Terms and Conditions

Bordeaux Authentic Tours

Last updated: [TO BE COMPLETED]

Article 1 - Legal Information

Business name: Bordeaux Authentic Tours
Legal form: Sole proprietorship (Auto-entrepreneur)
Represented by: Mr. Steve LEROY
SIRET: 519 228 019
Registered office: 55 Allée Ferdinand Buisson, 33127 SAINT JEAN D'ILLAC, France
Phone: [TO BE COMPLETED]
Email: [TO BE COMPLETED]
Website: [TO BE COMPLETED]

VAT: Not applicable (auto-entrepreneur under VAT exemption scheme - Article 293 B of the French Tax Code)

Declared activity: Road passenger transportation with tourist accompaniment
Domestic transport license number: [TO BE COMPLETED - DREAL License]
Professional capacity for light transport: Obtained

Passenger Transportation Insurance: [TO BE COMPLETED - Company name, address, policy number]
Professional Liability Insurance: [TO BE COMPLETED - Company name, address, policy number]

Website hosting: [TO BE COMPLETED - Host name, address]

IMPORTANT: Bordeaux Authentic Tours is NOT registered with the travel and vacation operators' registry (Atout France). In accordance with recital 17 of European Directive 2015/2302, the services offered constitute a single accompanied tourist transportation service, not package travel within the meaning of French Tourism Code.


Article 2 - Purpose and Scope

These Terms and Conditions (hereinafter "T&Cs") govern the contractual relationship between Bordeaux Authentic Tours (hereinafter "the Provider") and any individual or legal entity wishing to book an accompanied tourist transportation service (hereinafter "the Client").

Any booking implies the Client's unreserved acceptance of these T&Cs, acknowledging that they have read and fully accept them.

The Provider reserves the right to modify these T&Cs at any time. The applicable T&Cs are those in effect on the booking date.


Article 3 - Legal Nature of the Service

Legal qualification

Bordeaux Authentic Tours offers a SINGLE ACCOMPANIED TOURIST TRANSPORTATION SERVICE, legally qualified as follows:

  • Regulatory framework: French Transportation Code (articles L3111-1 et seq.)
  • European legal basis: Recital 17 of EU Directive 2015/2302 of November 25, 2015
  • Qualification: Passenger transportation in the context of guided tours

In accordance with recital 17 of European Directive 2015/2302, transposed into French law by Ordinance No. 2017-1717 of December 20, 2017:

"The carriage of passengers in the context of guided tours constitutes a service forming an integral part of another travel service and should not be regarded as a travel service in its own right."

Legal consequence

Transportation AND tourist accompaniment form a SINGLE AND INSEPARABLE SERVICE. This is not a combination of two distinct services (transportation + guiding), but an accompanied tourist transportation service where commentary, explanations and knowledge sharing form an INTEGRAL PART of the transportation service.

This qualification expressly excludes the application of the package travel regime (articles L211-1 et seq. of the French Tourism Code).

What the Provider does

  • Transports travelers in a private vehicle
  • Accompanies travelers throughout the journey
  • Spontaneously comments on places visited and passed through
  • Shares their passion for heritage, culture and terroir
  • Answers questions about the region
  • Suggests sites/places to discover according to travelers' interests
  • Logistically coordinates the day to optimize the experience

What the Provider does not do

  • Organize package vacations combining transportation + accommodation
  • Sell or invoice third-party services (restaurants, paid visits)
  • Offer "all-inclusive" packages including external services
  • Book or commercially coordinate external services on behalf of the client
  • Provide structured guiding services independent of transportation

Commentary and advice

Tourist commentary provided during transportation forms an integral part of the accompanied transportation service. It is spontaneous and adapted to the interests expressed by travelers, and does not constitute a distinct or commercially structured tourist service.

The Provider shares their personal knowledge and passion for the Bordeaux region. These exchanges are natural and form part of the accompanied transportation experience, without constituting certified professional guiding within the meaning of article L221-1 of the French Tourism Code.


