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Provence Holidays
FAQs

FAQs

In this section we have attempted to answer most common questions we have been asked over the years, but should you not find the answer to a specific question or require any further help or advice please do not hesitate to contact us.

About Provence Holidays

Who are you?

Provence Holidays is a trading name of Unique Holidays France SAS is registered in France. Registration number 901 817 791 00014.

Where are you based?

The Provence Holidays agencies and team are based in Coustellet, in the Luberon, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, in the Alpilles. 

What is your address?

We have two agencies in Coustellet and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Provence Holidays Luberon
360 Quai des Entreprises
84660
Coustellet
France

Provence Holidays Alpilles
33A Rue Carnot
13210
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
France

What are your opening hours?

Monday - Saturday 09:00-18:00
Sunday 09:00-18:00 during high season
Tel: +33 (0)4 86 69 30 89
Our offices are closed on bank holidays.
Of course, you can check the availability of your chosen property and request a booking 24 hours a day, seven days a week online.

We will answer all email communications within 24 hours, seven days a week.

Do you have a local presence in Provence?

We have two agencies in the Luberon and the Alpilles respectively.

Why don’t you provide a brochure?

Provence Holidays prides itself on being as eco-friendly as possible. Our property portfolio is constantly evolving and, by presenting all our literature online, visitors to our website can have peace of mind that the information they are viewing is completely accurate and up-to-date at all times.

Why do you re-name your properties?

Our properties are much-loved private homes and so, to help maintain security and privacy for the owner, we do not disclose the true name of a property in our portfolio until a booking is confirmed and we have received payment. Likewise, we do not disclose the true location of a property until a booking is confirmed, at which point, we will provide you with full access to the complete property address. Please be assured that the general areas portrayed for the properties are accurate.

Why don't you give out property addresses?

In order to protect the owner’s privacy and for security reasons, we do not publicise the exact address details of any of our properties. What we do show is the nearest village or town so that you can start thinking about travel arrangements and hunting out amazing things to do nearby. Once we’ve confirmed your booking with the owner or their agents, we will send you the full street address, but it is probably best to wait until then before committing to any flight or travel arrangements.

Are you ATOL bonded?

ATOL bonding relates exclusively to package holidays (accommodation with flights, car hire etc). We offer ‘accommodation only’ so an ATOL bond requirement does not apply.

Who is my contract with? Provence Holidays or the property owner?

For all 'accommodation only' bookings, your contract will be with the owner/supplier/principal of the property. When making your booking we will arrange for you to enter into a contract with the property owner. Your booking with us is subject to agency terms and conditions and the specific booking conditions of the owner you contract with. Property specific terms and conditions for each owner are listed under the relevant heading on each property advert. By booking a property you agree to those terms and conditions. 

There is nothing currently available within my search criteria, do you think you will have anything suitable coming soon?

The Provence Holidays portfolio of luxury properties is always evolving to ensure our properties are of the highest standard, offering a variety of outstanding unique holiday homes in the South of France. Should you wish to be informed of any new additions to our website please contact us by email with your request and we will contact you when we have something that meets your search criteria.

How do I subscribe to the Provence Holidays newsletter?

To subscribe to our newsletter please go to the first page of our website, on the bottom left corner of this page you subscribe in the form “Newsletter”.

How do I unsubscribe from the Provence Holidays Newsletter?

To unsubscribe to our newsletter please go to the bottom of a newsletter you received and click at "unsubscribe".

How to use our Website

How do I find the perfect Holiday Rental on the Provence Holidays website?

There are several ways to use the navigation within our website in order to display the most relevant results based on your criteria.

Option 1:

Use our main navigation and select:

  • Where? In Provence you would like to go
  • Dates: When you would like to go
  • Number of guests: Size of your group
  • Price: Your budget

Option 2:

Hover the cursor over the category “Holiday Rentals” in the top navigation and select from:

  • Property Type
  • Holiday rentals by region
  • Holiday Rentals in popular villages
  • Property features
  • Themed holidays

Option 3:

Use the keyword search in the top right-hand corner for exact results.

FOR ALL RESULTS:

Once you have drilled into the database of available properties you can then use the more filter tab (Green) (Allows you to select multi fields) to narrow your search results even further.

