free of any material or
objects dangerous to Equidae, be shaded, with shelter if possible and surrounded by
fences in good condition, preferably electric (height 0.80m and 1.30m). In the case
of already existing fences, screens or any other dangerous or too low devices, they
must be lined 50 cm inside the enclosure with electrified tape at 1.00 m from the
ground
• In the case of a single meadow, removable stakes (one every 10m) and tape must be
provided to install paddocks (double separation by a 1.50m lane)
• Indicate the accommodation possibilities: outdoor (meadow or paddock), box or
stall
• A reserve of pellets or flattened barley and, in case of lack of grass, a reserve of hay
(10 kg per horse per day) - to ensure the continuity of the horse's feed on the Road,
the reserve of flattened barley is strongly recommended
3• A water supply and a garden hose, ideally installed close to a slab or at least on a
non-slip surface
• A room for storing the harness, with saddle holders (trestles or bars), close to the
accommodation and lockable
• Close to this room, a horse preparation area with a tethering device (bar or rings at
1.30m from the ground), allowing a space of 1.80m between 2 tethered horses, in
accordance with the accommodation capacity
• Buckets to distribute the rations
• Possibly a first aid kit for horses and a farrier's kit including a trimmer, a rasp and
handle, a hammer and nail set and 8 nails (optional)
• A wall sign with the address and telephone number of the nearest veterinary
surgeon and farrier
• A secure parking place for the van or trailer (if requested)
On this aspect of welcoming horses, the national specifications in force are used as a reference:
"Stage horse" and "Equestrian Tourism Centre" quality label of the FFE in France and countries with
no official national reference (see website ffe.com).
c) As far as the hiker's catering is concerned, the accommodation provider will have to offer a
catering solution on site (dinner and/or packed lunch, kitchen area with stove/microwave)
or nearby (less than 500 metres away): restaurant, food shops...
In the event of on-site catering, the establishment undertakes to comply with the
regulations in force (health regulations and catering insurance).
Beyond this distance, the accommodation provider will have to organise the transfer of the
hiker to the nearest restaurant or shop (free of charge, for a fee or by taxi).
Equivalence to the present Quality Charter for "Stage European Road of D'Artagnan"
accommodation may be considered for establishments already benefiting from a quality
label dedicated to the reception of horses.
4CONVENTION
EUROPEAN ROAD ASSOCIATION OF D’ARTAGAN
LABELLED ESTABLISHMENT
« STAGE EUROPEAN ROAD OF D'ARTAGNAN »
Between:
The European Road of D'Artagnan Association, an association governed by the law of 1st July
1901, having its registered office at Gers Departmental Council, 81 route de Pessan BP 20569,
32000 Auch FRANCE, represented by Mr Alain LIBEROS, President-Founder, and hereafter
referred to as ERAA,
On one hand,
And
The establishment, , , located to be represented by
Mr/Mrs , Legal Manager of the structure, and hereafter referred to as the Hosting
Company,
One the other hand,
The parties agree to:
I. COMMITMENT OF THE HOST
a) The Hosting Company undertakes to apply the European Road of D'Artagnan
Accommodation Quality Charter and to become a member of the European Road of
D'Artagnan Association.
The amount of the ERAA membership is fixed each year at the ERAA General Assembly, with
a lump sum (fixed at €30 for 2021). A variable amount will be set later depending on the
number of visitors to the Road.
A free membership is granted if the Route is not open on the portion concerned and the
related topographical guide has not been published.
The hosting provider can place an advertisement describing the services offered via the
ERAA website. This advertisement will appear on routes that are open or in the process of
being opened to hikers.
The terms of membership and the relationship with ERAA are explained on the ERAA
website.
The " European Road of D'Artagnan Stage " (ERAS) labelling service can only be offered to
5members of the ERAA association.
b) The member accommodation provider becomes an ex-officio member of the ERAA club of
his choice. The objectives of the ERAA Club are described in the Annex.
c) The Hosting Company undertakes to mention its "Stage European Road of D'Artagnan" label
on its communication media (leaflets, website, etc.) and to visibly display the " Stage
European Road of D'Artagnan " badge.
d) The accommodation provider undertakes to stamp the hiker's "European Musketeer's
Booklet" during his/her stay. The accommodation provider must obtain a stamp with its
logo for this purpose.
e) The Host is invited to offer a daily package including dinner, bed and breakfast for the hiker
as well as welcome and food for the horse. He is invited to apply, at his best convenience,
gestures of welcome to hikers presenting themselves with a "European Musketeer's
Booklet" (reductions, free of charge, etc). These will be clearly indicated on the
accommodation form.
f) The Lodging Company undertakes to participate in surveys to observe and analyse the
number of visitors and the economic impact of the itinerary organised by ERAA or by the
public authority managing the booking site and to inform them of the main seasonal trends
observed. It will collaborate with the ERAA and the public authority concerned in the use of
digital tools that will be gradually introduced to improve knowledge of riders and other
users of the Road and to better understand their expectations.
g) Accommodation reservations by riders and other users can be made directly on the ERAA
website, which will list all European Road d’Artagnan-approved accommodation providers.
