General Provisions
1. These are the terms of the Agreement between you, the holiday maker(s), and us, Susan Paradise Limited. These terms shall be deemed to be incorporated into all contracts made by us with our customers and shall apply to all bookings subject to any express over-riding terms as agreed to in writing by you and us.

2. In entering into an Agreement with us, you accept as party leader that you are entering into this contract on behalf of the entire party.

3. No variation will be incorporated unless in writing and signed by our authorised representative.

4. No employee or agent of the company is authorised to make any representations concerning the property or other aspects of the booking unless confirmed by us in writing. In entering into an agreement you acknowledge that you do not rely on, and waive any claim for breach of, any such representation which has not been so confirmed prior to the date of your booking.

5. You are not allowed to assign the benefit of any agreement with us unless with our previous written consent which we shall be at liberty to give or refuse. However, we may agree to change the holiday arrangements or details of the party as set out in these terms.

How To Book
6. No contract shall exist and Susan Paradise Ltd shall not in any way be bound to you in relation to your booking or otherwise until such time as we have issued an acknowledgement/confirmation of your booking to you.

7. In order to book, you must comply with our booking guidelines in force at the time when you wish to book.

8. It is your responsibility to advise us in full of your requirements and the number and details of the persons in your party. You are not allowed to alter the number of persons in the party or their identity after the booking has been acknowledged/ confirmed by us except with our written consent.

Price
9. The price payable shall be the price quoted in writing by us in any written material relating to the property in question or such other price as we shall specify at the time of booking. There will be no variation in the price to take account of any currency fluctuation between Sterling and Euros.

10. During July and August, in some properties (see individual details), electricity and gas for cooking and other light use is included within the price. Other use during that period and any electricity consumed in other periods of the year is not included in the price and is payable directly to the owner.

11. The owner of the property will specify the charge for such electricity where additionally payable (usually by meter reading, approx. 0.15 Euros per kWh, but sometimes a fixed weekly amount indicated on the property details).

The decision of the owner is final and binding. In entering into an agreement you accept that these terms are reasonable, given the expense of electricity in France. As a rough guide, a typical electricity bill for a week in a house with a pool could be 45 Euros.

12. Unless cleaning facilities are expressly included within the property price, cleaning services are not included and a charge at a rate of approximately between 10-12 Euros per hour will be made (depending upon local rates) for any cleaning required as a result of failure on your part to leave the property in the required state and condition (see later).

13. Unless expressly indicated in writing to the contrary, linen is not included in the price. Additional arrangements can sometimes be made to hire linen. This is subject to availability and is not guaranteed by us. Typical hire charges are: 12 Euros per person for sheets, pillow cases and bathroom towels.Charges are repeated on every change of any item. Unless otherwise expressly stated by us all properties have blankets and pillows or bolsters - you are asked to note that English pillow cases do not always fit French pillows.

14. In some areas of France a tourist tax is levied (taxe de séjour). This varies from approx. 0.3 - 1.2 Euros per person per day and is payable direct to the owner if applicable.

15. Except where we have expressly indicated to the contrary on or prior to your booking, the price of your holiday will be calculated in Euros.

16. You must pay the Initial Payment at the time of your booking. No booking will be accepted by us unless it is accompanied by the Initial Payment.

17. You must pay the Balance Payment at the latest eight weeks prior to the first day of your property rental.

18. The Initial Payment shall amount to 40% of the total property rental to be paid by you

19. The Balance Payment will be the balance of the total property rental payable by you.

20. Although our prices are given in Euros, for your convenience payment will be made by you to us in Sterling at the Sterling equivalent of the sums due in accordance with the following procedure:-

(a) For the Initial Payment the Sterling equivalent of the Initial Payment shall be calculated according to the "Bank sells" or Tourist Rate for Euros on the day when you confirm/issue your booking to us. The "Tourist" conversion rate can be obtained in a bank, exchange bureau or in a daily newspaper. In the event of any uncertainty or dispute our decision as to the exact conversion rate will be final and binding on you. If you are in any doubt as to the conversion rate please telephone us on the day in question.

(b) We will then specify to you the amount of the Balance Payment (in Euros) and the date by which payment must be made by you.
(c) For payment of the Balance Payment please use the same conversion procedure from Euros into Sterling as indicated above for the Balance Payment namely the "Bank sells" rate applicable for Euros on the day upon which you make your payment to us. In the event of any uncertainty or dispute our decision on the exact conversion rate and amount of Sterling required will be final and binding on you.

21. The damage deposit is paid direct to the owner or key holder. It is your responsibility to hand this over upon arrival at the property.

22. Deposits paid to the owners are payable in cash. Sterling cheques are not accepted. Full details are specified on the property itinerary.

23. The amount of the Deposit will be as specified by us depending upon the nature of the property concerned. By way of a guideline this is usually between 150 and 900 Euros.

24. The Deposit is a deposit against the cost of breakages or damage to the property, additional charges not directly paid for, linen hire etc. The amount of the Deposit is not a limitation on the amount of your liability. You will be liable for any excess amount over and above the Deposit. Susan Paradise cannot arbitrate between clients and owners as to deductions made from the deposit.

