1/ Booking:

Booking terms and conditions:

The following general terms and conditions of sale govern the tourism package offers offered by France Bike Trips. The participant acknowledges having read and accepted the terms before confirming a reservation. In the case of a group reservation, the person who makes the reservation in the name and on behalf of the various participants acknowledges having read the terms and undertakes to transmit them, as well as all information provided by France Bike Trips concerning the booked tour, to all the participants. Tours offered to pre-established groups may be subject to special conditions: if this is the case, full conditions will be communicated to the group along with the quote.

Our website, www.france-bike-trips.com (hereafter referred to as the "website"), provides you with detailed information concerning the nature and specifics of each tour. Notably, you are able to consult the day-to-day programme, practical information about the destination as well as useful information concerning the undertaking of the tour (physical and technical levels required, minimum number of participants...). Please be aware that France Bike Trips offers tours requiring varying levels of physical and technical ability. Therefore, we recommend that you read carefully the information regarding the level of physical and technical engagement required to undertake a given tour. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine, on the basis of the information provided, whether he or she has the necessary capacity to undertake the tour. If in doubt, and before proceeding to a reservation, please contact France Bike Trips and/or a specialist (eg. doctor in the event of a history of medical conditions) in order to validate your capacity to undertake the planned tour.

All reservations for a given tour package must be made by completing and validating the onine booking form on the “www.france-bike-trips.com” website, or by using the paper reservation form signed by each participant, accompanied by a deposit of 30 % of the total tour price per participant.

For all online reservations, receipt of an e-mail from France Bike Trips confirms reception of the reservation and deposit, but does not constitute a confirmation of the tour departure to which the reservation relates. Reservation will only be confirmed once France Bike Trips has sent an e-mail confirming departure. The reservation will then be considered as definitively reserved and confirmed. In accordance with Art. L.121-21-08 of the French Consumer Code, as soon as the reservation on the website is validated, the participant no longer benefits from a withdrawal period.

Tour balance payment must be made no later than 30 days before departure. If the booking was made via the France Bike Trips website, the participant will receive an email requesting the balance payment approximately 40 days before departure (including a link in order to make the payment online).

In view of certain specificities of the tours offered by France Bike Trips, a minimum number of participants may be required. This number is specified in each tour information document. The booking only becomes confirmed if and when the minimum number of participants is reached.

Self-guided tours and pre-constituted group tours are subject to special sales conditions that supplement and/or modify the general sales conditions. These special sales conditions will be clearly outlined in the documentation provided.

Bookings must be made in the participant's full name as it appears on his/her passport or identity document used for the tour. If the surnames and forenames are changed after booking, any costs incurred for the modification or repurchasing of airline tickets, will be invoiced by France Bike Trips, for a minimum sum of 100 €.

Each participant is responsible for checking the spelling of the surnames and forenames on the travel documents (tickets, visa, etc.) is consistent with those on the identity documents. In the event of any discrepancy resulting in an airplane boarding refusal, the participant will not be entitled to a refund.

 

Participants under the age of 18:

All minors (participants under the age of 18) must be registered in the same booking as a responsible adult. Bookings for all minors must be signed by the lawful parent and/or guardian with the addition of "agreement of the father, mother...". All minors must be in possession of all the necessary documents required to leave the country in order to participate in the tour. If the minor travels with an identity card to or via a country that does not require a passport, the customs authorities may require a document proving that the accompanying person is the parent (family record book or birth certificate).

The minor remains under the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian throughout the tour, regardless of the activities undertaken, and despite the presence of a guide. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable in the event of a lack of suitable supervision. If the minor travels without his parents, the contact details of a specific contact in France must be communicated to France Bike Trips before departure.

 

Physical aptitude:

The participant must ensure that he/she is in a suitable physical condition to undertake the intended tour. France Bike Trips cannot be held responsible in the event of any lack of physical condition revealed during the tour. France Bike Trips reserves the right to refuse a participant who does not meet the physical criteria as outlined for information purposes in the tour description, and to refuse to allow the participant to continue the tour if it is deemed dangerous both for himself and for the other members of the group. The participant will not have the right to contest the decision taken by France Bike Trips, nor request any compensation or reimbursement.

