French Rivers and Canals to the Med

[dniello]

Just wondering if anyone here has ever transveresed France from North to South via the system of rivers and canals? Would love to hear some thoughts.

Thanks

[Ed_Sail]

Hi there

Check out Sailing There, Cruising Across Europe and the Mediterranean - great book - from Rotterdam --> Med ...
Ed

[Maren]

Originally Posted by dniello

Just wondering if anyone here has ever transveresed France from North to South via the system of rivers and canals? Would love to hear some thoughts.

Thanks

You might want to look at this thread. It's pretty recent.

[Grehan]

France has something like 8,000km (5,000 miles) of navigable inland waterways – you can travel by boat across this large country from north to south; and east to west, using canals and rivers of great variety, size and scenic beauty. The French waterways directly connect to other European national waterways (there are another 7,000km of those and they go right across the continent to the Baltic, Russia and Turkey), to the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Grehan is based in France; if you've got any particular questions please ask - after having sailed the Mediterranean we are now great advocates for 'inland waterway living'. Lots and lots of information, guidance and photographs on our "Aboard in France" website.

[Scarlettwicks]

I am shortly spending a few weeks travelling through the French Canals. Can anyone help please. One of the requirements to obtain the vnf pass / ticket is a "Navigation Permit" is this the ICC/CEVNI or is it the boat safety certificate.
MAny thanks
ScarlettWicks

[swagman]

Hi Scarlettwicks,
I suspect you are referring to a 'Vignette' which is a French pleasure boat license. It applies to the boat and does not require any safety check. It does not apply to the skipper, who should hold an ICC with CEVNI or French equivilent.
You can purchase a Vignette for a period of time ranging from a month to a year. The price also inceases in line with a larger boat size, and it is calculated on square area (width x length).
You can buy a Vignette on line or from any VNF office - maybe google them for address details - or easier to go to Grehans site (which is a wealth of information).
Cheers
JOHN

[alan de t]

I have spent over a year on the French canals, generally a fantastic experience except for the last two weeks due to an engine breakdown after the boat was wintered at Evans Marine International at Sens sur L'Yonne. The starboard engine Simon Evans apparently had been unable to start and had disconnected various hoses and partially removed the water pump face plate during hivernage. This he didn't tell the owner about and Evans himself moved the vessel in this state. Result is now a major overhaul including head gasket replacement - possible engine replacement which will cost over 15000 euro. Unfortunately the owner only had a verbal contract - so if you need any maintenance make sure you get something in writing. In this case a visit to his workshop would have opened the eyes to the wary. Ended up getting first class service at Diesel Marine at Conflans st honorraire.