How
is it possible to rent a houseboat without a boat
licence?
In
fact renting a riverboat does not require a boat
licence. French law decrees that a licence is not
required for recreational boats whose length is less
than or equal to 15meters and whose engine power
does not exceed the ratio proportional to its size.
The engines of all our houseboats are limited, which
does not affect the navigation in anyway as the speed
is often limited to 6 or 8km/h, and none of our fleet
exceeds 15meters in length.In the other countries,
where we operate, the law is different but it is
still possible to rent a houseboat without a permit.
Do I need to have any navigational experience to
rent
a houseboat? Will I be capable of manoeuvring a pleasure
boat?
Our
boats are all specially designed for river navigation
and no special skills are required to pilot them.
When you arrive on the day of departure the technical
team will show you around the houseboat and explain
how to function the key devices. They will also explain
how to navigate on the inland waterways.The navigation
of our boats is very simple; there is one gear stick,
with a drive gear and a reverse gear. With a little
patience and gentleness as you pass through your
first few locks and you’ll be a great captain
in no time.
How
do you manoeuvre your boat when you cross a barge
or another houseboat?
You
usually navigate down the centre of the waterway,
however when you come across another boat, you have
to move to the right and cruise slowly along close
to the shoreline. When you come to a canal bridge
or a narrow navigation area priority goes to the
larger boat, and commercial barges always have priority.
Be vigilant and don’t forget to look behind
you in case another boat is travelling faster than
you and wishes to pass.
What
conduct should I adopt when there are fishermen along
the waterways?
When
you pass a fisherman you need to slow down as much
as possible in order to avoid agitating the water
near the banks too much. By remaining alert and watching
out for their lines you will win their respect and
everyone will be happy.
How
do I plan my route? What is the speed of a pleasure
boat and how many kilometres
can I do in a day?
The normal cruising speed of a yacht is about 8km/h
and on average it takes 20minutes to pass a lock. If
you plan to use about 4 to 6hours a day you will cover
a distance of between 30 and 40km, not including the
time spent at each lock. Therefore you will need to
consider all that while planning which route to take
and how many days to spend on the boat.
Can
I sail at night?
River
navigation at night is prohibited because of the
difficulty related to manoeuvring in the dark. Also
locks are only open during the day; hence your river
navigation depends on the sun.
How long does it take to pass a lock?
The
time is takes to pass a lock depends on several factors,
including the amount of traffic, but on average it
takes about 20minutes.
Are
the locks easy to pass? How do I do it?
Passing
the locks is a simple manoeuvre and is enjoyable
if you follow some basic rules: navigate slowly and
carefully and remain patient if there are several
boats waiting for the lock. It is easier to pass
through the manual locks if you do so with two agile
people. As you travel along you’ll realise
that the lock manoeuvres can be very interesting
as you can often chat with the lock keepers, sometimes
enjoy the local produce or just admire the view and
observe the local atmosphere.
Are
the locks manual or automatic? What must I do to
cross a lock?
There
a several different types of locks: manual locks
with a lock keeper which is the most common and automatic
locks with a lock keeper which is often found on
the larger rivers. However there are also another
two types of locks without a lock keeper. The manual
locks without a lock keeper tend to be found on certain
canals and rivers which are rarely visited. If you
come across one, you and your crew must cross it
by yourselves; this will surely be an interesting
memory for everyone involved. While the afore mentioned
manual locks tend to be rather small, the automatic
locks without a lock keeper tend to be medium sized
and are often found on commercial canals where there
is not much traffic. The technicians at your departure
base will show you a control system for an automatic
lock and explain how to operate it.
What
are the hours when I can pass a lock? Are they closed
on certain days?
The
locks are usually open everyday; however they may
close for certain holidays. The opening hours are
different for each canal and our team at your departure
base will inform you about this when you arrive or
when you book.
Is
there a fee for crossing a lock? And is it necessary
to tip the lock keepers?
No,
there is no fee for crossing a lock as the lock keepers
are paid for their work. Hence a tip is not mandatory
and it is at your discretion whether
you wish to
tip the lock keeper or not.
Is
it dangerous for young children?
All
our boats are equipped with safety equipment including
a double chain on the balcony railing and movement
aboard is always easy due to the wide set decks protected
by railing and the large and stable sun decks. However
the aquatic environment always presents risks and
as such we recommend that children wear life jackets.
For toddlers you should consider arm floats as it
is often easier for them to wear during the hot weather.
In addition we offer a baby set to save you from
the stress of trying to remember to bring everything
you need
How
long does it take to pass a lock?
The
time is takes to pass a lock depends on several factors,
including the amount of traffic, but on average it
takes about 20minutes.