 

Health and administration formalities:

Information relating to administrative and health formalities are provided by France Bike Trips. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure, before departure, that they are in compliance with police, customs and health formalities (passport, visa, vaccination certificate), and to respect these formalities during the tour. This information is set out in the corresponding tour description. This information may evolve according to changes in the country's administrative situation. The information concerns French nationals. It is recommended that foreign nationals check with the consulate or embassy of the countries visited in order to confirm whether this information applies to their personal situation.

All related costs are at the expense of the participant. France Bike Trips will not offer any refund of tour costs in the event that the participant is unable to travel due to non-compliance with these formalities.

 

Security:

It is the responsibility of each participant to read and comply with the safety instructions issued by the local authorities and the recommendations to travellers made by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the "www.diplomatie.gouv.fr" website. Due to the potential for regular changes in the information given, we strongly recommended consulting the information regularly in the run up to your tour.

 

2/ Prices and payment terms:

Tour price:

The services included in the tour price are indicated in the tour information document. The total invoiced price may differ from the price shown in the catalogue or on the application form, taking into account any additional services requested by the participant, as well as air fare adjustments (fuel surcharge adjustment, name change or change of class/upgrade). The total price of the tour, including any surcharges, is communicated to the participant for approval, and detailed in the final invoice. A flat-rate processing fee will be charged for anticipated or deferred departures (currently 50 € per participant).

 

Special conditions applicable to "Self-guided" tours:

The indicated price corresponds to a standard tour, booked at least 15 days before departure. For "Self-guided" tours, the necessary reservations (accommodation, baggage transfers, etc.) are made upon receipt of your booking, for the dates of your choice; in certain cases some services may no longer be available. If this is the case, France Bike Trips may suggest modifying your travel dates, changing your tour, or choosing different services, subject to a price adjustment. If none of these solutions are suitable, France Bike Trips will cancel the booking and refund the full amount paid. For all bookings made within 15 days of departure, a priority processing fee will be applied. Fee costs are indicated in the tour information document of the chosen tour.

 

Terms and conditions of price variations:

The price of our tours, in euros, is fixed and definitive. However, in accordance with article L211-12 of the French Tourism Code, the price may be adjusted (upwards or downwards), up to 20 days before the departure date, without the possibility of cancellation on your part, for one (or both) of the following price changes:

- passenger transport as a result of the cost of fuel or other energy sources;

- the level of taxes or charges on travel services included in the tour contract, imposed by a third party not directly involved in the execution of the contract, including tourist taxes, landing or embarkation/disembarkation taxes in ports and airports.

Any refusal by the traveller(s) to pay this adjustment, if the sum is not significant, will be considered as a cancellation by the traveller(s) and the cancellation fees in Article 5.1 will be applied.

 

Payment terms and conditions:

The balance, including additional services, air travel supplements, insurance, is payable one month before departure. If the balance is not paid one month before departure, France Bike Trips reserves the right to cancel the booking without compensation, and will apply the cancellation fees mentioned in article 4. In the event of a booking less than one month before departure, the full price of the tour must be paid at the time of booking.

 

3/ Cancellation insurance and travel insurance(*):

When embarking on a cycling holiday it is important to have suitable multi-risk insurance that covers cancellation charges, assistance and repatriation fees, medical fees, theft or loss of luggage, etc.

 

France Bike Trips offer two types of insurance cover: Standard (travel insurance) and Premium (travel insurance + cancellation insurance).

 

If a participant chooses to subscribe to either of these insurance policies, full policy details (including cover and formalities in the event of a claim), will be sent out with booking confirmation documents. If a participant chooses a guided tour the guide will be informed of the participant’s insurance policy subscription. However, the participant remains entirely responsible for the declaration procedure in the event of an accident or incident. The participant should keep the insurance policy document with him/her at all times during the tour.

