Affiliate disclosure

Affiliate disclosure

This page transparently explains our business model, how we generate revenue, and the rules framing the recommendations you read on the Site. Document compliant with French DGCCRF requirements, U.S. FTC Endorsement Guides (for international readers), and European commercial transparency obligations.

Our business model in two sentences

L’Heure du Voyage is an editorial site that is free for the reader. It is funded by two revenue streams: editorial space sales (links in articles, purchased by brands and agencies) and affiliate marketing (commission earned when a reader purchases a third-party product via an identified outbound link).

1. Editorial space sales (editorial links)

What is it?

Some brands purchase a link placement or a sponsored article on our site. When such a placement is integrated into existing editorial content, we apply the following rules:

• The purchase covers link visibility, not the opinion expressed about the brand.
• Content remains written by the editorial team, independently of the transaction.
• No full article is handed over to an advertiser to write its content.
• If an entire article is commissioned by a brand (“sponsored article”), it is prominently labeled “Sponsored article” at the top of the page, and placed outside ranking editorial sections (comparators, destination hubs).

To date, no sponsored articles are published on the Site.

Platforms used

• Linkavista : direct link sales
• Develink : editorial link sales platform
• SemJuice : editorial link sales platform
• Direct sales : contact via partenariats@lheureduvoyage.com

2. Affiliate marketing

What is it?

Affiliate marketing is a system where, when you click an identified outbound link to a partner (e.g., Booking to book a hotel) and make a purchase there, the partner pays us a commission. This does not change the price you pay: the commission comes from the partner’s margin.

Visual identification of affiliate links

All affiliate links are identified on our Site in one of the following ways:

• “Affiliate link” mention next to the link or on hover;
• Discreet icon (↗) signaling a paid outbound link;
• For comparator buttons: “See offer (affiliate link)” mention.

When a link is NOT affiliated (e.g., link to an official source, France Diplomatie, WHO), no specific mention is added.

Current affiliate partners

Indicative list as of May 22, 2026, subject to change. Affiliate programs not listed are not used on the Site.

How we choose affiliate products

The selection criterion is real usefulness to the reader, not commission rate. Specifically:

• A lower-paying product may be recommended first if it is better.
• A higher-paying product may be absent from a comparator if it is inferior.
• The author in charge of a comparator does not have access to individual commission rates at the time of writing (separation of functions).

The full scoring methodology is documented in Our methodology and in the grid published on each comparator.

Consequences for you

• You never pay more by using our link.
• You support us by using our links: the commission earned funds editorial production (writing, fact-checking, hosting, SEO tools).
• If you prefer not to use an affiliate link, you remain free to access the partner site directly; we keep a clear mention of each partner name so this is possible.

3. Enhanced transparency commitments

In addition to the rules above, we commit to:

1. Publish the full list of current affiliate partners, and keep it updated on each change (see table above).
2. Document the scoring methodology for compared products (see Our methodology).
3. Never publish fake reviews or fabricated satisfaction scores.
4. Never use advertising tracking cookies on our own Site (affiliate cookies are issued exclusively by the partner, after your click).
5. Allow disputes: if a product or partner believes we have mistreated them, they may write to corrections@lheureduvoyage.com. A review procedure is opened within 10 business days.

4. Applicable legal framework

This disclosure complies with:

• DGCCRF (France) : misleading commercial practices (articles L.121-2 et seq. of the Consumer Code).
• Article 20 of LCEN (France) : advertising / content distinction.
• FTC Endorsement Guides (United States) : material disclosure obligation for U.S. readers.
• EU Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices.

5. Frequently asked questions

Can a negative recommendation happen if the product pays us?

Yes. Several affiliate products have been rated under 3/5 in our comparators when quality does not follow. We prefer losing a paying recommendation rather than credibility.

How much do you earn per affiliate link?

Rates vary by partner: from a few cents (Amazon) to several dozen euros (travel insurance, credit cards). A Tier S comparator page typically generates €20-80 of monthly revenue per 1,000 views, link sales included.

Why not stick to a “pure free” model?

Producing up-to-date, verified travel guides written by experienced authors takes time (estimated 20-60 hours per premium page) and requires paid tools (SEO, verification). Affiliate marketing and link sales make this funding possible without a paywall for the reader.

Can I challenge a ranking?

Yes. Write to redaction@lheureduvoyage.com. If the argument holds (erroneous data, mis-applied criterion), we publicly correct with revision dating.

6. Evolution of this disclosure

This document is reviewed each time an affiliate partner is added or removed, and at least once a year. The update date is at the bottom of the page.

Document last updated on May 22, 2026.

See also:

• Editorial charter
• Our methodology
• Legal notice
• Privacy policy