General Rental Terms and Conditions
What You Need to Know About
Your Rental at “Paulette Bike Rental”
Please note that these general rental terms and conditions apply to all rentals, except for those starting from partner rental agencies within the Paulette network, selected based on the quality of equipment offered and their professionalism.
For rentals starting from these agencies, “Paulette Bike Rental” acts solely as a booking center for clients. The partner rental agency is solely responsible for the rental in relation to clients. The General Rental Terms and Conditions for these agencies can be consulted on the partners’ websites (see above) and at their agencies. For reservations starting from these cities, the booking conditions on the Paulette website, as well as the cancellation conditions before departure, are identical to those described in these General Rental Terms and Conditions.
Your Rental at a Glance
This summary aims to help you better understand what is included in your Rental Contract, what is excluded, and the available options to optimize your rental. Do not hesitate to contact the agents available at our various agencies if you need further clarification.
Useful Information:
1. Your Responsibility
You are responsible for the consequences for yourself and others of operating the bicycles and equipment entrusted to you throughout the rental period.
2. Use of Rented Bicycles, Equipment, and Accessories
You bear responsibility when the rented equipment is lost or damaged. Additional fees may be charged if you return the equipment at a time or place other than those specified in the contract or if the equipment is beyond normal wear and tear.
3. Optional Guarantees
Carefully read your contract and the General Rental Terms and Conditions to fully understand your obligations regarding the use of the equipment, and keep in mind that applicable optional guarantees may not be applied in case of breach of your contractual obligations.
Contacts:
Before, during, and after the rental, you have the option to contact the staff at the agency where you rented or the Paulette Customer Service during office hours by calling +33 (0)5 61 53 29 06 or by sending an email to contact@paulette.bike. Our team will be happy to assist you, regardless of your issue.
| Category | What’s included in every contract | Additional Notes |
| Civil Liability Insurance | Paulette holds professional liability insurance. | You must also have personal liability insurance covering third-party damages. |
| Roadside Assistance | Basic assistance is included. On-site help is charged unless Paulette is found responsible. | Any Paulette agency can assist or swap your bike if needed. |
| Equipment | Helmets and locks are included. | Extra gear is available upon request, subject to availability. |
| Equipment Damage | You are responsible for damage beyond normal wear. | Optional ZéroDommage coverage is available. |
| Theft | You are responsible for all equipment. | Optional ZéroSouci theft coverage is available. |
Rental Contract
Your Rental Contract is the document signed at pickup, detailing the duration, selected services, and estimated charges. By signing it, you acknowledge the information provided is correct and you agree to the General Rental Terms and Conditions.
The Rental Contract is non-transferable. Unless previously agreed, it is forbidden to sublet the rented equipment or offer it as part of any commercial or non-commercial service.
The Rental Contract is entered into with the company FAUVEAU LOC VELO SAS, registered under RCS Perpignan No. 847 813 110. All references to “FAUVEAU LOC VELO,” “FLV,” “PAULETTE,” “we,” “our,” or “the rental company” refer to this business.
Definitions
Client / Renter / You / Your: The physical or legal person signing the contract and legally responsible to the rental company.
Rental Period: From the handover of the equipment until the date confirmed in the contract or modified with the rental company’s approval.
Bikes / Equipment / Accessories / Items: All types of items covered by the rental contract (including electric and non-electric bikes, trailers, and other accessories).
Optional / Additional Services: All additional services offered by FLV alongside the rental (e.g., luggage storage and transport, optional insurance).
Paulette Agencies: All official bike and equipment rental points managed by FLV or qualified representatives under a contract.
Paulette Drop-off Points: Locations for return of bikes and equipment only, without any other service or advice. Managed by FLV partners.
Purpose of the Contract
The purpose of this contract is to specify the details of the rental of bicycles, equipment, and accessories entrusted to the client for the rental period, as well as the optional services selected.
The rental takes effect when the renter takes possession of the delivered equipment. Risks are transferred upon handover; the renter assumes full responsibility.
This contract is valid only for the duration of the rental. If the renter keeps the equipment beyond the period without regularizing their situation, they forfeit all contractual guarantees.
Liability
Our liability to you: We are obligated to provide you with equipment in good general and working condition, and to ensure its replacement in the event of failure not related to improper use. Our contractual liability applies in case of death or personal injury resulting from our actions or omissions. However, we are not liable for other losses arising from your rental unless they are a direct and foreseeable consequence of our negligence or breach of these General Terms. In such a case, our liability does not cover lost profits or lost opportunities.
