Book now for your summer break! Reduced prices on June & July dates!
|
Last summer dates available for 2010
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
The Cottage - Booking Conditions Booking information and conditions for the La Belle France Cottages We want you to enjoy your holiday at our cottages, and part of this is making sure that you understand the details of your agreement with Amber Scott Limited (our operating company). Please read our property descriptions and booking information and conditions carefully. Don't forget we are here to help you, so if you need any further details, please do phone us on 00 33 2 99 48 61 00, or send an email to info@labellefrance.co.uk 1. Booking
To make a booking, please check availability with us first (either by phone, fax or email). Receipt of your completed booking form, plus clearance of your 20% deposit cheque or full payment for late bookings will then secure your holiday. Provisional bookings will only be held for 7 days, and if your cheque and booking form have not been received by then, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled. A binding contract between you and Amber Scott Ltd. based on our booking conditions, all the property and holiday information will come into existence on receipt of your deposit cheque and booking form. Please note that you are bound by this contract even if you have not signed your form, or if you are booking at short notice and the booking has been made over the telephone. We will send you a booking confirmation, which you should check carefully on receipt - please advise us immediately if there are any apparent discrepancies. The balance is due twelve weeks before the start of your holiday (N.B. if booking at short notice the full amount is payable on booking). Amendments to bookings after you have paid your deposit are subject to a £20.00 administration fee. Date changes can only be accommodated if the property is available for the new weeks requested. If the new dates are charged at a higher rental rate, 20% of the extra cost must also be paid as deposit in addition to the administration charge. All such amendments must be made in writing. Once we have received your booking form and deposit cheque, a confirmation will be sent to you. Joining instructions and a route planner will be sent to you on receipt of the balance of the holiday cost. Please also send a separate cheque at this time, for £200 for the security deposit. This will only be cashed two weeks before the start of your holiday. All payments except the security deposit are non-refundable and the use of all facilities and equipment are entirely at your own risk. The accommodation and facilities provided by La Belle France Cottages are strictly for those detailed on the booking form. Due to reasons of safety and security visitors are not allowed on site. We may, at our discretion accept changes to guests staying in the cottages only if prior notice is given. Overnight stays by non-paying guests is strictly forbidden. You are advised to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which includes cover for cancellation or accident, medical cover and public liability including accidental damage. The booking contract is governed by English law, and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. Cheques should be made payable to Amber Scott Limited. We reserve the right to treat a dishonoured cheque as cancellation of booking, or apply an administration charge. Late payments may be subject to surcharge of 2% per month or part thereof. 2. IMPORTANT EXCLUSIONS FROM LIABILITY
2 (a) Illness, accident and theft
Please note that you should take out your own insurance to cover illness, accident, theft, cancellation and public liability during your stay. You must take all reasonable steps to take care in the use of the facilities and also ensure that you lock up the property each time you leave it (including closing all windows). Please ensure that you turn the gas supplies off completely before leaving the property.
2 (b) Cancellation by ourselves
Whilst every endeavour will be made to satisfy a client's requirements, when alterations/cancellations are made necessary as a result of hostilities, political unrest or any other circumstances beyond our control, the client will be offered the choice of alternative holiday date, if possible, or a refund of monies paid. We do not accept any liability for any additional costs incurred by yourselves as a result of our cancellation of your holiday. We strongly advise that you take out an insurance policy to cover such an eventuality.
2 (c) Liability to maintain facilities
The facilities mentioned in our details are shown in good faith and are generally available as described. Sometimes we may have to substitute items mentioned with alternatives that may not be exactly as described. In addition, facilities may not be available at times due to mechanical failure, maintenance periods, weather conditions, and the season of the year and such other factors beyond our control. If you yourselves break a particular item during the course of your stay it may not be immediately replaced. We will endeavour to repair the said item, but it may not be available for the rest of your stay. The appropriate repair/replacement charge may either be paid to us before departure, or will be deducted from your security deposit. We accept no liability for any failure to provide any specific item of equipment.
2 (d) Public Liability disclaimer
We do not accept liability for any loss or damage to persons or property or for any additional expenses incurred resulting from the hire of our holiday cottage and the use of any equipment provided. WE ADVISE THE HIRER TO ARRANGE SUITABLE INSURANCE COVER
2 (e) Please check all details
Please check the confirmation/ invoice immediately upon receipt and advise us of any apparent error. The itinerary is your personal decision and we do not check your timings or make special arrangements for late or early arrival. You must check any specific details in the property description at the time of making the booking if they are of particular importance to you. You must inform us of any disability or medical condition that any member of your party has and of any other circumstances which may affect your holiday ( e.g. babies and small children, elderly persons, late or early arrival at the property, specific allergies). We may not be able to accept bookings subject to any special factors. Group bookings are accepted entirely at our discretion. You must give us full details in writing of any special requirements you may have. If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of any member of your party, we must reserve the right to decline your booking, or if full details are not given at the time of your booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. We regret we cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions in any document.
