How does a lock work when travelling on a licence-free houseboat?

How does a lock work?

An invention that dates back a long way... Locks are an integral part of the history of French waterways. They allow boats to navigate differences in level between two reaches (parts of canals or rivers between two locks) by filling or emptying a basin closed by gates.

But did you know that the idea of using locks dates back several centuries before our era? The first forms of locks are thought to have appeared in China in the 1st century BC! In Europe, it was in the 15th century, with the rise of river trade, that the first lock chambers appeared, notably in Italy and then in France. They profoundly transformed transport and the local economy by making many areas accessible.

How a lock works on a cruise

When you hire a licence-free houseboat, passing through a lock becomes a little adventure in itself. The principle is simple:

1. You arrive at a closed lock.
2. You gently bring the boat into the lock chamber when the light turns green.
3. Once inside, the gates close behind you.
4. The water level rises or falls, depending on the direction of travel.
5. The gates open on the other side... and you continue on your way!

Some locks are automated, others are manual and operated by a lock keeper or by the boaters themselves, depending on the area.

📌 Good to know: during the summer, it is advisable to plan your passage times well in advance, as some locks only operate at fixed times or close at midday.

Want to go further?

👉 Discover 4 iconic locks you absolutely must pass through, combining heritage, technology and spectacular landscapes!