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Questions and Answers
The following will normally answer any queries that you may have about the the holiday accommodation, the facilities, the services provided and the contract terms.
This concerns specifically the holiday rentals within the Vendee-Gites.com scheme.
For properties that are indicated as being under the management of a partner agency or company, you can use this for basic guidance but there may be differences, so please refer to their specific terms of rental. This is the case for properties marked as managed by “Select Villas”.
Click on each topic below to see the answer.
Frequent questions for bookings
Are my holiday dates available ?
The calendar shown on the property page is updated in real time (within a few hours of any change), including any options currently held awaiting confirmation. If the period is Green it is available. If it is Yellow then you can ask to be placed second in line if the option held falls through. If it is Red, then the dates have already been taken. You will also see that there is an availability summary in the menu that allows you to check across all our properties at a glance.
Can we do other than a Saturday to Saturday rental ?
July / August – no it’s not possible, only the standard changeover day.
(In the rare case of a Friday to Friday rental schedule, this is stated and shown on the availability calendar.)
June and September – may be possible on some properties – please ask.
April, May, October – possible on most properties – please ask.
Can we have 10 or 12 night rental ?
An indication of the date restrictions for this is given in the pricing table for each property. In general :
July / August – no it’s not possible, only full weeks, 7, 14, 21 nights.
June and September – may be possible on some properties – please ask.
April, May, October – possible on most properties, if open – please ask.
What price for these dates ?
Please note that if you have seen the property on another website, their pricing display may not correctly calculate the price due to the limitations of their system.
Consult the pricing table on the property page and find the dates that correspond. This rental price per 7 nights is shown, in Euros. If there are two prices shown, the lower price is for smaller groups (up to the number of people stated at the top of the pricing table). Outside July / August, if you are looking for 10 – 12 nights we will quote you a specific price where this is possible – please ask.
Can I book on-line ?
Sorry, we don’t normally participate in the automated booking schemes proposed by some of the major publicity sites. There are good reasons for this and we much prefer the personal contact with our clients. You get the same guarantee and security of payment.
Is the swimming pool sole use ?
On the summary page and the property page (top left), if it is marked “Private Pool”, then it is for sole use. If it is shared in any way it is marked “Shared Pool” and the sharing is described in the property text.
Is the swimming pool heated ?
On the summary page and the property page (top left), if it is marked “Heated Pool”, then it is heated throughout the season. If there are any date restrictions, this is described in the property text. Please note that most heated pools use “heat-pumps” and that the operation of these is governed by the climatic conditions. If the weather is unseasonally cold the heat-pump may not be able to maintain the usual water temperature.
Is there internet at the property ?
On the property page (top left), if it is marked “Internet WiFi”, then the property has WiFi available. If there are any specific conditions, this is described in the property text.
How far is it to the nearest beach, to amenities ?
On the property page (top left), the distances to the nearest beach and the nearest amenities is marked. From the property page you can go to the “Local info and more photos” page which gives full details of this.
Are sheets and towels included in the rental ?
On the property page, just below the pricing table, you will find the list of charges. If sheets and towels are included in the rental price this will be marked here (for one set, further changes may be charged). If they are for available for hire, the additional charge will be marked (per person for one set, or sometimes a flat-rate charge) and this is paid on arrival.
Can we add more people, extra beds, etc. ?
The sleeping capacity is indicated on the summary page and on the property page (top left). You are not allowed to exceed this number. A baby in cot may be allowed over this number if agreed by the owner.
Can the bedroom configuration be changed to suit us ?
The exact sleeping arrangements are indicated in the property description. It is not possible to change the number of double or single beds or move beds from one room to another. The only exception may be if the description indicates a bedroom which has modular bedding that can be requested as double or twin beds.
How do I make a reservation ?
You can use the contact form available from the link on the property page – we will reply within a few hours. You can also telephone us if your prefer. Note that we can hold an option open for you for 3 days, while you decide or while you arrange your travel. Confirmation of the reservation will then be by making your payment, followed by completing the Booking Form (Letting Contract). Full details of the booking procedure are shown on “How to Book”.
