Cottages

General Conditions

Cottages are privately owned properties. They vary in size and comfort and are fully furnished. They are usually located in small villages, in farms or small hamlets.  They are available for 7 day rental only from Saturday to Saturday. Prices vary according to the season (July and August being the most expensive months). 

The rental price includes:

• Weekly rate include normal use of gas or electricity (8 Kwh electricity per day and 500 litres of cold water per day). 

• Any amount used in excess of these levels must be paid to the owner of the property for by the client prior to his departure. 

• Heating costs are not included in the rental price. Guests should request the owner to specify whether such heating costs are to be billed at a fixed price or according to the amount used (in which case meters should be read upon arrival and departure). 

Linen is not included in the rates. It is however possible to hire it for around 10 Euro per person for the week (payable directly to the owner of the property).  

When a property shows a telephone sign it means buying a special telephone card from a France Telecom Office (20 Euro per card). 

There could be a local tourist tax to be paid directly to the owner of the property (not all Gites will have this tax): around 1 Euro per person, per day (please ask the owner on arrival).  

A bond is payable on arrival. The amount varies with each property according to size and standard. This bond will be refunded on departure after deduction of any breakages or extras that are due.  

An inventory must be drawn at the beginning and end of each stay. Any item that has been lost or damaged must be reimbursed by the tenant.  

Any claim on the part of the tenant should be sent in written form to the Relais Départemental within 3 days of entering the property.  

No travel insurance is included in the rentals. Tenants are advised to check that their travel insurance will cover them in the event of a third party liability claim whilst they are staying at the Gite.  

You will receive a French Travel Connection voucher after final payment has been received. We will also include a detailed itinerary to get to the property together with the name and contact of the owner.  

You can collect the key of the property on the day of arrival between 16h00 and 19h00. Other arrangements for arrival can sometimes be made by contacting the owner directly. You must contact the owner of the property you have rented if you are delayed.  You must vacate the property by 10h00 on the day of departure and the property must be cleaned before you depart. It is possible in some properties to have someone clean the house for you for a small fee – please ask the owner. 

Payments

To secure your booking a deposit of 35% of the total rental is required on confirmation. The balance is due at least 60 days before your departure from Australia.  

In case of cancellation on the part of the tenant: 

• more than 60 days prior to arrival, the deposit will be retained.

• less than 60 days prior to arrival, the full amount will be retained. 

In case of cancellation by the owner (due to unforeseen circumstances)

• monies will be refunded.  

The description of the Gite is the responsibility of the owner, and Gites de France or French Travel Connection will not enter into any discussion relating to misrepresentation.