The results view can be changed in the top right-hand corner from list to list & Map or simply map. When viewing using the map if you hover over the property icon a mini description will appear.

Please note you can add local restaurants or activities to help you choose a property close to the activities you would like to do on your vacation.

You can also expand your search by various distances at the bottom of the page or by using the distance slider at the top of the page.

The Property

How do I know a property is right for me?

We ensure that every property in the Provence Holidays portfolio has been personally visited in order that we can be confident that the holiday homes we offer will meet the high standards both Provence Holidays and our customers expect. We pride ourselves on the transparent and accurate descriptions of our properties, their gardens and their locations and the photographs depicting each property on the Provence Holidays website. If, after viewing a property on the website you still have some further questions please feel free to contact us. We are always very pleased to help. 

Will the owners or local managers speak English?

Not necessarily (although, many will speak English).

What can I expect as standard inclusion in the property?

Every property should have but are not obliged to provide the following basic supplies to make your stay more comfortable: bed linen, towels, coffee, store cupboard essentials (such as cooking oil, sugar, salt, pepper), toilet roll, cleaning products, refuse and recycling bags, dishwasher tablets, tea towels. Some properties offer additional items and is at the discretion of the owners.

Am I permitted to have guests visit me at the property?

Friends are able to visit you in the property; however, friends are not allowed to stay overnight unless they have been pre-notified to us on the property Booking Form as members of your party. This is an insurance and health & safety issue and is non-negotiable; clients will be asked to vacate a property if they do not adhere to this condition of their stay.

Can I have an early check-in and later departure?

Arrival and departure times are set so that the properties staff have enough time to prepare the house to a high standard for the arrival of each guest. There are occasions when it may be possible for arrival and departure times to be adapted. Any such request must be requested and confirmed in advance.

Why are shorter stays not available?

During the high season, (July & August) there is a minimum stay of seven nights at the majority of our properties.

What size are the beds?

They vary but, as all of our properties are chosen for their style and comfort, details can be found in the equipment section of the Bedrooms section in the property overview.

Will there be Wi-Fi/broadband at the property?

Most (but not all) of our properties offer broadband. However, broadband speed and service is variable and can vary, especially in remote or rural areas where it may not operate at speeds to which you are accustomed. Where a property page does state that broadband is available, neither the property owner nor Provence Holidays warrant that the service will be available constantly. It is provided for recreational and not for business use. We are unlikely to accept a booking that is wholly reliant on the uninterrupted provision of Wi-Fi; if this is likely to cause an issue for you, then please contact us before confirming your booking. 

What do I do if something isn't quite right at the property?

We work closely with our property owners to ensure that they make every effort to ensure flawless, perfect stays at their properties but very occasionally, things may not meet our own exacting standards. If this is the case, we want you to let us know as soon as possible and ideally within 24 hours. This will enable the property owner or Provence Holidays  to investigate the issue and to do our very best to take any remedial action necessary. If you do not tell us (or the owner or housekeeping team) the issue cannot be addressed, and we will assume that everything is perfect for you. Using the Swikly damage deposit platform should you notice and damage or wear and tear please upload photographs to theis platform.

Can I visit the Rental before booking?

Unfortunately, due to the high level of occupancy it is not possible to visit the rental prior to booking, of course we are at your available to answer all eventual additional questions regarding your particular choice of holiday rental. 

Do the properties have air conditioning?

Traditional properties (Mas) in Provence generally do not have air conditioning as the walls are almost 2 metres deep at times. If air conditioning is a must-have, we offer a tremendous number of rentals, all you need to do is select ‘Air conditioning’ and we’ll make sure we only show you those properties.

We have also added at the top of each rental description, a pictogram with an air conditioning icon to clearly identify them.

Generally speaking, if you keep the shutters closed during the day the property will remain cool during the hottest months.

Are towels and bed linen included?

Not all rentals provide towels and bed linen. You can find this information at the bottom left corner of the description (below the prices). 

Where can I see further images for a property?

Simply click on any of the images located inthe main header image in order to open the property’s image gallery or use the gallery tab in the property description.

Can I get extra cleaning during my stay?

Yes, extra cleaning services can be provided and paid for locally. Please ensure to request this at time of booking.

Pool

Will the pool be safe for kids?