Will
I get board aboard a houseboat?
You won’t have time to get board on a river cruise as there is always
so much to do. The excitement of shipboard life; the piloting, the crossing
of locks and mooring your boat is always interesting. You can also enjoy many
different walks while experience the peace and quiet that comes with the beauty
of the environment around you. If you’re interested in a cultural trip,
all the regions where we operate are filled with history and there are many
exciting places to visit.
Can
I go swimming?
Swimming is often possible depending on your itinerary. Most of the lakes,
rivers and canals allow swimming, so bring along your swimsuit and even if
you don’t go swimming it will be useful for sunbathing on the deck! If
you ask at your starting point they will be able to provide you with all the
information relating to swimming along your chosen route.
Is
it possible to go fishing during the cruise?
Fishing regulations change for each country so if you wish to fish while on
your cruise please call our reservation centre on 03 85 53 76 70 for more information
on the fishing regulations along your chosen route.
What
can we visit along the way? Are there villages or
museums close by?
River
tourism does not mean you have to limit your trip
to the canal or river bank. Often if you travel only
a couple of hundred meters on foot or on your bike,
or even by taxi, you can find many interesting sites
such as medieval villages, Roman churches, famous
tourist sites, or even excellent vineyards. The map
on board will show which towns and villages are nearby
and where you can refuel the boat. Don’t hesitate
to ask for more information from our team on the
day of your departure.
Do
you get to meet a lot of people while travelling
on a houseboat?
A river cruise is often an excellent
opportunity to meet people. When you cross a lock
you often find yourself among other boaters and of
course the lock keeper. This can be an excellent
chance to discuss the route with people who are following
or who have done the same course as you.However,
you can also meet new people in the region where
you are travelling. Often a simple smile and a chat
is all you need to make new friends. Make the first
move even if you do not speak the language very well
and you will see the rewards.
What
can I do if the weather is bad?
The region that you have chosen will of course determine
the weather throughout your holiday, but no matter
what sort of weather you experience, life aboard
a houseboat is always interesting. And even if it rains, well it’s now
or never to enjoy the natural surroundings, and no matter what your itinerary
is, there is always something to do or visit not far from the river or canal.
Where
is it possible to have fun? Are there festivals in
the villages nearby etc?
When you reach your starting point our local team will provide you with all
the information you need to discover the region and the must-see places. You
will also find that there are many tourist brochures available which will help
you plan your trip as well as informing you about any upcoming festivals or
events in the region. The river map on board will provide valuable information
about the restaurants, tours and supermarkets which are located nearby.
Is
it possible to make a one way river cruise?
Of
course it’s possible, if you look at our suggestions
for cruises you will discover all our options relating
to one way trips. Also if you do decide to make a
one-way trip we provide additional services such
as: Vehicle transfer (transporting your vehicle to
your arrival base), or transfers by taxi. Please
consult our sales team for more information at the
time of booking.
If
I make a one way trip, how do I find my car?
If
you wish to have your car transported to your arrival
base we can organise the delivery of your car, which
will be insured under the owner’s responsibility,
and will be transported no earlier than the day after
your departure and no later than the day before your
arrival. All information about this service will
be available from your starting point.
Are
there restaurants along the canal?
Often a famous tourist site is never far away from the canal, and you can also
easily find hostels, restaurants and if you desire it, a hotel. The river map
on the boat will provide you with information about all the sights in the area
that you are visiting and you can also ask the lock keepers and locals about
accommodation and restaurants as they can often provide the best advice. The
best thing about houseboat holidays is discovering the local nature and environment
from the river, and also enjoying a break on the shore for lunch, or eating
dinner on the deck of the boat.
Can I take or leave the boat where I want?
During
your cruise you are free to dock your house boat
where you wish as long as there is no prohibition
against the mooring of houseboats at that location.
However it is your responsibility to comply with
your lease of the houseboat, therefore you much insure
that your houseboat arrives at the place and time
as originally stipulated in the booking.
Is it possible to make a one-way trip in a mini-week?
There
are some one way trips which are possible to make
in a mini-week, for more information please contact
our reservations centre on 03 85 53 76 70
Is
the return trip boring?
We often assume that the return trip will be boring and that a one-way trip
would be preferable, however the one way trip has certain constraints such
as: the obligation o cover the distance separating the two bases in a timely
manner, you must pay an extra 100€ for the one way and there is also a
cost for the transfer of your car or yourselves if you have ordered this additional
option which costs 100€.On the other hand the return trip allows you more
time to stroll around and explore the area. Also you will discover that the
landscape is not the same when you view it from the opposite direction on the
return trip.
