2020 BOATING HOLIDAYS - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY OR LICENCE REQUIRED - French Waterways
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2 0 2 0 B O AT I N G H O L I D A Y S NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY OR LICENCE REQUIRED F R A N C E | I TA LY | G E R M A N Y | N E T H E R L A NDS | B ELGIU M | IREL A ND | ENGL A ND | S COTL A ND | C A N ADA
EW N Exclusive discounts and benefits More opportunities to create if you holiday with us again… those special ‘moments’ Whether seeking ‘tried and trusted’ or ‘new and unexpected’ A MOMENT Anyone who travels with Le Boat automatically becomes the lure of the water draws back many boating ‘converts’ time of natural wonder a member of our Captains’ Club and gains access to a range and time again. And it’s no wonder… our choice of unique of exclusive discounts and benefits. We moored in a particularly peaceful, countryside spot one destinations means each holiday can be completely different evening under the canopies of gigantic trees and sat on the from the last. But what makes our holidays so memorable is top deck taking in the glory of nature as thousands of birds their ability to help boaters find those truly special ‘moments’ flew and sang around us. We had a delicious barbecue on the KEY BENEFITS that make life worth living. top deck, before going to sleep to the gentle rhythms of water. Absolutely magnificent! Franki - South Africa REPEATER DISCOUNT We’ve asked our current Captains, as well as members of the £100 off your next cruise* Le Boat team, about a time when they’ve enjoyed a true 10% OFF SECOND CRUISE IN SAME YEAR ‘moment’ on their boating holiday– a rare but special experience that gave them goosebumps, made them utter ‘wow’ or felt an A MOMENT EARLY ACCESS TO SELECTED SPECIAL OFFERS immense feeling of calm, awe or happiness. We hope they inspire of simplicity you to go search for some ‘moments’ of your own. PRIORITY ACCESS Arriving at a beautiful village, we secured the boat and rode be first to book on new destinations & boats our bikes into town. No carting luggage into a hotel, just so easy.We enjoyed the surroundings, shopped at the local RECOMMEND-A-FRIEND DISCOUNT market and came back to the boat to cook a meal and drink £100 for you and your friend delicious local wine on board. Totally stress and hassle-free! John - UK If booking online, you will need a promotional code to activate your discount. Codes will be sent to eligible Captain’s via a Captain’s Club email or by contacting our sales teams. Please note: only one code may be used online. You must book via our call centre to use more than one (i.e Repeater discount + second cruise discount). A MOMENT *Terms and conditions apply – please see website. of achivement Once we'd sucessfully negotiated our first lock we realised it was as easy everyone told me it would be. Suddenly we felt like true Captains and the waterway was ours to explore. It was a very liberating feeling. Laurie - Canada om u r ts tM o en oa e y eB a r #L Sh 4 Look out for more special ‘moments’ throughout our brochure. 5
NEW TO BOATING HOLIDAYS? No experience necessary, no licence required! If you’ve never been on a boating holiday before, the concept is simple. We provide you with a boat, which will be your home and transport for the duration of your holiday. Pick it up from one of our many bases, situated along some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe and Canada, and the rest is entirely up to you. Go where you want; do as you please. The only requirement is that you return it back to the base on time. GET A HEAD START For boating ‘newbies’ – why not check out our helpful boat handling videos, IT’S EASY PEASY! safety advice and other online resources? Reviewing this before your holiday can aid your understanding of what you are told during the pre-departure briefing and will help you to become confident with the boat and the Not many of our new customers have driven a boat before. However, waterway more quickly. they quickly realise how easy it is and soon become confident navigating the waterways. Our base teams will tell (and show) you everything you need to know and will accompany you for a short distance, to make sure you are completely happy with the controls. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE BOAT And the predeparture, arrival and on board information we provide has PLAN YOUR TIME IN DETAIL OR TAKE EACH CRUISE FOR AS LONG AND AS FAR AS YOU WANT been thoughtfully put together to ensure you have relevant and helpful Boating is a lot of fun and a most relaxing way of getting about. However, you will DAY AS IT COMES – WHATEVER SUITS! information at hand exactly when you need it. We work hard to make treasure the moments you leave your boat just as much. The waterways provide In many of our boating regions, we have more than one base, which sure you don’t have to! you with an ever-changing playground and somewhere new to explore, every day. means you can either return your boat to the same base you started There is a waterways map on board which makes it very clear where you can and can’t go. Other on-board information tells from, or you can cruise one-way between two bases. You can book any you approximately how long it will take you to travel from point duration from a three-night short break to a two-week holiday, or even to point, where you can moor and what you can expect to longer. We won’t allow you to book a duration that doesn’t allow enough find in each waterside town or village. Some people like to plan time to get to your destination base. We’ve provided helpful cruising their holiday itinerary in fine detail. Others enjoy waking up each suggestions on our destination pages, to show you how long it will take morning and chatting about what to do that day, around the to cruise between bases. An average of three to four hours cruising a breakfast table. day is quite a nice pace. IT'S ALL ON BOARD LOCKS ARE EASY… AND GOOD FUN! All our boats have comfortable cabins; hot water, showers and toilets; Going through locks is an enjoyable part of your holiday. It gives everyone dining tables and fully-equipped kitchens – everything you’ll need to be on board the chance to get involved, no matter their age or experience. self-sufficient for the duration of your holiday. You can travel from place You’ll quickly get the hang of them and enjoy the crew camaraderie and the to place, without the need to keep unpacking and packing again! For more opportunity to chat with fellow boaters. The types of lock vary by region, about our boats, see pages 40 - 55. whether manually-operated or electric; automatic or manned by a lock keeper. SEE OUR SUGGESTED ITINERARIES ONLINE Although our holidays offer the freedom to go where you please and stop when you want, we understand that sometimes it’s just easier to have a plan – and even better if that plan is already made for you. So we’ve put together a ranges of suggested itineraries for each of our cruising regions to help you decide which route is best for you and to show you what your holiday might look like once you’re there. Remember though – they are just suggestions. Although your start and end base are fixed once booked – what you do in between can be flexed and changed as you go along. 6 7