 

Standard travel insurance:

Policy cover: medical repatriation costs, medical expenses incurred whilst abroad, "search and rescue" expenses up to 15 000 €, holiday interruption and luggage insurance. The cost of this policy is 2.3% of the total price of the tour.

 

Premium travel insurance and cancellation insurance:

Premium policy including the guarantees listed above + the following cancellation cover: cancellation on medical grounds or due to an accident (participant or close relative), as well as for any other justifiable grounds unforeseeable at the time of subscription. The cost of this policy is 4.8% of the total price of the tour.

 

The Premium policy takes effect at the time of subscription. From this date onwards, the insurance policy sum paid is no longer refundable. However, in the event that you hold another policy (that was subscribed to previously) offering the same cover, you benefit from a 14-day delay during which you are entitled to cancel the policy (as long as no policy claim has yet been made).

 

*Non-contractual description. Please consult the general conditions of the contract for full details (available on the website, on the “useful information” page of each tour).

 

In the event of cancellation, the refunding of cancellation costs by the insurance company will be calculated from the initial date of the event covered by the policy. Therefore, notification of cancellation should be made as soon as the event occurs. If a participant has his/her own insurance cover, he/she should duly inform the guide/assistance vehicle driver of the following details at the beginning of the tour: insurance company name, contract number and contact telephone number.

 

4/ Modifications at the request of the participant: Cancellation:

Whatever the reason for cancellation, France Bike Trips must be informed of the cancellation immediately in writing. In the event of tour cancellation by the participant, France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges (per person):

For tours including flights:

- More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 60 to 31 days before departure: 40% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 30 to 21 days before departure: 50% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 20 to 14 days before departure: 60% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 13 to 7 days before departure: 75% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- Less than 7 days before departure: 100% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

For tours excluding flights:

- More than 60 days before departure: 5% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 60 to 31 days before departure: 15% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 30 to 21 days before departure: 30% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 20 to 14 days before departure: 50% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- From 13 to 7 days before departure: 70% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

- Less than 7 days before departure: 100% of the tour price, excluding insurance premium.

If a policy including cancellation insurance has been chosen, cover will apply as described in the policy, after analysis by the insurer of the grounds for the cancellation. Tour cancellation does not exempt the participant from full payment of tour costs; full payment is necessary before any refund procedure can be set in motion by the insurance company. Special cancellation conditions apply to tours which include ferry crossings (conditions are specified in the tour information document).  

For flight only bookings, airline company cancellation conditions apply. The costs of visas and other customs related documents, airport taxes not refunded by the insurance policy, as well as subscription and insurance charges cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

 

Special conditions related to "Self-guided" tours:

Given the specific nature of these tours, a minimum of two adults may be required. As a result, if the cancellation of one or more participants results in only one participant remaining on the tour, the booking of the remaining participant will also be cancelled. The cancellation fees provided for in the general terms and conditions of sale and their possible reimbursement by the cancellation insurance are applicable to all travellers concerned.

 

Tour changes or modifications at the request of the participant:

More than 30 days before departure, in order to change tours or to modify dates or additional tour services, the participant will be charged a minimum of 50 € per booking. If the requested change results in an airline ticket cancellation, the charges withheld by the airline will be charged to the participant. Any modification will be subject to the prior agreement of France Bike Trips and will be subject to availability. Less than 30 days before departure, any change will be considered as a cancellation and will result in the application of the above cancellation conditions.

 

Modifications during the tour at the request of the participant:

Any modification of the programme at the participant's request (tour prolongation, deferred return, hotel modification, etc.) can only be implemented with the agreement of the guide and will be subject to availability and payment of related costs by the participant.

 

Transfer of contract:

In the event of transfer of the contract to another person, the participant is required to inform France Bike Trips at least 7 days before departure by registered post with proof of delivery nd signature. This transfer is possible subject to the availability of flights and the appropriate physical level of the transferee. The transfer may entail additional costs (in particular in the event of an airline ticket change), which will be invoiced to the designated transferee. In any event, the transferor and the transferee will be held jointly liable for payment of tour costs and any additional costs.

