General holiday information & services

Rental period & availability

Rentals normally run from Saturday to Saturday, although in some properties rentals are based on the first or second 15 days in each month. Almost without exception a minimum rental of two weeks is required in high season unless an odd week remains in the schedule - please check with us for availability. Certain properties are available throughout the year, please ask for details.

Arrival & departure times

Check-in should be between 4pm and 6pm on arrival day. Check-out should be between 8am and 10am on departure day. These times have been specified so that there is sufficient time for the property to be prepared on the changeover day. Special arrangements can sometimes be made for leaving luggage, at your own risk, outside these times, but this is dependent on individual owners and agents. If you think you are going to arrive later than 6pm, please let us know well in advance so that alternative arrangements can be sought. A charge may be made by the local agent for late check-in or early check-out.

Security deposit

Local agents and owners require a security deposit for all bookings (as an indemnity against breakages, telephone calls or other applicable charges). We will normally hold this deposit on their behalf, although for certain properties the local agent may require it to be paid on arrival, in which case we will advise you. In all cases, the security deposit must be lodged prior to handover of keys. The security deposit is returnable less valid deductions, if any, as soon as details of costs are available to us.

Insurance

You must have adequate travel insurance (including liability for accidental damage to the property, cancellation cover and medical & emergency expenses). If you do not already have insurance, please ask us to send you full details and an application for the comprehensive travel policy that we can arrange for you. If you already have travel insurance cover, please let us have a copy of the policy certificate with your booking form and confirm that the policy covers at least the risks mentioned above.

Linen & towels

Bed linen and towels (but not pool/beach towels) are included in the rental price for normal occupancy in all properties and changed at the end of each week. Certain properties also include pool/beach towels, in which case this will be stated in the brochure, otherwise you should arrange to bring your own.

Equipment

Cots and high chairs can normally be hired, although some properties already have a cot (see accommodation details in brochure). Please note that French-owned properties often do not have a kettle. Gas or charcoal for barbecues is NOT normally provided. Use of barbeques may be limited by local fire restrictions, particularly in high season and after sustained periods of dry weather.

Final cleaning & maid service

The property will be cleaned and made ready for your arrival and you should leave the property clean and tidy on departure. A charge will be incurred if final cleaning is deemed necessary by the local agent following your departure. If you require maid service during your stay, please let us know as soon as possible, although some is included in the price for specific properties (see individual property details).

Additional services

Car hire and channel crossings, as well as cooks, maid service, chauffeurs, catering and equipment hire can be arranged on advance request. Please let us know your requirements as soon as possible.

Electricity & heating

In the summer months all properties include electricity in the price although a small number will charge extra for usage over a certain figure as stated in the property details. Out of season or when heating is used, you will normally be charged extra and we will advise you of this when booking. Swimming pool heating is normally an extra charge unless otherwise stated in the brochure.

Telephone

Telephone facilities are available in most houses as specifically mentioned in each description under ‘Other facilities’. Please note that an administration charge may be applicable on a few properties. Telephones in France work under several different charging systems - some work by using a France Telecom card, others through a meter reading by France Telecom or from a bi-monthly itemised bill. Call charges will be deducted from your security deposit before its return.

Taxe de Séjour

Some local Communes may charge a nominal residence tax of up to one Euro per person per night, which will be collected by the local agent. This tends to be collected only in the coastal resorts.

Visas & passports

At the time of publication no visas are required for EU citizens travelling to France, but you must have a valid passport. Non-EU passport holders should consult their embassy for details of any visa requirements.

Motoring in France

You should carry relevant papers including a valid insurance certificate, driving licence (UK licence is valid) and vehicle registration document. Check with your insurer that you are covered for the Continent and if necessary ask for a ‘green card’. If you are intending to take a sports or low-slung car please check with us whether access to the property is suitable for such a car.

Local representation

We liaise either directly with the property owner’s caretaker or with the local agent who looks after the management of the property. In either case there is someone close by to help should a problem arise during your stay.

Safety

As in any house there are always risks, particularly for small children. Please do take care and don’t leave children unsupervised. None of the properties has depth markings on the swimming pool. You must therefore check depths before diving or jumping into the pool.