These terms, which are often confusing, determine your rights and obligations when booking your pitch or accommodation. To help you prepare for your next holiday with peace of mind, we offer a comprehensive guide to these essential financial aspects that you need to understand before confirming your booking.
What is the difference between a deposit and a down payment for a campsite booking?
The difference between a booking deposit ('arrhes' in French) and a down payment ('acompte' in French) mainly lies in the level of commitment that these two forms of payment imply.
Definition of a deposit for a campsite
A booking deposit is a sum paid as a guarantee when booking a stay. It is a partial payment, usually a percentage of the total cost of the stay, often between 20 and 30%. Paying a deposit does not definitively commit either party.
The deposit system offers you a certain amount of flexibility in your commitment. When you make a booking with a deposit, you retain the option to cancel your stay.
Definition of a down payment for a campsite rental
A down payment is also an advance payment, but it is binding on both parties to the contract. Once the down payment has been made, neither the customer nor the professional can cancel without legal consequences:
- The customer is required to pay for the entire stay, even in the event of cancellation.
- The campsite must compensate the customer if they cancel, particularly if the loss is proven.
The deposit is therefore more binding, but also more secure for the professional, as it limits last-minute cancellations.
What does the law say about booking deposits and down payments for campsites?
French law clearly distinguishes between deposits and down payments in the Civil Code, and their rules apply to all tourist accommodation, including campsites:
- Article 1590 of the Civil Code: regulates deposits (amount forfeited or double amount due).
- Consumer Code: requires transparency of contractual terms.
- In the case of distance selling (online booking), there is no right of withdrawal (Article L221-28 of the Consumer Code), as this is a service for accommodation on a fixed date.
It is important to note that if the contract does not specify whether it is a deposit or a down payment, the law considers it to be a deposit by default.
Focus on cancellation insurance
For optimal protection, several campsites offer optional cancellation insurance. This option, available at an additional cost of 3 to 5% of the total amount, guarantees the refund of the deposit even if you cancel, under certain specific conditions.
Are deposits refundable when booking a campsite?
If I cancel, will the deposit be kept by the campsite?
The terms and conditions for refunding deposits for campsites follow a specific framework. When you cancel your stay, the campsite keeps the deposit paid. This amount compensates for the potential loss associated with the inability to re-let the pitch or accommodation.
What if the campsite cancels your stay?
If the campsite is forced to cancel your booking, the refund process is different. The establishment must refund you double the deposit paid, in accordance with Article 1590 of the Civil Code, unless it can prove force majeure or offer you an equivalent solution. This measure protects holidaymakers from unexpected cancellations.
Refund of booking deposits: summary
If the booking was made by paying a deposit, in the event of cancellation on your part, the amount paid will be forfeited. However, if the cancellation is made by the campsite, it must refund you double this amount. Deposits allow you to withdraw from the agreement.
However, certain special cases may alter this principle:
- If a specific clause in the contract provides for this (e.g. partial refund up to a certain period).
- If the customer can claim force majeure (hospitalisation, death of a relative, etc.) and no cancellation insurance has been taken out.
- If the campsite offers a flexible package with a refund or postponement of the deposit.
Tips for your booking
To ensure a stress-free camping holiday, remember to keep a copy of your contract stating the nature of the payment made. Carefully check the cancellation conditions and options offered by the establishment, in particular the possibility of taking out cancellation insurance to protect you in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Before paying any money, make sure that the campsite sends you a document detailing the exact dates of your stay, the type of accommodation booked and the total cost of the services.
Security deposit: for any damage
Many campsites ask for a guarantee cheque, also known as a deposit cheque, on arrival. This is used to cover any costs related to damage, uncleaned accommodation or missing equipment. Some campsites replace this with a bank card imprint.
The security deposit is a sum (usually between £100 and £500) requested at the start of your stay to guarantee the good condition of the accommodation or equipment provided. Unlike a down payment or deposit, it is not a payment in the strict sense of the word, but a form of temporary deposit. It is not cashed and is returned at the end of your stay if everything is in order.
The law does not set strict rules for deposits in the tourism sector, but they are widely used to guarantee the good condition of accommodation. In the event of a dispute, the contract and the inventory will be used as proof.
What should you do in the event of a dispute over a deposit or security deposit?
In the event of a dispute relating to the refund of a deposit or a deduction from the security deposit, you can:
- Write to the campsite's customer service department,
- Contact a tourism mediator (if the campsite is affiliated with one),
- Take the matter to the local court for disputes involving less than €10,000.