Renting a river boat to discover the waterways of France or elsewhere is an excellent idea! It is both an opportunity to taste the rhythm of the locks, to approach superb landscapes by the nautical side, but also and we guess less, to live beautiful moments of conviviality in family or between friends.
The embarrassment of choice of the waterway
The first question to ask is where to go. France is rich of 8500 km of waterways and the choice is large. Rivers or canals, you will choose according to your tastes, but also to the crew. The rivers present more varied profiles but often require more attention to navigation because of the currents or the channel to respect. Some, like the Lot or the Charente have their locks operated by the user, which requires crew members agile enough to disembark at each of them.
How about a one-way ticket?
The canals are more linear, but no less interesting. When the rental company has several bases on the route, it is often possible to choose a one-way trip, i.e. to take the boat at one point and leave it elsewhere. In this case, a service offers to transport your vehicle to the arrival point. This is a way to cover a larger portion of the waterway, even if we often find that the return trip is not a constraint and allows us to linger in places that we neglected on the outward journey.
The choice of the boat depends on the crew
In the catalogs, riverboats are designated by their capacity. A 4+2 generally offers 2 cabins and a convertible saloon. Keeping the saloon free of any bedding is an important comfort that allows everyone to live at their own pace and to have a private space.
There are many layout configurations and the simplest are often the best. A wide-open boat is often more pleasant than the more closed modern designs. It should be comfortable to move around, without too many steps. A forward cockpit is very safe with young children, while an outside cockpit offers a very pleasant overhead view.
Exchange to confirm your choice
Once you've determined which models might be right for you, talk to the rental company. Even if you have to book online, we always recommend calling the base you're considering to talk to the staff there. They have experience and will be able to direct you to the boat that best suits your expectations, your route and your crew. They will be able to demystify the technical data sheet and specify for example the real electrical capacity of each model.
Prepare your cruise but not too much
We each have our own shortcomings! We will fight as much as possible the one that consists in wanting to plan our route and our stops. This is the best way to miss one of the pleasures of river navigation: following the inspiration of the moment. On the other hand, it is important to get a navigation guide map that will help you better appreciate the region in question. Most rental companies provide checklists so that you don't forget anything. On the other hand, you should not bring too many food products, which would prevent you from enjoying the local flavors.
On the day, at the time specified
On the day, agree with the charter company on a time of arrival. It is annoying for him to prepare the boat under impatient eyes and for the crew to wait sitting on their luggage. The formalities on site are usually quick. Once you are installed on board, there is one more step to accomplish, the handover. It is crucial, especially if it is your first experience. In spite of the road, the heat, and the thousand logistical questions, make sure that the captain and at least one or two other people are available to receive instructions.
An essential initiation
The initiation includes a visit of the boat, its comfort elements, but also the location of the safety equipment. On the map, the planned route will be detailed, points of interest and possible difficulties will be pointed out. Depending on your level of experience, you will be shown how to moor and you will be accompanied on the navigation to familiarize yourself with the maneuvers and to the first lock. Be attentive, humble, but do not fail to ask for more information until you feel autonomous.
During your stay, don't forget to inform the boat rental company of any problems you may encounter, either on board or on the waterway. The return of the boat is usually done early in the morning. The best thing to do is to anticipate by being there the night before. This will give you time to organize your departure, the cleaning of the boat and the formalities at the end of the cruise.