Article 4 - Service Description

Bordeaux Authentic Tours offers accompanied tourist transportation services for a maximum of 5 people, departing from Bordeaux and surrounding areas.

Important: The prices indicated include ONLY services provided by Bordeaux Authentic Tours. External services (restaurants, paid sites) are the Client's responsibility and paid DIRECTLY by the Client to the relevant providers.

4.1 - Wine Tour - Lalande-Pomerol & Presqu'île d'Ambès

Service provided by Bordeaux Authentic Tours (all-inclusive single price):

  • Round-trip transportation in private vehicle (Citroën C5 Aircross, 5 seats maximum)
  • Bilingual French-English tourist accompaniment throughout the day
  • Spontaneous commentary on terroirs, wine history and heritage
  • Knowledge sharing on viticultural practices (biodynamics, sustainable farming)
  • Logistical coordination of the day and route optimization
  • Complimentary picnic included: charcuterie, pâté, artisan bread, local white wine (bonus not charged separately)

Suggested external services (Client's responsibility, paid directly):

  • Visits to wine estates (free entry or participation fee depending on estates)
  • Restaurant meals if the Client prefers a sit-down meal rather than the picnic
  • Wine purchases at estates (optional)
  • Any other service not explicitly mentioned above

Tour spirit:
Authentic discovery of family vineyards practicing nature-friendly methods (biodynamics, organic or sustainable agriculture). Transportation to human-scale estates in the Presqu'île d'Ambès, an undiscovered territory between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Convivial approach favoring human exchanges and terroir discovery.

During transportation, the driver-guide spontaneously shares their knowledge of the region's wine history, the characteristics of the terroirs visited, and answers travelers' questions.

Duration: Full day (approximately 8 hours)
Starting point: Client's accommodation in Bordeaux or agreed meeting point
Price: [TO BE COMPLETED] per person (reduced rate according to number of participants)

4.2 - Arcachon Basin Tour - Maritime Heritage & Dune du Pilat

Service provided by Bordeaux Authentic Tours (all-inclusive single price):

  • Round-trip transportation in private vehicle (Citroën C5 Aircross, 5 seats maximum)
  • Bilingual French-English tourist accompaniment throughout the day
  • Spontaneous commentary on maritime, oyster-farming and natural heritage
  • Knowledge sharing on the Arcachon Basin ecosystem
  • Logistical coordination of the day and route optimization
  • Complimentary picnic included: charcuterie, pâté, artisan bread, local white wine (bonus not charged separately)

Suggested external services (Client's responsibility, paid directly):

  • Oyster tasting at oyster cabins (optional, approximately €15-25 per person)
  • Restaurant meals if the Client prefers a sit-down meal
  • Entry to Dune du Pilat parking lot (approximately €6-8 per vehicle, seasonal rate)
  • Any other service not explicitly mentioned above

Tour spirit:
Discovery of maritime and oyster-farming heritage around the Arcachon Basin. Visit to traditional oyster cabins, climb the Dune du Pilat (Europe's highest sand dune), ocean views, local white wine tasting. Authentic atmosphere celebrating the sea, nature and Aquitaine gastronomy.

During transportation, the driver-guide spontaneously shares their knowledge of the basin's history, oyster farming traditions, local ecosystem, and answers travelers' questions.

Duration: Full day (approximately 8 hours)
Starting point: Client's accommodation in Bordeaux or agreed meeting point
Price: [TO BE COMPLETED] per person (reduced rate according to number of participants)


Article 5 - Booking Procedure

5.1 - How to book

Bookings are made exclusively online via the website [TO BE COMPLETED] or by direct contact with the Provider (phone, email, WhatsApp).

Minimum advance booking: 24 hours before the desired tour date.

Bookings made less than 24 hours before the tour date may not be honored. In this case, a refund will be processed according to the conditions in article 6.