We define a pool to be ‘child safe’ when it has one or more of the following features:

  • Safety cover 
  • Fenced or gated
  • Alarm

Every property is different so please enquire to understand the specific safety measures that each pool has. Please also note that we act as Agents to the holiday Principal so the ultimate responsibility for the safety provision of the pool lies with the owner/property manager stated on your booking confirmation.  In France and some other EU countries, in-ground pools are legally required to have a barrier, security alarm or cover, however not all countries have such laws. You can search for villas with child-safe pools, by using our search function – simply click ‘Advance Search’ then click more filters and select ‘Child-safe Pool’.

Is the pool heated? 

Lots of the pools in our portfolio of luxury villa rentals are heated, and some can even be heated especially for you, for a fee. You can filter which of our properties have a heated pool by using our handy search function. Simply click ‘Property Amenities’, then select ‘Heated Pool’ and you’ll have a list of luxury properties already to dip into.

Will the heated pool be warm in cooler months?

The temperature of the water is reliant on its heating system, the weather and the outside temperature. A heated pool will usually make swimming more pleasant during the months when you would use a pool, but in cooler weather the water will not necessarily be warm. Remember to check the property’s information regarding availability of pool heating and any extra charges.

Is there an extra cost to heat the swimming pool?

The cost of providing pool heating is usually payable as an extra and must be pre-arranged. Please note that in the vast majority of cases pool heaters are designed to increase the water temperature by approximately 3°C - 6°C from the ambient water temperature at the time (up to a maximum of 26 to 28°C). The water may therefore still feel cold even where heated. Pool heating is not normally available in July & August. If there is a pool cover it is recommended that this is deployed when the pool is not in use as this will help the pool water retain heat.

How often will the pool be cleaned?

It will depend on the individual property but is generally on a weekly basis. The schedule of cleaning will be found in the house book. 

Will the swimming pool be open at all times?

The period when a swimming pool is open may vary depending on the property, the region, the weather at the time and even if a pool is open as cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Remember to check the property’s T&Cs for information regarding any specific dates and other information regarding the swimming pool.

Pets

Do you accept dogs at your properties and what constitutes a pet-friendly property?

Some properties are very happy for you to bring your pet while others would rather you didn’t however, we understand that you might not want to leave your four-legged friend at home, and we encourage our owners to accommodate pets at their properties wherever possible. The number of dogs that can be accommodated will vary dependent on the property size and owner preferences. If you have a pet other than a dog, please let us know in advance. We welcome responsible pet owners at the properties that we market, and request that you take good care of the home in which you holiday. Whilst the majority of properties within the portfolio have outside space for your dog to enjoy, we cannot guarantee that dogs won't be able to escape from those with enclosed gardens.

You can filter which of our luxury villas are pet-friendly using the search filter to select only rentals where pets are welcome or simply select ‘More Filters” in the search menu then tick “Pet Friendly” and you will have a list of holiday homes that accept pets.

We have also added at the top of each rental description, a pictogram with the dog indicating if pets are welcome or not.

Children

90% of our customers are families or groups of families, so the vast majority of our properties are child-friendly. If there is anything about a property that we feel isn’t particularly suitable for children, we will say so in the property overview – but if you are not sure about something, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Is there a cot and high chair at our holiday rental?

A cot, for a baby under two years, and a highchair, are in most cases provided free of charge - You can find this information in the property description. Cots may be a travel cot or of a more traditional style. We cannot guarantee that they will comply with British Standards, and if in doubt it is best to take your own. 

Does a baby count as a full member of our group?

Most owners make an exception for babies and children up to the age of two. If you want to find out more about a specific property, please contact us prior to booking.

The Booking Process

When you have chosen the property that's just right for you, here's how the Booking Procedure works: 

