Gites Limousin

2022: Covid 19 precautions

We are still taking as many precautions as we can here at Gites Limousin to protect you, and ourselves, from the ever present risk of Covid 19.  After cleaning the property, we disinfect it, paying special attention to high traffic / touch areas.  During the pandemic we had to remove many of the non-essential soft furnishings, books, dvds, children’s toys etc. Some have now been returned to the gites, however there are a few items that are difficult to clean in-between guests so we feel it best to not provide them yet.  

Arriving & departing

In La Vienne gite, in July and August bookings run weekly from Saturday to Saturday; apart from those months it is possible to book different durations with different start dates.  In La Haute gite, bookings can be as variable as you choose; pick your own start date and duration, all year round.  After booking your holiday, you will be sent details of how to find us and where to collect the keys on arrival.

Arrival time is after 16:00, and departure time is before 10:00 ~ these times can be reviewed out of season, or if I do not have any preceding or following guests.

Please advise us of your estimated arrival time so that I can schedule the cleaning of the two gites.

General

You must not leave young children or pets unsupervised in the gardens.

These are no smoking properties

Linen is provided at no extra charge; this however, does not include cot linen – you should bring linen for cots in all cases (including pillows and blankets or duvets).  All bedding and towels will be changed on Saturday’s or every seventh day.

 

Healthcare and Insurance

UK residents should obtain a European Health Insurance Card and personal travel insurance, including personal liability.  It is strongly recommended to arrange a comprehensive travel insurance policy (including cancellation cover) as soon as you book your holiday, and to have full cover for personal belongings and public liability, since these are not covered by the Owners insurance.

Heating and Water

In most cases on short stays, there will be no additional charge for electricity, water or logs. An electric reading is available daily online and any amounts over 3 € daily usage cumulatively, will be charged additionally. The allocated amount should be more than sufficient for your summer vacation; for long winter stays, if you like we can initially advise you daily so you can adjust your usage accordingly.  

In the winter, there will be an initial supply of logs provided; should additional logs be required, we will ensure they are available to be purchased from us.

Visitors from outside Europe will require travel adapters, these should be purchased before travelling.

We currently have no provision for the charging of EV’s (electric vehicles)

Properties with character

As you have chosen to holiday in an older property, please remember that much of its character and charm is due to its age. Our gites are over 150 years old and were built before the days of many of the current regulations; please bear this in mind. Remember that should traditional cottage features (low beams / several flights of stairs / access) be a problem for any member of your party, please discuss before you book. Please ensure at the time of booking that the property matches your needs; simply email us and we will be happy to give you further details.

We live in a beautifully rural hamlet, some neighbours earn their living from farming and countryside-hours can sometimes run into the late evening and very early morning.  Please be tolerant when it comes to sounds and scents – it’s all part of being in the countryside.

Pets

We regret that we are unable to accept pets in La Vienne, but they will be considered in La Haute

Registered assistance dogs are allowed without exception.

Customers with allergies should be aware that we cannot guarantee that pets have not stayed in either property recently (see assistance dogs exception).  We cannot accept responsibility for any suffering which may occur as a result of such animals having been present.

It is your responsibility to ensure that, if you want to bring your pet with you, you familiarise yourself with the relevant information about Pet Passports.  To get the required stamps in their passports dont forget to make appointments with your vet before departure and, a French vet before return.

Driving

Laws, licensing requirements and age limits vary overseas, please make sure you are familiar with the driving requirements of France.  Please ensure that you are carrying all the required documents and break-down items (bulbs / vests / triangles / breathalyser etc) in your car.  

 

Special requirements

We will do everything we can to help those in your party with special requirements / or if you would like a little ‘extra treat’ on arrival for a special occasions (birthdays / anniversaries etc).  Just let us have all the relevant information at the time of booking, and I’m sure will will be able to accommodate your request.

Caring for your safety

We take the safety and wellbeing of all of our guests very seriously and our properties are well maintained for your comfort and safety.

Nevertheless, please remember that when you stay in unfamiliar surroundings, you must take special care of yourself and your family.

In particular:

• Check the layout of your gite so that in an emergency you can get out quickly and easily.
• Check where the fire extinguisher and fire blanket are located, and read the instructions on their use.
• The property has a wood burning stove, if used, keep children and pets under close supervision and ensure that the fire is safely out before you go to bed.
• If you are unsure of how to use any electrical appliances, please ask.
• The property has electric, oil filled radiators; these must never be covered and if used, must be switched off before going out.
• Take special care when moving around the property at night; we do provide night-lights on the stairs.
• Keep young children off the deep window recesses.
• Garden Well: please ensure that children or anyone at risk (including pets) cannot access it. It is covered, but it is not locked as the well is jointly owned by 4 other properties
• There are several large barns on the property, the doors are locked but there may be accessible openings or windows, please ensure that children or anyone at risk does not enter them.
• Children and pets should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• All activities during your holiday are undertaken at your own risk.
• The gite does not have a telephone but free Wi-fi is available throughout. Should you wish to leave our landline number with family / friends for urgent messages, please feel free to do so.

Protecting your environment, please:

• Don’t litter
• Don’t waste energy and water
• Guard against fire
• Respect the rights of land and property owners
• Protect local wildlife

Cancellation

A non-refundable deposit of 100€ is required at the time of booking. The full balance is required six weeks prior to the start of your holiday. After that date, this amount can only be refunded (*) if I am able to secure another booking for the duration in question.

(*) Refund: the amount to be refunded will be less charges and exchange rate conversions; it may also incur an additional 14% loss, if French social taxes have already been paid.

Cancellations due to declared major incidents i.e. weather / travel restrictions / natural disasters or even family emergencies. I am aware that sometimes events outside of our control do require some flexibility.  I am willing to work with you to reschedule your holiday to a convenient time, even the following year, so that you do not suffer financially.

Dissatisfaction

We work very hard to ensure that you will have an enjoyable holiday. However, in the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with your accommodation, then it is very important that you register this straight away with us and do not wait until you return home, when the chance of actively helping you has passed. Even if you think nothing could be done to make your situation better, please say something while you are on holiday so we can try to help you.

We hope you will have a wonderful stay.