Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, on every boats. There will be an additional charge.

First of all, it depends on the crew. For each of the boats you will find icons indicating the composition of the crew best suited to this boat.
Then it will depend on the level of comfort/equipment desired: the boats are classified by range: from Essential (old boat with litle equipment) to Premium (recent boat with great comfort and equipment). 
NB: it is not necessary to take a boat bigger than necessary; if you are 2 couples, no need to take a 3 cabins boat, it is better to take a 2 cabins boat, but more comfortable.

The boats are designed to be used by people who do not have a licence or any experience. They are therefore easy to operate, especially if they are equipped with a bow thruster. For more boats over 10 m, it is a very useful equipment

Sheets are provided on all boats. Towels and tea towels are provided on many boats, otherwise it is possible to rent them on site by pre-booking and paying for them on the day of departure.

The double steering position (inside and outside) with terrace, bow thruster (for boats over 10 m) and electric toilets (avaulable on almost all boats) are very useful for a successful cruise. 

On some of the Comfort and Premium boats you will also have a microwave, a sun awning (bimini) and an air conditioning/cooling system which can also be very pleasant.

Yes, to date we offer 2 electric boats: the Estivale Sixto Green and the Péniche S. Both are available in Alsace, where VNF (Voie Navigable de France) has installed a charging network on terminals allowing these boats to be autonomous. On these boats, there is no navigation fee (fuel) to be paid on return from the rental, but a daily fee (between €45 and €50) to be paid on booking or on the day of departure, covering all the recharging costs and network structure.

This is possible on all boats equipped with a 220 v plug when the boat is connected to a dock (be careful, depending on the region, you will not have access to an electrical terminal every day). On boats equipped with 220 V continuously (Premium boats) this will be possible at the quayside (when the boat is connected) but also during navigation (integrated generator).

The boats have a 12 v electricity network (similar to a car), except boats equipped with a generator (such as the fleet Vision, Royal Mystique, Estivale Octo Fly or Horizon). So in most boats you will have a 12V plug (cigarette lighter type) available on the boat's inner dashboard. 

On some boats, a 12v -> 220v converter is integrated, on others you can rent this equipment on the day of departure (pre-booked before your departure).

Yes, the water is drinkable on most of the boats. Be careful though, water may have a taste. We suggets to bring water botlles with you.

 It will be necessary to top up the water every 2 days. On the waterways guide you will find the locations of these water points. Depending on the region, this supply may be free or subject to a charge.

No. The engine hour meter (same as a car meter, but in operating hour) is read on the day of departure, as well as on the return trip. You will then pay the motor hours used x boat navigation rate (the rate may vary depending on the boat), unless you have opted for a Package including the prepaid naviagtion rate

Yes, on all boats you will find a refrigerator (the size varies according to the capacity of the boat), a gas cooker with at least 2 burners, an oven (except in the Linssen), as well as all the necessary equipment (frying pans, pots, pans, colander, plates, cutlery...). Some boats are also equipped with a microwave and/or dishwasher.

Yes, on all boats. However, bring a rather long extension cord, because most of the time the plug will be located on the boat's inner dashboard (on the fleet Vision, Royal Mystique, Estivale Octo Fly and Horizon, there is a 220 V socket in each cabin) and if necessary plan to rent a 12v->220 v converter, if the boat is not equipped. Teh boat battery capacity may be limited, try as much as possible to moor on a dock equipped with power terminal.

No, Wi-Fi is not available on board the boats. However, a 4G key is available as an option if required.

It should be noted that all regions are accessible to novices, except the Lot, which requires some navigation skills. The choice is made according to your desires and the region you want to discover. 

Once you have chosen the region, you must choose between a round trip cruise (return to the starting point) or a one-way trip (you drop the boat off at another base). It should be noted that a one-way ticket is only possible for cruises of at least one week and involves costs: one-way supplement (between €100 and €200) + if necessary, transfer of the vehicle (between €100 and €300). About 

90% of the rentals are made on a round-trip cruise.

There is no region not recommended for children. A one-week cruise goes by very quickly, the children don't have time to get bored. Just know that swimming is not possible everywhere, the most suitable regions for swimming are the Camargue, Le Lot, Mayenne, Petite Saône and Charente. In Camargue, you will sail as close as possible to the Mediterranean and you can go swimming directly in the sea in many places.