Is the payment method secure ?
Our card payments transit via the normal card payment interface of a major bank. The security is the same as making a purchase in a shop, and better than many on-line payment systems. We can also accept a bank transfer in Euros if you prefer that method.
When will the payment be due ?
An initial deposit of 25% to secure the reservation (by card or by bank transfer). The remainder at 8 weeks before the holiday dates (same method). Reservations within the 8 weeks of the rented dates require the full payment
How do I find a Booking Form ?
Each property has its own Booking Form (Letting Contract) in PDF format. This is available from the link on the property details page (in the Menu on the left or in the ‘How to book’ section at the bottom). Once you have made your reservation you need to print this form to complete and return to us.
What are the cancellation terms ?
You can refer to our Terms and Conditions. Note that in normal circumstances the initial deposit is not refundable. In the case of epidemic related issues, the cancellation policy may be determined by any legislation in force in France at that time. You are strongly advised to also ensure that your travel insurance policy offers adequate cover, particurarly for medical issues.
Suitability of the property
Terms and conditions of the rental
Arrival and departure times
Travel insurance
Due to the requirements the French legislation (the “Méhaignerie” law of 06/07/1989) and the specific nature of property owners’ insurance in France it is mandatory that clients from other countries have adequate insurance for all members of their party, including personal liability cover. This covers damage or injury that a renter may cause to a third party or to their property. In France, this is not normally covered by the property owners’ insurance, as French residents are automatically covered for this by their home insurance. The owner therefore requires to see documentary proof of this insurance cover, which you should present on arrival. In most cases this will be a Travel Insurance document.
Security deposit
This is the property owners’ protection to cover the unlikely event of undeclared damage, unsatisfactory condition of the property, or failure to pay any additional local charges that were due (linen hire, heating charge, cleaning charge, residence tax, etc.). Property owners have different systems for this and you can find out what applies to each property in the property details and on your Booking Form, usually one of these methods:
1) A secure on-line card imprint is requested via the SWIKLY system. For this you will be contacted by email a few weeks before your arrival. It enables you to register card details without a debit or an impact on your card limit. This is simply cancelled within a few days after departure. In the case of a due deduction, this will be done within these 7 days and will include a Swikly processing fee (5% + VAT).
2) A cheque is given on arrival, or requested beforehand. It is not banked and will be returned to you within 15 days of departure, or destroyed.* If you do not have cheques, then a cash sum will be accepted, as below.
3) A cash sum in Euros is given on arrival and returned to you on departure, or within 15 days.* The return on departure is at the discretion of the owner in relation to any more significant verifications that may be necessary.
4) A bank transfer in Euros is requested a few weeks before your arrival. This is returned within 15 days of departure. Bank or exchange charges may be applicable to this process, even in the usual case of no due deductions.
*If a due deduction is made from a cheque or a retained cash deposit, bank or exchange charges may be applicable.
If you are to receive a “Swikly” Security Deposit request prior to your rented dates, please attend to this promptly. If you are to provide the Securiy Deposit on arrival, please ensure that you have what is required by the owner when you arrive. In accordance with French law, the property owner may refuse entry to the property if the renter in unable, or unwilling, to provide this deposit.
Note that this aspect is entirely handled by the owner and that we do not intervene in determining deductions, nor can we reasonably (or legally) be requested to arbitrate for things that we have not been witness to.
Sleeping capacity
Please note that you are not permitted to exceed the maximum sleeping capacity stated in the property details unless the owner has given specific agreement beforehand. Some properties may allow an additional cot, if stated in the property details or specifically granted, otherwise babies are included in this number. Extra matresses, tents and camping cars are not permitted.
External day visitors are permitted solely at the owners’ discretion and you must therefore ask the owner or their representative beforehand, particularly with regard to use of the pool or other facilities.
