Le Pas des Aigles
FAQs
What can I expect to be provided in my gite?
We will provide all sheets and bedding for lets of 4 nights or more, including for cots, hand towels, bath towels and tea towels. We do have a few swimming towels for small parties traveling light (e.g. by plane), although usually we ask guests to bring their own. All the beds will be made up before your arrival. For weekend lets duvets and pillows are provided and bedding is available for hire, payable on arrival - double beds 8€ each, single beds 5€ each, towels 5€ pp.
There will be plenty of cleaning materials and a few toilet rolls, also hand soap. We are on an independent bio-drainage system and therefore ask guests not to bring any bleach based products or toilet paper from the UK as they will cause problems .
The kitchen will be equipped with cleaning products and cloths, kitchen roll, cling film and foil, condiments, sugar etc.
What are the local shopping facilities?
In the village, 1km away, we have a depot de pain - bread, cakes, confectionery (order-only basis), Epicerie - general grocers, Bucherie - meat, and café/bar. These shops are all open on Sunday mornings. At St Savin, 7 minutes by car, there are a variety of small shops and a reasonably sized Intermarché, our nearest supermarket, with a petrol station. This is also open on Sunday morning. At Blaye there is E Leclerc, a big hypermarket with a good choice of products. This and all other shops are closed Sundays, most small shops also close on Mondays.
Our nearest wine Chateau is 1km, and also locally we have a very good cooperative with a wide choice of wine from Blaye and Bourg.
Can you provide a welcome pack, I don't want to go shopping the minute I arrive?
Yes we can. We have 3 different packs, each require 7 days notice:
Basic Pack - Sliced bread, semi skimmed milk, butter, jam, wine, fruit juice. 15€ serves 4 people.
Pizza Pack - basic pack plus frozen deluxe pizza, salad, potatoes to bake and luxury ice cream. 35€ serves 4 people.
Barbecue Pack - basic pack plus meat selection (eg kebabs, sausages, burgers), green salad, potatoes to bake, luxury ice cream, bag of charcoal, pack of firelighters. 50€ serves 4 people.
What sort of weather do you have in the Bordeaux area?
Generally warmer and dryer than the UK. Short sharp winters, warm springs, hot summers and mild autumns. Click on this link for statistics:
http://uk.weather.com/weather/climatology/FRXX0016
Which payment methods are accepted in France?
Cash (in Euros) is obviously welcomed everywhere. Credit cards are also fine, although the assistant will probably assume that your foreign card needs signing for, you also may have to provide your passport as ID. Generally traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted in shops.
Most petrol stations are closed Sundays and lunchtimes. Petrol can still be purchased at the 24 hour pumps that take 'chip and pin' credit cards.
The nearest cash dispenser is at the bank in St Savin 5 minutes away; there are other ATMs at the local supermarkets. If you wish to change sterling to euros, the post office will do this but not the bank.
Can I drink your tap water?
The water authority has declared the local water ‘très bon qualité’ which is the top grade. It is perfectly safe to drink, however some guests prefer the taste of bottled water.
Do you have a smoking policy?
We ask that guests to smoke outside please and not in the house.
What equipment is available for babies and small children?
Each gite has - 1 baby bath, 2 cots, 2 highchairs, 1 change mat, 1 stairgate, 1 potty, 1 step, 1 seat thingy for the toilet. Plenty of toys, books and puzzles.
Also available – 1 buggy with raincover, 1 bottle steriliser. (please reserve)
Smaller toddlers sometimes prefer to use the baby’s bath (alfresco!) than brave the scary shower.
We have 2 children and might be able to lend other equipment, please enquire.
I am planning who will sleep where, which bedrooms are big enough to fit a cot in?
Les Lauriers
Downstairs double - 2 cots + 2 adults
Ensuite twin - 1 cot + 2 adults
Other twin – 1 cot plus 1 child/adult
Ensuite double – no room for a cot
Les Magnolias
All bedrooms will accommodate 1 cot + 2 adults
What is the minimum/maximum stay permitted?
We welcome short stays out of high season, minimum 2 nights, and offer a flexible start day.
During July and August the minimum rental is 1 week, Saturday - Saturday.
We can also accommodate long term lets September – May.