  1. After browsing the Provence Holidays website by applying your selection criteria (search by town or city, features), and identifying a property/properties that you are interested in. You can either complete the “Booking Request” form, or phone us on +33 (0)4 86 69 30 89 and have a chat with our booking team. We will then check availability and confirm that this property is available for your given dates.
  2. If you need help finding just the right property then simply complete the “Property Search” form that can be found under the contact us link and we will do a search for you based on your specific criteria. We will then email a list of properties for you to choose from. 
  3. Once you have made your decision, just let us know by phone or email and we will send you a Booking Form. At this point the property you have chosen will be provisionally reserved on your behalf for 24 hours. The Booking Form will detail the total rental due, the booking deposit required, the amount of the security deposit and how it needs to be paid, and the due dates of each payment.
  4. Complete the Booking Form, including full details of each member of your group, and return it to us either by email to info@provenceholidays.com or post to 360 Quai des Entreprise, 84660 Coustellet France, together with a non-refundable 30% booking deposit. Signing of the Booking Form constitutes acceptance of both English and French booking procedures.
  5. Once we receive your Booking Form and deposit, we will send the owner an Owner Booking Advice with all the details of your booking. Your booking is now accepted, and the owner then adds it to his/her rental schedule.  
  6. We will email you confirmation of receipt of deposit and issue a Deposit Confirmation showing the amount you have paid and the balance payable. You will also be sent a Property Overview detailing all important aspects of the property you have booked.
  7. You need to pay the balance of the rent not less than 8 weeks before the start of the rental period. An email reminder will be sent to you.
  8.  Please note that the Contract is between yourself (the client) and the owner of the property or their agent, not with Provence Holidays-Unique Holidays France SAS.

Are you having trouble making a booking?

If you are experiencing difficulties when you try to book, or if you can't find the answer to your question on the website please do not hesitate to contact us.

How long does it take, on average, to receive confirmation that a property is available?

In most cases this can take just a few hours, but during certain periods the waiting time may be longer. On average, you will receive a response within a maximum of 24 hours.

Would I receive a discount if I booked well in advance or if I wait until the last minute?

Our properties are very popular year-round, and although booking in advance will not mean that you receive a discount, you will at least have the pick of the dates available at the property of your choice.

Is the price shown per person or per property?

Our prices are for the rental of the whole of the property for up to the maximum capacity shown. The only variable is the Stay Tax (Taxe de sejour) which applies to adults and varies from property to property. 

Is the price for my booking fixed?

Yes! Unless there are any changes or amendments to your booking (including changes in the rate of VAT), the price of your accommodation will not be subject to any surcharges once you have paid the deposit and we have accepted the booking. Credit card surcharges are excluded from this guarantee, but we do provide other ways to pay. 

Best Price Guarantee

The Best Price Guarantee applies only at the time of enquiry and before the booking has been confirmed and paid. If you find a cheaper price for exactly the same property on a like for like basis and over identical dates, and where in the sole opinion of Provence Holidays, no substantive pricing error has been made or private discount offered, Provence Holidays will match the price. This guarantee is valid only when prices are advertised and compared in the same currency. Please note that no further amendments to prices can be made following payment of deposit. 

Are there any extra costs not included in the rental price?

Occasionally, we have negotiated rental rates with owners exclusive of optional extras such as air conditioning, central heating or pool heating, which means that you will only pay for them if you need or wish to use them. In these cases, a supplement will apply, usually a weekly charge. It will be specified on the property description page if it is paid locally; if paid in advance it will be detailed on your confirmation invoice.

Do you offer cancellation or any other insurance?

Provence Holidays offers an industry leading insurance policy for all 2024 bookings and beyond.  

Cancellation insurance:

For bookings up to 15 000 Euros - Adar Insurance / Groupama

COVER

BENEFIT

Cancellation due to:

Serious illness, death, major home damage, unavailability of accommodation

Rent for unused portion of holidays, limited to €15 000

Holiday interruption due to :

Serious illness, death, major home damage, unavailability of accommodation

Rent for unused portion of holidays, limited to €15 000

For bookings up to 50 000 Euros - Adar Luxe Insurance / Groupama

COVER

BENEFIT

Serious illness, accident, death, major home damage, lay-off, professional relocation, roadblocks, any complication due to pregnancy until the 28th week

Deposit / down payment + sums due, limited to €50 000

Serious illness, death, major home damage, unavailability of accommodation

Rent for unused portion of holidays, limited to €50 000

Civil liability insurance:
For bookings up to 15 000 Euros - Adar Insurance / Groupama

Property damage due to fire, an explosion or flooding

Limited to € 500 000

Remedy of neighbours and third parties

Up to €450 000

Damage to the property or belongings of the owner of the rented accommodation

Limited to €4 000 with €75 deductible

For bookings up to 50 000 Euros - Adar Luxe Insurance / Groupama

Property damage due to fire, an explosion or flooding

Limited to € 500 000

Remedy of neighbours and third parties

Up to €450 000

Damage to the property or belongings of the owner of the rented accommodation

Limited to €15000, with a €250 excess

Contents insurance:
For bookings up to 15 000 Euros - Adar Insurance / Groupama

Other accidental damage caused to property in the inventory and located inside the rented housing (except fittings) and to the real estate belonging to the owner of the rented housing (except rented boats). This cover is for 4 000 euros less a 75 euros excess.