If you have booked at a reduced price for low occupancy the sleeping capacity is limited to the agreed number (check the property details to see whether some bedrooms may be made unavailable).
The exact sleeping arrangements are indicated in the property description. It is not possible to change the number of double or single beds or move beds from one room to another. The only exception may be if the description indicates a bedroom which has modular bedding that can be requested as double or twin beds.
Linen hire
The arrangements for bed linen and/or towels are stated in the property details together with the charges applicable (some are inclusive in the rental price). Linen charges are paid directly to the owner or their representative on arrival. One set of bed linen (and towels, if this is included) is supplied, irrespective of the duration of your stay. A further change of bed linen (and/or towels) may be available on request and if this is the case, it will normally be subject to an additional charge. If this is not indicated in the property details, please ask.
1) Bed linen and towels supplied or hired. In this case you need only bring beach/pool towels.
2) Bed linen only supplied or hired. In this case you need to bring bath towels, beach/pool towels, tea towels.
3) If you bring you own bed linen, there will be pillows and either blankets or duvets supplied (if this is not marked in the property details please ask).
Bed linen is not normally provided for cots.
Cleaning at the end of your stay
This is always a delicate question and whilst the vast majority of guests are sensible about this, the actions of a very small minority mean that we have to point out the obligations so that it is clear to all concerned. Owners may have one of four possible systems and this will be indicated in the property details and on the booking form:
1) No cleaning service is provided. You are required to leave the property clean and tidy on departure. The property owner is not expecting a full spring-clean and polish, just a reasonable effort, after which they will undertake to return the property to pristine condition for the incoming guests. In particular, for you this will include kitchen and bathrooms, sweeping or vacuuming the floor, washing up, oven, fridge, bbq, bins, etc.
2) A cleaning service is provided as an option at extra charge. In this case, the service may be requested beforehand and the charge paid directly to the owner or their representative on arrival. If this option is not taken, then 1. above applies.
3) A cleaning service is provided as a mandatory extra charge. In this case the charge should be paid directly to the owner or their representative on arrival.
4) Cleaning is included in the rental price.
Please note that where a cleaning service is provided at the end of your stay (optional, mandatory or inclusive) this covers ‘normal’ housework and does not dispense you from behaving in a reasonable manner. In the case of flagrant abuse (thankfully rare) the owner can make a deduction from the Security Deposit.
Heating charges
Residence tax
In many areas the local authority applies a residence tax (Taxe de Séjour) to occupants of holiday properties for the duration of their stay. This is intended to help finance the additional infrastructure needed to cope with an increased population during the summer season. It is the responsibility of the property owner to collect this tax, where applicable.
For some properties this may have been included in the rental price. If this is the case, it will be indicated in the property description and on the Booking Form.
For some properties it may be indicated that no tax is applied in that particular area. However this may be subject to a later decision by the local authority.
A new national system is in force from 2019 onwards. This allows the local authority to set the tax within a set range, based on any star rating that the property may have. As the decision on the applicable rate is usually made in the spring, it may not be possible to obtain any confirmation of the exact rate at the time of booking. Hence, on the property details and on the Booking Form you will find only the official tax band that applies to the property. This will usually be either €0.50 to €1.50 or €0.70 to €2.30, per adult per night. Children under 18 are not counted.
If the residence tax is due, please provide this to the owner or the owner’s representative on arrival.
Electric vehicles
Swimming pools
In accordance with the French legislation on swimming pool safety, all holiday property pools should be equipped with a safety system. This may be a fence and gate, a roller-blind cover, an alarm, or a full enclosure. We indicate in the property details what equipment the owner has stated as being installed. We do not accept any responsibility for compliance of this equipment with the relevant specifications or legislation. We point out that the safety authorities have expressed doubts concerning the effectiveness of certain pool alarms. If you are concerned about the pool safety equipment and any risks thereof you must ask for further information before booking and make a fully informed decision on whether the property is suitable for your needs. No safety system can replace the need for adequate supervision and due care with regard to children and non-swimmers.