25. In most of the properties, if there is a telephone it will usually be for incoming calls only. Where there is a telephone facility for outgoing calls, the owner may not be able to refund the Deposit to you for a period of approximately two months after the end of the property rental since it may take this time to ascertain the telephone charges involved.

26. In your own interests, and so as not to delay the refund of the Deposit, owners of the property (or key holders) have been asked by us to check the property with you before your departure. This may alert you to damages, breakages or failure to leave the property cleaned and in a reasonable state and condition, which is required of you. Please allow for these responsibilities and the time involved when making your travel arrangements. Small breakages are best replaced or settled on the spot. The Deposit will usually be refunded upon your departure, or sent to you within 48 hours of your leaving the property.

What Is Included in the Property Rental
27. We are providing you with a property rental service for your holiday. In entering into an agreement you accept that all we are required to do for you is to provide the accommodation concerned.

28. We take care to ensure the accuracy of the descriptions of the properties and all information is given in good faith and believed to be correct at the time of printing our brochures. We undertake to advise you of any changes which become known to us and which may amount to a material alteration in the property or in the details supplied to you.
In many cases the properties let by us are residential homes or "second homes" primarily designed, furnished and equipped for the needs of their owners. Your needs or expectations may differ and we rely upon you to advise us of any special needs, requirements or expectations which you may have in order that we may specify how closely the property in question meets those criteria. Properties and their contents from time to time require alteration and change and (without prejudice to our undertaking to inform you of any material change in the information supplied) we cannot accept responsibility for any alteration change or disappointment caused by factors beyond our control or outside of our knowledge. By way of example only, such matters may include travel delays, weather conditions, strikes, civil unrest or disturbance and negligence or any failure on the part of the owners of the property.

What Is Not Included in the Property Rental
29. Since accommodation only by way of the property rental is what our service provides you must make your own travel arrangements and arrange for any other service or benefits which you require as part of your holiday when looked at as a whole.

30. You are requested to read closely what matters are included in the price and those which are not included in the price - see above. Please see also requirements as to your own obligations and responsibilities in relation to the property.

Cancellation By You
31. If you wish to cancel your holiday once your booking has been acknowledged/confirmed by us, you are liable for the full amount of monies payable to us under this contract and no refund will be made to you. If you have only paid your Initial Payment, then you will still be liable to make the Balance Payment to us. See insurance paragraph 37. Refunds will not be made for cancellation due to situations under the heading 'force majeure', such as war, threat of war, civil unrest, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, transport problems, adverse weather conditions or any similar events outside our control.

If We Cancel Your Holiday
32. By this term you accept as reasonable and inevitable that there will be occasions when we have to cancel holidays (by way of example only because a property must be withdrawn). We reserve the right to cancel the holiday at any time, but undertake to notify you as soon as possible should this unfortunately occur.

33. We will endeavour to offer you a suitable alternative holiday by mutual agreement with you but failing such agreement, we shall refund all monies paid to us by you in full.

34. If you wish to take up an alternative booking offered by us, and this involves a higher price than that previously required of you, then you will be required immediately upon confirming such booking to us to pay the difference in the price between the new proposed property rental and the original property rental. If the alternative property is cheaper than the original property booked, we will refund you the difference.
Changes in Property Rental Prior to Departure
35. In the event of material change in property rental being required which falls short of cancellation but which involves the change of rental period or change of property then we reserve the right to notify you of such changes. However if this amounts to a significant and material change, you will be offered a refund in full.

36. If you wish to change your holiday arrangements we shall do everything possible to accommodate your revised wishes but in the event that we are unable to do so, then you will be bound by the original booking details. Please bear this in mind before confirming your booking to us. If we are able to change your holiday arrangements, then we reserve the right to charge you an administration fee not exceeding £50 for doing so, provided that this will not affect any obligation on your part to pay a higher price in the event that the property rental is altered so as to make a higher charge payable.

Insurance
37. In entering into this Agreement you are obliged to take out personal holiday insurance for all members of the party to cover all personal risks and liabilities including cancellation so as to compensate you for the loss of your holiday arrangements.
Please note that you must provide us with evidence that you have obtained adequate insurance cover when you send us the balance.

Complaints
38. Any complaint, dissatisfaction or problem in respect of the property should be immediately reported to the owner or key holder since by these terms you accept that such person is the most appropriate person and in the best position to sort out such matters on the spot wherever possible. However any problem which threatens seriously to affect your enjoyment of the holiday must be reported to us or our local representative by telephone within 48 hours of such matter arising and confirmed in writing as soon as possible. The obligation on your part to telephone us whilst you are at the property gives us the opportunity of carrying out remedial action. We accept no liability for any claims not dealt with in accordance with these terms and in particular where we are not given an opportunity to rectify the matter which this procedure is intended to allow.

Your Obligations
39. As indicated above the property concerned is most likely the home or second home of its owner - please treat the property and its contents with respect and as would any careful and responsible tenant. You are obliged to do so.