 

Tour interruption:

Any tour interruption by decision of the participant (for reasons of health, fitness, or other) does not entitle the participant to any refund of unused services by France Bike Trips. Any additional costs incurred by the participant as a result of this interruption will not be reimbursed.

 

5/ Modification by France Bike Trips: Cancellation by France Bike Trips:

Due to an insufficient number of participants:

In the event that the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour may be cancelled at the latest:

- 20 days before the beginning of the tour in the case of tours of more than 6 days;

- 7 days before the beginning of the tour in the case of tours lasting 2 to 6 days;

- 48 hours before the beginning of the tour in the case of tours lasting no more than 2 days.

In this event, the participant is not entitled to any compensation or indemnity from France Bike Trips.  The participant is informed by e-mail or telephone. The participant then has the choice between a full refund of the sums paid or a transfer of the sums paid to another tour of his/her choice. All costs incurred by the participant remain at his/her expense (purchase of transport tickets, hotel, equipment necessary for the tour, administrative costs).

Due to exceptional circumstances or emergency:

Events constituting exceptional circumstances (unforeseeable and insurmountable incidents or events such as: wars, political unrest, strikes, riots, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, etc.) may require the tour to be cancelled. In this event, the participant is informed immediately by e-mail or telephone. The participant then has the choice between reimbursement or transfer of the sums paid to another tour of his/her choice. In this event, the participant is not entitled to any compensation or indemnity from France Bike Trips.

 

Tour modification:

Before departure, potential programme changes (dates, schedules, itineraries, guiding, accommodation, etc.) may occur due to organisational difficulties or security issues. Each participant is informed of the changes by France Bike Trips. If the change affects an essential element of the programme, the participant has the option either to terminate the contract without claiming any compensation or to accept the change proposed by France Bike Trips. The presence of the participant at the start of the tour implies acceptance of the changes.

During the tour, potential programme changes (dates, schedules, itineraries, guiding, accommodation, switching of stages, etc.) may occur due to organisational difficulties or security issues. Wherever possible, replacement services will be offered to the participant by France bike Trips. Failing this, and except in the event of exceptional circumstances, France Bike Trips will refund the price difference between the services initially proposed and those provided.

 

Tour interruption:

All tours are subject to a possible interruption by decision of the guide for duly justified reasons. In this event, unless the interruption is due to exceptional circumstances, France Bike Trips will refund the difference in price between the services initially proposed and those provided.

 

6/ Responsibility:

Public liability:

In accordance with the regulations governing our profession, France Bike Trips is insured for Professional Civil Liability up to 3,811,225 euros per year of insurance regardless of the number of victims.

However, the liability of France Bike Trips does not replace the individual civil liability which must be held by each participant.

 

Special conditions applicable to "Self-guided" tours

Self-guided tours are conducted without a guide and are therefore under the entire responsibility of each participant.

In particular, each participant must:

- be able to locate themselves on a map and follow a route using orientation material (compass, GPS);

- be able to orientate themselves using GPS tracks, indications in the tour documents and maps made available to them;

- be able to identify and follow an alternative route if necessary (fatigue, mechanical problem, weather conditions, blocked road or track...);

- be able to manage mechanical problems;

- choose a suitable departure time adapted to the difficulty of the stages and the rhythm of each participant, leaving a large safety margin;

- obtain daily information on weather conditions, as well as safety conditions;

- arrive at the accommodation facilities on the dates indicated in the programme;

- carry the necessary equipment to carry out the programme (the equipment list provided by France Bike Trips is a recommended minimum);

- be in possession of the subscribed insurance policies, as well as all necessary administrative documents (visa, passport, etc.);

- be familiar with basic first aid procedures;

In the event of an obstacle to the progress of the planned programme, we invite you to contact France Bike Trips or its local correspondent, whose contact details are provided in the tour documents. Participants are strongly advised to carry a mobile phone that is operational in the country concerned. Any modification of the programme at the initiative of one or more participants is undertaken at their sole responsibility and at their own expense. Therefore, self-guided tours being undertaken without a guide, France Bike Trips cannot be held liable, in particular:

- in the event of non-compliance with one of the above recommendations by one or more participants;

- in the event of an error, itinerary error, or personal recklessness by the participant(s);

- in the event of an incident or accident, occurring during the tour, that is not attributable to France Bike Trips.

