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    Gîtes de France Calvados FAQs

    Gîtes de France Calvados FAQs

    All the answers to your questions... book your holidays, pay for your holiday rental, cancel your stay, provide feedback about your holidays, etc.


    If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact us on +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65 or send us a message and we will reply ASAP!

    The Gîtes de France Calvados are here to answer all your questions...

    Certified reviews

    Are the reviews checked?
    Yes, since June 2013, due to abuse and fraud (fake reviews) found on several websites, we supervise the collection, moderation and publication of customer reviews.
    Reviews have to come from customers who have really stayed in the given property. The review is systematically subject to the owner's right of reply before being controlled by the moderator (the local Gîtes de France organisation).

    When and how can I post my review?
    You can provide feedback once your stay is over (contract with the booking department) and if you have given your e-mail address. 24 hours after your stay, you will receive an e-mail with a link to a questionnaire inviting you to provide feedback. If you do not leave a review, you will automatically receive another e-mail 15 days later.

    Book your stay

    How to book?
    You can book your holiday rental online on our website. As soon as you have found your holiday rental, click 'book now'. You can pay online by debit/credit card to secure your booking or hold a booking (if you prefer to pay by check or bank transfer) and pay when you receive the rental contract.
    B&Bs can be booked online and paid by debit/credit card.

    You can also book your B&B or holiday home in Normandy by contacting our Booking Team:
    By phone: +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65
    By e-mail: contact
    Our local team of experts in B&B and self-catering accommodation in Calvados in Normandy is available to help from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. Our offices are located on the outskirt of Caen (Olympus Effiscience - 9 rue Léopold Sédar Senghor - CS70450 - 14461 Colombelles cedex, France).

    Can all the properties be booked online?
    No, only a majority of holiday rentals and B&Bs can be booked online (or over the phone by calling +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65). In that case, they feature a 'Book Now' button.
    The other properties can be booked directly with the owner by phone or e-mail.

    How much is the booking fee?
    Our booking fees range from 10 to 20 euros for self-catering holiday cottages and from 4 to 10 euros for B&Bs. Booking fees are offered for 3-week stays or longer.

    What is the cancellation and assistance insurance?
    Our Mondial Assistance holiday insurance is here to provide financial and material support in the refund of the cancellation fees if you have to cancel or curtail your holidays. We offer this insurance when you book your accommodation online or with our Booking Team. The insurance is taken out at the booking stage and the cost will be indicated at that moment. It is optional. The policy and all the circumstances covered (illness, hospitalization, breakdown, accident, lost luggage, etc.) in case of cancellation before the stay or assistance during the stay are explained in the documents attached to the rental contract. The cost of this insurance represents 5% of the total price. The booking fees and cost of the insurance will not be refunded.

    How to take out the cancellation insurance?
    When you book online, you just have to tick 'yes, I take out the holiday insurance' or 'No, I don't want to take out the insurance'. When you book by phone or e-mail, your holiday adviser will offer it. To confirm your wish to take out the insurance, you simply have to pay for the cost of the insurance at the same time you pay for your holiday rental and send the form back. In your rental contract, you simply have to tick 'yes' our 'no' to the question 'Would you like to take out the cancellation insurance?' (Optional).

    What are the advantages of the loyalty programme of Gîtes de France Calvados?
    Each stay in a holiday rental booked through the booking department (only) in Calvados gives you one point. Once you have 2 points you will benefit from €30 discount on your third stay. The offer is valid for 2 years from the date of arrival of the first stay.

    Follow my booking

    How can I modify my booking?
    Your booking can be modified subject to availability and as long as it is still on hold. You have to call our booking department on +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65 or contact us by e-mail.
    The number of people can be modified at any time as long as it does not exceed the accommodation capacity. Contact details can be updated at any time. When the deposit has already been paid, if you want to change dates for the same property, we will contact the owner to see if he/she agrees.

    How do I log into my customer account?
    When booking online, you will be able to create your Gîtes de France customer account. First, you will have to create a password to log into your account. It will allow you to view your booking and add your payment or update your contact details for instance. You can log into your customer account using our website.

    I have to cancel my stay, what should I do?
    Contact our booking department by phone on +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65 or by e-mail with your contract number. Our team will cancel your booking and tell you what to do to make a claim on Mondial Assistance if you had taken out the assistance and cancellation insurance.

    How to receive an invoice or a rental proof?

    To receive an invoice or a rental proof, you just have to contact us on +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65 or by e-mail. You can also download the rental proof from your customer account on our website after your holidays.
    Frequently asked questions
    What should I do in case of dispute with the owner?
    In the event of a dispute with the owner of the holiday cottage or B&B that you booked, please call us on +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65 or on the support number given in the booking documents.

    Payment methods

    What are the payment methods accepted by the Gîtes de France Calvados?
    The booking department of Gîtes de France du Calvados accepts ANCV holiday vouchers, checks, Gîtes de France gift vouchers, debit/credit card (Visa and Mastercard), postal order and bank transfer.