Your liability to us: You must maintain, use, and return the equipment in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions. You are liable for late returns, loss or theft of the equipment, or damage incurred. You are also liable for any fines or fees incurred during your rental period.
Please read your Rental Contract carefully to fully understand your obligations and responsibilities.
The holder of the Rental Contract is responsible to the rental company for all other users of the rented equipment, especially (but not exclusively) minors.
Contacts and Customer Service
Before, during, and after the rental, you may contact the agency where you rented or Paulette Customer Service during office hours at +33 (0)5 61 53 29 06 or contact@paulette.bike. Our team is available to assist you with any issue.
GDPR and Confidentiality
FLV complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the protection of personal data. The company is particularly committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all client data.
Disputes
We aim to resolve all disputes amicably and recommend contacting Paulette Customer Service for any complaint. In accordance with Article L211-3 of the French Consumer Code, you are informed that you may use a consumer mediation process as described in Book VI, Title I of the same Code.
Professional Clients
FAUVEAU LOC VELO SAS may establish specific contracts with professional clients that include additional and/or derogatory rental conditions to these General Rental Terms and Conditions.
BEFORE THE RENTAL
Conditions Required to Rent
The rental contract may only be signed by an adult who will be the contract holder and is responsible to the rental company for all individuals using the rented equipment, especially (but not exclusively) minors. This person must be able to present all documents required for the rental (see ‘Required Documents’ section).
All users of the rented bicycles and equipment must be physically capable of riding a bicycle and must not have any medical restrictions. The rental company reserves the right to assess the user’s ability to use the rental bike.
All users of the rented bicycles and equipment must also hold civil liability insurance.
Booking, Cancellation, and Modification
Booking bicycles and equipment is recommended. Reservations can be made via the website www.paulette.bike, by phone with Customer Service, or in person at one of our agencies.
A mandatory pre-payment of at least 20% of the total booking amount is required.
Reservations may be cancelled or modified under the following conditions:
– Full refund of amounts paid up to 48 hours before the start of the rental period;
– If cancelled or modified less than 48 hours before the start of the rental period, 20% of the reservation amount will be retained by FLV to cover late cancellation fees.
Cancellation or modification requests may be made by mail (Customer Service address: Paulette – Service client – 58 bd des Minimes 31200 Toulouse) or by email (contact@paulette.bike).
Unless otherwise agreed and in the event of no-show, reservations will be considered cancelled two hours after the scheduled departure time and will be fully charged.
Clients may request a contract modification during the rental period, such as a change in return location or date for all or part of the rented items. FLV reserves the right to accept or refuse such changes. Additional charges may apply.
PICK-UP OF BICYCLES, EQUIPMENT, AND ACCESSORIES
Required Documents
At the time of signing the Rental Contract, the client must be able to present the following documents:
– A valid ID;
– The credit card used during the reservation, enabling a pre-authorization hold.
Pick-Up Procedure
Bicycles, equipment, and accessories must be picked up at Paulette agencies during the opening hours stated on the website. Any pickup outside these hours or from a different location requires prior agreement with FLV and may incur an additional fee.
The client is solely responsible for selecting the appropriate equipment and accessories (bike type and size, etc.). Some mandatory or highly recommended accessories are provided at pickup: helmet, lock, puncture repair spray.
Depending on the situation, it is strongly recommended that the client also uses the following equipment: appropriate child transport systems, luggage transport devices, reflective vest when riding on roads.
Security Deposit
Upon delivery of the equipment, a security deposit is required via a pre-authorization on the client’s bank card, the amount of which depends on the equipment rented and the optional coverage selected (see Appendix 3). Upon return of the equipment, if no damage, theft, or other cost is due, the deposit is released.
The client accepts that the rental company may charge the owed amount using the pre-authorization. A valid credit card authorizing a pre-authorization hold until the end of the rental is required. However, the rental company may accept a security deposit in the form of a check or cash. In such cases, a valid ID may be retained during the rental period.
Price Display
Current public rates are visibly displayed at all Paulette agencies. Preferential rates may apply on www.paulette.bike or at agencies, depending on seasonality, availability, booking details, or other factors.