Where
can I park my car during my voyage?
The majority of our river bases have secure and/or cover parking available
for a fee. Call the reservations department on 03 85 53 76 70 for the conditions
specific to each base.
Where
can we go shopping?
You can go shopping in practically every village along the canal or river.
If you check the map on the boat it will indicate where you can buy supplies
and in which town you can find a grocer, bakery, fishery or butchery. Occasionally
some lock keepers sell eggs, poultry, vegetables or wine, all at very reasonably
prices. Try to stock up on the day of your departure as it is easier to transport
the larger items that you may need while you have your car with you.
I
have a dog, am I able to take him with me on the
boat?
Dogs and other pets are welcome aboard our fleet of houseboats. However, please
ensure you have all the equipment necessary to look after your pet (including
a cover and sleeping basket) as you will not find anything at the base or on
board. Also, please remember to ensure your pet’s safety, especially
when you are passing through the locks.
How
late can we arrive on the day of departure?
It
is important to respect the timetables, which you
can find on your booking. If you are delayed please
warn your departure base.
How
long is the instruction on the departure day?
The
instruction for the boat lasts about 45mintures and
is suitable to your level of experience. This initiation
provides you with the knowledge needed to operate
your boat and all the river manoeuvres necessary
for river navigation.
Are
there supermarkets near the bases?
There are supermarkets
located near most of our bases which allows you to
purchase the larger/heavier items at the bases and
transport them to the boat in your car before boarding,
hence making your life easier.
Where
can we fill up with water or refuel the boat?
There
are numerous water supply points along the canals
and they are all shown on the river map aboard the
boat. The cost of fuel varies from less than a euro
to several euros depending on the fuel price.
What is the capacity of the water tank?
Is there enough for the week? Is the water drinkable?
The capacity of the water tank on board the boat
varies
depending on the size of the boat. When you board the houseboat the tank is
full and it generally takes about two days of autonomy to empty the tank in
the case of a reasonable consumption. We advise you to refill everyday so that
you never find yourself without water and because it takes less time to refill
as the tank is not empty. The water from the water tanks is drinkable, but
we recommend keeping the water for showers, cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.
Is
there enough fuel for my trip or do I need to refuel?
The boat’s tank is full when you depart and
the quantity is sufficient for a classic cruise,
that’s to say a river cruise of at least a
week; however you need to refuel the boat before
bringing it back to the base as you must return it
with a full tank.
Is
it possible to rent bikes?
France
Passion Plaisance offers you the possibility to rent
a bike or more and to place them aboard your houseboat
so that you can use them to enjoy the towpaths, explore
the surrounding countryside and to help you with
transporting your shopping. We recommend you pre-book
your bikes directly with our sale department when
you book your houseboat. There are three ranges of
bikes:The basic range “the boat bicycles”,
these are bike that can be ridden along the towpaths
and used for shopping but are not suitable for hiking
or longer trips.The VTC range, these are aluminium
framed bikes with speeds suitable for road ridingThe
junior range, these bikes allow your child to accompany
on your excursions or give them something to do in
the evenings.
Can
I bring my bike on board the houseboat?
As
the bike rental proposed by France Passion Plaisance
is an optional extra, you are of course entitled
to bring your own bike with you for your trip on
the houseboat.
Where
can we store the bikes on the boat?
On
all our boats it is possible to store the bicycles
on the bridge of the boat. Depending on the size
of the houseboat, we will recommend an appropriate
number of bikes.
Can
I ride on the towpath?
Obviously
the waterways are often lined with towpaths which
are excellent for bike riding. It is also an ideal
way to explore the region and to pick up some supplies
from the villages that you will find along the canals
or rivers.
Can
we stop wherever we want?
Of
course! One of the advantages of this mode of transport
is that you can stop wherever you want (unless it
is prohibited). In addition to the many ports built
along the canals and navigable river where you may
moor your boat, you can also moor anywhere in the
countryside as long as it is not prohibited. After
an enjoyable day of sailing, or during a ‘touristy’ break,
you can moor at the dock of a marina or in the countryside
on the banks of the canal by using the mooring poles
that you have aboard and whose operation will be
explained by the team at your departure base before
departure.
Do
you have to pay to moor at a port?
You
will find marinas throughout all the canals and navigable
rivers of our regions, however some of them are free
and others require a payment. The ports that provide
electricity and water dockside often charge a fee
for parking your boat there.
Will
I be able to find hotels near the waterways?
Most
of the time you will find restaurants and hotels
near the marina villages that line the canals. If
you consult your river map on board your boat you
will find more information about these services.