    May I use different payment methods?
    Yes, it is possible.

    When do I have to pay?
    Booking a self-catering holiday cottage:
    If your holiday is more than 6 months away: you have to sign and send back the contract to confirm your booking. You will pay a deposit of 25 % of the total price + the booking fees + the cancellation insurance (if you take it out) 6 months before your stay. The full balance must then be paid 30 days before your stay.
    If your holiday is between 6 months and 30 days away: you have to sign and send back the contract and pay a deposit of 25% of the total price + the booking fees + the cancellation insurance (if you take it out) to confirm your booking. The full balance must then be paid 30 days before your stay.
    If your holiday is less than 30 days away: the full payment must be made to confirm your booking, online by credit/debit card or within 48 hours if you have held a booking.

    Booking a B&B:
    Payment terms and conditions are the same as for self-catering holiday cottages but it is not possible to hold a booking online (at least the deposit is required).

    Do I have to pay by debit/credit card if I book online?
    We offer secure online payment. It is required to book a B&B. To book a self-catering holiday cottages, you can choose to pay the deposit online by debit/credit card or later using another method when you receive the rental contract.

    Frequently asked questions

    What should I do in case of dispute with the owner?
    In the event of a dispute with the owner of the holiday cottage or B&B that you booked, please call us on +33 (0)2 31 82 71 65 or on the support number given in the booking documents.

    What is the tourist tax?
    Towns and villages can ask holidaymakers staying within their territory to pay a tourist tax. This tax allows towns and villages to cover the expenses incurred by tourism. It is paid directly to the owner.
    When will I be able to contact directly the owner?
    Once the balance of your booking is paid, you will receive the owner's full contact details and address. If you hold a booking, you will already have a phone number on your contract to reach the owner.

    • Staying in a self-catering holiday cottage:

    What is a security deposit?
    For a holiday cottage, when customers arrive at the property, a security deposit (the amount is indicated in the contract) is requested by the owner. When leaving, a joint inspection of the property is carried out and the deposit is returned after deduction of the costs of repairs if damages were caused. In case of an early departure (outside the hours mentioned in the descriptive document) preventing the joint exit inspection on the day of departure, the security deposit is sent back by the owner within a week.

    What additional charges should I expect?
    Some holiday rentals offer an all-inclusive price (electricity, heating, bed sheets, towels, and housecleaning). Other holiday rentals do not include the tourist tax, electricity and heating which are charged at a fixed price or based on a metre reading. Housecleaning services, bed and household linen rentals may also be available at extra charge. All additional costs, compulsory or optional, are indicated in the descriptive document attached to the contract.

    What time can I arrive and leave the property?
    Arrivals are possible between 4 pm and 6 pm and departure time is 10 am (except for 2 or 3 night stay: latest departure is 6 pm). You will have to contact directly the owner to discuss the arrival time.

    Can I bring my dog or my cat?
    Yes, only if you choose a property that accepts pets. You must inform owners if you travel with pets when you hold a booking and when the contract is set up. An extra charge and a larger deposit may sometimes apply.

    What is the total capacity?
    Each property is certified for a maximum number of people. If this number is exceeded, whether on arrival or during the stay, the owner is allowed to refuse additional customers or apply an extra charge.

    Who will welcome me to the property? Who will handle the keys?
    You will be welcomed by the owner of the cottage or a housekeeper. An joint inspection will be carried out when you arrive and when you leave (including electricity and heating meter reading). It is recommended to contact the owner a few days before you arrive to arrange the time of arrival.

    What should I bring for my stay in a self-catering holiday cottage?
    For your stay, you will need to bring your own bed sheets and towels unless they are included (see the descriptive document attached to the contract). If you want to pack light, many owners offer a bed linen and towel rental service (at extra charge).

    Should I do the cleaning before I leave? What is the housecleaning service?
    Guests are responsible for the cleaning of the holiday cottage during and at the end of their stay. The Holiday cottage must be left in a perfect state on departure. Some owners offer an end-of-stay housecleaning service if you want. The additional cost is indicated in the descriptive document you received.
    Some holiday homes include the 'end-of-stay housecleaning service' (please ask the booking department or select 'housecleaning included' to filter your search on our websites).


    •   Staying in a B&B:

    What are the check-in and check-out times?

    Generally you can arrive after 5 pm and leave before 12 pm unless stated otherwise in your rental contract.

    What is a table d’hôtes meal? An Assiette Gourmande ?
    Some owners offer table d'hôtes meals or Assiettes Gourmandes (a lighter meal consisting in a generous single plate with various ingredients). A table d’hôtes meal is a friendly meal (prepared with local products) shared with the owners and possibly other guests. Table d'hôtes meals and Assiettes Gourmandes are available only to guests staying in B&Bs and booking is often required.

    Is breakfast always included?
    When you book a stay in a B&B, breakfast is always included in the price. If you would like, some owners will offer table d’hôtes meals and/or Assiette Gourmande (a lighter meal consisting in a generous single plate with various ingredients) upon reservation and at extra charge.