In addition, other dedicated booking sites may be used by accommodation providers on a
voluntary and optional basis.
h) The Accommodator undertakes to host control visits by a Commission comprising local
members of the ERAA Association and institutional representatives of the tourism industry.
It shall also accept any visits by the Commission deemed necessary in the event of a
complaint or dispute.
The Host undertakes to inform ERAA of any changes affecting its establishment and of any
cessation of activity as soon as possible.
In the event of non-compliance with the Charter and the Convention, on the proposal of the
ad hoc Committee, ERAA reserves the right to take the necessary measures. Any request for
additional documentation or any withdrawal from the list of establishments labelled " Stage
European Road of D'Artagnan " will be notified to the Hosting Company.
6II. COMMITMENT OF ERAA
a) ERAA undertakes to support and provide recommendations to the host wishing to obtain
the " European Road of D'Artagnan stage" label.
b) ERAA undertakes to list the labelled accommodation on its management and promotional
tools, as well as on the material made available to hikers (web, maps, guides, etc).
c) ERAA ensures that the following advertising elements are provided to the Host:
• the information kit or press kit on the European Road of D'Artagnan to be
promoted in the reception area of the establishment and made available to
customers,
• the "European Road of D'Artagnan stage" heading to be integrated into the
establishment's communication media,
• the " European Road of D'Artagnan stage " label badge to be affixed visibly on the
facade or in the shop window of the establishment,
d) ERAA is committed within the framework of the ERAA Clubs, in particular:
• to consult accommodation providers on any activity related to accommodation;
• to consider their recommendations on the future development of the Road;
• to inform accommodation providers of news and promotional actions relating to the
European Road of D'Artagnan;
• to inform about future developments on the Route via the network of
accommodation providers on the European Road of D'Artagnan and the ERAA clubs.
7III. VALIDITY OF THE AGREEMENT
a) This agreement is signed for 1 year and is renewable annually by tacit agreement through
the renewal of the ERAA membership.
b) This agreement may be terminated in the event of non-performance by either party of its
contractual obligations or in the event of force majeure.
c) Early termination shall take place automatically one month after a formal notice served by
registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the defaulting party, indicating the
intention to apply the present resolutory clause, which has remained unsuccessful.
This agreement is subject to French law. The parties undertake to do their utmost to try to
settle amicably any dispute that may arise from the execution of this agreement. However,
if no solution is found, the dispute will be brought to the attention of the competent French
courts.
Validation process of the Convention:
It must be signed by both parties according to 2 procedures chosen by the host:
• By the host himself, who ticks the boxes in the attached validation grid (self-
assessment),
Link to self-evaluation
• The accommodation provider requests a visit from an equestrian referent mandated
by ERAA to accompany him/her in the process before signing the agreement, with
possible remarks on points to be improved. This visit is paid for by ERAA.
Link to evaluation with an ERAA referent
The terms and conditions of validation of the agreement are done electronically before publication
on the ERAA website.
8Annex: Objectives of the ERAA Clubs:
The vocation of the ERAA Clubs is to support locally the ERAA Association to set up, manage and
promote the European Road of D'Artagnan within the framework of the guidelines and priorities as
set by the ERAA Annual General Assembly and executed by the Executive Board.
The objectives are as follows:
• To enable dialogue between the different actors and partners of the Route
d'Artagnan in a spirit of continuous improvement of the Route d'Artagnan.
• Ensure local supervision of the Road, in particular :
o Regular and continuous improvement of paths and markings, to reduce
tar as much as possible,
o Make sure that the horses are well received in the accommodation,
o Consolidation of the historical and cultural aspects of the European Road of
d’Artagnan in liaison with the Scientific Committee, to develop the spirit of the
"European musketeers" all along the Route,
o Follow up on the remarks made by riders and other users by forwarding
them to the ERAA Executive Board,
• Ensure the coordination of training actions for operators, in particular
accommodation providers, to respond in a professional manner to the objectives
assigned to a "European cultural itinerary" in economic, cultural, tourist and
educational terms, to promote European cultural diversity and strengthen
European citizenship, particularly regarding young people,
• Coordinate local actions between these different actors, each remaining
responsible for the actions they wish to develop,
• Participate in the promotion of the Road in the departments/provinces and beyond in
close coordination with the authorised bodies in the territory (tourist offices, etc.)
• Coordinate the obtaining of financial aid from public authorities or private sponsors,
• Represent the ERAA association on the territory in close coordination with the ERAA
Executive Board,
• Relay locally expressed needs to the ERAA Office,
• Contribute to the exchange of good practices between ERAA clubs, or even
participate in joint actions based on partnerships established with other
partners.
9Club members must commit themselves to respect the values and objectives of the Route d'Artagnan. As such, they will be invited to become members of ERAA. These clubs operate on a voluntary basis in support of ERAA's activities. Exceptionally, however, some projects may be financially supported by ERAA as part of its objectives, the work to be done and the interest of the local projects offered. 10
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