OUR CRUISING Inverness Caledonian REGIONS CANADA Laggan Fort William Canal Montreal Ottawa Glasgow Edinburgh Smiths Falls SCOTL AND Rideau Canal Toronto Seeley's Bay Belfast Kingston Carrick-on -Shannon Shannon & Erne Schwerin NETHERLANDS Jabel Dublin Mecklenburg Portumna Groningen Marina Wolfsbruch New York IRELAND Hindeloopen Friesland ENGLAND Brandenburg Berlin Ottawa Locks, Canada Birmingham Amsterdam Potsdam Benson Vinkeveen Thames & Chertsey Holland Oxford Washington D.C Nieuwpoort GERMANY London Dover Southampton Dunkirk Bruges Flanders Calais Brussels Lille BELGIUM Frankfurt Cherbourg Le Havre Trier Paris Metz St.Malo Dinan Hesse Stuttgart Alsace Strasbourg Munich Saint-Cirq Lapopie, Lot Rennes Migennes Boofzheim Fontenoy- Messac Chatillon- le-chateau sur-Loire Auxerre Brittany Dijon Basel Tannay Nantes Burgundy: Nevers St.Jean-de-losne Loire & Nivernais Branges Decize la Rochelle Charente Burgundy: Geneva Precenicco Friuli Jarnac Franche Comté Treviso Trieste Lyon Casale Angoulême Cognac FRANCE Milan Venice Venice Bergerac I TA LY Bordeaux Douelle Windmill at Zaanse Lot Nîmes Avignon Le-Mas-d'Agenais Schans, Netherlands Aquitaine Castelsarrasin Nice Venice St-Gilles Toulouse Homps Montpellier Castelnaudary Marseille Trebes Béziers Port Carcassonne CassafieresCamargue Canal du Midi Narbonne MAP KEY Le Boat bases Cities Cities with airports Cruising regions 8 Vineyard on the Midi 9
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION p18-19 Canal du Midi p20 Camargue p21 Aquitaine p14-17 Canada p30-31 Italy The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage The Camargue hosts many fabulous beach Aquitaine in south-west France provides both Bookended by vibrant Ottawa and bustling Kingston, both teeming with culture, the Rideau Canal Venice and its surrounding islands will enchant Site, is a wonderful journey through the sun- resorts, ancient ports, fishing villages and cultural and culinary delights with ancient hilltop connects a series of wide open lakes, home to endless outdoor pursuits and watersports. The many you with opulent architecture, vibrant culture drenched vineyards and pretty villages of historic towns. It also is a wildlife haven and villages and colourful markets specialising in quirky towns and villages along the way each harbour individual appeal, a wealth of boutique shopping and spectacular vistas. By contrast, the rural the Languedoc - France’s most prolific wine is one of the few nesting sites for graceful French delicacies such as truffles. opportunities and a big hearty welcome. charm of the Friuli region will surprise and producing region. flamingos in all of France. Especially great for: delight. Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Wine-tasting Beaches and seaside fun Wine-tasting Big lakes & watersports Big city art and culture Big city art and culture Castles and Cathar history Amazing wildlife Cycling Hiking and walking trails Fishing Beaches and seaside fun Cycling Delicious seafood Glorious gastronomy Breathtaking scenery Mountain biking Golf p22 Lot p23 Charente p24 Brittany p32-33 Germany p34-35 Netherlands p36 Belgium Discover majestic scenery, wide valleys and Supposedly the ‘loveliest river in France’, Full of Celtic charm and fairy-tale castles, unique With dramatic lakeside castles, historic The rivers and lakes of Holland and Friesland Historical monuments, gothic facades, steep gorges; spectacular limestone cliffs and the crystal clear waters of the Charente are Breton culture and traditions come to life in this cities, modern café culture, protected nature will provide glimpses of beautiful windmills, ancient towns, famous Belgian chocolate and cascading waterfalls; a nature-lovers dream, perfect for swimming in. Pass fields of vibrant picturesque cruising region, with many pretty reserves and crystal clear lakes, this stunning waterside villages, vast lakes and colourful pretty humpback bridges make Belgium an popular for wildlife-spotting, kayaking and sunflowers, ancient Roman sites and cognac villages and lively towns to explore. region is a haven for watersports enthusiasts fields. And don’t miss a day trip to vibrant enchanting destination with a vast tapestry of canoeing. distilleries. and nature lovers. Amsterdam. charms. Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Swimming and fun in the river Swimming and fun in the river Fairytale castles Big lakes and watersports Big lakes and watersports Beaches and seaside fun Fishing Fishing Delicious seafood Waterside castles and palaces Cycling Historic monuments and war memorials Breathtaking scenery Historical monuments Lively cities and culture Big city art and culture Big city art and culture Belgian beer p25 Alsace p26-27 Burgundy: Loire & Nivernais p28-29 Burgundy: Franche Comté p37 Ireland p38 England p39 Scotland Alsace, neighboured by Germany, has a The Nivernais Canal is reputed to be one of As well as fine wines and gourmet cuisine, Discover castle ruins and Celtic monuments, The River Thames provides a magical Steeped in Celtic mystery, myth and legend, distinctly cosmopolitan feel and offers superb France’s prettiest and the Loire provides gentle the landscapes of this region are rich with surrounded by verdant green countryside. combination of lush green countryside, historic such as the tale of the Loch Ness monster, cruising to suit all tastes; nature-lovers, history cruising with few locks. Both offer spectacular the natural beauty of pine forests, Go fishing, play a round of golf or just relax castles, royal palaces & gardens and countless this breathtaking region has the majestic buffs and city explorers. Alsace has it all! views, hilltop vineyards and charming towns mountain scenery, rolling pastures and while experiencing the genuine warmth and attractions to keep the most restless of mountains of the Scottish Highlands for a and villages. meadows of flowers. hospitality of the Irish. travellers entertained. backdrop – stunning! Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Especially great for: Famous white wines Wine-tasting Wine-tasting Golf Castles, palaces and stately homes Fishing Cosmopolitan cities Cathedrals Swimming and fun in the river Fishing Theme parks and family attractions Breathtaking scenery Breathtaking scenery Cycling Glorious gastronomy Lively villages and a warm welcome Big city art and culture Outdoor pursuits 10 11