Exclusions applying to cover for contents insurance

-        All damages for rent not located in France
-        Any damage, theft or disappearance of the Rental company's goods,
-        The theft or disappearance of the owner's furniture,
-        House cleaning expenses,
-        Any losses not involving the tenant's civil liability.
-        Any losses to the Tenants property.
-        Intentional damage or damage resulting from cigarette burns or from any other type of smoking.
-        Damage caused by domestic animals that are the responsibility of the insured.
-        All damage due to damp, condensation, mud or smoke.
-        Breakdown of equipment available for use by the insured.
-        Damage caused to lamps, fuses, lighting tubes, cathode tubes, semiconductors, heating elements and electric blankets.
-        The cost of repair, unblocking or replacement of pipe work, taps and fittings attached to water and heating installations.
-        Theft of articles left in the courtyards, terraces or gardens.
-        Theft of articles left in common areas available for use by several tenants or occupants, except where breaking and entering has occurred.
-        Theft or loss of keys to the accommodation.
-        Losses occurring while the premises containing the insured articles are wholly occupied by third parties other than the tenant, his employees or people there with his permission.
-        Losses as a result of use not in compliance with the rental contract.
-        The consequences of contractual undertakings to the extent that they exceed those required of the beneficiary by law.
-        Damage incurred by fixtures considered as fittings.

 For bookings up to 50 000 Euros - Adar Luxe Insurance / Groupama

Other accidental damage caused to moveable items subject of the inventory and found within the rental accommodation (except deck equipment) and real estate belonging to the owner of the rental accommodation (except rented boat). This cover is available to the limit of 15,000 euros with an excess of 250 euros.

Exclusions applying to cover for contents insurance

-    All damages for rent not located in France
-    Any damage, theft or disappearance of the Rental company's goods,
-    The theft or disappearance of the owner's furniture,
-    House cleaning expenses,
-    Any losses not involving the tenant's civil liability.
-    Any losses to the Tenants property.
-    Intentional damage or damage resulting from cigarette burns or from any other type of smoking.
-    Damage caused by domestic animals that are the responsibility of the insured.
-    All damage due to damp, condensation, mud or smoke.
-    Breakdown of equipment available for use by the insured.
-    Damage caused to lamps, fuses, lighting tubes, cathode tubes, semiconductors, heating elements and electric blankets.
-    The cost of repair, unblocking or replacement of pipe work, taps and fittings attached to water and heating installations.
-    Theft of articles left in the courtyards, terraces or gardens.
-    Theft of articles left in common areas available for use by several tenants or occupants, except where breaking and entering has occurred.
-    Theft or loss of keys to the accommodation.
-    Losses occurring while the premises containing the insured articles are wholly occupied by third parties other than the tenant, his employees or people there with his permission.
-    Losses as a result of use not in compliance with the rental contract.
-    The consequences of contractual undertakings to the extent that they exceed those required of the beneficiary by law.
-    Damage incurred by fixtures considered as fittings.

What booking deposit is required?

In order to make a booking, a rental deposit of 30% of the total property rental, unless booking on or after the final balance due date  8 weeks before the rental start date but as advised at the time of booking and shown on your Holiday Confirmation in which case you must pay the full cost of the property rental at the time of booking.

What is the damage deposit?