5.2 - Required information

The Client must provide the following information when booking:

  • Last name and first name of all participants
  • Complete contact details (phone, email, address)
  • Pick-up and drop-off address
  • Date and chosen tour
  • Number of participants (maximum 5 people)
  • Any special requests (food allergies, dietary requirements, physical constraints)

5.3 - Booking confirmation

A booking confirmation will be sent to the Client by email as soon as possible, containing:

  • Date and time of pick-up
  • Booked tour
  • Number of participants
  • Total amount paid
  • Provider's contact details

The contract is only definitively formed after receipt of full payment and sending of confirmation by the Provider.


Article 6 - Cancellation and Refund

6.1 - Cancellation by the Client

6.1.1 - Cancellation more than 24 hours before the tour

In the event of cancellation by the Client more than 24 hours before the scheduled tour date, a partial refund will be made as follows:

Amount refunded = Total amount paid - Stripe banking fees

The Stripe processing fees associated with the original transaction (approximately 3% of the initial transaction amount + fixed fees) are retained by Stripe and cannot be returned to the Client.

Example: For a €200 tour, Stripe fees are approximately €6 to €7. The refund will therefore be €193 to €194.

6.1.2 - Cancellation less than 24 hours before the tour

In the event of cancellation by the Client less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour date, penalties apply:

  • Amount retained: 25% of the total amount
  • Amount refunded: 75% of the total amount - Stripe banking fees
6.1.3 - Client absence ("No-Show")

If the Client is not present at the agreed meeting place at the scheduled time, without having notified the Provider, no refund will be made. The service will be considered as definitively forfeited.

However, a 15-minute grace period will be allowed.

6.2 - Refund Procedure

Any cancellation request must be notified by email to [EMAIL ADDRESS TO BE COMPLETED] or via WhatsApp at +33 6 52 61 90 87.

The refund will be processed by Stripe to the bank account used when booking, within an average of 5 to 10 business days.

Important: It is expressly stated that the Provider cannot be held responsible for any delay in the refund, as Stripe is solely authorized to process this refund.

In case of difficulties, the Client may refer to Stripe's general conditions:
https://support.stripe.com/topics/refunds

6.2.1 - Processing time

The Provider will inform Stripe of the need to process the refund within 48 hours of the Client's cancellation request.

The actual credit time to the Client's bank account then depends on their bank and may vary from 5 to 10 business days.

6.3 - Modification by the Client

Any modification request (date, tour, number of participants) must be sent by email to the Provider at least 48 hours before the scheduled tour date.

The Provider will examine the request and inform the Client of its feasibility. If accepted:

  • If the modification results in an additional cost: the Client must pay the difference before the new date
  • If the modification results in a price reduction: the refund of the difference will be processed (minus Stripe fees)

Modification requests made less than 48 hours before the tour will not be accepted and will be considered as cancellation subject to the conditions in article 6.1.

6.3.1 - Modification during the tour

The program may be modified during the tour for reasons beyond the Provider's control (unexpected closure of an estate, weather conditions, traffic). The Provider will endeavor to offer an equivalent alternative.

Any route modification requested by the Client during the tour resulting in a significant change to the initially planned program may incur additional charges payable directly to the Provider.

6.4 - Cancellation by the Provider

In the event of cancellation by the Provider for reasons of their own (excluding force majeure), the Client will be fully refunded the amount paid, without any additional charge, compensation or damages being due.

The Provider undertakes to inform the Client as soon as possible in the event of cancellation.