NEED INSPIRATION? If you need a little help picking your perfect Le Boat destination, why not take a look at some of our suggestions, ideal for the following groups of people and interests. HISTORY AND HERITAGE The Cathar castles of the Canal du Midi (p18-19), including the impressive walled city at Carcassonne, will enthral history buffs, while Celtic Brittany (p24) has its fair share of enchanting chateaux to visit. Or explore royal Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace on the historic Thames (p38). SCENERY AND COUNTRYSIDE The waterways meander past glorious countryside in whichever destination you choose. However, the rugged highlands of Scotland (p39) are particularly stunning; the perfect escape from it all. Alternatively, get away to the peaceful Nivernais and Loire (p26-27) with pretty cobbled French villages, vineyards, forests and countryside. Or the vast lakes and leafy forests of the Rideau Canal in Canada (p14-17) will take your breath away. GLORIOUS GASTRONOMY A ROMANTIC ESCAPE Crusty French bread, fine wine and delicious cheeses await you in all of our French Just the two of you? Head to Holland (p34-35) where you can cruise past regions, although a cruise through Aquitaine (p21) will also reward you with Agen tulip fields, cycle the flat countryside towpaths and immerse yourself prunes, foie gras, truffles and Bordeaux wine. And, with its wealth of gastro pubs, in the culture and bright lights of Amsterdam. Or Belgium (p36) offers exquisite riverside eateries and Michelin-starred restaurants, the Thames (p38) is delightful Bruges along with picturesque canals, pretty scenery and also a food-l overs paradise. chocolate! And not forgetting Italy (p30-31) and the most romantic city in the World – Venice! SWIMMING AND WATERSPORTS A cruise in one of our beautiful river destinations, such as the River Lot (p22) and FAMILY FUN River Charente (p23), or the open lakes of Mecklenburg in Germany (p32-33), Head to the sunny south of France, where the Camargue (p20) offers Friesland in the Netherlands (p34-35) and the Rideau Canal in Canada (p16) will amazing wildlife, sandy Mediterranean beaches, horse-riding, quad- allow you to swim straight from your boat. Kayaking, and sometimes sailing, is biking and more. popular in these destinations and you can also hire stand-up paddle boards to take with you (selected destinations only). For fun in the sea, try the Mediterranean Or the captivating River Thames (p38) is packed full of fun and thrills with beaches of the Camargue (p20) or the Adriatic coast in Friuli, Italy (p30-31). wildlife and theme parks, woodland trails, activity centres and countless parkland for picnics and running wild in. FISHING Our river destinations make perfect fishing grounds. You can hire angling GROUP ADVENTURES dinghies with your boat hire in the Lot (p22), Charente (p23), Germany (p32-33), Netherlands (p34-35) and Ireland (p37) so you can reach the most secluded Sharing a boat with friends and discovering new places to see and new spots. Scotland (p39) is also a great destination for the avid angler. Ask us about things to do each day is not only great fun, but it's affordable too! The fishing licences. Thames (p38) and the Canal du Midi (p18-19) are teeming with waterside attractions and sites of interest, while Amsterdam (p34-35), Berlin (p32- 33) and Venice (p30-31) make a good ‘ city and countryside combo’ to AND THERE’S MUCH MORE… suit a mix of holiday desires! The Camargue (p20), Lot (p22), Mecklenburg Whether you love golf, fishing, cycling, gastronomy, wine tasting, wildlife, swimming (p32), Friesland (p34) and Scotland (p39) are all good if your group is or watersports - we have a choice of perfect destinations for you. Visit our website particularly active and enjoy outdoor pursuits. or call our expert team for recommendations. 12 13
Ontario's Highlands DISCOVER Canada Canada is a land of diversity, a land where nature and culture collide in an exciting, eclectic and exhilarating mix to form a uniquely Canadian experience! Niagara Falls EXTEND YOUR STAY There are so many great things to do and see in this great region of Canada! So why not combine your Le Boat holiday with a stay in one or more of the You can now go on your own Canadian adventure with following nearby destinations? Le Boat, having opened a base in Smiths Falls, Ontario 2018, and a second base in Seeley's Bay in 2019. The spectacular Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS Heritage Site and the oldest continuously operating Sometimes the best way to reconnect is to disconnect, slow the pace, canal in North America, works its way 202km and just wander, letting every new discovery of events, places, and people (125 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston. become its own opportunity to stimulate the senses and nourish the soul. If this sounds like your kind of escape, Ontario’s Highlands are the place for Turn the page to read more about this stunning cruising ground. Ottawa you –a beautiful, unspoiled region nestled between Ottawa and Toronto and the Le Boat base in Smiths Falls makes the perfect starting point to explore, either before or after your boating vacation. Hire a car perhaps and become a contemporary wanderer on a classic North-American road NIAGARA FALLS trip - discover charming small towns, stunning conservation areas, white- water adventure and historical sites. This iconic thunderous torrent of water, which separates the USA from Canada, is one of the great wonders of the world and a bucket-list www.comewander.ca favourite. The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Classic is your ticket to the full experience! Whether it’s standing in awe at the base of the world’s most powerful waterfall at ‘Journey Behind the Falls’, walking beside OTTAWA class 5 whitewater rapids at White Water Walk or sailing right into the mist aboard Hornblower Niagara Cruises. Once you’ve finished, head Canada’s capital is a dynamic city with a cosmopolitan vibe and the canal to Niagara-on-the-Lake to relax and unwind at the world-class wineries takes you right into its heart. However, it is definitely worth planning and unique shops of this historic town. a longer stay before or after your boating vacation if time will allow. Discover Canada’s proud heritage at impressive national sites and delve www.niagaraparks.com into world-class museums and galleries displaying stunning national collections. Walk to Parliament Hill to enjoy a free tour of its interior; stroll TORONTO to the ByWard Market neighborhood for boutiques and restaurants with Home to the famous CN Tower, Casa Loma (North America’s only local flare; enjoy one of Ottawa’s famous annual festivals; or take a bike full-sized castle) and baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto ride along the more than 600km of beautiful multi-use pathways. The is blessed with an abundance of unforgettable experiences for the Ottawa region also offers the best of the finer things in life: a thriving intrepid traveler. And once you’ve finished taking in the sights, pamper culinary and craft beer scene, unique local boutiques, lively music and yourself with a shopping trip to the spectacular Eaton Centre Mall art, and exciting nightlife options. or the swanky Mink Mile, before heading off to enjoy one of Canada’s Perth top restaurants. www.ottawatourism.ca 14 15
