General terms and conditions of sales

These general terms and conditions of sale define the obligations between Alliance Française Nice Côte d’Azur (hereinafter referred to as “Alliance Française”) and each of its users. They are established in the interest of all and aim to ensure the smooth running of all activities.

Alliance Française users are defined as our students, residents, candidates, clients, members, and any person participating in one of our educational or cultural activities, whether free or paid.

The Nice District Court has jurisdiction over any dispute arising from the application of these rules.

When the specific circumstances of a student's situation so require, special terms and conditions of sale may be added to these general terms and conditions. In the event of a conflict, the special provisions shall prevail over the general provisions.

COURSES & STUDIES
1. Admission requirements
  1. Courses are open to students of legal age.
  2. Minors aged 16 and over may be admitted with parental consent.
  3. Minors under the age of 16 are only admitted as part of closed groups.
2. Financial requirements
  1. Participation in courses offered by the Alliance Française Nice Côte d'Azur requires payment of the following fees:
    - Registration fee: €50.
    - Teaching materials fee: €45. A change of level requires the purchase of new textbooks at the student's expense. No textbook exchanges are possible.
    - Tuition fees as presented on our website https://af-nice.fr/index.php/en/courses-and-rates.
  2. The fees referred to in Article 1.2.1 must be paid before the start of classes. In the event of non-payment, access to classes may be suspended.
  3. The Alliance Française applies weekly rates (if monthly rates have been discussed, they represent a period of four weeks).
  4. In accordance with Articles L3133-1 and L3133-2 of the Labor Code, legal holidays (public holidays) do not give rise to compensation or reduction.
  5. The payment for any course started is due for the duration planned by the student when registering. Considering that Alliance Française applies degressive rates, no refund shall be granted in the event of an early departure.
  6. When enrollment at the Alliance Française is a condition for obtaining a student visa, advance payment for the first eight weeks of intensive or super-intensive courses is mandatory.
  7. Holders of a student visa obtained through enrollment at the Alliance Française agree not to interrupt their course of study early.
  8. Holders of a student visa obtained through their enrollment at the Alliance Française agree to pay the full tuition fees for the period specified on the enrollment certificate as soon as they obtain their visa and no later than the first day of class. Payment is made in a single installment and cannot be paid in monthly or installment payments.
  9. Holders of a student visa obtained through enrollment at the Alliance Française are required to attend classes regularly. Failure to do so is considered a breach of this obligation after 10 unjustified absences. Such cases will be reported to the prefectural authorities.
  10. It is the student's responsibility to prove their eligibility for one of our discounts (re-enrollment, refugee, job seeker, etc.).
  11. Discounts are not retroactive and do not entitle the student to any refund.
3. Registration & Re-registration
  1. Any initial registration made less than one week before the planned start date of classes cannot be guaranteed.
  2. The placement test, which can be taken online or on site, is mandatory. It must be completed one week before the planned start date of classes.
  3. Any re-registration made after Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. for the following week cannot be guaranteed. In accordance with the maximum enrollment conditions, users who do not meet this deadline accept the possibility that their place may have been given to another student, possibly a new registrant.
4. Cancellation, withdrawal, and modification
  1. Before the start of the course, each student has a period of seven days from the date of payment to exercise their right of withdrawal without penalty; no reason needs to be given. The Alliance Française will then refund the full amount paid.
  2. In the event of cancellation due to visa refusal, the Alliance Française will refund the student the tuition and registration fees already paid, minus a €100 administrative fee. Proof will be required and the refund will be made within 30 days of receipt of the refusal notification.
  3. Once classes have begun, a student who is unable to attend classes for medically justified reasons will be entitled to a postponement of the class hours owed.
  4. A student who has missed classes of their own accord may not under any circumstances request a postponement or refund.
  5. Considering the disruption caused to the organization of the institution, a student can only be assured of a postponement of their group classes at no cost by giving 10 days' notice and as long as the course has not started. This request does not need to be justified. Postponement is only possible for periods counted in weeks and must be requested in writing. The notice period is reduced to 2 days (working days) for any request to postpone private lessons. If the notice period is not respected, the lesson is due and cannot be postponed.
EXAMS
1. The conditions for registering for exams and certifications administered by the Alliance Française Nice Côte d'Azur are available on this page.
2. Exam registration fees are non-refundable and non-cancellable. Registration is final once payment has been made.
3. Absence due to force majeure (illness, death of a parent, professional obligations): candidates may request a postponement of their exam by sending a written request to test@af-nice.fr accompanied by a stamped and signed supporting document within 24 hours of the missed exam. If the document is deemed valid by the certifying body, the session will be postponed only once. In the event of a further absence from the postponed session, regardless of the reason, the exam registration fees will be forfeited.
