Terms and conditions

These terms govern the sale of cruises, bus tours and related services by Compagnie des Vedettes de Besançon, whether booked online, by phone, in writing or at the pier. Making a booking means accepting them.

This is an English translation provided for convenience. In the event of a discrepancy, the French version prevails.

1. The seller

Compagnie des Vedettes de Besançon, SARL with share capital of €8,000, registered office 27 rue des Villas, 25000 Besançon, France, RCS Besançon 503 473 845, VAT FR15503473845, registered with Atout France under number IM025110003. Phone +33 6 64 48 66 80, email vedettesdebesancon@orange.fr. Full details are in our legal notice.

2. Services and prices

Prices are shown in euros, including all taxes, at the VAT rate in force on the day of booking.
They are per person unless clearly stated otherwise.
The child rate applies from ages 4 to 16 on the guided cruise and the bus. Children under 4 travel free and need no ticket. On meal cruises, the children’s menu is for under-12s.
On group meal cruises, a compulsory lock fee of €40 per group applies, at lunch as well as at dinner, whatever the menu. It does not apply to individual bookings.
The price that applies is the one displayed when you book, or the one stated on the quote you accepted.

3. Individual bookings

Online bookings go through our ticketing partner, from the booking pages of this site, and are confirmed by email with an e-ticket. You may also book by phone or through the contact form and pay on site; in that case the booking is only firm once we have confirmed it in writing.

Tickets can also be bought at the pier subject to same-day availability, with no guarantee of a seat.

4. Groups, school parties and private charters

Group bookings must be confirmed in writing.
A deposit of 30% of the total price is required. The booking is only firm once we receive it.
The balance is payable no later than the day of the service, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Final numbers and menu choices must reach us within the deadline stated on the quote.

5. Payment

Online bookings are paid by card in a secure environment operated by our ticketing partner: we never have access to your card details. Group services are paid by transfer, cheque or card as set out on the quote.

6. Right of withdrawal

The fourteen-day right of withdrawal does not apply. Under article L221-28 12° of the French consumer code, it is excluded for leisure services supplied on a specific date or during a specific period. This exclusion is restated before you confirm your booking.

7. Cancellation by you

Individual tickets: non-refundable.
Groups: cancellation terms are set out on the accepted quote. The deposit is retained by the company.
Meals: any meal ordered and cancelled less than three days before the date is charged in full, as the caterer has already bought in.
Requests to change a date or a headcount must be sent in writing. We answer according to availability, with no guarantee.

8. Cancellation by us

Navigation depends on things we do not control. We reserve the right to cancel or alter a trip where weather, technical or navigational conditions require it, in particular flooding, low water, lock closure or breakdown.

In that case, sums paid are refunded, excluding any further damages. We may also offer you another date, which you are free to accept or decline.

A guided cruise departure may be cancelled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached. Your ticket then remains valid for any other departure that season.

9. Times and delays

Published times are indicative. Because of the uncertainties of navigation, in particular passing through locks, delays can occur: the company cannot be held responsible and no refund can be claimed on that basis.

Please arrive at the pier ten minutes before departure. After the departure time, the ticket is lost.

10. On board

E-tickets shown on a phone are accepted; printing is not required.
Crew instructions must be followed on board. The captain may refuse boarding, or put ashore anyone whose behaviour compromises safety, with no refund.
Children remain the responsibility of the accompanying adults throughout.
Dogs on a lead are welcome at no extra charge on the guided cruise and the bus. They are not admitted on meal cruises.
The company accepts no liability for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings.

11. Accessibility

The boarding pier is reached by a staircase on land the company does not own, and is not wheelchair accessible. Please call +33 6 64 48 66 80 before your visit so we can work out the best arrangement with you.

12. Package travel

Where a service combines several travel services and meets the definition of a package under article L211-2 of the French tourism code, it is governed by articles R211-3 to R211-11 of that code, the text of which is provided before the contract is concluded.

13. Complaints

Please send any complaint promptly, by email to vedettesdebesancon@orange.fr or by post to Compagnie des Vedettes de Besançon, Pont de la République, B.P. 451, 25019 Besançon, France. We reply within a reasonable time.

14. Consumer mediation

Under article L612-1 of the French consumer code, if your complaint has not been resolved by our services, you may refer the matter free of charge to a consumer mediator within one year of your written complaint. The mediator covering the company is: Médiation Tourisme et Voyage (MTV), BP 80 303, 75823 Paris Cedex 17, France, mtv.travel.

15. Personal data

The data you give us is used only to handle your booking and to reply to you. Full details are in our privacy policy.

16. Governing law

These terms are governed by French law. In the event of a dispute, and after an amicable resolution has failed, the French courts have jurisdiction as provided by law.