CANADA Rideau Canal Westport stole my heart. A quiet and peaceful place to stop for the night with an easy walk to the Foley The best of Europe's waterways in one amazing destination Mountain view point for an amazing vista and boutique shopping aplenty. Most Get a new perspective on canal cruising with our first ever non-European destination. Discover the beauty of the Rideau Canal on your very own Canadian memorable was a perfect summer's evening at adventure. Cruise effortlessly on a chain of lakes, rivers and canals that run from the Scheuermann Vineyard. It was plain to see the owner Ottawa to Kingston. Find your own frontier spirit and engross yourself in the region’s loves his job- his enthusiasm and passion were captivating. spellbinding natural wonders, quaint towns and pulsating cities. For something truly Lauren - South Africa special, come in September or October to witness the display of reds, oranges Voted Canada’s prettiest village, Merrickville, home to a vibrant and yellows of Canada's wilderness in the Fall. Whether you are after breath-taking artisanal community and often dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Rideau’. nature or vibrant culture, Canada has it all. Smiths Falls is both the location of one of our bases and a hub of outdoor activity and adventure –the ideal place for a breath of fresh air. Find Ottawa’s only working museum in Manotick. Watson’s Mill is both a fascinating Ottawa locks museum and one of the only remaining operating grist mills in North America! Ottawa Montreal Taste the locally inspired brews of Perth Brewery, Cartwright Springs Brewery, or Whitewater Brewing Co. Go underground on a tour into the turn-of-the-century Silver Queen Mica Mine, the 'jewel' of Murphys Point Provincial Park. Manotick Long Island Pamper yourself with a wine-tasting and tour, followed by a lake-view lunch at the Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery in Westport. CRUISE CANADA IN TRUE STYLE Our Canada fleet is comprised solely of boats from our brand new Horizon fleet. Le Boat Base Navigable river Canal TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Ottawa Smiths Falls – 1 hr • Seeley’s Bay - 1 hr 45 mins Kingston, Ontario Toronto Smiths Falls – 3 hrs 45 mins • Seeley’s Bay - 2 hrs 45 mins Burritts Rapids CRUISING SUGGESTIONS Montreal You can take a one-way cruise between either of our bases in this region, in either Smiths Falls – 2 hrs 30 mins • Seeley’s Bay - 3 hrs Perth Smiths Falls Nicholsons Locks direction (allow at least 4 nights). Or you can book a return-to-base cruise (3 nights Kingston Merrickville Beveridges Locks minimum) from either base. Smiths Falls – 1 hr 25 mins • Seeley’s Bay - 35 mins Rideau Ferry LOW E R CRUISING NO. DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS RIDEAU Ask us about taxi Murphys Point Provincial Park LAKE Smiths Falls > Portland >Jones Falls > transfers to our bases UPPER 27 12 Smiths Falls in Canada - we can BIG TRANSFER TIMES BY RAIL recommend the RIDEAU RIDEAU Smiths Falls > Newboro > Seeley's Bay > Smiths Falls 33 20 best taxi companies LAKE LAKE Ottawa 1 WEEK RETURN CRUISING to use. Westport Portland Smiths Falls – 45 mins Smiths Falls >Merrickville > Burritts Rapids > Long Island > Smiths Falls 34 20 Newboro ONTA RIO Kingston Smiths Falls – 1 hr 15 mins Seeley's Bay > Westport > Seeley's Bay > Kingston > Seeley's Bay 33 28 Montreal Central Cha�eys Lockstation Jones Falls Smiths Falls – 3 hrs 1 WEEK ONE-WAY Davis Lock Toronto Union CRUISING Smiths Falls > Kingston > Seeley's Bay 34 25 The pretty limestone town of Perth with its lively local culture, quaint boutiques and active markets. Smiths Falls – 3 hrs 30 mins Smiths Falls > Merrickville > Long Island > Ottawa 10 TO 14 NIGHTS > Smiths Falls 43 36 Seeley’s Bay RETURN CRUISING There in no train station in Seeley's Bay - Smiths Falls > Newboro > Kingston > 50 30 Kingston station is the closest. Smiths Falls Lower Brewers DOWNLOAD OUR Lockstation Smiths Falls > Perth > Smiths Falls 10 8 RIDEAU GUIDE Locks: Locks on the Rideau are fun and easy! These traditional locks are Kingston operated by hand, the old fashioned way, by a team of three to four lockkeepers. Smiths Falls > Merrickville > Smiths Falls 13 10 Mills Locks are open 9am – 7pm (Fri to Sunday and on public holidays). The rest of the 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT 70 pages of detailed Kingston week they open 9am – 6pm (10am – 4pm before 21st June and after 5th Sep). SHORT BREAK Toronto Seeley's Bay > Kingston > Seeley's Bay 17 14 information on what to see and Moorings: A mandatory fee will be added to your booking which covers all overnight moorings at Parks Canada sites as well as the town/village marinas of Portland, Perth where to stop along the canal, Seeley's Bay > Smiths Falls (min. 4 nights) 17 11 and Westport. Availability on a 'first-come-first-serve' basis. Other mooring options are plus a handy illustrated map. available for a fee, which is payable locally. SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN Visit leboat.co.uk/region-guides Boating Season: Boating Season: Our boating season in Canada runs from 15th May - BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. 12th Oct 2020. 16 17
The Roman town of Narbonne with its impressive Gothic Cathedral, lively FRANCE streets, pedestrianised precincts and the famous Merchant’s Bridge. Enjoy regional treats at the Olonzac market every Tuesday morning. Canal du Midi Having read the Kate Mosse besteller, Labyrinth, to find myself approaching the famous fortifications of Carcassonne where it is set was astonishing. The imposing towers, high walls and the busting cobbled streets within are like something from a fairytale - full of majesty and historic charm. Sandy - Canada A wonderful journey through the old Languedoc region of southern France Bathed in warm sunshine for most of the year, a cruise along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect holiday choice for friends and families looking to enjoy the wonderfully relaxed ambience of life along this beautiful, historic waterway. CRUISING SUGGESTIONS Visit the Cathar Castle, Château de Minerve, the site of a ten week siege during the Cathar crusades. You can take a one-way cruise between any of our bases in this region, in either direction, except between Castelnaudary and Narbonne and between Trèbes and Port Cassafières. Or you can book a return-to-base cruise (3 nights Cathédrale St-Nazaire in Béziers. minimum) from any base. CRUISING NO. Pretty Le Somail with its antiquarian bookshop and lovely restaurants. DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS The staircase of locks at Fonseranes and the aqueduct bridge over Port Cassafières > Narbonne > 27 44 the River Orb. Port Cassafières Homps > Carcassonne > Homps 20 42 1 WEEK RETURN Trèbes > Béziers > Trèbes 34 58 CRUISING TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Who’s on board? Castelnaudary > Carcassonne > Castelnaudary 21 48 Toulouse THE CANAL DU MIDI and the Embranchement de la