Alternative Aquitaine holidays FAQs

1. Do you arrange flights, ferries or car hire?

2. Are you ABTA bonded?

3. Do you own the properties you advertise?

4. Do I need to buy travel insurance?

5. Can I arrive early at my holiday property?

6. When will my security deposit be returned?

7. I don't want to hire a car - can you advise on public transport options or arrange transfers?

8. Does the property have a DVD player (or some other specified item of equipment such as internet access)?

9. Do I have to clean the property?

10. Are swimming pools protected in France?

11. How seasonal are the Aquitaine resorts?

1. Do you arrange flights, ferries or hire car?
Since we're not a tour operator (we arrange the holiday accommodation only), we cannot book your travel arrangements too. But, we can give you lots of signposts and recommendations including:
> a ferry partner who can often get excellent discounts for our clients
> recommended flight routes and operators into Aquitaine from the UK
> several links to car hire firms that we use ourselves
> information about travelling to Aquitaine by rail

2. Are you ABTA bonded?
Not ABTA bonded but clients' payments are protected by the Bond Plus scheme which is effective from 01.12.08.

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3. Do you own the properties you advertise?
No, we are booking agents for private individuals and companies that own and/or manage properties in south west France.

4. Do I need to buy travel insurance?
You do need to have a policy in place when you are on holiday with us. Most clients already have an annual policy or may already have some cover through a household policy or credit card. Please check your existing cover and take a look at our Travel Insurance page for options for purchasing travel insurance - we don't sell it ourselves but can direct you to a couple of partners that do..

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5. Can I arrive early at my holiday property?
This is rarely possible owing to the changeover clean and prepartion of the holiday property. Please check our Arrivals & Departure page for more information.

6. When will my security deposit be returned?
This depends on how the deposit was lodged; different practises apply across our portfolio. The maximum length of time is 28 days but the average is more like 10-14 days. Please check our Security Deposits page for more information.

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7. I don't want to hire a car - can you advise on public transport options or arrange transfers?
Some resorts such as Biarritz lend themselves to car-free holidays.There is a local firm we can recommend that offers local airport transfers. For public transport options, it's best to get in touch with the resort tourist office - let us know if you need contact details.

8. Does the property have a DVD player (or some other specified item of equipment such as internet access)?
Please check the property page on our website and/or your Arrival Instructions if you've already received them. If you are still unsure, please send an email to us.

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9. Do I have to clean the property?
In most cases you will be required to clean the property before your departure. In some cases an exit clean is provided or is available for a supplementary charge. If so, you will still be expected to perform some minimum duties. Please check the property details, the Cleaning information of our Rental Guidelines, or ask us if you are unsure.

10. Are swimming pools protected in France?
Yes. Always. Since 2004, pools must be protected by fence (with lockable gate), cover or alarm. In most cases, owners opted for alarms because it was the least expensive option and had the least impact on their pool's aesthetics. However, we are now (as of October 2008) aware of moves to phase out all but two types of swimming pool alarms and in may cases owners are already switching over to alternative methods because of customer feedback. It appears, understandably, that clients find more reassurance in seeing a physical barrier such as a cover or fence. However, we would like to highlight - again - the need for vigilance. We were recently talking to a large, international T.O. who has to deal with child fatalities each year. In the most recent two cases the young child had drowned in a pool that was protected. If there's a pool at your property then it's your responsibility to ensure your children are safe.

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11. How seasonal are the Aquitaine resorts?
Regular visitors to France - and much of souther Europe - will know that many restaurants and amenities are not open much beyond the summer season, save for the bank holiday weekends. There is a lot of variation from one resort to another: if you want lots of shops and restaurants and you plan to visit in the mid or low season, then your best bet are resorts such as Biarritz, St Jean de Luz and Arcachon; these are working towns which remain open for business all-year-round although, of course, some tourist shops and eateries will be closed. That's not to say you should avoid other resorts in the mid and low seasons; if you like peace and quiet, long walks on deserted beaches, and you're self-catering anyway, then they remain an excellent choice.

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Self-Catering Holidays in Atlantic Aquitaine, South West France - Villas, Cottages & Apartments

Aquitaine Travel Directory
Holiday Booking Admin: FAQs

Self-Catering Holidays in Atlantic Aquitaine, South West France - Villas, Cottages & Apartments

Aquitaine Travel Directory Holiday Booking Admin: FAQs

Aquitaine Travel Directory
Holiday Booking Admin: FAQs