At Nicols, the river is in our blood. Not only boats, by the way. It is the practice of navigation on rivers, canals and streams that drives Corinne Dufaud, the company's deputy director.
It is therefore quite natural that Corinne gives us her tips to make the most of her time on the water!
" The first thing to do after choosing your river "explains the director " prepare his background ". On a river, one rarely exceeds 6 to 8 kilometers per hour, so it's best to be in a quiet walking mode.
" We must remain in the spirit of slow tourism, we are here to discover an area and an environment, not for a speed race "adds Corinne. In Nicols' experience, users navigate between 4 and 5 hours per day. This means that a thirty kilometer stage is usually enough to continue enjoying the landscapes and the encounters.
" Because river navigation is also about meeting people. The lock keepers, the base managers or even the local shopkeepers during the stops. So many people that we will meet through the towns and villages we encounter. "continues the manager.
Think local!
By the way, how do you properly anticipate these crossings? " Each of our rental bases offers routes according to duration. Weekend, midweek or full week, our base managers know how to advise you and propose itineraries and places that they themselves frequent. Because that is also the strength of our offer, it is supported by locals who frequent the region they advise. Don't hesitate to call the bases before your stay to ask any questions that come to mind. "
An ideal complement to a river trip, the guidebook of the same name. " We provide a river guide on board all boats. Not only is it mandatory, but it is a wealth of information "adds Corinne. She adds, for the memories " Ideally, I suggest that renters buy their own and personalize it, adding their own memories of stops, visits and family time. It's an activity that everyone, parents, teens and children can do along the way. "
Add to this that these guides, published by Editions du Breil, are written under the direction of John Riddel, a former river tourism professional who has become a publisher, and you can be sure that you are getting quality local information!
Think space!
" On board a boat, there is room for the number of passengers expected, of course " begins Corinne " But this space is limited, so you have to think about a smart and holiday use of the space on board ."
No more big suitcases or trunks. Think soft bags and, at the time of departure, unload these bags in the cupboards provided and put them in the trunk of the car.
Similarly for bicycles, " useless for one or two outings in the week to take as many bikes as we will be on board, because they will mostly take up space on the terrace. "explains the manager who is, it should be noted, a user of her company's boats. Moreover, Corinne explains " when we need to move around with our family, we take a cab, it's also convenient and relatively cheap. A maximum of four bikes per boat, to avoid the terrace becoming a parking lot ".
" On board a small barge, you must be comfortable. Comfortable and easy to live with clothes are to be preferred. No heels, but sport shoes, because you may have to jump quickly on the bank. Flip-flops are to be avoided, because they slip and can be lost easily in the water of the rivers "explains the director.
Among the tricks of the rental company's customers, we will note the handling gloves to handle the ropes, a raincoat for each member of the crew and swimming armbands for the youngest.
Life jackets are provided and available in appropriate numbers and sizes, but small children will always be more comfortable with lighter equipment.
Of course, we will not forget sunglasses or caps. On the water, you don't feel the heat and sunburns happen much faster than on land. " Sunscreen is to be provided and used absolutely " alerts the mother of the family.
If you wear glasses, think about bringing a cord, ideally floating. Cell phone addicts should think about a waterproof and floating pouch, accidents happen quickly.
Finally, an essential accessory, binoculars: " They will be used not only to admire the landscape, but also to prepare the passage of a lock. They are an occupation for the youngest who will then be active in the crossings by giving information to the mother pilot or the father co-pilot "explains Corinne.
Think disconnection!
" The issue of telephones is at the top of the list of requests from our tenants. The vast majority of waterways are covered, just like on land. I recommend trying to disconnect while sailing. The houseboats are equipped with cigarette lighter plugs, as on cars, which can be used to charge cell phones. "
In fact, it's all of its electricity consumption that you need to monitor. Because electricity consumed in the evening means ... no electricity available for breakfast in the morning. Don't worry though, you can always start the boat's engine, whose starter is powered by other batteries
A final tip is to bring the bulk of the large groceries when you board the plane, to avoid having to carry milk or water packs by hand. " The rest stops are most often located in the city " explains Nicols, " but department stores are often located on the outskirts of cities " we add. Local, the base chefs will be good advice to prepare its races before arriving the day of the rent.
Think occupation
On board a boat, you are with your family. It is obviously the moment to redo what we have stopped doing in the hectic life of everyday life.
" Bring books, board games, card games and activities to do as a family "This is the main recommendation of Corinne Dufaud who explains " The first day is very busy, between the handling of the boat, the tidying up and the first maneuvers, the day passes very quickly. The next day, we start to change rhythm and, so that everyone has fun on this cruise, we have to set up family activities. The passage of the locks is one for example, which will require everyone to put the hand to the paste. "
For the rest, family life, discussions, meal preparation usefully occupy the time of navigation. " Involve the whole family in boat handling, always under adult supervision "adds Corinne.
To keep a souvenir of the cruise, pens, pencils, glue and scissors will allow you to personalize the river guide to make a logbook of your vacation.
Some boats are equipped with television " but most of the tenants who require one at the beginning explain that they hardly turned it on during the whole stay ".
A change of pace and new landscapes are required.
The " swimming pool " is interesting to avoid the frustration of not being able to swim in most canals. " It is a heated swimming pool with a capacity of 700 liters which is attached to the boat and offers the exclusive possibility to swim on board. Children and adults alike enjoy being rocked in water that is generally 35 degrees "Corinne adds that she recommends reserving this option when renting the boat because, exclusively for Nicols, it is particularly popular!
Forget the traditional barbecue. On board as well as on the banks, it presents a fire risk that is far too great in case a piece of coal falls. Gas barbecues are available at all departure bases and will allow for safe summer cooking!
On the water, you can of course catch your own fish, as Corinne explains: " Fishing is a fun activity that involves the whole family. You don't need to bring a rod, it's much more fun to look for a branch that has already fallen, tie some string or nylon thread, a hook and in the evening cook the day's catch. Just buy a fishing card for the duration of your stay and catch only what you are going to use for a fun fishing trip. "
Thinking healthy
On board a riverboat, there is little risk of getting seasick, so there is no need to plan treatments. Mosquitoes? " The rooms are all equipped with mosquito nets " reassures Corinne " Candle and citronella lotion will keep them away during dinners on the terrace and a small ointment will soothe the bites of those who attract insects "
People who are equipped with positive pressure devices to fight against sleep apnea are welcome, obviously, on board. Depending on the equipment model, they can be powered from the cigarette lighter socket, in 12 volts ( they must then consume less than 150 watts ). If the equipment is not suitable for 12-volt operation, consider using a 12-volt to 220-volt voltage converter. "Remember to tell the service provider who maintains your device that you will be out of town and write down, in advance, addresses of stops where they can intervene in case your equipment breaks down" concludes the manager.
For added security, consider plugging into one of the dockside outlets that swarm along the canals, you'll be sure to have electricity throughout the night and enjoy even more rest on the water.
Finally, for small injuries, "a first aid kit is on board all the boats, for first aid. If it is not compulsory to do so, it is recommended to tell the base manager if you have used some products, so that he can complete the inventory" explains Corinne.
Think discovery
New rhythm, new landscapes and new way of travelling. River recreation is a different approach to vacations and tourism. It is hardly possible to travel long distances from the stops, as there are few means of transport available (bicycle or public transport).
River tourism brings discovery and wonder, sometimes close to home. The important thing is to prepare your boat rental without a license.