2(f) Hazards
Where possible potential hazards such as steep stairs will be indicated in our details. It is understood that where such an indication or warning is given, it is your responsibility to exercise all due care and attention towards all members of your party. It is also understood that obvious hazards such as a pool/paddling pool, access to the road etc will incur the same responsibility on your part whether or not a warning is stated in the description/booking information and conditions. Please note that there is a well on site (covered), and a swimming pool. Some upstairs windows have safety guards - these are NOT climbing frames, and you must prevent your children from using them as such. It is in any event entirely your responsibility to ensure that all minors are properly supervised AT ALL TIMES in and around the cottages. 3. Your arrival
For all our cottages the changeover day is Saturday. We can be more flexible for out of season bookings, which may also be for less than a week. Please ensure that you arrive between 16.00pm and 20.00pm local time. A contact telephone number is available in case of unforeseen circumstances - please do call us if you are delayed for any reason. You will be welcomed into the property by Joanna or James Reintjes - we are resident key holders and owners, who are also responsible for cleaning the property for your visit. We can also answer any queries you may have on your arrival. You will be advised in advance of any changes to these key holder arrangements. 4. Your departure
Please can you ensure that you leave the property (in a clean and tidy state, please!) by 10.00am local time, to allow for cleaning and room preparation for the next guests. Our definition of a tidy state basically means leaving the property in the state you found it, emptying the bins of your rubbish, sweeping the floors, no washing up in the sink and an empty dishwasher. All cleaning equipment (fluids, cloths etc.) is available for your use during your stay as required. Please also advise us of any breakages at this time. Please note that if we discover unreported damage or breakages after your departure, this will be notified to you before return of your security deposit. We reserve the right to withhold return of your security deposit in these circumstances. Before you leave, please check that you have taken all your personal belongings, and also that you have returned the keys to us. Taxe de séjour payable on departure also. Thank you. 5. Security deposit and security information
A security deposit of £200 (200 Euros) against damage or breakage is payable by separate cheque at the time of the balance of the accommodation cost (please note we do not cash your security deposit cheque until 2 weeks before your arrival date). This deposit will normally be returned to you by cheque, less any deductions for cleaning, taxe de sejour, any damage, missing items or breakage, within four weeks after your departure, to allow for administration and for a thorough check to be made on the property. Please remember that you are staying in someone's private property, so please treat the furniture and fittings carefully. Visiting animals are not allowed on the property. Whilst the neighbours are not exactly on the doorstep, please respect them and avoid causing noise or nuisance, especially in the pool area. French law prohibits noise and disturbance after 10pm in the evening. When exploring the countryside, please note that most land is private property, so please respect the owners' crops, and animals etc. Please also take care of electric and barbed wire fences, and unfenced ditches around the property and in adjoining fields. Please take sensible security precautions and in particular ensure that windows, and doors are locked when leaving the property. We also ask that all visitors ensure that the front gate of the property is kept closed at all times, for the safety of any children staying at the cottages. 6. Information pack
A comprehensive information pack on a selection of interesting things to see and do whilst enjoying your stay in France is provided within each cottage, including a copy for you to retain for your own reference. Information on essential services such as local doctors and emergency services is also provided. Route maps are available from each port, stations or airports. All information provided has been collated by us from personal knowledge of the area. It is accurate at the time of going to press. Please check details with us nearer the time if required. We do not accept liability in the event that any of the activities mentioned are unavailable, or have changed significantly from our description of them. 7. Baby pack
We can provide a "baby pack" free of charge. This includes a travel cot, bed linen and towel, child cutlery and dish, bottle /jar warmer, beaker, and high chair. Please mention that you require this service on your booking form, since we have a limited number, and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that the cots and highchairs are all French, and therefore comply with European safety standards, which may not be the same as British standards. All equipment is used at your own risk. 8. Baby-sitting
Baby-sitting may sometimes be available at a small charge. 9. Water usage
Water in France is metered and expensive, so we kindly request prudent use of supplies. A modern electric tank provides hot water, and each cottage has its own water supply to ensure adequate water pressure. Washing line, iron and ironing board is available on request. We provide a washing service - 8 Euros per machine load, which includes washing, drying and folding the clothes. The inside water is safe for drinking. Please note all utilities are monitored and excessive usage of all services is subject to a supplement charge. Please use all supplies PRUDENTLY. Help protect your environment.
