Canal Boating

FAQs

Do you need a Licence to hire a boat?

No, you do not need a licence to drive your own Locaboat canal boat.

Will we be able to handle the boat ?

A Pénichette boat is so easy to handle - much like driving a golf cart! As soon as you arrive at the base and are installed in your Pénichette boat, a service engineer will come on board to explain to you the workings of the boat. You will be given a course of instruction in piloting and shown how to manoeuvre the craft. You will then have an opportunity to ask any questions you wish. In no time at all, you will be feeling quite at home at the helm and familiar with the handling of your boat.

It must be very expensive ?

No! A Pénichette one week cruise works out (per couple) at about the same price as one week in a two star hotel - and then you don’t even have any transport (i.e. rental car) costs because your boat is both your transport and your hotel!! As well, any previous canal boater will tell you that the experience on board was something to be treasured!

How long should we go for ?

There are itineraries available for many different periods, but ideally a one week cruise is what you should consider in the first instance - this will give you the minimum time to truly experience the joy of cruising along the canals, and be long enough to allow you to completely relax from the stresses of life! There are also some wonderful cruises available from ten days to three weeks long.

Which cruise should we go on?

There are cruises in almost every region of France, whether you want to explore Brittany, Gascony, Cognac, the Midi etc. You can read elsewhere on this site some of our recommended cruises (especially for first timers!) and we will be happy to guide you in your choice.

Can you advise us on what there is to see and do ?

Before your departure you will receive a detailed itinerary from us, giving you some travelling tips (including recommended shopping lists!), as well as the Locaboat Manual which details operational procedures and details about your arrival. During your cruise you are advised to have a local cruising map, which is available at the departure base, or we can let you have this before your departure. These maps let you know about the history along your route, as well as advising you where your provisions can be purchased.

Will we be able to get on with each other in a confined space ?

Taking a Pénichette Cruise doesn't mean that you will be shut together in the confines of your cabin – far from it ! As you cruise along, some of you may be walking along the tow path, others may be sleeping, or others just sitting on the deck finishing their glass of wine!! The rest is over to you!!

What about going as a Couple?

No problem ! A Pénichette boat is so easy to handle, that it is perfectly feasible for two people to pilot and manoeuvre it.

Are the boats comfortable ?

With a Pénichette boat, no matter what model you select, everything has been done to ensure your comfort on board. Special features include a spacious saloon, comfortable bunks, hot water and the pleasure of a good shower – all the more enjoyable, as the water can be topped up easily at a nearby village or lock. On board your boat, space is necessarily limited, but the saloon is always given priority, for this will virtually be your "living room" on a cruising holiday. The cabins are modest in size but have excellent storage capacity. In fact, this is one of Pénichette's trump cards. In addition to the normal sanitary facilities, you will usually find a washbasin in each cabin. Most of the beds on board are generously proportioned. And, what's more, all Pénichette boats come equipped with full bedding, including sheets, pillows and duvets.

Is there any danger for children ?

No ! Pénichette boats – whichever model you choose for your cruise – are all equipped with a number of safety features. There is ease of movement at all times on board, thanks to the wide catwalks, which are protected by guardrails, and the sun decks, which are extensive and secure. In addition, life jackets are provided and compulsory for children.

What is there to do ? Can it be boring ?

You will find that you will be busier than you imagined! At every bend, and every lock, the scenery changes. As well as this you will have the opportunity to visit many historical landmarks along your route. Then you must also find the time to search for a restaurant or to buy your provisions for the day. You will have no time to be bored!

Can we stop anywhere we like ?

Certainly you can! Exploring a region in your Pénichette boat means setting off on your journey and having complete freedom to stop at any time. In addition to the numerous harbours with amenities that are dotted along the waterways, you can moor your Pénichette virtually anywhere – except where there are "No Mooring" signs, or if you are on a bend or in a narrow passage, under a bridge, in a lock or near a stretch of reeds.

Will there be towns and villages to visit ?

