Rentals Affected by Bad Weather

Presse08/08/2023

Jennifer Decamp, manager of the holiday rental company La Clef Decamp, with Élise and Estelle, two seasonal employees hired for the summer.

The gray weather in July did not favor tourist activity. The holiday rental company La Clef Decamp experienced a loss of revenue.

The bad weather that prevailed throughout July 2023 in the Manche region had negative effects on the tourist season. This situation was confirmed by Jennifer Decamp, manager of the holiday rental company La Clef Decamp, which owns 37 gîtes, including 28 in the Manche, with three in Villedieu-les-Poêles: “July was a bit catastrophic. We have never rented so little in the past ten years that I have been in this business. Inflation is hurting us, and the almost autumnal weather we’ve been experiencing since the start of summer in the region is very impactful. We can’t wait for the sun to show up!”

A €50,000 Loss in Revenue

Throughout July 2023, the manager of La Clef Decamp offered attractive prices to try to fill the gîtes, without always achieving the desired effect: “As a result, several of our housekeepers were left without work, and to keep them employed, we gave them small maintenance tasks.”

Of course, tourists were disappointed, especially beachgoers. “Our gîtes are well-equipped with comfort features, spas, and games, which allows our clients to find alternative activities.” Over the course of the month, revenue ended with a loss of €50,000, “even though we opened new gîtes this year. On July 14, 2023, for example, we had 17 gîtes available. Never seen before. It should also be said that amateur competition is strong.”

“Half of Our Gîtes Are Still Looking for Guests”

According to weather forecasts, good weather is expected in the coming days: “Hope keeps us going; I am an optimistic person. For now, bookings remain slow. For the weekend of August 15, 2023, one of the busiest of the year, half of our gîtes are still waiting for guests. Same for August 18–20. So, I offer discounts, adjusting closely to the budget that clients have.”

La Clef Decamp has some gîtes with enhanced appeal, “such as in Champeaux, with a direct view of the Mont-Saint-Michel bay, or in Hudimesnil, where we created a paradise for children. These properties are fully booked.” In summer, La Clef Decamp’s clientele is 80% French and 20% foreign. “Our gîtes have a capacity of five to twelve rooms. The largest has 23.”

Published 08/08/2023 on Ouest France