Policies

Intro

Antique & Vintage Silk Ribbons, trims, appliques, lace and treasured textiles.

A lot of the silks I offer are antique salesmans samples and were made over the last 150 years in my familys silk factory in St. Etienne.  

All of the items I sell are vintage or antique. They have been used and loved in a former lifetime and, in most instances, will bear the hallmarks of previous usage. I believe that these integral and inevitable signs of wear and tear are what give vintage items their distinctive character and charm. However, if you prefer items that are new and pristine in appearance, my wares may not be for you!

Minor blemishes which are commensurate with age and prior usage - and which are not immediately noticeable - will not necessarily be referred to within the item description. However, more significant defects (such as noticeable stains or repairs) will always be mentioned so please read the description carefully before you purchase. I am always happy to supply further information should you require it.

Returns and exchange details

I am happy to accept refunds in the case that there is a major problem with the item outside of the norm. Refunds in such cases will be for cost of item and not inclusive of shipping, the buyer will be responsible for return shipping costs.

CANCELLATION OF ORDERS: If you wish to cancel your order please notify me as soon as possible. Providing the item has not already been despatched, I am happy to process the cancellation and provide a full refund.

** RETURNS ACCEPTED FOR PHYSICAL ITEMS**
I appreciate that it can be difficult to gauge the suitability of an item from a photograph – so, if the item does not meet your expectations, please contact me to arrange a refund.

**FOR DIGITAL DOWNLOADS**
Due to the nature of the product, I cannot offer you a refund. If there is an issue with any image you purchase, I will be happy to resend the image to you, with no additional cost.

Returns policy

(subject to the conditions outlined)

Before returning an item, please contact me first (for confirmation and returns address information etc).

Please notify me of your intention to return the item within 7 days of receipt and actually despatch the item within 14 days’ of receipt.
The refund (or exchange if applicable) is dependent on the safe receipt of the item by me (complete, unused and in the condition in which it was originally sent to you), so you are advised to use a trackable and/or insured method of shipping and to package carefully (using the packaging in which the item was originally sent - or equivalent).
Unfortunately, I am unable to refund the initial shipping costs. 
Please note too that RETURN shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.

‘Note: Applicable for ‘Forage Feast Photography AND French Muse Experiences

Payment plan

When you sign up for your French Muse experience week, a non-refundable 50% deposit will hold your booking for this particular date.
The remaining Euro payment can be made in one or two installments.
If you wish to pay in two installments, we request that the first installment is paid six months prior to retreat and remaining installment paid 3 months prior to retreat.
Payment is accepted either by (i) International bank transfer or (ii) PayPal (note paypal will have a 3.5% Convenience Fee applied).

The French Muse Retreat is an S.A.S. company (Siret 84441349200019) and as such all services provided in France are subject to be charged VAT at 20%. For International (non French clients) you will be provided with a detailed invoice and can claim the 20% VAT back.

VAT refunds for non-EU businesses

Businesses not based in the European Union who incur VAT in connection with their activities in an EU country where they do not habitually supply goods/services (and so are not required to register for VAT) are entitled to deduct that VAT.
This ‘deduction’ is made by means of a refund from the EU country where they paid the VAT.

 How to get a VAT refund
Claimants must send an application to the national tax authorities in the EU country where they incurred the VAT – see VAT refunds - country guide.

 P.s. If you plan on travelling with a room-mate, then please simply let us know when you book your retreat.

TRAVEL INSURANCE!!

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

In the unlikely event that you might need assistance outside of what our team can provide, we really recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance to ensure that you are covered fully for sickness, accident, or loss/damage of your personal property (cameras/laptops etc) during your trip. It is compulsory to have regular travel insurance if you are attending our retreats.

MOBILITY

Please note our accommodations are not mobility-friendly.

We will walk a minimum of 3km per day during the average French Muse Experience and creative retreat/ Please ensure that you are in good health before travelling and if you have any major existing health issues that you have a doctors certificate before travelling.

After registration

On registration for The French Muse experience you will receive an initial email confirmation note. Two months prior to the retreat we will send you further details and a questionnaire that will help us further create a week that will fit with your interests and passions.

Our cancellation Policy

If for some reason you must cancel your trip to France for The French Muse Experience, please remember that a full refund (deposit is non-refundable) can only be provided if notice of cancellation is provided six months before retreat date. After this date, if you cancel your place, you will forfeit your payment.

Please don’t hesitate to ask us anything if you are unclear about our booking and cancellation policies.

Travel arrangements

We must request that you approve your travel plans with us in advance of booking any tickets (flight or train). We are very open to helping you find the easiest route to our retreat but it is essential that we know your planned arrival and departure times before booking. This is simply so that we can ensure all of our guests arrive in time for us to make a general airport transfer from Marseille airport on the afternoon of the arrivals day.

Return airport transfers are made the following Tuesday morning, to Marseille airport.

What to pack?

Provence is very relaxed, combined with often hot weather mean that comfort is an absolute.

Here are top recommendations to pack in your suitcase:

• A swimsuit, your accommodation has a pool and it can be so lovely to take a dip after a day in the sun!

• We would recommend bringing a scarf and/or cardigan for when the sun sets and we are eating outside.

• A rain jacket.

• An oversized tote bag or backpack for storing your brocante and market finds.

• Think cotton. Dress for comfort and to stay cool.

• Walking shoes for days spent treasure truffling at brocantes and exploring the perched villages of Provence.

• Sunglasses and a hat

• People do smart casual for dinner in restaurants but in general the atmosphere is very relaxed

Don’t hesistate to ask if you are concerned about what to bring!

P.S. If you’ve forgotten to bring any of these essentials in your suitcase, don’t worry, we will be bringing you to local markets where we can source affordable French versions!

P.P.S. Don’t forget to leave plenty of room for all the French gems you are going to want to bring home!

Payment plan

Contact us for a consultation and we will either be able create a custom experience for you or offer you a place in one of our gatherings.
Once you have chosen your day experience or custom tour dates, a 50% initial ‘hold’ deposit saves your place.
 
You will then receive a confirmation email that you return signed to us. The remaining balance for your ‘Mini Muse’ experience is due on the date.

Our cancellation Policy

The Mini-muse deposit is non-refundable.

If for some reason you must cancel your Mini Muse experience, please remember that a refund (not incl deposit paid) can only be provided if notice of cancellation is provided three months before confirmed date.
 
Saying that we will try our absolute best to work with you if you have a change of plans. Dates for custom tours are flexible, but limited to availability. 
 
Please don’t hesitate to ask us anything if you are unclear about our booking and cancellation policies.