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Licence:
You do not need to have a licence to charter one of our boats.
On your arrival you will be given full instruction on the operation of your boat. We will then take you on an introductory cruise and ensure that you can happily control the boat. During this cruise we will also provide detailed information on passing through a lock. Once this demonstration is complete you will be issued with a "permis de plaisance" which is valid for the duration of your cruise. Please remember that a basic level of agility and physical ability is required on a boating holiday. It is not always easy to get on and off the boat and all the boats have steps. There is also a certain amount of rope work in the locks, and whilst the engine can be used, a little strength is required when using the ropes to control the boat.

Locks & Lock Keepers:
During your cruise you will have to "lock through"! But do not worry, this is a simple process which can also be a lot of fun. The locks in France are either automatic or operated by a lock keeper. You do not have to operate the locks yourself, but you do have to control you boat and use the ropes. (This will all be explained during the demonstration). Passing through a lock will take around 15mins, and this is a chance to chat to the lock keeper, meet other boat crews and to even purchase some local produce. The lock charges are covered in your "navigation forfait" and you do not have to pay the lock keepers. Lock opening hours are typically 09.00-12.00 & 13.00-19.00, although this does vary from region to region. The locks are usually shut on the 1st of May and the 14th of July.

Navigation:
The canals pass through peaceful and picturesque countryside. This is reflected in the pace of the boats. In general, the maximum speed on the canal is 8km/h and you should expect to average around 6km/h. A canal cruise is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the countryside, and respect the nature. Each day, a few hours cruising is sufficient to give you a change of scenery, and the choice of mooring the boat either in the towns or villages, or in the middle of the countryside against the tow-path, wherever the mood takes you.

Technical Assistance:
During your cruise, should a problem arise, there is no need to worry. We provide a "call out" service and our trained mechanics will soon be there to solve any problems. This service is provided 7 days a week during working hours. We are also happy to answer any other questions you may have, book restaurants and organise taxis etc., indeed anything to make your holiday more enjoyable.

Fuel, Gas and Water:
When you arrive your boat will be full of fuel, gas and water. Unless you are cruising for three weeks or more it will not be necessary to top up with fuel, or to replace the gas bottles. Both of these items are included together with the lock fees in your navigation forfait. Water however, will be required, the boats usually have autonomy of 2-3 days, but it is wise to top up the tank when the opportunity presents itself, or at least every other day. Water is usually available in towns and villages and in ports along the canal. It is often free in towns and villages, but you should expect to pay a few Euros to fill up in the ports.

Electricity:
The boats operate on 12v and have a battery bank to provide the power to the lights, 'fridges, pumps etc. These batteries are re-charged by the engine whilst the boat is underway. The boats also have a 220v circuit and this is powered either by a shore supply cable or, on the luxury boats, by onboard generators/invertors. The 220v shore supply is available in ports and in some towns and villages, and, like the water, it is often free in towns and villages, but is charged for in ports. The 220v is not a necessity, but powers luxury items such as air conditioning, and any personnel items you may wish to bring (e.g. Hair dryers).

Children, Pets, Bikes BBQ's etc.:
Children enjoy the canals, and there are many activities for them along the canal side. Swimming, play grounds, fishing, cycling etc. They can also enjoy locking through, and for the older children this is an opportunity to help & improve their French. The boats are equipped with life jackets and these come in a range of sizes to suit all ages. Pets are welcome on the boats, but you must ensure they have the appropriate documentation for travel to France. We can also help organise the vet's visit prior to your return home if necessary. We do not however have any pet's life jackets. Bikes are the perfect accompaniment to a canal cruise. They provide some exercise off of the boat and are ideal for, visiting villages a little way from the canal, collecting the baguette and croissants, and for checking out the local restaurants. Many of the canal-side tow-paths have been turned into long distance cycle routes. These are usually metalled and are perfect for cycling in a safe & car-free zone. BBQ's are available for hire with charcoal & firelighters to be used off of the boat. The tow-path is an integral part of the canal and you may use it for your overnight stops. If you are looking for the peace and quiet of the countryside, why not enjoy it with wildlife for your neighbours, and a rural BBQ?

Navigation forfait:
This is the only compulsory extra charge payable at the base, the deposits are refundable. This is based on the engine hours cruised, at the appropriate rate for each boat. The navigation forfait covers, fuel, gas, lock charges and other consumables. On those boats with a separate generator there is a lower hourly rate, just to cover the cost of the fuel used. Note: Most people cruise between 25 and 30 hours a week.

Start and Finishing Times:
Most bases offer Friday, Saturday and Monday start days. Pick up time is 15.00 and return is 09.00 on the final day.

Parking:
All bases offer secure parking for cars plus a limited amount of garaged parking which is best to reserve in advance.