Properties in the Provence Holidays portfolio are much-loved private homes and our owners have lavished much time, effort and investment in creating beautiful spaces for their guests to enjoy. It is therefore crucial that we request a security deposit which protects the owners, their personal belongings, and the beautiful homes they share with guests this is very standard for all holiday home rentals. The damage deposit is your acceptance that you understand that you are responsible for the property during your stay and that if damage does occur, you will be accountable for covering the cost of repair. Our owners do understand that accidents happen and therefore usually do not seek reimbursement for minor damage (which as a guide we define as breakages, damage or extra cleaning that is likely to cost less than £25.00 to put right). However, if something more substantial is broken you will be notified of the value of any damage caused on presentation of photographic evidence and/or receipts for repair or replacement We do ask that that you notify us or the owners should any damage happen so that it can be remedied in time for the next guests. As long as you leave the property clean, tidy and in the same condition as the beginning of your stay, the property owner or Agency will return your security deposit shortly after your holiday is over. This varies depending on the property you have rented and the format of the deposit but is usually between day of departure and 14 days.

When do I have to pay the damage deposit?

To avoid exchange fees with the damage deposit, Provence Holidays use the industry leading platform Swikly.  You will be asked to enter your credit card details to secure the damage deposit but this a credit card authorisation only and not a payment. This platform allows you to upload photographs on arrival of any visible damage at the property. Post departure should no damage be reported by the owner or the property concierge the credit card authorisation will expire after 10 days post your departure.

What is the amount of the damage deposit?

The amount of the damage deposit is determined by the house owner and can therefore different for each rental. The amount of the damage deposit is mentioned on the website below the prices & availability and is also mentioned in your rental contract. 

When do I get my Damage Deposit back?

On condition that there has not been any damage during your stay the Swikly credit card authorisation expires after 10 days of you vacating the property.

What is Tourist Stay Tax (Taxe de Sejour)?

In France the local authorities or municipality impose a tourist tax to all adults on a per night basis. This tax does not apply to children under the age of 18. Depending on the property you book this tax is collected either on booking your holiday rental or payable on arrival. The tax varies from property to property and is based on the type of property and price of the rental. Full details of the cost can be found in the “Prices & Availability” tab on any the property details. The maximum daily cost per adult is capped at 4.40€.

Should you like more information or have any questions about the Tourist tax please do not hesitate to contact us.

How do I pay for my booking?

This varies depending on the property you would like to book but generally is by Bank transfer and in some cases, you can pay by credit card. Full details of payment options can be found in your rental agreement.

What happens if I cancel a booking?

Cancellation of a booking is a termination of your contract with the property owner; because of this, we have to treat your instructions to cancel your accommodation as your final decision. Following receipt of your cancellation we will immediately make the dates available for re-sale in an effort to mitigate the cost to you of cancellation. We cannot guarantee that the dates will be re-sold, nor can we guarantee that re-sold dates will be at the same price as your original booking. We suggest that you also purchase holiday cancellation insurance – just in case. For more information please refer to our terms & Conditions.

Why can’t I reserve more than one property at a time?

Demand for our properties is often high. In order to keep the bookings system fair and so that the online calendars are kept as up-to-date and accurate as possible, guests are only able to place a provisional hold on one property at a time. This ensures that all potential clients have a fair chance of booking their desired properties and dates.

Can I book a property for next year?

Yes, we can reserve a property for you for next year however we will need to contact the Owner or Managing Agents first to confirm the rate. Please contact us with your requirements.

Arrival & Departure

Will the owners or local managers speak English?

Not necessarily (although, many will speak English). If on arrival you have any challenges with the language you will have the contact details of one of our team members who will act as a translator for you.

How do I get the keys? Is there someone to welcome me?

The person in charge of welcoming you to your holiday home (the owner or his representative) will give you the keys at your arrival.

What documents do I need to show on arrival?

On arrival you should show your rental agreement to the person who welcomes you.

Is there any flexibility on the arrival day?

The majority of the properties on our website rent for seven-night stays and the changeover day is normally a Saturday. There are a few properties where the changeover day is a Friday or Sunday, but this is quite rare especially during high season. Should you wish to have a tailored list of available non-Saturday changeover properties available please feel free to contact us, we are always very pleased to help.

How do I receive my rental agreement and welcome pack?

As soon as we have received your final payment usually 8 weeks before arrival and the signed rental agreement you will receive by email the welcome pack with all the necessary information and details for your stay. You will also receive a login to your dedicated dashboard which will give you access to all the documentation, local guides etc.

What time can I arrive? What to do in case of delay?

The arrival time is usually on a Saturday between 5 PM and 7 PM. In the voucher you have the name and phone number of the person in charge of your welcome (the owner or his representative). You have to contact this person to inform them about your estimated arrival time. In case of any delay please contact this person in order to make alternative arrangements for a delayed arrival.