Payment
Full payment for the rental is required at the time of pick-up. Additional charges may be requested at the end of the rental in case of lost, stolen, or damaged equipment, rental extension, return changes, or other events incurring cost.
Initial Inspection
Bicycles and some equipment are subject to a Condition Report, completed in the presence of the client and handed to them. The client acknowledges that this document certifies the condition of the equipment at the start of the rental and will serve as a reference at return.
Equipment and accessories not covered by a condition report are considered to be in good condition. Any defect or damage other than normal wear must be noted on the initial condition report.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Depending on the capabilities of each agency, clients may be offered services to facilitate their rental, including luggage storage, luggage transport to the bike return location, or transport along all stages of their itinerary.
These services may be performed by FLV or entrusted, under FLV’s responsibility, to a partner company.
Luggage Storage
Paulette offers luggage storage at most rental locations (see updated list on www.paulette.bike). Luggage must meet the following conditions:
– No loose items outside the luggage;
– Bag must be securely closed and preferably locked;
– No fragile, valuable, or collectible items;
– No flammable, explosive, or hazardous items;
– No medication, drugs, or illegal/specially regulated substances;
– Max weight/size per bag: 20 kg, 1.2 meters in length.
The client must inspect their luggage at return and report any reservations immediately. Maximum compensation for loss, theft, or damage is €300 per bag. Contact Customer Service with any questions regarding availability or luggage type/quantity.
Luggage Transport to Return Location
Paulette offers luggage transport to the return location at most rental sites (see website). Availability is not guaranteed. If the service is unavailable, the client will be informed as soon as possible and may cancel with a full refund, even for late bookings. Luggage must meet the same conditions as above. Compensation cap is €300 per bag. Reservations must be made before 9:00 AM the day prior to departure.
Luggage Transport Along Itinerary
Paulette offers daily luggage transport to your accommodation. Availability is not guaranteed. If unavailable, the client will be notified promptly and may cancel with a full refund. Luggage must meet the same storage conditions.
Delivery is guaranteed before 6:00 PM at the designated location. Clients must inform their hosts of expected luggage delivery by the service provider. Reservations must be made before 9:00 AM the day prior to departure. Maximum compensation per bag is €300. Contact Customer Service for availability and special requests.
OPTIONAL SERVICES AND COVERAGE
To reduce risks associated with renting Paulette bikes and equipment, a set of optional services and coverage may be offered:
– ZéroDommage coverage: waives financial liability for damage to rented bikes;
– Theft coverage: waives liability for stolen bikes and key equipment, excluding a 10% deductible (see Appendix 2);
– ZéroSouci: a combined package including both ZéroDommage and Theft coverage.
ZéroDommage Coverage
ZéroDommage coverage exempts the client from any responsibility for damage to rented bikes upon return, provided the rules of use are respected.
Theft Coverage
Theft Coverage reduces the client’s liability to FAUVEAU LOC VELO SAS by 90% in case of theft of a bike marked with a Bicycode identifier. This coverage does not include other equipment or accessories. It is subject to the filing of a complaint with the authorities within 48 hours of the incident, and submission of a copy within five days.
All Paulette bikes are marked and registered nationally. FAUVEAU LOC VELO SAS reserves the right to pursue legal action in case of false claims.
Coverage can only be purchased for all bikes under the same rental contract, and exclusively for cycles (including e-bikes). It does not cover free or paid accessories. Coverage must be purchased no later than the pick-up time. Paulette reserves the right to limit coverage availability at some agencies or across the network.
DURING THE RENTAL
Your Itinerary
The client is solely responsible for the chosen routes and roads. Some parts of the Canal du Midi towpath require authorization and may be partially or fully closed to bike traffic. Greenways and official bike routes are generally accessible without restrictions.
Rules of Use
The client agrees to use the equipment carefully, to follow all safety rules and common sense, especially regarding child and luggage transport, and to take all precautions against theft.
It is strictly prohibited to use the bike while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or incompatible medication. Modifying or repairing the equipment without prior approval is also forbidden.
Specific conditions (non-exhaustive):
– No passengers outside of approved child transport systems;
– Child seat: for ages 1–5, 8–20 kg;
– Child trailer: max 2 children, 2–6 years, under 35 kg;
– Rack and panniers: max 22 kg of non-bulky items;
– Luggage trailer: max 30 kg;
– Transporting animals is forbidden unless using a dedicated trailer.