40. Both we and the owners reserve the right to remove you from the property without notice and without compensation in the event of serious misuse, abuse or damage of the property and its contents.
41. Except where cleaning services are expressly provided for, you are responsible for cleaning the property prior to your departure and leaving it in a proper state and condition to the reasonable satisfaction of the owner. You are required to make arrangements with the owner or key holder for the property to be inspected before your departure as indicated above under the terms relating to "the Deposit". If you are unhappy with the cleanliness of your house upon arrival, you must inform the key holder/owner immediately.

42. Unless such services are expressly included in the property details you will be required to change bottled gas and other services which require day to day maintenance in accordance with the requirements or written agreement of the owner or key holder.

43. You are not allowed to occupy the property other than by and with the number and identity of the persons disclosed on the original booking with us.

Travellers with Special Needs
44. We aim to provide a high standard of service to all our clients but unfortunately most of our properties are not adapted for the needs of people with disabilities. Therefore if you have special requirements, please let us know when you are selecting your property. We cannot be held responsible for problems encountered due to the unsuitability of the accommodation.

Exclusions and Our Liabilities
45. You are asked to read these terms most carefully in order to understand what is provided by us in relation to the property, the price and other terms and so that you clearly understand the limits of our responsibilities and the extent of your own.

46. Please note that in the event of a material change in the booking or in the event of cancellation by us our responsibility to you is limited to a refund of all monies paid by you to us.

47. Under no circumstances shall our liability to you exceed the amount paid for the total rental.

48. Please note that we are not liable for any temporary defect or stoppage in the supply of public services to the property, nor in respect of any equipment, plant, machinery or appliance in the property, garden or swimming pool.

49. The use of accommodation and amenities where offered such as swimming pool etc. is entirely at the user's risk and no responsibility can be accepted for injury to a user or visitor, or loss or damage to the user's or visitor's belongings. Children must be supervised at all times where there is a swimming pool.

50. Pets are not accepted at our properties unless you have made a special arrangement with us and have written evidence of this.

GENERAL STANDARDS OF FRENCH HOLIDAY HOMES

Safety and security
Some standards of safety and hygiene in France may differ from those in the UK. All our houses meet local safety standards. It is important to shut the shutters of the house when you go out and to lock up. Even if you are only at the pool it is advisable to take security precautions. It is common sense not to leave valuables in your car.

The kitchen
There will always be a fridge, sink with hot and cold water, and enough utensils, crockery and glasses for the maximum number of occupants. There will rarely be a kettle or a teapot. French people tend to drink their everyday wine from tumblers rather than stemmed glasses. If you feel that something is missing that should have been provided please ask the owner. Washing machines are often top loading and it is essential to close the drum properly.

The bedroom
Double beds are usually 140cm wide and singles are usually 90cm. If this is not the case we have tried to indicate the size on the property details. Beds described as 120cm are usually suitable for 2 children or 2 small adults. They need double sheets. Hanging and clothes storage can be a bit limited in some properties. French cots do not usually have high sides and may not correspond to British standards. Cot linen is not provided.

Mezzanine
This is an area, often above the living room, which is not likely to be totally private and is sometimes accessible by steep steps.

The living room
French family life often revolves around the meal table and not every house has comfortable armchairs. This is usually apparent from the description of the property.

The bathroom
Every property has at least one shower room or bathroom with hot and cold water and WC. Some properties have a septic tank and it is essential that instructions are carried out accurately and that only products provided by the owner are used e.g. never put bleach in a lavatory which has a septic tank. Sometimes the shower is a hand-held attachment and French bathrooms often do not have a shower curtain.

Stairways
Sometimes French houses have steeper stairways than we are used to in Britain, or they may have no hand rail. If you have small children you may wish to check such details with us in advance.

Electricity and water
The French have different standards for electrical fittings and plumbing. It is not unusual for there to be exposed wires or bulbs without lampshades. Please note that electricity and water are expensive in France.

Garden and garden furniture
A garden in France may just be a gravelled area and if there is grass it is unlikely to be of English lawn standard. All the houses have table and chairs for outdoor meals and some have sun loungers although it is unlikely that there would be enough loungers for the maximum capacity of the house.

Barbecues
If the house has a barbecue it may consist of a large built-in one but sometimes it is more of an improvisation, so if this is an important element please check with us or take your own. In some parts of Provence barbecues are not permitted due to the risk of forest fires. Even if there is a barbecue at the house there are sometimes temporary bans imposed by the local 'Mairie'.

Your neighbours
Country people and animals rise early and some concessions may need to be made for early morning noises. Please bear in mind when you are staying up late or going for a midnight swim in your pool, that some of your neighbours may have to get up early for work. French Law prohibits noise and disturbance after 10pm.

Character properties
If you have chosen an old house, you may have to tolerate the odd crack in the plaster or a cobweb or two!

Rural life
It is inevitable that houses in a country setting may occasionally be visited by field mice or insects especially after a rainy patch of weather, or during a particular hot summer. It is probably a good idea to go prepared and to take some repellents with you. Even in Brittany you may need anti-mosquito equipment!

Access
Some houses are accessible via steep drives or narrow tracks, particularly in the South of France. Please ask us about your house if you are concerned about this. If you are hiring a car it may be worth choosing a small one if possible.