When do I get my damage deposit back?

Most owners return the damage deposit after a short inspection at your departure. Of course, on condition that there has not been any damage during your stay. However, French law allows house owners to return the damage deposit up to 15 days after your departure. Therefore, this delay of 15 days for the return of the damage deposit is marked in the rental agreement. 

What time do I have to leave?

You will usually be required to vacate your property by 10am although cleaners and pool technicians may arrive as early as 9am, in order to allow ample time to prepare the property after your departure for the arrival of the next guests, on your departure date. Please bear in mind these timings when you book your travel. On your departure the owner or his representative will go through the property with you.

I caused some damage but did not take out insurance?

In that case the damage deposit is used to cover the cost of any breakages.

Why do you ask for feedback following our stay?

We’re confident in the quality of the properties that we market, but it is very important to us that you provide us with honest feedback at the end of your stay. This ensures that both Provence Holidays and our property owners are able to maintain the quality of the properties that we market and implementing any suggestions that might serve to improve the property and facilities on offer.

Travel

Can you book flights?

Unfortunately, we do not book flights.

Can you book transfers?

Our concierge team will be more than happy to help you book transfers to or from the airport. Please contact us for more information.

Can you book ferries?

Unfortunately, we do not book ferries. 

How far away is the nearest airport or train station? 

Just click on the ‘Location’ tab on the property that you are interested in – all the information you need should be there. If in doubt, please contact us.

Do I need to hire a car? 

We recommend that you hire a car as the beauty of Provence is exploring its landscape dotted with perched villages, it’s lavender fields, daily markets, vineyards and gastronomic restaurants. Please also bear in mind our properties are sometimes set in remote rural areas and transport would be essential.

What documents do I need to hire a car overseas?

Full Driving License and a Credit Card in the name of the main driver.
Please note that from the 8 June 2015 the paper counterpart of all UK Photo Driving License will become obsolete, however you may still be required to present the information, regarding endorsements, fines etc. that was contained on the counterpart, when you hire a vehicle.
You can obtain this information and download a PDF document containing the information from the DVLA website by entering your driving license number, your national insurance number and your postcode. Some car hire suppliers may accept this PDF document but from the beginning of June you will also be able to download a ‘unique code’ which will allow you to share this information with your car hire company by giving them the code when you pick up your hire car. (Please note that this code is valid for 21 days.) Click here to enter details.
It may on the face of it seem complicated, but it is all very easy (probably easier than trying to find your old paper counterpart)!!

Motorways

France prides itself on having one of the best motorways (autoroute) in the World however If travelling to the area on a Saturday in peak season (July &August), be prepared for heavy traffic and queues on the motorway and other main routes. You will also have to pay a motorway toll at various stages of your trip. Credit Cards are accepted as a form of payment. 

Taxis

Taxis in France are very expensive however you may find that if you have chosen to rent a property that is within walking distance to a village you do not need one however do bear in mind our properties are sometimes set in remote rural areas. Please note that taxis are few and far between in some areas of Provence. Please contact us should you need more information regarding a local taxi company for the duration of your stay and we will arrange this for you. 

Local Information

Will there be information in the villa about local amenities and things to do see and do?

On booking you will receive a digital ebook which lists a large selection of some of the best activities to consider , local villages, local market days as well as our favourite local restaurants while staying at your holiday villa. 

Can you help us book activities and trips while we're on holiday?

Our concierge team will be more than happy to help you book activities or experiences for you. We use our local knowledge to recommend some of the best known and our favourites. 

Alternatively, if you are planning a day out you will find a large selection of activities under the “Experiences” tab in the navigation section at the top of our website or simply click experiences here. 

Village facilities

Most villages have shops and restaurants, but some have practically nothing. Please check with us if this is not listed on the property details and you are unsure of what is in the local village.

Opening times for all shops vary tremendously and a 2-hour break at lunchtime is common. Importantly only a few supermarkets are open on Sundays and this may only be in the morning so make sure your weekend shopping is done before midday on Sunday! 

Other Questions

How do I list my property with Provence Holidays-Unique Holidays France SAS?

If you think that your own home suits our property portfolio, then please do get in touch. We are always interested in adding quality properties to our portfolio. contact us.