Please note that there is a covered well on site, and whilst its door is locked for safety, please ensure that you do not allow children to play in its vicinity. 10. Swimming pool
A shared use unheated swimming pool is available for guests' use for the summer season. Pool open from 1st June to 30th September - these opening times are subject to modification depending upon climatic conditions. The pool is fenced off, but it is your responsibility to ensure that all minors are properly supervised in and around the vicinity of the pool, to ensure that the gates are kept locked shut at all times. All minors MUST be fully supervised in the pool area. There is no lifeguard. Please observe the pool rules at all times. Please note that the pool is used entirely at your own risk. Pool is approximately 5.5 metres x 11 metres 1.2 metres deep (flat bottom), with a deeper area of 1.8m. Pool maintenance is usually carried out in the morning, including removal of overnight bubble cover (please do NOT attempt this yourself). Chemicals are used in the pool to maintain the water hygiene, and whilst these are carefully regulated certain climatic conditions can affect the balance of the pool and turn the water cloudy or green. The condition of the water is checked regularly by the key holders, but please do let them know immediately if you notice a problem, so that adjustments to the chemical balance can be made. It can take several days for the balance of the water to be restored. The pool may be unavailable for use during this period. You will appreciate that this is beyond our control and whilst we do our utmost to ensure a speedy resolution, we cannot pay compensation for the affects of adverse conditions on pools. Pool used by owners occasionally. Pool water and security provisions subject to periodic inspection by Rennes Prefecture. Pool Usage Rules
10 (a) - No solo swimming - children under 14 MUST have an adult present with them in the pool area;
10 (b) - Pool liners are very delicate and can be easily punctured. No hard or sharp objects should be taken into the pool area....this includes glasses, crockery , soft drinks in cans, and toys (except pool inflatables).
10 (c) For safety reasons and in consideration of our neighbours the pool is not available for night-time use. In addition, the pool will be unavailable during maintenance.
10 (d) - No diving, no nude bathing, no horseplay, no excessive noise.
10 (e) - Pool available for guests' only - i.e. not visitors
10 (f) - Any infringement of the above, or any inappropriate behaviour may lead to a withdrawal of pool facilities for the duration of your stay. 11. Gas supplies
All the cookers run on gas bottles. Your key-holder will check to ensure you have gas to use when you arrive, but please be prepared to change over to a new bottle during your stay.
Cooking gas is provided for all lets. Please note all utilities are monitored and excessive usage of all services is subject to a supplement charge. Please use all supplies PRUDENTLY. Help protect your environment. Thank you. 12. Electrical supplies
All electrical sockets, including shaver sockets in the property are French, so please ensure that you bring with you an adapter for using English/other Nationality appliances. Please ensure that any such appliances are in good working order, as the mains supply may be cut-off because of faulty appliances. This is because of a safety fuse, which cuts off the mains supply when it detects a faulty appliance. This system is more sensitive than generally found in the UK and other countries. Please note that as we are not available on site at all times to turn the supply back on, you may be without electricity for a period of time. Please also note that in rural France, because of a lower wattage being available at any one time, it may not possible to use all electrical appliances in the property at the same time. An overload will cause the main fuse to cut off power to all the cottages. For this reason items such as the dishwashers, microwaves, irons and water heaters should not be used at the same time. Some are however set on overnight timers. As above, if the supply fails you may have to wait for normal service to be resumed. Total supply failure is beyond our control, but in the event of a power cut by EDF (Eléctricité de France) we will provide every assistance that we can.
Please note all utilities are monitored and excessive usage of all services is subject to a supplement charge. Please use all supplies PRUDENTLY. Help protect your environment. Thank you. 13. Winter heating supplement
Winter heating supplement is charged to cover the cost of extra electricity and wood for the fire used in out of season lets. A supply of wood is based on our estimate of a reasonable usage, and the weather conditions prevailing at the time of the let. Extra gas bottles can be provided as detailed in point 11. above. Extra wood can either be purchased in some super markets, agricultural supply stores (e.g. Point Vert, Gamm Vert), and DIY stores (e.g. Mr. Bricolage, Marché), or we can provide extra supplies for 5 Euros a basket. Wood may need to be cut or purchased by us, so may not be available immediately when requested. Winter heating supplements are charged on out of season lets from 1st September - 30th April. The weekly amounts per cottage are Virginie £25, Chevrefeuille £35, and Camellia £45 (updated August 2008). Heating is not available in May, June, July and August, unless whether is inclement, in which case winter heating supplement applies if you request heating to be made available. 14. Rubbish disposal and recycling
Rubbish that cannot be recycled should be collected in closed bin liners, and then placed in the large green communal dustbin available for your use at the edge of the property, just along the road into the hamlet "La Touche Gilbert". Certain things are forbidden to go in this bin - glass, and ash for example. Recycling bins/boxes are provided in the local village of Sains, for glass, plastic bottles (milk, water and soft drinks), tin cans (rinsed) and paper/card. We will point these out to you when you arrive, but please do ask for assistance if required. Please note also that the sanitation system depends on a septic tank, as with most French rural houses. Please note that English loo paper, all sanitary towels and tampons, as well as disposal nappies and wipes, and any other non bio degradable items SHOULD NOT be flushed down the loo, as this interferes with the filtration process and can cause blockages. Separate bins are provided in each loo for S.T.s, and baby items etc. Blockages are inconvenient and expensive to clear - you may be surcharged in the event of a blockage caused by yourselves. Please dispose of all waste PRUDENTLY. Help protect your environment. Thank you. 15. Linen