6.4.1 - Force majeure

The Provider reserves the right to cancel a service in the following cases:

  • Exceptionally dangerous weather conditions (Météo France orange/red alert)
  • Unforeseeable and insurmountable events (strike, accident, major mechanical problem)
  • Illness or accident of the driver-guide
  • Decision by authorities (lockdown, travel restrictions)
  • Pandemic, epidemic, government health measures

Consequences of cancellation due to force majeure:

  • Immediate notification of the Client by all available means
  • Offer to postpone to another date (Client priority)
  • In case of refusal to postpone: full refund within 5 business days
  • No additional compensation is due by the Provider

Article 7 - Liability and Insurance

7.1 - Mandatory insurance

The Provider holds the following mandatory professional insurance policies:

  • Passenger Transportation Insurance: [TO BE COMPLETED]
  • Professional Liability Insurance: [TO BE COMPLETED]

Insurance certificates are available upon request.

7.2 - Provider's liability

The Provider undertakes to:

  • Provide a clean, comfortable vehicle in good working order and compliant with regulations
  • Comply with road safety rules and traffic regulations
  • Accompany clients with professionalism and courtesy
  • Organize the day logistically in an optimal manner

Limits of liability:

The Provider's liability is limited to direct and foreseeable damage caused to persons and property of the Client within the strict framework of the transportation service.

The Provider cannot be held liable for:

  • Delays due to circumstances beyond their control (traffic jams, roadworks, accidents, weather conditions)
  • Cancellation or modification of a visit to a wine estate, restaurant or any other third-party provider
  • Loss, theft or damage to participants' personal belongings
  • Damage resulting from the Client's failure to comply with these T&Cs or instructions given during the tour
  • Consequences of excessive alcohol consumption by participants

In the event of vehicle immobilization due to breakdown, accident or any other incident, the Provider will endeavor to ensure service continuity as quickly as possible, without their liability being engaged for resulting delays.

7.3 - Client's obligations

The Client undertakes to:

  • Be present at the agreed time and meeting place
  • Provide accurate information when booking
  • Report any food allergies, specific dietary requirements or physical constraints before the tour
  • Comply with safety instructions given by the Provider
  • Adopt respectful behavior towards the driver-guide, partner providers and other participants
  • Comply with vehicle rules (article 8)
  • Supervise children under their responsibility throughout the tour

The Provider reserves the right to interrupt the service and refuse transportation to any person whose behavior would compromise safety, comfort or the smooth running of the tour (advanced state of intoxication, aggressive or insulting behavior, failure to comply with safety instructions).

In the event of service interruption for these reasons, no refund will be made.


Article 8 - Vehicle Rules

8.1 - Safety

  • Wearing seatbelts is mandatory in the front and rear of the vehicle, in accordance with traffic regulations
  • Children must be installed in seats appropriate to their age and weight (to be provided by the Client if necessary)
  • The driver is required to comply with traffic regulations and speed limits. No Client may require the driver to commit a traffic violation

8.2 - Prohibitions

The following are strictly prohibited in the vehicle:

  • Smoking (in accordance with regulations in effect in public places)
  • Consuming alcoholic beverages during transportation
  • Consuming or possessing illegal substances
  • Transporting dangerous or prohibited materials

8.3 - Luggage

Trunk capacity is limited. As a general rule, one standard-size suitcase or bag per person can be transported, within available space limits.

The Provider cannot be held responsible for damage to luggage during transportation, except in cases of proven fault.

8.4 - Minor participants

Children are admitted from 3 years of age, under the constant supervision and exclusive responsibility of their parents or adult companions.

Unaccompanied minors are not accepted.


Article 9 - Prices and Payment Methods

9.1 - Prices

Prices are indicated in euros (€), all taxes included.

Prices displayed on the website are valid at the time of viewing. The Provider reserves the right to modify prices at any time, it being understood that the applicable price is that in effect on the booking date.

Prices include:

  • Round-trip transportation
  • Complimentary picnic
  • Wine tastings
  • Accompaniment by a guide

9.2 - Payment methods

Online payment via Stripe (recommended):

  • Secure payment by credit card via Stripe
  • Full payment required when booking
  • Instant and secure processing

Other accepted payment methods:

  • Bank transfer (for bookings more than 7 days in advance)
  • Cash (maximum €1000 in accordance with French legislation)

Important: Booking is only definitive after receipt of full payment and written confirmation by the Provider.