It will also show you the different must-see tourist
spots, the villages with supermarkets and grocers,
and places where you can refill with water.This is
another advantage of river tourism: you can lazily
navigate the canals and find a place of serenity
in a different way than usual, and then return to
civilisation when you stop at a port or village.
How
do you moor in the countryside?
During
your cruise you will undoubtedly be tempted to moor
in the countryside to admire the landscape and profit
from the peace and quiet. Your houseboat is completely
equipped for this and you can do so by using the
mooring pole as the team at the departure base showed
you to during your instruction.
What
is the best time to take my holiday?
Our
rental boats without permits are seasonal from March
to November.However, we cannot talk about a good
or bad time for a river cruise or a houseboat holiday
as each season has its strengths and its drawbacks.
But no matter what season you choose the rivers and
canals will always be interesting and exciting to
discover.
Which
region should I choose?
With
31 bases in France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, the
Czech Republic and Italy, France Passion Plaisance
provides many diversified routes and areas to visit
from a houseboat. The nature lovers may prefer Burgundy,
with its multitude of landscapes along the canals
of Burgundy, the Central and Nivernais canals. While
those who enjoy holidaying in the South with the
sun, will be thrilled by the wealth of suggested
itineraries departing from along the Canal du Midi
and Camargue. On the other hand if you are interested
in local gastronomy, the cruises through the Lot
Valley, Aquitaine or the Marne will introduce you
to a wide range of new food. If you’re looking
for historical discovery the cruises around Strasbourg
in Alsace and Lorraine will show you a land with
a tumultuous past. Further abroad you can experience
the delights of Spain, or explore the cities of Belgium,
or even take a cruise through the ancient city of
Venice… For more ideas for your cruise holiday
you can visit our catalogue or look at out detailed
itineraries. Our sales team is also always happy
to help with any of your enquiries.
Which
river cruise should I choose?
The
choices are endless. With our 31 bases in 6 countries
France Passion Plaisance offers many different cruises.
The first step is to decide which region you wish
to explore, the second step is to decide how many
days you wish to navigate (a weekend, mini-week,
a week or more?) and whether you want a one-way cruise
or a return trip. Once you’ve decided all that
then choosing the right cruise for you will be a
lot easier. However, whatever your choice is, all
our cruises offer an amazing trip and allow you to
enjoy seeing nature from a new angle while discovering
many new and wondrous things.
How
long should I go for?
Whatever
the duration of your holiday, there is a river cruise
to suit your desires. We offer short stay for a weekend,
or a short week, which allow you to discover the
joys of boating holidays and life aboard a houseboat.
You can also choose to go for a week and even longer
if you wish as we have cruises for two to four weeks
as well, so everyone can find the right cruise for
them with France Passion Plaisance.
Can
I take or leave the boat wherever I want?
During
your cruise you are free to dock your house boat
wherever you want, as long as it isn’t prohibited
to dock there. However it is your responsibility
to comply with the terms of your lease of the house
boat, therefore you much ensure that you return your
houseboat to the place and at the time as stipulated
on the original lease. This may either be the starting
point in the case of a return cruise, or at the arrival
base for a one-way cruise.
Is
the boat comfortable?
Whichever
model of houseboat you choose, there is everything
on board to make your stay a comfortable one. You
will find a spacious lounge, comfortable bunks or
double beds, heating, hot water, toilets and showers.
As you can refill with water all along the canals
and rivers you can always enjoy a nice, long, hot
shower at anytime. On a houseboat the amount of space
that you have will always be limited, however the
lounge/dining area of the boat tends to be the largest
room in the boat as this is the true heart of your
holiday. The cabins are modest in size; however there
is a lot of place for stowing your luggage and other
possessions. You will also find a bathroom, with
a toilet, sink and a shower, connected to almost
every cabin. All our houseboats are also equipped
with bedding: sheets, pillow and duvets. Therefore
we hope you will feel at home on your houseboat.
Are
the houseboats heated?
All
our boats are equipped with a heating system thus
providing you with comfort in any climate.
Is
the houseboat equipped with linen, bedding, dishes
etc? Are cleaning products, brooms and dustpans provided?
On
board all our boats you will find crockery, cutlery
and all the kitchen equipment required to cook for
an intimate dinner or a large family meal on the
deal. There is in every boat a stove, oven, refrigerator,
sink, pots and pans, and an assortment of dishes
which are sufficient for the maximum number of passengers
expected on board the boat. Similarly you will find
enough bedding (sheets, duvets, pillows) for the
maximum number of passengers.
Is
there hot water on board?
