Places to stay in French canals

[Delphinus]

We are looking to leave our boat for a week or two somewhere along the Rhone/Saone whilst we head back to the uk, possibly fly from Lyon, is this possible and if so any recommendations would be appreciated. Many thanks

 

[chasroberts]

Loads of places to leave the boat, space permitting in August. Have a look here:

www.french-waterways.com

Website run by Grehan of this parish is packed with all the info you'll need.

Chas

 

[Delphinus]

Hi Chas, thank you, I have been looking on that site quite alot but cant seem to find a page regarding marinas etc. I will look again.

 

[saskia]

Valence could be the best, but it is about 100 km down the Rhone. Condrieu is closer, and I have found it comfortable. Both have fuel docks, which is handy. Up the Saone, there is Macon, and the next place is probably Chalon.
Best of luck

 

[BrunoB]

Hi, Berthed in Chalon for a couple of weeks. We returned by train using Eurostar via Paris. No luggage restrictions and less hassle than flying.

 

[Grehan]

There are quite a few places - see http://www.french-waterways.com/saone.html and http://www.french-waterways.com/rhone.html
Lyon has its own port de plaisance (inland marina).
Other places would be Roches de Condrieu (Rhone) or Macon (Saone) http://www.french-waterways.com/58451/
Both Chalon and Valence are a long way from Lyon.

 

[Andy and Lyn]

Roches de Condrieu (Rhone) would be my vote! (I've just done exactly what you want to do).

Nice people here - safe and 5 minutes walk to the train station and 35 min train to Lyon Part Dieu (railway terminus). From there, (right outside the station) catch the red tram that goes directly to Lyon (Expury) airport. Fly British Airways (not expensive) which goes to Heathrow 3 times every day. Very easy and very quick!

 

[Delphinus]

Hi, Berthed in Chalon for a couple of weeks. We returned by train using Eurostar via Paris. No luggage restrictions and less hassle than flying.

Eurostar is an excellent idea thank you!

 

[Delphinus]

There are quite a few places - see http://www.french-waterways.com/saone.html and http://www.french-waterways.com/rhone.html
Lyon has its own port de plaisance (inland marina).
Other places would be Roches de Condrieu (Rhone) or Macon (Saone) http://www.french-waterways.com/58451/
Both Chalon and Valence are a long way from Lyon.

Thank you Grehan, we use that website lots its really helpful, so much information that I missed those pages

 

[Delphinus]

Roches de Condrieu (Rhone) would be my vote! (I've just done exactly what you want to do).

Nice people here - safe and 5 minutes walk to the train station and 35 min train to Lyon Part Dieu (railway terminus). From there, (right outside the station) catch the red tram that goes directly to Lyon (Expury) airport. Fly British Airways (not expensive) which goes to Heathrow 3 times every day. Very easy and very quick!

Lots of useful information there many thanks

 

[bhangmaster]

For future information the marina in Lyon will only take bookings four days, as we found out today. Chalon sur Saone is good and secure. Macon also good and secure and cheaper than Chalon

 

[Delphinus]

For future information the marina in Lyon will only take bookings four days, as we found out today. Chalon sur Saone is good and secure. Macon also good and secure and cheaper than Chalon

Thank you for your information regarding Lyon, we have infact travelled further than we originally expected and made it to Auxonne. Which has the very handy Dole airport nearby, Ryanair flights are only 15€ each. It feels nice and secure here too.

Thank you to everyone who posted advice also

 

[Grehan]

Thanks for that - a) I didn't know that there was an airport at Dole and b) I didn't know that Ryanair flew into there (rather dependent on the former, but you take my point!)

 

[Delphinus]

Thanks for that - a) I didn't know that there was an airport at Dole and b) I didn't know that Ryanair flew into there (rather dependent on the former, but you take my point!)

From what I gather the flights have only been available since April this year, so its still a relatively new route. One slight disadvantage to this is that local bus companies haven't yet organised buses directly to the airport so a taxi is required from Dole at around 20€. If you have your own car its great has the airport carpark is free! (although I'm not sure if there are time limits on that)

Oh and it might be worth knowing that if staying at Auxonne there is a live aboard man who will take you directly to the airport for a very good price

 

[Chris_Robb]

So what happens when the Saone or Rhone flood as they can do after heavy thunderstorms? How quickly do these rivers ruse and how safe are the marinas that sit directly in the river as opposed to old locks and docks

 

[Andy and Lyn]

Ryan Air started services from Stanstead/Dole in June thisyear. Seasonal though - thinks it finishes in October and my info is that the route wasn't well used this year so watch this space.