FAQ’s FRANCE
Here is a list of frequently asked questions with appropriate answers concerning
France. If you have any further questions Either email on
info@world-villa.co.uk
or call on 01756 751777 and we will be pleased to respond promptly.
Q. – Question
A. - Answer
Q.
What is the change-over day for France ? Up
A. Saturday for the mainland and Sunday for Corsica.
Q.
How do I get to France ? Up
A. Flying has become much easier and there are numerous low cost options
from and to regional airports. Car ferries and the channel tunnel continue
to offer good value and great flexibility, particularly regarding baggage.
Q.
Can you help with booking France flights ? Up
A. Click on the flights arrow on the left of each page and use the skyscanner
link which helps you find the cheapest flight option from the airports of your
choice then puts you through directly to the low cost operator.
Q.
Can you help with booking Ferries ? Up
A. Click on the Ferries arrow on the left of each page then click on the banner
for the ferry operator you require, this gives you direct access to the ferry
operator.
Q.
Can I place an option on the villa ? Up
A. Yes we can hold an option for 24 hours except for last minute bookings.
Q.
Can I book parking, car hire and insurance ? Up
A. Yes just click on the link buttons on the left side of each page, check
availability and book online direct with the recommended supplier. We have
negotiated favourable rates with all our listed suppliers for your convenience.
Q.
What time can we arrive and when do we need to leave ? Up
A. The villa is available to you from 17.00 and you need to leave by 10.00
(unless stated otherwise).
Q.
What about security ? Up
A. France is generally not a problem except on the south coast where you need
to be very careful. So take normal precautions as you would at home but on the
south coast you need to lock the villa on the side away from the pool and be
careful at all times when out and about. Refer to the foreign office web site
for up to date advice. www.fco.gov.uk
Q.
What is the local language and do they speak English ? Up
A. French is the local language although Corsican is also spoken in Corsica.
Some English is spoken but you will require some French phrases particularly
in rural locations. Most of the owners are French and their English is limited.
Q.
Do you know the villas ? Up
A. We are very familiar with all areas of France, we have over 25 years experience
of offering high quality accommodation throughout France. If you want first hand
knowledge on any particular region there is a good chance we can help.
Q.
What’s the France weather like throughout the year ? Up
A. It does vary throughout the regions. You can be fairly sure of warm sunshine
from Easter to October in most areas south of the Loire. Corsica has the best
climate with minimal rain although it can get quite hot in the height of summer.
North of the Loire the weather is still superior to the south of England but is
less reliable than further south.
Q.
What is the local currency and guideline exchange rate ? Up
A. Euros. The exchange rate tends to be around 1.4 euros per pound sterling.
Q.
What is the time difference ? Up
A. One hour ahead
Q.
What is there to do ? Up
A. You name it France has it. There are so many regional differences that you
can find just about whatever you want to do in France. Do ask if you have a
specific requirement.
Q.
What is the food like ? Up
A. French cuisine is world famous for its high quality. Produce is very fresh,
often organic and high quality. Restaurants are excellent, good value and child
friendly. There is enormous regional variety with specialities such as savoury
pancakes in Brittany, foie gras in the Dordogne and Bouillabase on the Mediterranean
coast. And of course the hugely enjoyable French bread and croissants fresh from the
boulangerie each morning is a major treat.
Q.
Are there any particularly good value times to go ? Up
A. If you are not tied to school holidays then June is probably best as the days are
long and the weather warm. In school holidays Spring Bank holiday is probably best
value although the weather is less reliable. Easter and October half term are great
value in Corsica if you can put up with travelling via Sardinia.
Q.
Is it possible to arrange extra services such as cleaning locally ? Up
A. The majority of our owners will provide this service. The price is generally around
14 euros and hour.
Q.
How does the local deposit system work ? Up
A. In most cases a cash deposit of 470€ (600€ for chateaux) is paid to the owner on
arrival. This is returned when you depart. Cheques cannot be accepted as they are
not reliable enough and individual owners do not have credit card facilities.
Q.
Are there any local charges and how do they work ? Up
A. Sometimes there is a local charge for linen, towels, and local personnel cleaning
the house, garden and pool. This is paid locally and is deducted from the deposit.
Details are on each villa description.
Q.
What local assistance do you offer ? Up
A. We have multilingual agents in France to support you if required. They are not
representatives as we believe our clients prefer not have them, but they are there on
the phone for you and in particular in case of emergency we have plenty of resource.