French canals

[nocturne]

We are hoping tp move to Spain and would like to take our 1957 Nicholson 35 Jolina class yacht through France to the Med rather than going via Biscay.
Is there an inland waterway from Le Havre (or similar) all the way to the Med?
We draw 5'10" long keel, (which I hope is not a prob) beam 9'.Assume mast will have to be removed first. Any pointers or advice would be appreciated.

Nicholson Jolina class 35' same age as me but looks better

 

[chrisc]

If you go through the central french canal and out through the Rhone
the minimum (Guaranteed)depth is 1.8Metres (if my maths is right you are 1.74Metres)
I know it can be done from Amsterdam , maybe via Paris ?

 

[Guest]

You might want to get hold of the book 'Through the French Canals' by Philip Bristow ISBN - 0 7136 5781 2

Very Informative

Regards

Sean

 

[Twister_Ken]

You should be aware that the advertised depth in a canal is not the actual depth, which is often reduced during the summer, or when locks are draining away water faster than the canal can be refilled. Also that the max depth usually doesnt reach to the banks, so parking a deep draught boat can be a bit of a game. And just to make you really cheerful , remember fresh water is less dense than sea water, so you'll float a little lower. At 5' 10" I suspect you may be approaching Mission Impossible status.

 

[paulrossall]

If you search these forums for French canals you will get lots of info to help you. I think the web site of the french canal authority is also mentioned. They provide info which will answer your question.