 

Special conditions applicable to "Autonomy" tours

Autonomy tours are conducted without a guide and are therefore under the entire responsibility of each participant.

In particular, each participant must:

- be able to locate themselves on a map and follow a route using orientation material (compass, GPS);

-- be able to identify and follow an alternative route if necessary (fatigue, mechanical problem, weather conditions, blocked road or track...);

- be able to manage mechanical problems;

- choose a suitable departure time adapted to the difficulty of the stages and the rhythm of each participant, leaving a large safety margin;

- obtain daily information on weather conditions, as well as safety conditions;

- have organised accommodation facilities before the start of the tour;

- carry the necessary equipment to carry out the programme (the equipment list provided by France Bike Trips is a recommended minimum);

- be in possession of the subscribed insurance policies, as well as all necessary administrative documents (visa, passport, etc.);

- be familiar with basic first aid procedures;

- be in possession of a mobile phone that is operational in the country concerned, and be familiar with the opportunities to recharge the phone;

Any modification of the programme at the initiative of one or more participants is undertaken at their sole responsibility and at their own expense. Therefore, self-guided tours being undertaken without a guide, France Bike Trips cannot be held liable, in particular:

- in the event of non-compliance with one of the above recommendations by one or more participants;

- in the event of an error, itinerary error, or personal recklessness by the participant(s);

- in the event of an incident or accident, occurring during the tour, that is not attributable to France Bike Trips.

 

Responsibility and risks:

In accordance with the provisions of article L211-16 of the French Tourism Code, France Bike Trips cannot be held liable in the event of non-implementation or improper implementation of the contract attributable either to the buyer, or to the unforeseeable and insurmountable act of a third party exterior to the services provided under the contract, or to exceptional circumstances.

France Bike Trips cannot be held liable in particular in the event of:

- failure to provide valid administrative and health documents;

- loss by the participant or theft of airline tickets;

- wars, political unrest, strikes, technical incidents, extreme weather, airspace congestion, delays (in particular for security reasons), breakdowns, loss of flights, delays or damage to baggage and other effects, injunctions by an administrative authority, etc.

- any incident occurring during the free time granted to the participant and not provided for in the description, nor any pre-routing or post-routing taken at the participant's initiative;

In addition, France Bike Trips organises sports tours, in natural “adventure” terrain, at times far from local infrastructures and in regions that can be difficult to access. Considering the particular nature of our tours:

- Each participant must comply with the advice given in the tour information document and road book, as well as that given by the accompanying guide.

- Each participant must be aware that he or she may potentially run risks of varying nature due to local conditions (poor road and communication conditions, distance from medical centres, political or health situation, etc.). The participant is in full knowledge of the facts and undertakes not to hold France Bike Trips responsible for them. Similarly, France Bike Trips shall not be liable for the individual recklessness of one or more participants, reserving the right to exclude, at any time, one or more participants whose behaviour would endanger the safety of the group or its well-being, without any compensation being due to the participant.

Airline liability is limited in the event of damage, complaint or claim of any kind (delay, cancellation, loss of luggage, etc.) in accordance with the provisions of international conventions (Warsaw Convention of 1929, Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999) and/or Community regulations (EC Regulation 261/2004 of 11 February 2004). France Bike Trips' liability cannot be greater than that of the airline as a result of the above rules.

France Bike Trips cannot be held responsible for changes in schedules or itineraries caused by circumstances beyond its control. In such conditions, any delay suffered by the participant as well as the consequences of this delay cannot result in any compensation being charged to France Bike Trips. Thus, participants are not entitled to reimbursement or compensation, in particular due to a change in the flight dates initially scheduled or a delay at a flight stopover, etc. Any additional costs (taxes, hotel, parking, purchase of tickets, etc.) will remain the responsibility of the participant.

