A holiday in your own car, in your own house, doing your own thing in the Dordogne … you can't get much safer and Covid-free than that!

In a region of 9,000 km2 with only 47 inhabitants per km2, you can quite easily choose to socially distance throughout your holiday, by quite some margin depending on your itinerary. Read on to see how we are making sure your stay at Bonnes Routes will be extra safe.

Cleanliness

We are fully compliant with the « Guide des bonnes pratiques sanitaires » produced by the Dordogne Périgord Tourisme, and adhere to government guidelines. The cleaning standards advised are standards we usually work to, pandemic or no pandemic. We clean the gîte as we would expect it to be cleaned – thoroughly!

We know that WE would want the TV remote control to be disinfected, and the light switches to be cleaned. And as for the toilet flush button? Who wouldn't expect that to be disinfected?! Did you know that a remote control in your home harbours 70 bacteria per square inch?! YUK!

Click here for a list of some of the steps we're taking, as well as confirmation of those all important things we disinfect as standard.

Welcome

La bise (the cheek kissing welcome) has been banned in France since the pandemic started. In any case, this is not typically something a French person would do with a stranger – just friends, family, co-workers. Handshakes are the normal greeting, but during the pandemic even this has been discouraged. So, to save any awkward moments, we won't be rushing up to you for 'la bise' upon arrival. If you extend a hand we will shake it, but won't be offended if you'd rather avoid contact.

Gite Facilities

We will still supply a welcome pack of essentials, unless you tell us in advance that you don't want this. We follow all sanitation advice when handling products so your safety is assured.

There are lots of books for car lovers, travel books, maps, tourist information in the gîte. We still want guests to be able to access this information, but we obviously can't disinfect paper. We ask guests to wash their hands or use the hand sanitiser provided before picking up a book or a DVD. Our Guest Information folder about gîte safety, equipment, maps etc will be emailed prior to arrival, enabling you to access this electronically from your own device.

Social Distancing

The one metre rule is no problem at Bonnes Routes. The gite and garden area are used by you and no one else – there is no sharing. Upon arrival we will provide a quick tour of the gite for one guest rather than take a whole group around, to avoid having too many people in a confined space.

While we often invite guests for an aperitif to catch up on car things, a refusal will not offend. Social gatherings in France are allowed, but any such socialising will take place in the garden to avoid close confinement.

Masks

Wearing of a mask is obligatory in many places e.g. museums, galleries, château, caves. Entry will be refused is you do not have a mask. Many shops (particularly smaller ones) will not serve you if you have no face covering. We will provide disposable masks for guests who do not have them. Always keep a mask with you as you never know when it may be needed.

Attractions

Most tourist sites are now open, but all are observing strict rules around cleanliness. All areas of tourism have their own guidance e.g. disinfecting canoes and life jackets, disinfecting helmets, limiting numbers of cruises. Safety is the top priority.

Many key sites are limiting visitor numbers, and require online booking to stagger arrivals and limit queues. We can help you book any attractions and print off tickets while you're in France. In the summer months, for the very busy attractions, such as the Gouffre de Padirac or Lascaux International Centre, it may be worth booking before you arrive with us – unfortunately you'll have to take a chance on the weather but it means you won't miss out if there's somewhere you particularly wanted to visit.

Symptoms

Please do not travel if you have a temperature or any Covid-19 symptoms. There will be no cancellation fee if you cannot travel, or if the travel advice from the government changes.

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 at any point during your stay let us know immediately and we can help get medical attention for you.

If you experience symptoms within two weeks of departing from Bonnes Routes, please let us know so we can follow the latest government health advice.

We are working extra hard to make sure guests feel safe at Bonnes Routes. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.