French Canals

[randall]

Hi everyone,


I plan to enter the French Canals this summer and make Le Havre to Marseille. I don't have charts yet, but suppose that I will before the day comes.

Do you have any thoughts or useful links that describe the trip or what routes to take? I am unclear yet which of the three options I'll choose where the route splits near Dijon.

And presumably there are heaps of tyres at the exit left by people Northbound?

Also, I'm a tiny sailboat with a 6hp outboard, what are the odds of getting tows from a working boat (I speak French)

And what's a realistic expectation for getting to the Med if I enter around 1 July?


Cheers,

Randall

 

[Sea Devil]

Do not want to 'push' my web site but have a look under sailing - canals - describes all the routes - could be helpful...

6 hp sounds fine - who wants to rush - you could probably do it in 3 weeks if you go non stop - pity to do that as it is in itself a super experience

Normally there are tyres left at the cranes but not always - you may have to resort to a visit to a 'speedy' or similar tyre sales outlet - then wrap them either in gaffer tape or in black plastic bags then gaffer tape.

You will not get a tow from a commercial vessel - another yacht with the mast down is more likely - but if you are light then the 6hp should be fine except you will need spare fuel on board...

 

[paulrossall]

A mate did the trip there and back on 24ft yacht with a 15hp Suzuki outboard. He thought he carried enough fuel when he went down the canals but carried even more on the way back. You can end up not seeing a petrol station for hundreds of miles. Get some really decent large plastic cans and some sort of wheels are usefull. I appreciate your space is limited but try carrying 20 litres, and more, of petrol 5 miles!! Good luck. Paul

 

[randall]

Love the site Michael. Had forgotten about it - I found you a month ago, but more makes sense now. I carry 40 litres of petrol - do I need to plan for even more?

 

[Sea Devil]

if that equates to 4 x 8 hour days should be fine - just need to read ahead in the map books to see when you can fill next..

Enjoy - maybe see you there - I hope to go in at St Valerie around beginning of June. think it will be easier than the lower reaches of the Sein...

 

[randall]

Cheers Michael,

Expect Le Havre around July first. Boat's a blue 20-footer called Inshallah.

Got lots out of your site. If we meet, I'll shout your beer.

R

 

[chrisc]

canal authorities take a very dim view of the use of tyres as bumpers,they can jam up their lock gates. don't be so mean take some bumpers.

 

[jonic]

Hi Bambola and Randal

We also hope to be in Le harve for July, heading to the Med with our baby boy. The Boat is Seraphim, a Moody 38. See you there.

 

[Sea Devil]

Look forward to seeing you all - Eloise will be the slightly scruffy looking Prout 33 with red trim and a mast on the deck (not before St Valerie I hope!)

 

[randall]

Sounds like a picnic.

You all bring the Marmite?

Randall

 

[Sea Devil]

I had a wine and cheese party in mind -

 

[colvic]

Hi

Went your route in 2000 in a motor sailer with 30+ HP so no problems. I would advise the following:

Timing leaving L'Havre is vital for you as the current can be VERY strong...leave as close to low tide as you can to get some real help going up to Rouen.

Fuel is virtually unavailable on the canal side so cans and wheels are a must.

You'll experience strong winds entering the locks on the Rhone.

There won't be any tyres available and if you intend to use them you are now required to have an inflated inner-tube in each one to prevent it sinking.

Don't forget your ICC

Navicarte do the guides and from that firm you'll need numbers:1,2,16,19 & 20.

Entering the Med is dependant on where you are heading; Port Napoleon for Italian direction and Grau de Roi/Sete for Spain. Being so small you may be able to enter at Palavas les Flots.

Imray do a guide to ALL the inland waterways of france complete with map of every canal/river. It is good enough to use instead of individual Navicartes and a lot cheaper.

Finaly time; We moved as a pair from mammes to Chalon and it took 10 long days..you may take even longer depending on the number of holiday hire boats slowing you down at the locks. A strong current in June got us from Challone to Arles in 5 days...but hard work. The Seine will take you at least 3. Would suggest you aim for 25 days with no 2 night stop overs.

We did some articles on our trip which ended up on the web; try searching "golden dawn".

Phil

 

[Grehan]

Our own website has lots of detailed information and recommendations. We did the trip from Honfleur to Cap d'Agde 2003-2004 (including the Midi and Lateral Garonne) and we overwintered in St Jean de Losne (near Dijon).

Tyres and fender boards are a necessity, but make sure they're securely tied, even if one tie abrades and breaks, and that they float. Big empty plastic coke bottles taped inside work well.

Bon voyage.

 

[milltech]

Would you mind if I, just sitting here in the office, said, "[oh really!]". If everyone's dreaming that's fine, but when you leave the rest of us behind...


(edit) I never realised you couldn't say "Basturds" on this site.

 

[colvic]

Get out of the Office and GO GO GO


Phil

 

[chrisc]

agree

I agree with colvic ,those who spend months -or in some cases years in planning,are the ones that don't actually go.