A swimming pool is considered as heated when the temperature is maintained above 25°C in normal weather conditions. The preceived comfort is largely dependant on the outside temperature, so you will not have the same impression between early morning on a cloudy day and a baking hot afternoon. Heating is limited to a 28°C maximum. Allowing for a couple of degrees added by the sun, the water must not go over 30° as hygiene cannot be maintained at higher temperatures.
If a pool cover is provided, it may be essential to put this in place at night to allow the heating system to maintain the temperature. (This also helps significantly with unheated pools). Note that for rentals early or late in the season, if there is exceptionally cool weather the heating system may have difficulty keeping up.
Kitchens
Whilst not normally mentioned in the property description, the kitchen will have either a cooker, or a hob and separate oven, and also a fridge. Note that in France the oven may not necessarily have a grill function. In a few rare cases, there will only be a mini counter-top oven and in these cases it is indicated in the property description (“mini-oven” or “combined oven/microwave”). If a dishwasher and/or microwave oven, and/or washing machine and/or tumble dryer is present it is specifically mentioned. The washing machine and/or tumble dryer may be situated in the kitchen, in a utility room, in the bathroom or in a garage or outbuilding.
Whilst we encourage owners to provide a wide range of kitchen equipment, crockery and cutlery, there may be differences from what you would normally expect in your home country. There may be a running stock of cleaning and machine products but this up to the owners’ discretion and is not guaranteed.
Bathrooms
Please note that in France you very often find that there is no toilet in the bathroom and that it will be situated elsewhere in the house. In the property description the following convention is used :
Bathroom – bath and basin, no toilet (bath will often have a shower attachment, but not necessarily a screen or curtain).
Bathroom (bath and shower) – bath, separate shower cubicle or wet-floor shower, basin, no toilet.
Shower room – shower cubicle or wet-floor shower, basin, no toilet.
Bathroom with toilet – bath and basin and toilet (bath will often have a shower attachment, but not necessarily a screen or curtain).
Shower room with toilet – shower cubicle or wet-floor shower, basin and toilet.
Bathroom (bath and shower) with toilet – bath, separate shower cubicle or wet-floor shower, basin and toilet.
Separate toilet – toilet, with or without hand basin, situated elsewhere (indicated ground floor or first floor).
En-suite – the facilities are accessible directly from the bedroom or are situated in the bedroom (but may not necessarily be completely separated or with a door).
Seating arrangements
Local amenities
Travel discounts
We only deal with accommodation and can’t offer travel bookings, but we may be able to make suggestions for travel suppliers.
See our travel page for more details.
What to do if something is not right
The number of problems reported back to us is of a very low level, witness to the diligence of the property owners who participate in our website. Nevertheless, it is impossible to eliminate all possibility of a breakdown in the equipment or a defect that has gone unseen. If there is a problem you must contact the property owner, the caretaker, or the local mangement. In many instances a simple and rapid solution can be found with the minimum of inconvenience. The property owner will normally take all necessary steps to rectify the problem as soon as possible but may be at the mercy of local tradesmen, or suppliers, or service companies and in this case delays are inevitable.
It is not acceptable to collect a list of grievances for a letter of complaint once you return home. If the owner was not notified nor given the opportunity to rectify the problem, a subsequent complaint is unlikely to be considered favourably.
Note that your Letting Contract is between yourself and the property owner (or in a few cases a local management agency), the names of these parties being indicated on the contract. Your attention is drawn to the Terms and Conditions, that you accept in signing the Letting Contract. We are responsible for presenting the property details on behalf of the owner, for receiving the funds into a holding account and for dealing with the paperwork. In the unlikely event of a serious matter you must address your correspondence to the property owner (or the local management agency is this is the case). We would or course appreciate receiving a copy in order to be fully informed.
It makes sense to take advantage of dealing with real people, rather than an anonymous automated booking system. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to discuss your choice of holiday property, the facilites provided, or the rentals terms :
00 33 7 87 20 06 87 English and French spoken.