 In France, except on the Lot, you will not have to manage the boat's waste water. In England, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands and on the Lot, the black water must be drained every 2 or 3 days at your expense. Grey water will be drained by the base upon your return, at no extra charge.

No, there is no skipper on board the houseboats; it's up to you to manoeuvre them. However, we do offer an alternative: cabin hire on the Canal du Midi with skipper and half-board included. For more information, visit https://nautic-experiences.pro/croisieres/croisiere-en-peniche-sur-le-canal-du-midi-3/.

These are boats specifically designed to be rented to people with no licence or experience. They must meet certain requirements, such as a maximum of 12 people and a maximum length of 14.99 m. 

You can only navigate on certain rivers (for example, navigation on the Rhône, Seine or Loire is prohibited with this type of licence free boats). On the day of departure, you will receive a training, between 30 minutes to 1 hour, explaining how the boat works, how to pass through locks and how to moor the boat. After this initiation, the base will give you a pleasure-boating card, which will serve as a permit for the duration of the stay.

Yes, without any problem. In 2023, 63% of our customers rented a licence free boat for the first time.

 Except the Lot, which requires experience, all other regions are accessible for beginners.

 No. There's still a little apprehension when passing the 1st lock, but then it's over. Note that except in Charente and on Lot, the locks are either operated by lock operators or electric, so you have no handling to do except hold the mooring lines.

 Depending on the number of boats, it takes between 20 min and 30 min (excluding waiting time in July/August on the Canal du Midi).

 Here is a link showing a video explaining the passage of a lock.

No. However, it is strongly recommended for children who do not know how to swim or for parents' first experience of navigation.

 Between 6 km/h and 10 km/h, depending on the current and wind.

 It depends on the waterways. Generally speaking, on canals, there is no problem to moor in the middle of nature, however on most rivers, this is either impossible or inadvisable.

You can navigate from sunrise to sunset. However, when there are lock keepers (which is the case on most waterways), you will be limited to the working hours of the lock keepers, which vary throughout the season.

• Low season: from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm (depending on the region)
• High season: from 8:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 19:00 (depending on the region)

You can order the waterways guide when booking your cruise. In this guide you will find all the information you need to prepare your cruise (locks, shops,...). If you do not have that guide, the base will lend you one on the day of departure.

Depending on the number of locks and the season, you will navigate on average of 5 to 7 hours per day, i.e. between 25km and 40km per day.

On the day of departure, the appointment is set at 4pm. You can arrive a little earlier, around 3pm, if the boat is ready and the staff is available, you can leave a little earlier. Between your arrival and departure, it takes about 2 hours (administrative formalities, introduction to navigation and loading of the boat).

Drop off is at 9am on the last day (except on certain bases, where the weekend return is made on Sunday evening instead of Monday morning). If you wish to free the boat earlier (for example on Sunday evening instead of Monday morning), you must inform the base on the day of departure.

Navigation is generally open from 15 March to 15 November each year. 

The price of your charter includes :

• The rental of the boat
• Fittings: equipment necessary for navigation
• Crockery: in sufficient quantity for the number of passengers on board
• Bedding*: sheets, blankets or duvets, pillows and pillow cases
• Boat insurance
• Navigation instruction and delivery of the yacht's card
• Breakdown assistance available 7/7 during the base's opening hours
• The navigation toll
• A 13 kg gas bottle

*Beds are provided on some 5 star boats. No sheets on the Eau Claire and Espade 850 Fly.

The price of your rental does not include :

• Cancellation insurance
• The navigation guide
• One way supplement
• The insurance of the deposit repurchase
• The cleaning package
• Cleaning kits, kitchen linen, towels**.
• Deposit of 780 € to 3 250 €, depending on the boat
• The navigation package. This includes all consumables used during your stay (oil, diesel, gas, etc.). Depending on the category of the boat, the package varies from €5.19 to €13.50 per hour of navigation.

**Included on some boats

There is no diesel station on the banks of rivers and canals. You will therefore not be able to refuel the boat. You generally have an autonomy of 2 weeks. 

On the day of departure, you leave with a full tank and the base reads the hour meter on the boat's engine. On return, the base reads the counter again and you set the number of hours of navigation x the boat's navigation package. 