Nouvelle Toulouse Castelnaudary - 50mins • Trèbes - 1hr 10mins • Homps - 1hr 30min A complete guide to boating holidays on France’s most famous canal Narbonne > Agde > Narbonne 29 44 Carcassonne Castelnaudary - 35min • Trèbes - 20mins • Homps - 35min DOWNLOAD OUR MIDI GUIDE Port Cassafières > Castelnaudary 33 63 Béziers 100 pages of detailed information on Homps - 1 hrs 30 mins • Narbonne - 45min • Port Cassafières - 20mins what to see and where to stop along Homps > Castelnaudary 20 45 Narbonne the canal, plus a handy illustrated map. 1 WEEK ONE-WAY Béziers - 45min • Port Cassafières - 20mins Visit leboat.co.uk/region-guides CRUISING (Choose to cruise in Narbonne > Carcassonne > Trèbes 20 44 either direction) Béziers SE UI NA L D Homps > Port-Cassafières 13 18 UR OU E ZE Fonsérannes CASTELNAUDARY Locks Ancient walled city and the World Heritage listed stronghold at Carcassonne. Ventenac- Vias Port-Cassafières > Homps > Narbonne 20 34 en-Minervois Capestang Colombiers CA Agde NA L D Olonzac Le Somail D C Tunnel U Paraza E A All locks are electric and free to use. Some are automatic, but most are MI DI JO N N A L de Malpas PORT Homps > Le Somail > Homps 11 12 TRÈBES C T manned. Opening hours 09:00-18:00 (19:00 in the summer); closed Bram Sallèles IO N CASSAFIÈRES 12:30 - 13:30 (12:00 - 13:00 on Canal de la Robine / de Jonction). Locks are HOMPS d’Aude Homps > Le Somail > Carcassonne > Trèbes Argens - closed on certain public holidays, including 1st May and 1st Nov. (4 nights one-way) 19 40 Le Boat Base Navigable river Canal Carcassonne Minervois CANAL DE LA ROBINE 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT The Fonseranes staircase of locks can get busy and have specific hours of operation SHORT BREAK NARBONNE Castelnaudary > Trèbes which may slow your progress along the canal. If you are on a return-to-base cruise (4 nights one-way) 14 31 and wish to save time by not passing through them, you can still see Béziers by mooring at the top or bottom and walking or cycling into the city. Narbonne > Homps (one-way) 8 16 SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE BOOKED. Port-la-Nouvelle WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. 18 19
FRANCE FRANCE Armagnac tasting in its Camargue Aquitaine home town of Condom. Excellent seafood restaurants and pretty fishing villages. Colourful traditions, ancient ports Don’t miss oysters in Cosmopolitan cruising at its best and wonderful wildlife Bouzigues. Culture and gastronomy go hand-in-hand in the sunny region of You'll love it's bustling seaside resorts, by day and by night, Aquitaine in south-west France, and both can be enjoyed in full from the excellent sandy beaches and traditional lifestyle which includes waterways. In the past, Aquitaine's picture- postcard scenery inspired local festivals, jousting and modern-day cowboys. many famous artists. Today people come here to discover the perfect ingredients for gourmet cruising. Moissac’s world-famous abbey and cloisters. Sandy Mediterranean beaches and sunshine from April to October. Chic shopping and culture in Montauban and Agen. Glassworks at Vianne. Abundant bird and wildlife in the wetlands and lakes, including pink Horse riding, quad Art Museum at Agen boasting works by Goya, Sisley and Dufy. flamingos. May - June is the best time for birdwatching. biking, sand buggies Horse riding, quad Flower-adorned Castelsarrasin and one of the best farmer’s markets in the region. AOC Costières de Nîmes wine cellars at Gallician. and jet skiing. biking, sand buggies Saint-Gilles and its beautifully-restored historical centre. and jet skiing. Bordeaux Roman aqueducts. Ancient port and Bergerac The Camargue region has few locks, and no locks on the Etang de Thau (it's an medieval walled city of Locks are automatic inland sea water lake), so it's perfect for anyone new to cruising or looking for an easy cruising experience. You are advised to moor in the harbours at night as Aigues-Mortes. and free to use. Opening larger barges passing by could pull you away from makeshift moorings. hours approx 09:00–19:00 Castets depending on the season; closed en-Dorthe 12:00–13:00. Locks are closed on certain public holidays. CRUISING SUGGESTIONS You can take a one-way cruise between either of our bases in this LE MAS D'AGENAIS It is no longer possible to access LOT region, in either direction. Or you can book a return-to-base cruise (3 the River Lot while cruising in the Canal Navigable river Non-navigable river nights minimum) from any base. TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Aquitaine region. Damazan Le Boat base CRUISING NO. Montpellier DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS Buzet-sur-Baïse St Gilles - 45mins Agen Vianne CANAL St. Gilles > Etang de Thau > St. Gilles 22 0 Nîmes DE G Sauveterre-St-Denis AVIGNON MARSEILLE A RONN E St Gilles - 30mins Lavardac 1 WEEK RETURN CRUISING SUGGESTIONS Valence CRUISING Avignon Nîmes You can take a one-way cruise between our two bases in Aquitaine, in Nérac d'Agen Moissac Port Cassafières > Aigues Mortes > St Gilles - 45mins 28 4 Port Cassafières Beaucaire either direction (allow at least 5 nights). Or you can book a return-to- BA Marseille Tarascon base cruise (3 nights minimum) from either base. Montauban ÏSE St Gilles - 1hr 30mins Auvillar 1 WEEK ONE-WAY Bellegarde CRUISING NO. Moncrabeau NE CRUISING DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS RHÔ CASTELSARRASIN St. Gilles > Port Cassafières 17 2 (Choose to cruise in either direction) ST. GILLES Le Mas d’Agenais > Nérac > Moissac > D E AL Navigable river Canal Le Boat Base 39 52 N CH Le Mas d’Agenais RHÔNE Arles Condom CA O N TE M 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT St Gilles > Aigues Mortes > Montpellier Gallician SÈT E 1 WEEK+ RETURN Le Mas d’Agenais > Moissac > 13 0 G RA 31 36 SHORT BREAK Palavas-les-Flots > St. Gilles N D CRUISING Le Mas d’Agenais Valence- À La Grande-Motte RHÔNE sur-Baïse Castelsarrasin > Buzet-sur-Baïse > 30 44 SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE U Castelsarrasin D Aigues-Mortes BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. A L Carnon N 1 WEEK ONE-WAY Maguelone A RH C Palavas- Le Grau- CRUISING Le Mas d’Agenais > Montauban > 25 43 Bouzigues ÔN (Choose to cruise in Castelsarrasin Frontignan les-Flots du-Roi TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD E either direction) Le Mas d’Agenais > Nérac > Bordeaux Mèze 15 22 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT Le Mas d’Agenais (min. 4 nights) Le Mas D’Agenais - 1hr 10min • Castelsarrasin - 1hrs 45min Toulouse U A Béziers Sète H SHORT BREAK Toulouse T Castelsarrasin > Valence d’Agen > E D 12 24 Marseillan G Castelsarrasin Le Mas D’Agenais - 1hr 40min • Castelsarrasin - 50min N TA Fonsérrannes É CAN Vias SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE Bergerac AL D MIDI Le Mas D’Agenais - 1hr 15min • Castelsarrasin - 2hrs U BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. Tunnel Colombiers Agde de Malpas Le Cap d’Agde 20 PORT 21 CASSAFIÈRES