4. To access the exam room, candidates must present two original forms of valid photo ID with their signature. Accepted forms of ID are: passport, residence permit, identity card, driver's license. None of these forms of ID will be accepted in digital format; only the original will be accepted. If there is any doubt about the candidate's identity due to difficulty in matching the photo, a second form of ID may be requested to support the first. Absence due to lack of ID does not entitle the candidate to a postponement or refund.
5. To access the exam room, candidates must arrive at the time indicated on their exam notification. If they arrive late, they will be refused access to the exam room and no postponement or refund will be possible.
6. Candidates must check that the personal information on their exam notification is correct. This information will appear on their diploma. Any errors not reported and corrected in writing by the candidate on the day of the exam cannot be corrected.
7. Only the materials and documents distributed by the invigilators are permitted. Any use of other documents will be considered an attempt at cheating and will be reported to the certifying body.
8. Cell phones and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the exam room (mobile devices, watches and connected devices, headphones, etc.). Candidates must ensure that they are not carrying any of these devices on their person. The invigilators are authorized to check for hidden headphones or devices, including those concealed under clothing accessories. Any violation of this rule may be considered an attempt at cheating and will be reported to the certifying body.
9. It should be noted that failure to comply with these rules will result in the exam being declared invalid. Any attempt at fraud will be reported to the French authorities and may result in a five-year ban from taking any official exam anywhere in France.
1. Duration & Occupancy
  1. The accommodation is occupied for the period defined in the rental agreement. The tenant may not under any circumstances claim the right to remain in the premises outside this period.
  2. Studio types C, D, E, and F have a capacity of 1 person, and studio types A and B have a capacity of 2 people. Any additional person in the studio must be approved in writing by the Alliance Française. This will incur additional costs (e.g., provision of an extra bed).
2. Rent Payment
  1. Rent must be paid in full before the contract start date. Utilities are included in the price.
  2. For stays longer than eight weeks, monthly payments are possible with the prior written consent of the Alliance Française. Each monthly payment is then due before the 5th of the month.
  3. Any late payment will incur a penalty of 5% of the rent due. In the event of a delay of more than 15 days, the penalty will be doubled and access to the studio will be blocked.
  4. For stays of four weeks or more, a deposit of €500 may be required. This is a non-debitable sum that will be returned to the tenant within a week of their departure.
3. Cancellation & modification
  1. Any request for cancellation or modification must be made in writing to the Alliance Française.
  2. Any stay that has begun is payable in full, except in the case of the special conditions set out in Article 3.3.5 concerning early departure.
  3. The following cancellation conditions apply:
    - Cancellation more than 30 days before arrival: full refund, minus a €50 administrative fee.
    - Cancellation less than 30 days before arrival or no-show on the day of arrival: no refund is possible.
  4. Any request to change arrival or departure dates, studio type, or length of stay is subject to availability. Any change resulting in a reduction in the length of stay will be considered a partial cancellation and the rules set out in Article 3.3.3 will apply.
  5. In the event of early departure, one month's notice will be retained (or the full payment if the stay is less than one month). The notice period is doubled if the Alliance Française has made it possible to obtain a student visa.
4. Arrival and departure
  1. Arrivals and departures are self-managed. Upon departure, the studio must be left in a perfectly clean condition: trash emptied, floors cleaned, dishes washed and put away, key left on the table in the studio or at the Café de l’Alliance. If the studio is returned in a condition deemed unsatisfactory, a €60 cleaning fee may be charged.
  2. Any damage to or loss of equipment will be charged proportionally to the damage observed.
  3. Check-in is on Sundays from 3 p.m. Check-out is on Saturdays before 11 a.m.
  4. Any additional nights, subject to availability, will be charged at €75 for single studios and €85 for double studios, excluding tourist tax, which will be added at the current rate.
5. Equipment provided
  1. The studio is rented furnished. Please note that it does not include a television. Disposable items are the responsibility of the residents (sponges, trash bags, toilet paper, etc.).
  2. Only toilet paper may be disposed of in the toilet (no sanitary napkins). The tenant will be charged a €300 declogging fee if it appears that this obligation has not been respected.
  3. It is forbidden to move, dismantle, or remove any item from the Residence. Bedding, whether used or not, must be kept until departure and returned in good condition and clean. The same applies to all furniture and equipment.
  4. Any use of the on-call telephone service for a forgotten key card in the studio will be charged at €20. Any use of the on-call telephone service for a lost key card will be charged at €40.
6. Cleaning and tidiness
  1. Tenants are responsible for cleaning their accommodation daily. The condition of the studios is checked once a week. If this inspection finds unsatisfactory conditions for two consecutive weeks, €60 will be charged to clean the studio.