Failure to comply may void all coverage and optional insurance.
Repairs and Assistance During the Rental
In case of a puncture, the client can use the repair spray to return to the nearest agency. For more serious problems (e.g. cable break, frame damage), the nearest agency will assist or provide a replacement bike, possibly of a different type.
On-site intervention is subject to staff availability and will be charged unless Paulette is deemed responsible:
– €50 (incl. VAT) within 20 km of Toulouse, Nantes, Bordeaux, or Paris;
– €1.50 (incl. VAT) per additional km beyond 20 km.
The client must reach a road accessible by motor vehicle.
RETURN OF BICYCLES, EQUIPMENT, AND ACCESSORIES
Return Procedure
Bikes, equipment, and accessories must be returned to the agency and at the time specified in the contract. Any change to the return conditions must be agreed in advance and may incur additional charges. No price reduction will be granted for early returns.
Final Inspection
The items will be inspected to determine any damage incurred during the rental period. Maintenance, repair, or part replacement due to normal wear is the responsibility of the rental company. Other repairs are at the client’s expense. If repairs immobilize the item for over four hours, a fee equivalent to the daily rental rate will be charged.
Repairs carried out externally without authorization will not be reimbursed. The client may request an updated condition report at return.
Responsibility in Case of Loss or Theft
The client is responsible for all rented items. In case of theft, they must immediately notify the rental company, file a police report, and provide a copy.
Without theft coverage, the full replacement cost will be charged as defined in Appendix 2.
Client Duty to Inform
The client must inform the rental company of any of the following incidents:
– Accidents or major shocks;
– Disputes with third parties involving rented items;
– Any shock, even minor, to safety helmets.
APPENDIX 1: FEES AND PRICING INFORMATION
Each rental contract includes a price based on the number and type of bikes/equipment rented, rental duration, and pick-up/return locations. Rates are based on expected availability and set at the time of booking.
Clients may also opt for the following services (subject to extra fees):
– Luggage storage: fee based on number of items and storage duration;
– Luggage transport to return location: based on number of items and distance;
– Luggage transport along the itinerary: based on number of stages and items.
Optional coverage may be purchased (subject to availability):
– ZéroDommage: fee based on number of bikes and rental days;
– Theft coverage: fee based on bikes, duration, and locations;
– ZéroSouci: based on bikes, duration, and locations.
Additional fees may apply for:
– Partial or full cancellation;
– Changes to return location/date after pick-up without prior approval;
– Pick-up/return outside agency hours or at unlisted locations (prior agreement required);
– Lost, stolen, or damaged items without coverage (see Appendix 2);
– Assistance fees if the rental company travels outside free coverage cases.
APPENDIX 2: LOSS/THEFT/DAMAGE BILLING RATES
Outside ZéroSouci or ZéroDommage coverage, lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged items are billed at flat replacement cost as follows:
| Rented Item | Replacement Cost (€) | Deductible (ZéroSouci) |
| Adult City or MTB | 400 | 40 |
| E-bike (VTC or MTB) | 2000 | 200 |
| Tandem | 800 | 80 |
| Child MTB | 250 | 25 |
| Follow-me Tandem | 250 | — |
| Luggage Trailer | 300 | — |
| Child Trailer | 300 | — |
| Child Seat | 40 | — |
| Pannier (front/rear) | 30 | — |
| Cable/Chain Lock | 10 | — |
| U-Lock | 30 | — |
| Helmet (child/adult) | 15 | — |
| Puncture Repair Spray | 10 | — |
For unlisted items, replacement value is based on the public retail price (incl. VAT). When possible, only the damaged part is billed, including €35/hr labor.
APPENDIX 3: SECURITY DEPOSIT AMOUNTS
| Rented Equipment | Deposit for 1st Bike (€) | Deposit for Additional Bikes/Accessories (€) |
| E-bike | 1000 | 400 |
| Tandem | 350 | 245 |
| Adult City or MTB | 200 | 140 |
| Child MTB | 100 | 70 |
| Follow-me Tandem | — | 100 |
| Luggage Trailer | — | 100 |
| Child Trailer | — | 100 |
The first bike is considered in the order: E-bike, tandem, adult bike, then child bike. For unlisted items, the rental company may set the deposit based on replacement cost.