9.3 - Invoicing

An invoice compliant with French regulations is issued and sent by email within 48 hours of payment.

The invoice only includes services provided by Bordeaux Authentic Tours. External services paid directly by the Client to third parties do not appear on the Provider's invoice.


Article 10 - Vehicle Rules During the Tour

10.1 - Alcohol consumption

Wine tastings are an integral part of the tours offered. The Provider ensures that tastings remain moderate and responsible.

The Client undertakes to:

  • Taste wines in moderation
  • Not to be in an advanced state of intoxication at the end of the day
  • Inform the driver-guide if they do not wish to taste alcoholic beverages

The Provider reserves the right to refuse further tastings if a Client shows signs of advanced intoxication.

10.2 - Behavior and mutual respect

Participants undertake to adopt courteous and respectful behavior towards:

  • The driver-guide
  • Other participants
  • Partner providers (winemakers, restaurant owners, oyster farmers)
  • Local residents

Any aggressive, insulting or inappropriate behavior may result in immediate service interruption without refund.


Article 11 - Photography and Image Rights

11.1 - Photographs taken by the Provider

The driver-guide may take photographs during the tour to illustrate the day and share memories with participants.

These photographs may be shared with participants by email or WhatsApp after the tour, with their agreement.

11.2 - Use of photographs for communication

The Provider may wish to use photographs taken during tours for its communication (website, social media, promotional materials).

Any use of photographs showing identifiable participants will be subject to their prior express consent.

Participants may object at any time to the use of their image by contacting the Provider.

11.3 - Photographs taken by participants

Participants are free to take photographs during the tour for private use.

When visiting wine estates or other private sites, participants must comply with photography rules set by the property owners.


Article 12 - Personal Data Protection

12.1 - Data controller

The data controller is:

Bordeaux Authentic Tours
55 Allée Ferdinand Buisson
33127 SAINT JEAN D'ILLAC, France
Email: [TO BE COMPLETED]

12.2 - Data collected

The following personal data is collected:

  • Last name, first name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Pick-up and drop-off address
  • Number of participants
  • Special requests (allergies, dietary requirements)

12.3 - Purpose of processing

Personal data is processed for the following purposes:

  • Order processing and booking management
  • Service execution (pick-up, drop-off, logistical organization)
  • Pre and post-service communication
  • Invoicing and accounting
  • Compliance with legal obligations

12.4 - Legal basis for processing

Data processing is based on:

  • Contract execution (booking)
  • Compliance with legal obligations (invoicing, accounting)
  • Consent (optional communications)

12.5 - Retention period

Personal data is retained for:

  • Active data: Duration of the contractual relationship
  • Archived data: 10 years for invoices and accounting documents (legal obligation)
  • Marketing data: 3 years from last contact (with consent)

12.6 - Your rights

In accordance with GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Right of access: Obtain confirmation that data concerning you is being processed
  • Right of rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Right to erasure: Obtain deletion of your data (under certain conditions)
  • Right to restriction: Request restriction of processing
  • Right to data portability: Receive your data in structured format
  • Right to object: Object to processing (for legitimate reasons)

To exercise your rights, send a request by email to [TO BE COMPLETED] or by mail to:
Bordeaux Authentic Tours
55 Allée Ferdinand Buisson
33127 SAINT JEAN D'ILLAC, France

12.7 - Data security

The Provider implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure data security and confidentiality.

Online payments are secured by Stripe. Banking data is not stored by the Provider.

12.8 - Data recipients

Data is only accessible by:

  • The Provider (Bordeaux Authentic Tours)
  • Technical service providers (web hosting, online payment) under confidentiality contract
  • Legal authorities if required by law

No data is sold, rented or transferred to third parties for commercial purposes.


Article 13 - Complaints

13.1 - Preferred contact

In the event of any problem, difficulty or dissatisfaction, the Client is invited to contact the Provider directly by email or phone to find an amicable solution.

