Self-drive boating holidays
Bonjour from Port Chalmers.
July is here, which means we are now processing our September bookings. September is traditionally our busiest month and this year it is dominated by rental boats. There is so much boating information online, that clients often get overwhelmed by the multitude of choices, so they come to us to benefit from our 40yrs of experience on the French (and Venice) waterways. We work directly with all the rental boat operators and strive to find everyone the best boat, on the best route, at the best price.
The number one question is where to go, and, of course, there is no simple answer. It depends on many things including the make up of the party, their expectations, time of the year and duration of the holiday. Generally we favour Burgundy, especially for mid-summer, as it is not overrun by tourists and the Canal du Nivernais is both beautiful and varied in landscape with restaurants and the Auxerrois vineyards within walking/cycling distance. We also love Alsace and last boated there in 2022 with friends. Next year, we are planning to return to another favourite waterway, the Charente River. We cruised between Angouleme and St Savinien for three weeks in 2014 and were enchanted by its tranquil beauty, great food and cognac, plus the perfect September weather also helped. Only return cruises are possible on the Charente so it ideally need 10-14 days for a relaxed holiday.
Shorter, as well as longer, holidays are possible on the Canal du Midi, which, between Toulouse and the Camargue, has more one-way routes than any other canal. But, it is the most popular canal in France so can become very busy in the summer months, especially July and August, when queuing for locks is the norm. There are lots of hotel barges on this canal and they always have priority, which can be frustrating if you have been waiting for a lock, then a barge arrives and ’steals' your place. Despite this, clients love the canal for its hot weather, ancient history including magnificent Carcassonne, and its 'cheap and cheerful' restaurants and wines, plus it is very family-friendly.
We recommend an average of 3-4hrs cruising per day to allow for late starts, sightseeing, long lunches and the unexpected. That means 24 to 28 hrs cruising over one week, because you will not get away from the start base before 4.00pm and in peak season you may not depart until the next day. To avoid an expensive surcharge, the boat has to be returned by 9.00am on the last day with luggage, bikes and rubbish off the boat, so it is advisable to moor in the base the previous night. At the start base they will swipe your credit card for a security deposit and a fuel/consumables deposit. The former is refunded when the boat is returned in a clean and tidy condition. The cost of fuel/consumables is calculated at the end of the cruise based on engine hours and there is usually a small surcharge to pay, but if you have been frugal, the difference will be refunded. Before heading off you will be shown over the boat, the manual explained and then taken out for a practical demonstration.
As for boats the choice is large and mostly, they are cruiser style with ensuite bathrooms and bow thrusters on the newer models. France Afloat’s Euroclassics are the exception.
These are lovely, flat bottomed, steel-hulled mini-barges with spacious, timber lined interiors, generators, microwaves and ensuite bathrooms with electric flush toilets. However, some clients have found them frustrating to steer because, being heavy with a small propellor and rudder, they are very slow to respond to the wheel. On the first day everyone zig-zags down the canal, but once you get the feel of the boat most people are fine.
Le Boat with the biggest fleet, lots of routes and frequent special offers are our biggest seller. They offer boats at every price level, but the Royal Mystique is our favourite for two couples. With its big sister the Mystique (3 cabins), it was refurbished during covid and offers spacious cabins, a generous sun deck, excellent steering positions and good traffic flow throughout the boat.
Our other main suppliers are Canalous and Nicols, who also have a good selection of boats and some bargain-price offers for last minute bookings.
It is not too late to book for September /October when the canals are more peaceful and the weather still balmy, so please get in touch.
Robert & Barbara