Cruising in winter, possible or not?

Why are river cruises impossible in winter?

You may have wondered why the canals and rivers gradually empty of their boats when winter arrives, leaving behind a wintry silence. The reason is simple: boats and waterways need a lot of maintenance during the winter, and locks close. It is the public body VNF (Voies navigables de France) that decides when the locks open and close, and how they are maintained.

What is winter maintenance for boats?

Every year, when the leaves start to fall and the cold winter weather sets in, river cruise boat maintenance operations get under way. This process, which ensures the safety and comfort of future cruises, involves a series of stages. First of all, the boats are taken out of the water at the end of the navigation season, generally around the end of October. This marks the start of a process designed to prepare the houseboats for the new season to come. Once out of the water, each houseboat undergoes a complete emptying of its contents, allowing for a thorough cleaning and inspection of all parts and equipment. In addition, the hulls of the boats are cleaned to remove any build-up of algae or dirt, while the engines are thoroughly inspected and parts replaced if necessary. Water tanks are emptied to prevent frost damage and random checks are carried out to ensure the quality of the work done.

What about the waterways themselves?

In addition to boat maintenance, the waterways themselves also undergo maintenance work during the winter season. Canals, rivers and locks are maintained to protect them from winter weather and prepare them for the next navigation season. This can include operations such as cleaning banks, repairing locks and dams and managing water levels to prevent flooding.

Why is the winter season chosen for this work?

There are several reasons why winter is the preferred season for these maintenance operations. Firstly, the cooler temperatures provide ideal conditions for cleaning and maintenance operations, without the oppressive heat of summer. What's more, the waterways are less busy during this period, allowing crews to work efficiently and without interruption.

While the idea of a winter river cruise may sound tempting, the reality is that boats and waterways require special attention during this period.