A Pénichette boat doesn't mean that you have to limit your horizon to the canal or river bank ! Frequently, you will only have to travel a few hundred yards on foot or by bicycle, or perhaps take a taxi, to discover a well-known beauty spot, a mediaeval village, an old Roman church or a fine cellar that it would be a shame to miss. Your River Guide will tell you all you need to know about the interesting and unusual features of the area that you intend visiting.

Will there be opportunities to meet other people ?

A Pénichette Cruise frequently provides opportunities to meet other people and make new acquaintances. When negotiating a lock, for instance, you will usually find yourself in the company of other boating enthusiasts. But you will also be drawn into contact with people from the area that you are passing through. Often, a word or two of conversation and a smile are all it takes to establish an excellent rapport with good-humoured and friendly locals. Make the first move, even if you are cruising abroad and don't speak the language of the country very well. Sometimes a flag from your home country mounted on your boat, helps start many a conversation!

When is the best time of year for a cruise ?

Strictly speaking, there is no "best time of year" for a Pénichette Cruise. Each season has its own particular attractions, and the countryside adjoining rivers and canals can always be seen to best advantage. In winter, for instance, you can still appreciate the beauty of the South of France, where the base at Lattes remains open all year round.

Will we have fine weather ?

The region and the time of year that you have selected for your holiday will naturally determine the kind of weather you can expect. But, whatever the weather, life on board a Pénichette boat is always fun. However, you should always bear in mind that humidity is a constant factor in life afloat. You will be well advised to bring some woolen garments with you - irrespective of the region and the season you have chosen for your cruise. As for rain, unfortunately no-one can ever plan what the weather is going to do on your holiday! If it rains for any length of time, this is the right moment, to explore the towns and villages, if you’ve got tired of playing cards!

What if we meet another boat ?

If you are the only craft navigating a particular stretch of water, you may keep to the centre of the canal or river, but when you meet another boat, you must pull over to the right and stay close to the bank. Remember also to look behind you, in case there are faster craft following which are anxious to overtake.

Are the locks easy to negotiate ?

Yes, and passing through a lock will be a highlight of your cruise! You can always chat to the lock keeper and you can sometimes buy produce that will be a specialty of the region or you can simply take advantage of this pause on your cruise to absorb the local atmosphere and get to know your fellow boaties passing through the locks at the same time as you.

Are there lock keepers in attendance ?

Yes, most of the time. There are five types of lock in all: a manually operated lock with keeper (the most common type); an electrically operated lock with keeper; and an automated lock with keeper (a type frequently found on major rivers in particular). There are also two other types of lock without a keeper. A manually operated lock without keeper will be found especially on certain canals and rivers which are little used. You and your crew will have to negotiate this lock, whose dimensions are small, but you will be rewarded for your efforts with one of your happiest holiday memories! The automated lock without keeper is often of medium size and can sometimes be found on canals with light commercial traffic. The service engineer will give you explanatory details of the control system for this at your point of embarkation.

When are locks "open for business " ?

Locks are "open for business" every day as a rule, but on certain public holidays they may be shut. For full details of relevant days and times, all you have to do is consult the River Guide relating to your itinerary.

Is there anything to pay at the locks ?

No, there is nothing to pay for passing through a lock.

Can we go swimming ?

It is often possible to go swimming at various stages of your itinerary. There are rivers and canals where swimming is permitted. So bring along your bathing togs – you will want them anyway for getting that suntan on deck ! Generally, though, I would not recommend swimming in canals in France, although some rivers may be all right at certain times of the year. You would always need to check at the time of your departure.

What about fishing ?

There is no shortage in France of rivers well stocked with fish, such as the Somme, the Charente or the Saône. N.B. In order to fish, you will have to obtain a licence and this can be bought on the spot.

Where can we leave our car in safety for the duration of the cruise ?

All Locaboat bases have car parks that are enclosed and/or covered. You will be asked to pay a parking fee for this facility at your point of embarkation.

If we are taking a one-way cruise, how do we recover our car ?