2020 BOATING HOLIDAYS - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY OR LICENCE REQUIRED - Cruise Traveller
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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 N DS | B ELGIU M | IREL A ND | ENGL A ND | S COTL A ND | C A N ADA
3
HOW TO WELCOME
PLAN YOUR
France, Burgundy: Franche Comté
(See page 28-29) ON BOARD
LE BOAT The beautiful waterways of Europe and Canada offer a unique opportunity to
experience enchanting destinations from a completely different perspective.
ADVENTURE At Le Boat, we want to make this kind of holiday accessible to all which is
why we try harder than anyone to make it EASY! Our clear and concise
region and navigation guides, our thorough pre-departure briefings and our
easy-to-drive boats, all mean you can enjoy a ‘holiday afloat’ with complete
confidence - no prior experience is needed!
Our brochure makes planning an adventure with Le Boat easy,
just follow these few simple steps: And we continue to invest and modernise our fleet to make our holidays even
easier, with more new Horizon models arriving in 2020 including our five-
cabin Horizon 5 in Ireland. Plus, we’ve invested over €150K to refurbish our
Mystique and Royal Mystique boats from our Comfort Plus range.
CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION
p a ge 8-39
Le Boat operates in 17 unique destinations across
9 countries, so we know we have the perfect holiday
destination for everyone!
WHY CHOOSE
LE BOAT?
CHOOSE YOUR BOAT
pa ge 40-55
Whether you are a large group of friends , a couple or a YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
family, our impeccably maintained fleet has a boat
for every party-size and budget. We've been doing this for a long time, so you can rely on us to
offer exceptional service and a wealth of helpful advice and
knowledge to ensure you have the best time on the water!
CHOOSE YOUR EXTRAS OUR BOATING EXPERTS
pa ge 56-57 Our enthusiastic staff are boating experts and will be on hand
to help you every step of the way. With an unparalleled
From bicycle hire to grocery packs our holiday extras knowledge of boating holidays and often proficient in
are the perfect accompaniments to any cruise. multiple languages, our staff can answer any questions you
might have before, during or after your cruise.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
MARKET LEADERS
VISIT OUR EASY-TO-USE WEBSITE We're the No:1 provider of boating holidays on the beautiful rivers,
lakes and canals of Europe and Canada. We have Europe's largest
Great holiday - the boat was spotless and in
–
www.leboat.com.au fleet of self-drive boats and the widest choice of fabulous boating great condition, the staff were very helpful and
destinations to choose from! And we continue to grow! everything was explained very clearly.
Our new website makes researching and booking your holiday a breeze. With a bolder and clean design, packed full
of images, videos and virtual tours, we’ve made it much easier for you to: T Mawhinney (Feefo review)
• Find inspiration, ideas and recommendations.
HAVE IT YOUR WAY Definitely recommend and will go again.
Our boating holidays are whatever you want them to be... a full A fantastic relaxing holiday for all ages -
• Research, locate information and find answers to your questions.
on, action-packed adventure, or a slow-paced, relaxing chance to 8yrs to 78yrs on our boat!
• Search, filter and understand which boats are available, and where. unwind. Whatever you choose - it's the perfect way to spend quality
time with family and friends! And with no previous experienced Clare Blackmore (Feefo review)
• Book your holiday and add optional extras.
necessary - our boating holidays can be enjoyed by anyone!
• Subscribe to our newsletter and view our latest special offers
4 3
–
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
KEY BENEFITS their ability to help boaters find those truly special ‘moments’
that make life worth living.
flew and sang around us. We had a delicious barbecue on the
top deck, before going to sleep to the gentle rhythms
of water. Absolutely magnificent!
REPEATER DISCOUNT Franki - South Africa
$140 off your next cruise* We’ve asked our current Captains, as well as member of the
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
EARLY ACCESS TO SELECTED SPECIAL OFFERS
that gave them goosebumps, made them utter ‘wow’ or felt an A MOMENT
immense feeling of calm, awe or happiness. We hope they inspire of simplicity
PRIORITY ACCESS you to go search for some ‘moments’ of your own.
be first to book on new destinations & boats Arriving at a beautiful village, we secured the boat and rode
our bikes into town. No carting luggage into a hotel, just
RECOMMEND-A-FRIEND DISCOUNT so easy.We enjoyed the surroundings, shopped at the local
market and came back to the boat to cook a meal and drink
$140 for you and your friend
delicious local wine on board. Totally stress and hassle-free!
If booking online, you will need a promotional code to activate your John - UK
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). *Terms and conditions
apply, please see website. A MOMENT
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 comprises 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.com/region-guides Boating Season: Boating Season: Our boating season in Canada runs from 17th May -
BETWEEN IS UP TO YOU. 15th 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 / Junction). 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 19FRANCE 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 e Mas d’Agenais > Moissac >
L
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
CASSAFIÈRESFRANCE 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 23FRANCE 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
L L L È R E S DE
LE
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 25FRANCE
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
RoannePalatial 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
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