The Package includes: 

• the navigation package (diesel, limited to 30 hours for one week)
• the cleaning package
• the partial redemption of the deposit 
• the rental of a bicycle

The Liberty Pack includes:

• the navigation package (diesel, unlimited)
• the cleaning package
• the cruise insurance plus (deposit insurance)
• the rental of a bike.
   

The All Inclusive includes :

• the navigation package (without limit)
• the cleaning package
• the river guide
• 1 bathroom/passenger linen kit
• 1 kitchen linen kit
• the rental of 2 bicycles.
   

The Serenity Pack includes :

• the navigation package (without limit)
• the cleaning package
• the partial redemption of the deposit (deposit reduced to 500 €)
• the rental of a bicycle.
   

The availability of these Packs depends on the type of boat and the rental base.

You can take out cancellation insurance, which covers the booking and all passengers. The conditions are available on this link. 

You can also buy back the deposit. Depending on the boat, it is a partial redemption or the guarantee insurance (cruise insurance plus).

Follow this link to get the cancellation insurance conditions.

This depends on the region and the place of navigation. Generally speaking, in France, only river-sea ports (Camargue in particular) charge a fee, as well as certain marinas offering all services (showers, electricity, water). In Scotland, Italy and Canada, you will be asked to pay a flat fee to cover these costs when you book.

No extras are mandatory. However, we advise you to take at least 1 bicycle on the boat, as well as the gas barbecue (if not included on the boat).

Depending on the boat, the bikes will be positioned at the front, against the balcony of the boat or at the back, on the platform provided for this purpose.

This varies according to the size of the boat. As a general rule, we advise not to exceed 2 bikes for a 6m to 8m boat, 4 bikes for an 8m to 10m boat, 6 bikes for a 10m to 13m boat and 8 bikes for a 13m to 15m boat. 

Half the number of people on board is ideal, as they will not get in the way when passing through the locks.

Yes, you can either hire bikes from the base or take your own. Don't forget the anti-theft devices and helmets for children under 12.

Only the fuel costs (navigation package) and the mooring costs (certain regions only) are compulsory. The other supplements are only non-compulsory options (bicycles, gas barbecue, cleaning package, deposit repurchase, etc.).

On the day of departure, the base will ask you to pay a non-cash deposit by cheque (only possible in France), by credit card (in this case, remember to raise your credit card limit) or in cash. This deposit will be returned to you on your return, if no damage is found.

You can park your car in the street near the base (free of charge in most cases) or if the base has a private car park (which is the case at most bases). In this case, you will be charged between €40 and €55 per week, depending on the base.

In most cases, it is either not recommended or prohibited to swim in the canals. The most suitable regions for swimming are Camargue, Le Lot , the Mayenne, the Petite Saône and the Charente.

In Camargue, you will navigate very close to the Mediterranean and you can go swimming directly in the sea in many places.

Most canals and rivers have a towpath, ideal for cycling. Only the Lot is not suitable for this practice (very few tow path).

Yes, but you will need to get a fishing card, in a specialized store or via this link. 

All regions of France are rich in vineyards and/or local gastronomy, especially the southwest, the Alsace, the Burgundy and the Charente.

Yes, without any problem. On the day of departure, the base will provide life jackets adapted for the youngest.

It is strongly recommended that younger children are systematically equipped with them when they are outside. We also advise you to opt for boats with a footboard terrace at the back of the boat, such as the fleet Estivale, Sedan, Elegance and Horizon.

It is necessary to have at least 2 adults on board.

There is no age limit. However, to be able to manoeuvre the boat safely, we suggets to have at leat to healthy adults on board, with no mobility issue.

To confirm your booking, you must pay 50% of the rental price, the balance will be requested 6 weeks before departure. You will automatically receive a reminder email with payment terms and conditions.

You can book directly online or request an option for the boat (we will block the boat for you for a period of 2 to 5 days, until you make your decision). 

Once you have validated the rental contract, you will have to pay 50% of the rental price (or the total amount if your departure is in less than 6 weeks). 

You can pay this amount by credit card or bank transfer. For French residents, payment can be done by cheque.

Yes, you can choose to pay either by credit card or by bank transfer. 

Once the deposit has been paid, we will ask you to complete your crew list. This must be done at least 10 days before boarding.

Yes, you can find out about all our gift cards by following this link: https://www.capcadeau.com/cris-boat.