Bed linen is provided, which includes duvets/quilts, sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers, and a minimum of one standard pillow per person. Scatter cushions and square pillows are provided for extra comfort. Bath towels, napkins and tea towels are also provided at no extra charge. Please bring your own beach/swimming towels. 16. Supper service
Supper service is available on request. All meals are home cooked, served in your own cottage. Fresh organic vegetables and fruit from the garden, local produce and our own eggs used to create a tasty menu! Pre-booking of this service required 24 hours in advance. Arrival groceries can also be organised for you on a cost basis depending upon your requirements. We will provide menu details with your joining details 17. The garden
Roses, shrubs, borders, prairie style planting in grass, and fruit trees have been planted around the cottages, to create a rustic style garden. The garden is largely fenced off, and hedged on the roadside. Other facilities include barbecues, and outdoor furniture. There is plenty of space for ball games, including badminton etc. Close to the cottages there are further flower borders, with conifer hedges separating the courtyard from the old orchard, and also pool area. The gardens then extend southwards, towards the new orchard. Ongoing maintenance - lawn-mowing, weeding, trimming and strimming etc. will need to be carried out at times during your stay. The garden is maintained organically, so you may find the occasional stray weed, compost heap and the grass areas are not quite Bowling Green quality! There is also abundant wildlife ( we often see hares and small deer.......and chickens and our friendly cats!) in and around the garden...please respect the animals, and remember that you are in the middle of the countryside. Please also ensure that you supervise your children in the garden at all times - some of the fences have barbed wire, there are some unfenced ditches and many plants and natural flowers are poisonous 18. Pets
Sorry - whilst we appreciate that you may wish your animal friends to be on holiday with you, no pets are allowed at the cottages out of consideration for your fellow guests, and children who will use the garden. 19. Books and holiday guides
Each cottage has a selection of guidebooks and leaflets on what to see and do in the area. Please can you ensure that you leave these at the cottage on departure. We provide a selection of books for holiday reading in each cottage, and whilst these are available for you to use throughout the holiday, we would very much appreciate their safe return at the end of your holiday. A contribution towards the cost of replacing lost/damaged books would be very much appreciated! Thank you. 20. Behaviour and noise
Our accommodation is set in a very quiet, peaceful rural location, and we expect our clients to respect the tranquillity of the location, and our neighbours, please. We do want you to enjoy your holiday, but at the same time request that you please keep your noise at a reasonable level. If we think that you are being too noisy we will let you know (in the nicest possible way!). Visitors who are not detailed on the booking form are not allowed on site. When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or loss must be paid direct at the time of your holiday. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party's full legal costs) as a result of your actions. We expect all clients to have consideration for other people. If in our reasonable opinion, or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you or any member of your party behaves in such a way as to cause, or to be likely to cause danger, upset, distress or disturbance to any third party, or damage to property , we are entitled without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person concerned. In this situation, the persons concerned will be required to leave the accommodation. We will have no further responsibility toward such person(s) including any travel or alternative accommodation arrangements. No refunds will be made, and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination. 21. Complaints
We endeavour to ensure that your accommodation meets with your expectations based on our descriptions. However, if you have a justifiable complaint concerning the accommodation, we ask you please to bring the matter to our attention at the time of your stay so that we may resolve matters as quickly as possible. We must be given the opportunity to try to resolve any problems, including access to the property to inspect and resolve the problem. If you do not notify us of any complaints during your stay we are entitled to assume that you are totally satisfied with the accommodation and services provided. 22. The Euro
Our accommodation prices are currently quoted in £sterling. We accept payments in Sterling or Euros (as detailed in our Euros prices on this site). Any significant adverse change in the Euro/£sterling exchange rate may lead to a change in the sterling prices quoted. It is generally not our policy to pass on minor exchange rate variations, however, in the current global economic climate we may be forced to make a price change. Any price increase that we may pass on to you in the event of significant exchange rate fluctuations will be notified at the time your final holiday monies are due i.e. 12 weeks before the start of your holiday. 23. Taxe de sejour A new tax has been introduced from Jan 2007 for all holiday rental accommodation within our area. This tax already exists in most other areas of France. Please note that this is payable by the cottage hirer for each person over the age of twelve years for each night of their stay. Whilst we have to collect this tax we do not receive any of the money. The amount is 60 cents per adult or child over twelve, per night. Eg 8.40 per week for a couple with two children under 12.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E-mail Reminder
Terms