Contact:
Email: [TO BE COMPLETED]
Phone: [TO BE COMPLETED]
WhatsApp: +33 6 52 61 90 87

13.2 - Complaint handling

The Provider undertakes to:

  • Acknowledge receipt of any complaint within 48 hours
  • Handle each complaint seriously and objectively
  • Provide a reasoned response within 15 days
  • Propose an appropriate amicable solution if the complaint is justified

13.3 - Complaints during the service

In the event of a problem during the service itself, the Client must report it IMMEDIATELY to the driver-guide so that a solution can be found on the spot.

Any complaint made after the service concerning an element that could have been corrected during it will not give rise to compensation.


Article 14 - Force Majeure

The Provider's liability cannot be engaged in cases of force majeure or unforeseeable circumstances beyond their control.

The following are considered cases of force majeure or unforeseeable circumstances, in addition to those usually recognized by French courts and tribunals:

  • Natural disasters
  • Fires
  • Total or partial strikes
  • Traffic accidents preventing access to planned locations
  • Epidemics
  • Social conflicts
  • Government or prefectural decisions
  • Major technical breakdowns of the vehicle despite regular maintenance
  • Illness or accident of the driver-guide

In the event of force majeure, the service will be:

  • Postponed to a later date if possible
  • Or fully refunded if postponement is impossible

No additional compensation will be due.


Article 15 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution

15.1 - Consumer mediation

In accordance with article L. 612-1 of the French Consumer Code, the Provider offers a consumer mediation scheme.

In the event of a dispute, the Client may contact the following mediator FREE OF CHARGE:

[TO BE COMPLETED - Name of consumer mediator]
[TO BE COMPLETED - Address]
Website: [TO BE COMPLETED]
Email: [TO BE COMPLETED]

The Client may only contact the mediator after having attempted to resolve the dispute directly with the Provider through a written complaint (article 13).

15.2 - European online dispute resolution platform

The European Commission provides an online dispute resolution platform:
https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/

15.3 - Applicable law and jurisdiction

These T&Cs are governed by French law.

In the event of a dispute not resolved through mediation, French courts will have exclusive jurisdiction.

For disputes with consumers: Jurisdiction of the consumer's domicile or the place of service performance (French Consumer Code).


Article 16 - Miscellaneous Provisions

16.1 - Partial invalidity

If one or more provisions of these T&Cs are held to be invalid or declared as such, the other provisions will retain their full force and effect.

16.2 - Non-waiver

The Provider's failure to enforce any clause of these T&Cs at any given time cannot be interpreted as a waiver to subsequently enforce any such conditions.

16.3 - Language of T&Cs

These T&Cs are written in French. In the event of translation into one or more foreign languages, only the French text will prevail in case of dispute.

16.4 - Electronic communication

The Client agrees to receive communications from the Provider by electronic means (email, SMS, WhatsApp).

The Client undertakes to regularly check their emails (including spam folder) and keep their contact details up to date.


Article 17 - Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

Booking an accompanied tourist transportation service implies the Client's complete and unreserved adherence to these Terms and Conditions.

The Client acknowledges having read, understood and accepted these T&Cs before proceeding with payment for their booking.

Acceptance of the T&Cs is confirmed by a mandatory check box during the online booking process.


Additional information to be provided subsequently

☐ Domestic transportation license number (DREAL)
☐ Complete Passenger Transportation Insurance details
☐ Complete Professional Liability Insurance details
☐ Final prices for both tours
☐ Contact phone
☐ Contact email
☐ Website address
☐ Web host name and address
☐ T&Cs update date
☐ Competent consumer mediator

Document created on [DATE] - Version 3.0 - LEGALLY SECURED

Bordeaux Authentic Tours - SIRET 519 228 019

55 Allée Ferdinand Buisson, 33127 SAINT JEAN D'ILLAC, France