  2. Rubbish can be taken out every evening from 7 p.m. (except Saturday evenings); never leave rubbish on the street; always place it in the containers located in the inner courtyard.
  3. Optional services: Studio cleaning and change of bed linen and towels: €35/clean.
1. The dates of your stay with a host family are set at the time of registration. If you wish to extend your stay, you must notify the Alliance Française. Extensions are subject to family availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
2. Cancellations and early departures will be charged at €50 if notified 15 days in advance; €150 will be charged if this notice period is not respected, except in serious cases (accident, death, or serious illness in the family) and upon presentation of supporting documentation.
3. All requests for homestay accommodation are subject to an administrative fee of €50 per person per stay. These fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
4. All meals are included in the price and will not be refunded if not taken. If you have booked a stay with breakfast only and would like to change to half board, please inform the Alliance Française and the family immediately.
5. Students are responsible for repairing or replacing any damaged or destroyed items belonging to their host. The Alliance Française accepts no responsibility.
6. In the event of non-compliance with the rules of communal living (or use of narcotics, alcohol abuse, damage of any kind), penalties may include expulsion of the student without reimbursement of accommodation costs.
7. Requests to change host families can be made at any time by contacting the Alliance Française; no reason needs to be given.
8. Requests to change to another type of accommodation offered by the Alliance Française are subject to availability and, where applicable, will result in the payment of the applicable price difference. These changes are entirely at the student's expense.
9. In the event of exceptional unavailability of the initially reserved host family, the Alliance Française undertakes to offer the user equivalent or superior accommodation at no additional cost.
1. Access to the service
  1. The catering service is available to all Alliance Française users and the general public.
  2. Opening hours, menus, and product availability are indicated on Alliance Française communication materials. These details may be modified at any time without notice for reasons of supply, maintenance, or internal organization.
2. Prices and payment
  1. Prices are quoted in euros, including all taxes. Prices are clearly displayed at the point of sale or available online.
  2. Accepted payment methods are specified at reception or at the restaurant (credit card or cash). Full payment for the service must be made on site, on the same day, with no possibility of deferred payment.
  3. Certain promotional offers may be reserved for students or members of the Alliance Française. Discounts are never retroactive and must be justified at the time of purchase.
3. On-site consumption and behavior
  1. Users must respect the furniture, equipment, and cleanliness of the premises. Any damage will be invoiced in proportion to the damage observed.
  2. Alcohol consumption is strictly regulated. The Alliance Française reserves the right to refuse service or terminate service in the event of inappropriate or dangerous behavior.
  3. Bringing outside food or beverages into dining areas may be prohibited, unless prior approval has been obtained.
1. Registration conditions
  1. Activities are open to all Alliance Française users, as well as to the general public when explicitly stated. Some activities may be subject to age restrictions, language level requirements, or capacity limits.
  2. Registration is done according to the terms and conditions specified on the website, at the reception desk, or via the booking channels specified by the Alliance Française. An activity can only be considered reserved after full payment has been made, when a fee applies.
  3. If the number of places is limited, registrations are recorded in chronological order of receipt of payment.
  4. The Alliance Française reserves the right to refuse a registration when the activity is full or when a user's behavior contravenes the general rules set out in the General Terms and Conditions of Sale.
2. Pricing and payment
  1. The prices of cultural activities are indicated on the Alliance Française's communication media (website, posters, newsletter, etc.). Unless otherwise stated, the price includes only the service provided. Personal expenses (meals, purchases, etc.) are the responsibility of the participant.
  2. If the activity is subject to a fee, payment is required at the time of registration. No access to the activity will be possible without prior payment.
3. Cancellation, modification, and refunds
  1. The cancellation deadline is 48 hours before the activity, unless otherwise specified. When an activity has a registration deadline or special conditions, these provisions take precedence: any cancellation after this date will not be eligible for a refund, regardless of the time remaining before the activity.
  2. In the event of cancellation due to duly justified force majeure (serious illness, hospitalization, death of a relative), a refund or postponement is possible, at the discretion of the Alliance Française.
  3. The Alliance Française may be required to cancel or modify an activity (weather conditions, availability of independent contractors, technical issues, minimum number of participants, etc.). In this case, it undertakes to propose a new date or to provide a full refund if no solution is possible. No additional compensation may be claimed.
4. Participation and safety
  1. Participants agree to adhere to the schedules indicated. Any delay may result in the inability to join the group without entitlement to a refund.
  2. During outings, workshops, or visits, participants must comply with the safety guidelines and instructions given by the facilitators, guides, or external partners.
  3. The Alliance Française reserves the right to exclude a participant if their behavior endangers the group or disrupts the smooth running of the activity, without refund.