FRANCE FRANCE The Roman town Lot of Saintes with Charente its famous Arc 7th century de Germanicus, stone village of Roman frescoes and Saint-Cirq Lapopie, Amphitheatre ruins. perched high on the cliffs and home for centuries to craftsmen and artists. An active adventure through majestic scenery The loveliest river in France The clear waters of the River Lot meander through wide valleys and steep The Charente is known as one of France’s most beautiful rivers – its gorges, beneath spectacular limestone cliffs and hilltop villages. crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and fishing and its pretty river banks are home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Cognac whiskey distillery guided tour The iconic arches and and tasting session. towers of Pont Valentré in Cahors. Excellent maritime museums and delicious seafood in the naval We do not recommend this region if this is town of Rochefort. your first boating holiday, as river currents can sometimes be strong. Cycle along the tows path cut into the cliff face All locks are manual and user-operated. There are no with stunning views of the river below. Thriving hilltop cathedral city of Angoulême lock- keepers on the River Lot. As such, a good level of Hire standup paddleboards and There are only a few locks. They are all manually-operated with no lock keepers, but they for stunning views, café culture and shopping. fitness is required from at least two crew members. explore, or swim in the river. are easy to use.Locks are open on public holidays. TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Impressive renaissance châteaux. Access to shore power facilities on the River Lot is From St. Savinien to Rochefort the river becomes tidal – affected by Atlantic tides, strong currents and fast changes in river levels. Therefore only those with some previous boating and/or Fine Romanesque art at the church of St. Pierre in severely restricted. Bordeaux Châteauneuf-sur-Charente. sailing experience should set out to visit Rochefort by boat. Alternatively, you can easily moor at Douelle - 2hrs 30mins St. Savinien and take the train to Rochefort. Vintage car collection at Mosnac. Toulouse The cave drawings and stalagmites of the Pech-Merle Douelle - 1hr 25mins caves near Cabrerets. Bergerac TRANSFER TIMES CRUISING SUGGESTIONS Pretty Luzech with its 13th century church. Douelle - 1hr 30mins LA ROCHELLE BY ROAD All cruises must start and finish in Jarnac. The 7th century castle at Mercuès. CRUISING NO. Bordeaux I will always remember visiting St-Cirq DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS Jarnac - 1hr 30mins Lapopie - a stunningly beautiful village Rochefort La Rochelle Jarnac > Angoulême > Jarnac 22 30 CRUISING SUGGESTIONS perched high on the cliffs overlooking the 1 WEEK+ RETURN Jarnac - 1hr 30mins CRUISING All cruises must start and finish in Douelle. River Lot. Its unique location, 'old-worldy' Jarnac > St-Savinien > Jarnac 21 10 CRUISING NO. buildings and the imposing church at the DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS top made it feel like I’d arrived on a movie Jarnac > Cognac > 12 16 Châteauneuf-sur-Charente > Jarnac 1 WEEK+ RETURN CRUISING Douelle > Luzech > Tour-de-Faure > Douelle 26 28 set - almost too perfect to be real! St-Savinien 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT SHORT BREAK Jarnac > Cognac > Saintes > Jarnac 15 10 (min. 4 nights) 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT Margriet - France SHORT BREAK Douelle > Vers > Douelle (min. 4 nights) 13 16 Port d'Envaux SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. BORDEAUX BERGERAC Le Boat Base Navigable river Canal Cabrerets Saintes Chaniers Mercuès Le Boat base Navigable river JARNAC Caïx Parnac Caillac Vers Canal Non-navigable river Angoulême Pradines Laroque- St-Géry Bouziès Larnagol Cognac Bourg- St-Simon Trois- Luzech des-Arcs Palis DOUELLE Tour-de-Faure Charente Savanac BORDEAUX Saint-Cirq Cénevières Châteauneuf- Cahors Arcambal Lapopie sur-Charente TOULOUSE 22 23
FRANCE FRANCE Brittany Alsace Exceptionally CRUISING SUGGESTIONS scenic Sarre You can take a one-way cruise between any of our bases in this region, in either direction. and Moselle Or you can book a return-to-base cruise (3 nights minimum) from Messac but not Dinan. rivers (licence CRUISING NO. required). DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS Messac > Josselin > Messac 35 36 Celtic charm and fairytale castles 1 WEEK RETURN CRUISING Cosmopolitan cruising at its best Messac > Nantes > Messac 44 36 Brittany is a charming region to explore. Its 600km of waterways and Napoleonic 1 WEEK ONE-WAY The tiny French regions of Alsace, and neighbouring canals meander through a peaceful landscape of woodland and pastures, dotted CRUISING Saarland in Germany, are blessed with breathtaking scenery Messac > Dinan 30 57 with medieval towns and fairytale castles. (Choose to cruise in and are renown for the art and architecture of their cities. either direction) 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT Messac > La Gacilly > Messac 16 6 SHORT BREAK (min. 4 nights) The Place SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE Stanislas in BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. Nancy, one of the most beautiful squares in Historic Nantes with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Castle of the Dukes of Brittany the world and and floral gardens. Visit Les Machines de I' Île, home to the Grand Éléphant. a must for Art Nouveau lovers. Medieval fortified town of Dinan, high on the cliffs above the harbour. Marvel of modern engineering – the St-Louis / Arzviller Boat Lift. UNESCO World Heritage city of Strasbourg for culture, shopping, dining and its monumental cathedral. Imposing turreted Thermal baths and the stunning stained-glass cathedral in Metz. castle in the beautiful town of Josselin with Watch crystal blowing demonstrations at Cristal Lehrer at the bottom its timber houses and of the Arzviller Boat Lift. pavement cafés. A boating licence is required if you wish to cruise from Saarbrücken City to Apach along the waterways of Germany and Luxembourg. Please speak to our Boating Experts for further details about obtaining a licence. Licences need to be obtained before you cruise and cannot be obtained ‘on the spot’ in France. All locks are automatic and easy to operate. Opening hours: Hesse to Nancy 09:00 – DINAN 18:00, Hesse to Sarreguemines 09:30 – 18:30, Hesse to Erstein 07:00 – 19:00 (09:00 – Léhon 18:00 on Sundays), Erstein to Boofzheim 09:00 – 17:30. There is no charge to use them. CA AL Locks are closed on certain Public Holidays. The boatlift and tunnels are closed on N D ’ I L L E Rose Garden, Château des Rohan (above) and excellent views 1st May and 1st November. ET R A NC E from the sumptuous Haut Barr Castle in Saverne Tinténiac Hédé TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Breton oysters and excellent seafood restaurants in LUXEMBOURG Beautiful St. Sauveur Abbey, cloisters and lively the