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

The following notes do not constitute bookings conditions but are intended as a helpful guide to some of the finer points of renting a self-catering holiday rental.

This information, whilst admittedly quite tedious, is nonetheless essential as it covers aspects of the rental which, understandably, are not always uppermost in your mind. As such, being familiar with this information will make your holiday run more smoothly. You can browse the whole page or skip to a specific topic:

> Cleaning
> Security Deposits
> Arrival & Departure
> General Standards
> What Household Items You Should Take With You
> Travel Insurance
> If Problems Arise
> Alternative Aquitaine Contact Details

Please also refer to our Travel Directory for a range of practical information and advice for travellers to France.

Cleaning
It is a requirement of our booking Terms and Conditions that you leave the property in a 'presentable' state. You are not expected to prepare the property for the next guests but you are expected to perform some basic cleaning duties, typically as described below. Even if you have paid for an exit clean or one is included in the rental you are still expected to carry out the asterisked* duties. Failure to perform these cleaning duties will probably lead to the supplier making a deduction from your security deposit. Cleaning charges vary according to the size of property but €30-50 for every bedroom is a reasonable guide.

*Wash-up kitchen items
*Empty fridge/freezer/dishwasher
*Remove all perishable foodstuffs from cupboards
*Dispose of all rubbish and waste at the designated point and times
*Clean BBQ (or plancha) and utensils

If you haven't paid for an exit clean or there isn't one available, on a self-catering holiday you will also be expected to:
- Clean the kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Hoover carpets and rugs and brush & wipe tiled floors

Understandably, cleaning is not something most clients want to be doing at the end of their holiday. We are encouraging owners to offer an Exit Clean to clients so that they can opt out of the majority of cleaning duties, and we're pleased to say that many properties now offer this option. Please check the property details or ask us to see if there is an Exit Clean available at your property, how much it is and when the service should be booked and paid for.

Many of our properties also now offer the chance to book mid-stay cleaning. Again, please check the property details or ask us.


Security Deposit
Please consult the Security deposits section of the Travel Directory for information.


Arrival & Departure
Please consult the Arrival & Departure section of the Travel Directory for information.


General Standards
Plumbing and electrical standards are different in France than in the UK or USA. If you see exposed wires or light bulbs it does not mean the property is unsafe; all properties comply with relevant laws. In some locations, especially rural ones, electrical circuits may trip if too many appliances are used concurrently.

Rural properties have sceptic tanks not mains drainage and occasionally an unpleasant odour may be present; please follow local rules about what not to flush and use of toilet bleach.

Older properties may have small damp patches or cracks in the plaster and at the start of the season some properties may appear musty on arrival.

At rural properties you may encounter wildlife and associated noises and smells. Insects, spiders and rodents do find their way into properties but you can help avoid this by ensuring food and refuse is not left unattended.

Country people and animals rise early and some concessions may be needed for early morning noise.

Please respect your neighbours; French law prohibits noise and disturbance after 10pm.

French kitchen equipment rarely includes toaster/kettle/teapot but there should be enough crockery, utensils and cutlery to serve the maximum number of guests.

Cots are of the travel variety unless otherwise specified.

Swimming pools are always protected by alarm or cover or fence – please ensure that you use the required security device and watch small children at all times. Please also be careful what you put into the pool – it’s very easy to damage a pool liner with toys unsuitable for a pool and damages could lead to a very costly charge to your security deposit. Please see our FAQs for further information about swimming pool safety.


What Household Items You Should Take With You
Cleaning products/equipment and a tea towel will be available. Some non-perishable foodstuffs may have been left by previous guests and most private rentals offer a modest welcome basket of goods. However, it’s best to assume no food will be in the property. Please also be aware that most supermarkets are closed on Sundays and bank holidays. Please consult the Shopping section of our Survival Guide for information


Travel Insurance
It is a requirement of our Terms and Conditions that our clients are adequately insured for major damages to a privately owned holiday property. Either we or the accommodation supplier can request to see this and you may be refused entry to the property if you are not covered. Please consult the Travel Insurance section of the Travel Directory for further information.


If Problems Arise
Of course we hope your holiday runs without a hitch but should you encounter any problems during your stay, please speak in the first instance to the house manager or reception staff at the local site office. They are responsible for the property during your stay and to make sure everything is in working order. If a serious problem arises that you need to raise with us, please call our UK office - from France: 00 44 1395 576655.


Alternative Aquitaine Contact Details
Our offices are open 8.30am–6.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am–5.30pm on Friday.

On Saturdays, the office is covered 2.00–6.00pm during the summer season (from the end of May through to the end of September).

The office is closed on Sundays but an emergency-only number is available for clients to contact.

> Cleaning
> Security Deposits
> Arrival & Departure
> General Standards
> What Household Items You Should Take With You
> Travel Insurance
> If Problems Arise
> Alternative Aquitaine Contact Details