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Do I need any previous boating experience?No, many of our holiday makers are first timers. All of the Locaboat boats are easy to handle. Driving your boat is straightforward and enjoyable once you've received some simple guidance at the base. You'll soon get used to going through locks and start to enjoy handling your craft. Detailed navigation guides show where you can moor, shop, take on water or go sightseeing.Do I require a driving permit?No, a driving licence is not required. In France, after your instruction lesson, you will be given a temporary permit for the duration of your holiday. No permit is required in Holland or Ireland. In Germany for boats over 13m some restrictions apply depending on your country of residence. Please contact us for details.Will I be able to moor easily?Stop when and where you like, at a marina, or in the open countryside. There are plenty of moorings all along the waterways which are usually free of charge except for some harbors in popular centres, where a fee is sometimes payable. In general if you like the spot, just moor up. You should however avoid mooring to trees with ropes across the tow path as this could be dangerous to cyclists and joggers etc. The mooring spikes on board give you total freedom. |
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How far can I go?The cruises suggested have been calculated on the basis of a speed of 8kph on canals, 10 kph on rivers. Above this speed you may damage the banks. Times allow for going through locks (15-20 minutes) and bridges, but not any waiting time, whether forseeable or not.What sort of boat should I choose?Just consult the choice of boat section. Each boat is of course fully equipped to give you all of the home comforts that you need. Everything is planned for your well-being. The boats are roomy, with showers and running hot and cold water. There's storage space to satisfy the most demanding. It's easy to fill the water tanks every day at locks and villages. Sheets and bedding are provided. On board you'll find everything you need for cooking and eating. Prepare your meal in open countryside or at the quayside. Villages are never far away, and you can use bicycles to fetch fresh bread or warm croissants for breakfast |
Are the waterways and locks easy to navigate?The quiet waterways chosen by Locaboat are easy to navigate. The current and levels are calmed by locks. Many are operated for you by lockkeepers, or automatically as you approach, others you operate yourselves. You'll enjoy the locks, they are great fun and a good place to meet fellow travellers. • In general locks are open from 8am to 7pm with a one hour break for lunch. In France there is no charge for locks. They are closed on some public holidays such as Easter Day, 1st May, the 14th July and the 1st November.•There are some exceptions: - No lock closures: Anjou, Brittany, Camargue, Charente, Lot, Baïse and Somme. - Easter Sunday: all the Midi canals are open as well as the Saone between Corre and Soing. - Whit Sunday: the Canals de Bourgogne, du Nivernais, du Midi, de St Quentin, de Roanne à Digoin and the river Saone all stay open. - 14th July: the Saone stays open. • Locks are generally worked by a lockkeeper. • On the Lot and the Charente, locks must be operated by the boat's crew. As a result you can cruise all the daylight hours with no worry over opening hours or public holidays. For these locks you will need a crew of at least two active members. On other waterways, there are occasional locks to be operated by the boat'screw, whilst others are automatic, with easy-to-follow instructions. You will receive full details at the base on departure. |
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Start and finish timesHire duration is normally one or two weeks. 10 and 11 day periods and some short breaks are also available.Normal takeover time is between 4pm and 6pm. Return time is between 8am and 9am on the final day.One week is seven nights.Is it expensive?A rental boat holiday represents excellent value for money. Divide the price of the boat by the number of people on board and you will see what good value it is.What happens if we run into difficulties?Locaboat is at your service 7 days a week. At each base there are staff who speak English and for any problem you can call them at any time.Will I need special insurance?The hire price includes insurance of the boat and of the hirer's liability to a third party arising out of use of the boat. Insurance of the hirer, his personal effects and any other liability to a third party is not included |
How do I know where to go?Just consult the section dedicated to the different regions available. If you would like detailed maps of any particular area contact us and we can sell you the guide for the canal in question. These can be ordered when you are booking your trip.LOCABOAT QUICK LINKS |
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Car parkingAll the Locaboat bases have enclosed parking and some offer undercover parking. A charge will be made of between 28 and 42 euros per weekHow do I book?When you have decided on your region, the number who will be travelling, the type of boat, and the dates, just E mail us and we will get back to you immediately with the boats available. When we have found a boat and a departure date suitable for you, you must print out the booking form and send it to us by fax or mail. Payments are usually all by credit card with numbers given by E mail, fax or phone, but of course all other payment methods are acceptable. |
h2olidays, Port de Plaisance, 21170, Saint Jean de Losne, France