sailing harbours of La Roche Bernard. CRUISING SUGGESTIONS Strasbourg Entzheim Monday markets in Redon. You can take a one-way cruise between either of our bases in this Hesse - 1hr • Boofzheim - 35min Stunning Yves Rocher botanical gardens in region, in either direction (allow at least 7 nights). Or you can book a Nancy-Metz Le Boat Base Navigable river La Gacilly and the Photo Festival throughout return-to-base cruise (3 nights minimum) from either base. Hesse - 1hr 10mins • Boofzheim -2hrs 10min Rennes E N the summer. Canal Non-navigable canal CRUISING NO. AI GERMANY VIL Rennes with its bustling markets (especiallly DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS C SAARLAND Canal Disused canal A N on Saturdays), cathedral, Parliament building, A SA Pont-Réan L Hesse > Strasbourg > Hesse 35 68 Licence Required AR Navigable river D E museum, science centre and planetarium. Josselin E Le Boël NA N TE Thionville Non-navigable river S Le Boat Base À 1 WEEK+ RETURN B L AV ET BR Hesse > Nancy > Hesse 28 50 CRUISING Saarbrücken ES T Locks are manual or electric Guipry-messac Hesse > Saarbrücken > Hesse 38 62 and all of them have a lock keeper. La Gacilly Malestroit MESSAC Metz Sarreguemines 1 WEEK ONE-WAY E AFF CRUISING R AR L’Île aux Pies Hesse > Strasbourg > Boofzheim 24 44 S (Choose to cruise in LA E LE L L LÈR ES D either direction) Redon Sarralbe MOSEL 2 WEEK RETURN Hesse > Saarbrücken > Metz > Hesse Hochfelden 71 75 Lutzelbourg CRUISING (Licence required) OU I Pont-à- Sarrebourg Saverne LAINE H VI N A L DE S Hesse > Saverne > Hesse Mousson Mittersheim 15 28 TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Lagarde (min. 4 nights) Guenrouët CA Rennes Blain Nort-sur- 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT Etang de E LA La Roche- Gondrexange M A RN E AU Hesse > Lagarde > Hesse 11 14 IN D Messac - 30mins • Dinan - 40mins Erdre SHORT BREAK Nancy L RH RH C ANA CA Bernard IN N N AL DE N A T Arzviller RHIN Nantes Niderviller S À B E AU RNE Gondrexange Hesse > Mittersheim > Hesse RE A 14 26 M HESSE CANA E L A Messac - 1hr • Dinan - 1hr 50mins T (min. 4 nights) Strasbourg S L D St Nicolas RE St. Malo N E A RHIN Sucé-sur-Erdre SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE CA de Port ERD AL N U Messac - 1hr 15mins • Dinan - 35mins BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. D ES RHO Erstein V OS GES Nantes AN A L D E BOOFZHEIM 24 C 25
FRANCE Burgundy: Nivernais I will always remember our wine tour in the Nivernais Loire. The Sancerre vineyards & Loire stretched as far at the horizon and as the sun set, turning the leaves from green to golden, we sampled wine made from the very grapes that surrounded us. Wine, nature, good company - life is good! Richard - UK Splendid châteaux, peaceful landscapes and pretty waterways The huge Cathedral Saint-Cyr, the impressive Palais des Ducs (left) and other historical gems in the Roman city of Nevers. The charming Canal du Nivernais, Canal Lateral à la Loire and Canal de Bourgogne provide access to some of the most beautiful and varied cruising areas in France. TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Paris CDG Classic French wines in Sancerre and Chablis. Migennes - 1hr 50mins • Châtillion-sur-Loire - 1hr 50 min Paris Tannay - 2hrs 45mins • Decize - 3hrs Montereau Paris Orly -Fault-Yonne Migennes - 1hr 30mins • Châtillion-sur-Loire - 1hr 30 min NE Moret-sur-Loing SEI Canal Tannay - 2hrs 30mins • Decize - 2hrs 40mins St-Mammès Pont-sur-Yonne Basel/Mulhouse Canal non navigable Nemours Fishing in Prégilbert or Paray-le-Monial. CAN YO Migennes - 3hrs 50mins • Châtillion-sur-Loire - 4hrs 40 min Rivier navigable Sens AL D NN Tannay - 3hrs 50mins • Decize - 4hrs 10mins E U LO Le Boat Base On Canal Lateral a la Loire, Canal du Nivernais & Yonne River Dijon (Migennes to Chatillon-sur-Loire to Migennes via Decize), most locks IN Migennes - 2hrs • Châtillion-sur-Loire - 2hrs 50 min • Tannay - 1hr 50mins MIGENNES G Montargis St-Florentin are manual with lock keepers. The Sardy Staircase near Baye has 16 Decize - 2hrs 20mins Joigny locks and a lock keeper to assist. There are a few lifting bridges, operated by pushing a button. CAN YO N AL D CRUISING SUGGESTIONS Monéteau Tanlay NE Tonnerre On Canal de Briare & Canal du Loing (Chatillon-sur-Loire to Migennes via E You can take a one-way cruise between any of our bases in this Chablis BRIA Auxerre Ancy-le-Franc Montargis), most locks are automatic without lock keepers. region, in either direction. Or you can book a return-to-base cruise Rogny-les- RE C (3 nights minimum) from any base. Sept-Écluses Vincelles A Cravant N Briare AL Vermenton A train operates between Paris and Migennes almost every hour CRUISING NO. Prégilbert Montbard DE B DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS OU CHÂTILLON- Mailly-le-Château RG Impressive Briare Aqueduct. C SUR-LOIRE AN Migennes > Mailly-le-Château > O 27 56 Châtel-Censoir GN AL Migennes E Clamecy Vézelay Magnificent châteaux in Chitry-les-Mines and Châtillon-en-Bazois. L AT É R A L Migennes > Ancy-le-Franc > 33 64 Migennes Dijon Sancerre TANNAY Chitry-les-Mines Pouilly-en- Stunning views from the medieval hilltop village of Cercy-la-Tour. Tannay > Châtel Censoir > Auxois CAN 24 52 Chitry-les-Mines > Tannay BASEL MULHOUSE 1 WEEK+ RETURN Famous Romanesque Basilica at Paray-le-Monial. AL D À LA CRUISING Châtillon-sur-Loire > Sancerre > La Charité- U LO 34 40 sur-Loire Baye Châteauneuf Cycle along the perfectly flat tow paths between Auxerre and Decize Nevers > Châtillon-sur-Loire Dijon IR E and along the Canal de Bourgogne. NI VERNAIS Decize > Paray-le-Monial > Decize 30 38 Châtillon-en-Bazois Nevers Bourgogne Migennes > Pont-sur-Yonne > Migennes 21 24 Chevenon Chagny Watersports, hiking and NE Ô spectacular aqueducts at Baye. Cercy-la-Tour SA Apremont-sur-Allier Decize > Tannay 27 70 C A le Creusot N 1 WEEK ONE-WAY DECIZE Chalon- A Montchanin sur-Saône L Gannay-sur-Loire LA CRUISING Tannay > Migennes 24 49 TÉ (Choose to cruise in Montceau- RAL either direction) les-Mines Châtillon-sur-Loire > Decize 22 24 À LA LO IR E Digoin Decize > La Charité-sur-Loire > Decize 25 28 Dompierre-sur-Besbre 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT (min. 5 nights) Paray-le-Monial Fabulous Gothic cathedrals CANA SHORT BREAK Migennes > Auxerre > Migennes 11 20 and churches in Migennes, L DE R O Sens, Auxerre (right) SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE and Nevers. A BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. NN E À DIG OI 26 27 N Roanne