Of course there is hot water
on all our houseboats. While the engine is running
it produces the hot water, therefore if you run out
of hot water all you have to do is turn on the motor
for a couple of hours to generate more hot water.
Is
there a 220V outlet on board and where can we find
it?
Most
boats are not equipped with 220V, however all our
houseboats are equipped with a 12V cigarette light
charger, so if you have a 12V charger you can recharge
your mobile phone there. In relation to any equipment
powered by 220V you can use them aboard if you rent
a 12V-220V transformer. Otherwise you will find numerous
power points along the canal that you are able to
use. Also all our most recent house boats are equipped
with generators.
Can
we lock the boat?
Yes,
all our houseboats are equipped with locks which
allow you to leave the boat to go exploring the surrounding
countryside in peace, however, we do recommend that
you should not leave your valuables in plain view.
What
is the capacity of the fridge?
The
fridge capacity depends on the size of the houseboat
that you have chosen and it ranges from 60 to 220litres.
During summer we recommend that you do not overload
the refrigerators in order to allow them to function
better.
What
is the use of the bow thrusters present on some river
boats?
The
bow thruster is in fact a small propeller located
at the front of the boat which allows for easier
manoeuvring. It is used in spurts and at low speeds
to facilitate the navigational manoeuvres such as
entering a lock and docking the boat
What
do we do if we breakdown? What if there is something
caught in the propeller?
Our
team is available seven days a week on all our bases
and there is always someone there. Therefore in case
of a problem, just call your departure base, whose
number is provided in the logbook, and we will be
more than happy to help. Our team will do their utmost
to provide a solution to our problems. Luckily most
problems can be solved by telephone, if not a technician
will come to help you as soon as they can. If you
can, try to locate a landmark close to where you
are in order to help us locate you faster and thus
resolve your problem is the shortest amount of time.
Accidents:
How do they happen? How much does it cost? Should
I take out insurance?
Your
houseboat is fully insured and you are only responsible
to pay for any damage caused up to the amount of
the bond that you have taken out. You can also opt
to purchase the franchise package by subscribing
to the insurance package cruise deal.
Are
accidents common?
Accidents
are infrequent and normally very minor due to the
limited speed of our houseboats. However, you must
always be vigilant while cruising and it is advisable
to take turns steering the boat.
Who
should I go with?
A
river cruise on a houseboat is a great way to spend
some quality time with your beloved, or to get together
as a family, you can even use it as a great way to
spend some quality time with your friends. The kids
will soon get used to life aboard the boat and are
normally more than happy to try steering the boat!
This is a great experience to share with those important
to you.
Will
we all be able to get along in a small space?
A
licence free houseboat is a great opportunity to
enjoy the surrounding environment at a leisurely
pace and is certainly not a place where you should
shut yourself in your cabin! You can enjoy nice meals
together in the lounge or out on the deck, or even
on the canal banks. Inside the boat, relax in the
lounge space or in the cabins.
How
many people can stay on the houseboat? Is it possible
to be just two?
France
Passion Plaisance offers a range of boats for a crew
consisting of 2 to 12 people. The steering and manoeuvring
of the boat can easily be carried out with just two
people. And, depending on the region that you choose,
your cruise of two can focus on all the romantic
stops along the water’s edge making it the
perfect trip for young and old lovers alike.
How
many people do we need to have to steer the boat?
Our
houseboats are rented out to two people minimum (there
must be at least one adult and one child over 16
years). As all the lock manoeuvres require one person
to steer the boat and another to hold the boat in
place you need at least two people capable of steering
the boat and helping with the manoeuvres.
Is
it dangerous for young children?
All
our boats are equipped with safety equipment including
a double chain on the balcony railing and movement
aboard is always easy due to the wide set decks protected
by railing and the large and stable sun decks. However
the aquatic environment always presents risks and
as such we recommend that children wear life jackets.
For toddlers you should consider arm floats as it
is often easier for them to wear during the hot weather.
In addition we offer a baby set to save you from
the stress of trying to remember to bring everything
you need
Are
pets allowed on board the houseboats?
Dogs
and other pets are welcome aboard our fleet of houseboats.
However, please ensure you have all the equipment
necessary to look after your pet (including a cover
and sleeping basket) as you will not find anything
at the base or on board. Also, please remember to
ensure your pet’s safety, especially when you
are passing through the locks.
Can
anyone drive the boat?
When
we instruct you on the day of departure we will issue
you with a card that acts as a boat licence, it will
appoint one of you as the captain and on the boat
anyone can drive under the surveillance of the captain.
Therefore this allows you to let your children have
a go at steering the boat as well, as long as you
are there to watch over what they do and help them
in any manoeuvres.
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