5. Responsibility
  1. Participation in certain activities (outdoor excursions, hikes, sports activities, practical workshops, etc.) may involve risks. Each participant acknowledges that they accept responsibility for these risks and undertakes to have adequate personal insurance.
1. Definition of a language stay
  1. A language stay refers to any package offered to a group that combines one or more of the following elements: language courses; accommodation; cultural activities; meals; additional services.
  2. A detailed description of the services included or not included is provided in the Alliance Française's communication materials or in the individual quote sent to the user.
2. Registration conditions
  1. Language stays are open to adults and minors when explicitly stated.
  2. Registration is considered complete when: the list of participants has been received by the Alliance Française no later than two months before the start of the stay; the required documents (authorizations, copies of identity documents, etc.) have been provided; and the required payment has been made according to the terms indicated.
  3. The registration of a minor requires a signed parental authorization, the full contact details of the legal guardians, and any specific documents required for the stay.
  4. The Alliance Française reserves the right to refuse incomplete registrations and/or registrations less than two months before the start of the stay.
3. Prices and payment
  1. The prices for language stays are indicated in euros on the official Alliance Française documents. Unless otherwise stated, they only include the services explicitly listed.
  2. The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the start of the stay.
  3. In the event of non-payment within the deadline, the Alliance Française reserves the right to cancel the reservation without compensation.
4. Changes and cancellations
  1. All cancellations must be notified in writing. The following conditions apply:
    - More than 30 days before the start of the stay: full refund, minus €100 in administrative fees.
    - Less than 30 days before the start of the stay: no refund.
    - After the start of the stay: no refund will be given, except in cases of duly justified force majeure (serious illness, hospitalization, death of a relative).
    - The specific conditions related to each service (courses, accommodation, meals, cultural activities) are in addition to these provisions and may include stricter rules.
  2. Any request for changes (dates, accommodation, duration, options) is subject to availability of services, possible change fees, and the prior agreement of the Alliance Française.
  3. In the event of circumstances preventing the Alliance Française from providing the trip (force majeure, logistical impossibility, minimum number of participants not reached, health reasons), the Alliance Française will offer: a postponement, an equivalent trip, or a full refund. No additional compensation may be claimed.
5. Accommodation
  1. The general terms and conditions applicable to each type of accommodation (residence, host family) apply in full to language stays, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 3 and 4.
6. Cultural activities
  1. The activities included in the stay may be modified depending on weather conditions, the availability of service providers, or operational constraints. The Alliance Française will then replace the planned activity with an activity of comparable value.
  2. Optional activities not included in the package are subject to the provisions of Article 6.
7. Transfers
  1. When transfers (arrival and/or departure) are included or booked with the Alliance Française: the user must provide all necessary information (flight numbers, times, terminals, etc.).
  2. Any changes not reported at least 72 hours before arrival may result in the loss of the service without the possibility of a refund.
1. Insurance and Liability
  1. Each student must be insured against illness, accident, and civil liability. These insurance policies are the responsibility of the student.
  2. The Alliance Française declines all responsibility for damage, loss, theft, or incidents not covered by the participant's personal insurance.
  3. The Alliance Française is not responsible for incidents related to services provided by external service providers (transportation, tours, restaurants, museums, etc.), except in cases of proven direct fault.
2. Image Rights
  1. Unless otherwise specified in writing by the student, the Alliance Française is authorized to use photos and images of its users in its communication tools and promotional materials.
3. Data protection
  1. In accordance with the French Data Protection Act No. 78-17 of January 6, 1978, the collection of personal data has been duly declared to the CNIL (1633376). Each student has the right to access and rectify any personal information concerning them.
4. Behavior
  1. The verbal and physical behavior of our users, members, and customers must not:
    - disrupt public order or the smooth running of the establishment.
    - disrupt teaching activities (classes, exams, etc.), administrative activities, cultural activities, or, in general, any authorized event on the Alliance campus.
    - undermine the health, hygiene, and safety of people and property.
  2. In general, users' behavior must comply with commonly accepted rules of respect for others and civility.
  3. All users of the Alliance Française undertake to respect all differences in terms of culture, origin, race, gender, religion, physical appearance, disability, sexual orientation, political opinions, or union activities, within the framework of the law.
  4. Any militant or proselytizing activity, whether political or religious, is strictly prohibited.
  5. Any violation of these rules and regulations will result in a proportionate sanction ranging from a warning letter to expulsion without refund. In the event of a particularly serious violation, legal proceedings may be initiated.
  6. Alliance Française students contribute to the reputation of the institution. Their behavior outside the campus may have an impact on our Alliance Française brand and therefore on the reputation of our entire network. Therefore, the Alliance Française reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any user whose behavior is likely to damage its brand, without prejudice to civil or criminal proceedings.

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