Palatial buildings, opulent facades and rich heritage in Dijon – FRANCE it’s like a mini-Paris! Burgundy: Franche- I have long wanted to have a go Comté on a Segway - and in Dijon I finally took the opportunity. And what a stunning city to do it in. Its grand architechture and lively vibe reminded me a lot of Paris. We effortly traversed the streets and leafy squares with style and ease. Our one hour tour was the best city experience I've ever had. Amandine - Spain Natural beauty in the heart of France From dense forests, craggy cliffs and mountain scenery to rolling pastures, vineyards and peaceful landscapes, Burgundy’s network of Hospices de Beaune with its colorful tiled roof and captivating gentle rivers and canals makes this a delightful region and haven for tour around the old hospital. all who appreciate unhurried lifestyles, fine wines, gourmet cuisine and stunning scenery. Wine tasting at Côte de Beaune’s premier ‘cru’ vineyards, with famous names such as Pommard, Chassagne-Montrachet , Rully and Mercury. TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Lyon River Seille: Easy cruising; self-operated locks; St Jean-de-Losne - 1hr 50mins • Fontenoy-le-Château - 3hrs 40mins • Branges - 1hr 30mins numerous well-equipped moorings. Geneva Grande Saône: Between St.Jean de Losne and Mâcon – 3 large St Jean-de-Losne - 2hrs 20mins • Fontenoy-le-Château - 3hrs 50mins • Branges - 1hr 30mins Épinal electric locks, manned by lock keepers. A wide but generally slow- Dijon moving river. Mooring on pontoons or in a harbour is compulsory. St Jean-de-Losne - 40mins • Fontenoy-le-Château - 2hrs • Branges - 1hr 20mins Basel/Mulhouse Petite Saône: Easy cruising. Automatic locks, some operated by Bains-les-Bains a lock keeper, but most are user-operated. St Jean-de-Losne – 2hrs 20mins • Fontenoy-le-Château - 1hr 45 mins • Branges 2hrs 50mins Selles Canal de Bourgogne: All locks are manual and are operated by a lock keeper. CRUISING SUGGESTIONS FONTENOY- You can take a one-way cruise between any of our bases in this LE-CHÂTEAU Canal du Centre: Electric locks - most are user-operated. region, in either direction. Or you can book a return-to-base cruise (3 nights minimum) from any base. Canal des Vosges: All locks are automatic, some are operated E by a lock keeper. N R G OG CRUISING NO. DURATION ROUTE HOURS LOCKS Scey-sur-Saône Port-sur-Saône U B O St. Jean-de-Losne > Louhans > Ray-sur-Saône ET 37 14 St. Jean-de-Losne E Splendid châteaux and summer festivals in Scey-sur-Saône N M PA G and Ray-sur-Saône. St. Jean-de-Losne > Besançon > CA 37 52 BASEL MULHOUSE N T R C HA NE NAL D St. Jean-de-Losne SA Ô Bresse chicken from Louhans, famous for its Monday poultry E Gray market. E BO 1 WEEK RETURN St. Jean-de-Losne > Chagny > IN 26 28 RH L E CRUISING St. Jean-de-Losne U Dijon A N E AU Church of St Philibert in the bustling Roman town of Tournus. RG N HÔ CA R OG N DU Branges > Chagny > Branges 28 32 NA L St John’s Eve Festival in Fontenoy-le-Château in August. CA E Saint-Vit Besançon ST-JEAN- Historic Mâcon, one of the oldest towns in France, with its Branges > Mâcon > 26 8 DE-LOSNE Auxonne St Vincent’s Cathedral and the busy Friday and Sunday markets in Chalon-sur-Saône. cathedral, châteaux, Museum of Fine Arts and theatre. Chalon-sur-Saône > Branges Dole Dôle and Besançon (below) - towns steeped in history and charm. Fontenoy-le-Château > 33 32 GENEVA 1 WEEK ONE-WAY St. Jean-de-Losne Beaune CRUISING Seurre (Choose to cruise LYON in either direction) St. Jean-de-Losne > Chagny > Branges 27 30 Chagny Verdun-sur-le-Doubs Gergy 2 WEEK ONE-WAY Fontenoy-le-Château > Branges 50 38 E Chalon-sur-Saône TR CRUISING N E C U D Canal BRANGES SA Branges > Tournus > Branges 10 6 NA L ÔNE A Louhans LO Canal non navigable C 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT IRE LLE SHORT BREAK EI S St. Jean-de-Losne > Dôle > 16 18 Tournus Cuisery Rivier navigable St. Jean-de-Losne (min. 4 nights) La Truchère Le Boat Base SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. Mâcon 28 29
I TA LY Sparkling Prosecco, indulgent Gelato and divine Italian gastronomy. Venice & Friuli Effortlessly romantic & a delight to discover Our cruising grounds in Italy offer two completely different experiences. Venice and the surrounding lagoon offers opulence, action and everything you’d expect from this world-famous water city. The waterways in the Friuli region offer a quieter escape where the pleasures of rural Italy and the Adriatic coast provide boating magic at a slower pace. All locks and lifting bridges in the Venetian Glass-blowing on Murano. Lagoon and surrounding waterways are automatic. In the Lagoon, it’s best to use public mooring places and catch a ferry over to tourist destinations. Moor only in designated cruising areas. Exclusive private moorings are available for Le We overnighted on the beautifully rural and Boat customers cruising in the Venetian Lagoon peaceful island of Sant' Erasmo - a sancturary of calm. for which there is a compulsory supplement to / The following day, the iconic Campoline and the grand from Casale. They are located on Mazzorbo (for venetian buildings on Venice came into view! Such an Burano), Vignole (for Venice) and in Chioggia. impressive sight - a life-long ambition achieved and what Note: Exclusive private moorings do not have better way than by boat! access to shore power. The number of public moorings and private marinas are limited. Emily – UK The Adriatic beach resorts of Jesolo, Lido, Grado, Caorle, Lignano and Bibione. The colourful streets of Burano and its famous lace-making. PRECENICCO Marano F. N AT I S S A TRIESTE Venice – the most romantic city in the world with TRANSFER TIMES BY ROAD Lagunare its many attractions including St Marks Basilica, Venice Marco Polo FRIULI Portogruaro LAGUNA DI Aquileia the Palazzo Ducale and the Grand Canal. MARANO E Casale - 15mins • Precenicco - 1hr Concordia Sagittaria F. GRADO CA ST Treviso EL NA L I TO R A N E A Lignano Grado LA CRUISING SUGGESTIONS LE Casale - 20mins • Precenicco - 1hr V E N E TA Sabbiadoro NI You can take a one-way cruise between either of our bases in this region, in Trieste F. L E M CE either direction (allow at least 5 nights) . Or you can book a return-to-base Precenicco - 1hr Treviso SO Casier Lignano Riviera ENE cruise (3 nights minimum) from either base. LO Bibione CRUISING NO. LOCKS/ CASALE DURATION ROUTE HOURS LIFTING BRIDGES Caorle F. Casale-Sul-Sile F. SI PI AV Casale > Treviso > Venice > Chioggia > 22 2/0 LE E Porto Santa Casale 1 WEEK RETURN Margherita VENETO UNA CRUISING Precenicco > Marano Lagunare > L A G E TA Caorle > Precenicco 17 4/2 VEN Mazzorbo Torcello 2 WEEK ONE-WAY Fiesso Lido di Jesolo CRUISING Precenicco > Caorle > Venice > Casale 24 4/6 d'Artico Murano (Choose to cruise in either direction) Dolo Burano Padua Stra EN TA L BR Venice Sant Erasmo Casale > Venice > Casale 10 2/0 DE RA RIVI E Vignole Precenicco > Marano Lagunare > 3, 4 OR 5 NIGHT Grado > Aquileia > Precenicco 14 2/0 Canal SHORT BREAK The ancient University city of Padova – the City of Science - its buildings, (min. 4 nights) LAGUNA Precenicco > Marano Lagunare > ambience and art exude splendour and magnificence. Canal non navigable V E N E TA 7 0/0 Lignano Riviera > Precenicco Ancient towns and fishing villages along the peaceful Litoranea Veneta. Rivier navigable SUGGESTIONS ONLY. YOUR START AND END BASE IS FIXED ONCE BOOKED. WHAT YOU DO IN BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. Le Boat Base Chioggia 30 31
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