 

7/ Transport and baggage:

Air transport:

A list of airlines likely to to be used for your flights is indicated in the tour information document. The name of the selected airline will be communicated to you at the latest when you receive your tour documents 2 to 3 weeks before departure. For all flights departing from Europe, we only select companies approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. In accordance with requirements, we inform you that the European list of banned airlines can be consulted on the website http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban_en

If, due to schedules imposed by airlines or any other carrier, the first and/or last night is shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no refund, compensation or cancellation can be made. The air carrier may provide transport by any means (bus, train, etc.) in the event that the planned flight is cancelled or delayed. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable in the event of delivery difficulties. Airport or terminal changes may also occur. We suggest you avoid non-refundable or non-changeable tickets for your pre-routing, and avoid important appointments on the day before or day after your tour. Passengers benefit from statutory rights and guarantees in terms of compensation and insurance in the event of cancellation, overbooking or long delays. For more information, see http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr

 

Baggage:

The airline is solely responsible for any damage, theft, loss or delay of the baggage entrusted to it. Claims must be made directly with this carrier as soon as possible. International conventions define the compensation due by the air carrier in the event of loss of or damage to baggage. During the tour, baggage may be carried by rudimentary means (mule or camel backs, 4X4 rooftops) and must be adapted to these conditions. France Bike Trips will not pay any compensation in the event of deterioration to baggage. Each participant is required to keep fragile and precious objects (glasses, electronic devices, documents, etc.) with him/her at all times and is solely responsible. Each participant must ensure the presence of his/her baggage during the organisation of transfers.

 

8/ CNIL (French Data Protection Authority):

Information collected about you is intended for the use of France Bike Trips and may be communicated to service providers, possibly outside the European Union, for the implementation of the service subscribed. In accordance with the law n° 78-17 of 6 January 1978 modified in 2004, relating to information technology, data files and civil liberties, you have the right to access, modify, rectify and delete any information concerning you by contacting: France Bike Trips, 256 rue de la République, 73000 Chambéry. You are also entitled, for legitimate reasons, to refuse the processing of your personal information.

 

9/ Litigation:

Complaints and claims:

All complaints and claims concerning a given tour should be addressed by registered post, accompanied by any documents justifying the claim, no more than 30 days after the tour end date, to: France Bike Trips, Customer Services, 45 Route d'Apremont, 73000 Barberaz. In the event that no satisfactory response is received from France Bike Trips within 1 month, the participant should contact the French Tourism Mediator: MTV Médiation Tourisme Voyage - BP 80 303 - 75823 Paris Cedex 17. Full procedure details are available on their website: www.mtv.travel.

 

Tour participants statutory rights:

The combination of proposed travel services is considered a package by the Directive (EU) 2015/2302 and Article L.211-2 II of the French Tourism Code.

You therefore benefit from the full rights granted by the European Union applicable to packages, as outlined in the French Tourism Code. France Bike Trips will be entirely responsible for the proper execution of the package.

In addition, as required by French law, France Bike Trips benefits from an insolvency insurance in order to reimburse your payments and, if transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event of insolvency.

Disagreements:
Subject to the defendant's status, any dispute is the exclusive responsibility of the Tribunal de Commerce de Grenoble.

Registration certificate in the tour operators register: IM038100057

SAS Vélorizons with a capital of 7,500 euros RC: Grenoble B 449 118 694
Code APE/NAF: 7912ZZ. 01/2011

Financial guarantee
For all travel agents offering package holidays*, European law mandates a travel warranty. This warranty ensures that consumers are protected from financial loss if the travel agent or any holiday provider becomes insolvent or bankrupt. It also guarantees repatriation for travelers already on their journey in case of emergencies.

Guarantor
Groupama Assurances-crédit & caution
8/10rue d’Astorg
F-75008 Paris
Tel.: 0033 (0)1 70 96 63 40

Professional liability insurance
Allianz IARD
Direction Opérations Entreprises Bordeaux 81033
5C, Esplanade Charles de Gaulle
F-33081 Bordeaux Cedex