GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE (GTC)

A/ INTRODUCTION

Welcome to PICTURESQUE VOYAGES. By booking our services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms & Conditions. These terms govern all commercial interactions between PICTURESQUE VOYAGES and its Clients, establishing the rights and obligations of both parties. They ensure transparency in our operations, outline payment and cancellation policies, and set forth liability limits under French Law.

B/ DEFINITIONS

  • Company: Refers to PICTURESQUE VOYAGES, a licensed Tour Guide Agency and cultural expertise provider.

  • Client: Any natural or legal person who contacts the Company to request or book services.

  • Services: All offerings described in these Terms, including private guided tours, cultural experiences, itinerary planning, and educational workshops.

  • Disbursements: Specific expenses (such as entrance tickets) incurred by the Company on behalf of the Client, re-invoiced at cost.

C/ NATURE OF SERVICES

PICTURESQUE VOYAGES operates as a Cultural Tour Guide Agency. Our core business is the design and execution of high-end private guided tours and cultural experiences led by qualified experts. For ancillary services such as chauffeured transportation or venue ticketing, the Company acts as a mandated intermediary to facilitate the Client’s experience. Please note: The Company does not sell package travel (flights + hotel) and acts solely as a cultural service provider on the ground.

D/ TRANSFERS & TRANSPORTATION

PICTURESQUE VOYAGES is not a licensed transport operator. We partner with professional, licensed Third-Party car service providers to offer transportation during tours.

  • Transport services are subject to availability and constitute an additional fee.

  • The Company acts as an intermediary for these bookings. While we select our partners with the utmost care, PICTURESQUE VOYAGES cannot be held liable for traffic delays, road accidents, or independent actions of the driver.

E/ SPECIAL REQUESTS

Any special requests (dietary restrictions, mobility issues, specific interests) must be communicated in writing at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to accommodate these requests, their fulfillment is subject to availability and feasibility.

F/ PRICING & CURRENCY

All prices are quoted in Euros (€) and must be paid in Euros.

  • Service Fees: Our guiding and consulting fees are subject to French VAT (20%).

  • Price Adjustments: Prices are subject to change without notice due to factors beyond our control (e.g., government tax changes, museum admission increases) prior to the final booking confirmation.

G/ TICKETING & DISBURSEMENTS (MANDATE CLAUSE)

Important: To ensure transparency and fiscal compliance, entrance tickets to monuments, museums, and events are treated as "Disbursements".

  • Mandate: In accordance with Article 267-II-2 of the French General Tax Code (CGI), entrance tickets are purchased by PICTURESQUE VOYAGES in the name and on behalf of the Client.

  • Invoicing: These tickets are re-invoiced at their actual public cost without margin (excluding specific booking/management fees which are invoiced separately as a service). The Client explicitly grants PICTURESQUE VOYAGES a mandate to make these purchases on their behalf.

H/ BOOKING & PAYMENT CONDITIONS

  • Confirmation: All bookings must be confirmed in writing. Services are effectively reserved only upon receipt of full payment or a deposit as agreed in the specific quote.

  • Payment Methods: We accept Bank Transfers and secure online payments.

  • Payment Terms:

    • Full payment is required at the time of booking for all "Day Tours" and "Half-Day Tours".

    • Any additional costs incurred during the service (e.g., overtime hours requested by the Client on-site) will be invoiced immediately and must be settled within 10 days.

I/ CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Clients may cancel their booking by providing written notice via email to hello@picturesquevoyages.com. The date of the email receipt determines the applicable cancellation fees:

  • More than 30 days prior to service: 90% refund (10% administrative fee retained).

  • Between 30 and 15 days prior to service: 50% refund of the total amount.

  • Between 14 and 7 days prior to service: 25% refund of the total amount.

  • Less than 7 days prior to service: No refund will be issued (100% charged).

Specific Note on Non-Refundable Items: Any third-party fees that are non-refundable to the Company (such as specific museum tickets, non-cancellable venue fees, or pre-paid driver fees) will be deducted from any refund due to the Client, regardless of the cancellation date.

J/ FORCE MAJEURE

In accordance with Article 1218 of the French Civil Code, "Force Majeure" is defined as any extraordinary, unforeseeable, and unavoidable event beyond the reasonable control of the parties (e.g., extreme weather, museum strikes, pandemics, riots, transport paralysis).

  • In the event of Force Majeure preventing the service, the Company will propose a rescheduling or a credit note. If a refund is legally required, it will exclude unrecoverable costs (such as tickets already purchased).

  • The Client remains responsible for their own additional personal expenses (accommodation, travel) incurred due to the disruption.

K/ CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Punctuality: Clients are responsible for adhering to the meeting times. In case of Client delay, the tour duration will not be extended, and the full fee remains due.

  • Conduct: The Company reserves the right to terminate a tour immediately, without refund, if the Client exhibits behavior that is abusive, dangerous, or disrespectful towards the guide, venue staff, or property.

L/ LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

PICTURESQUE VOYAGES engages its liability on the proper execution of the guiding services provided directly by its staff or subcontractors. However, the Company acts solely as an intermediary for Third-Party Providers (drivers, venues, workshops). Accordingly, PICTURESQUE VOYAGES shall not be held liable for:

  1. Personal injury, loss, or damage caused by the negligence of third-party providers.

  2. Service disruptions caused by the unexpected closure of museums or monuments.

  3. Loss of personal items during the tour.

M/ GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

These Terms & Conditions are governed by French Law. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be resolved through amicable negotiations. Should an amicable resolution fail, the dispute shall be submitted exclusively to the competent courts of Paris, France.