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How can boats be hired without a licence ?
All
the countries of Europe have agreed to facilitate
access to hire-boats which are
duly equipped and certified, and operate
in tourist areas where there is little commercial
shipping.
In
France and Germany, Locaboat have received permission
from the local authorities
for
their boats to be hired without licence.
Initial instruction, both theoretical and
practical, is given at the point of embarkation,
enabling you to quickly master your boat
and grasp the essential rules of navigation.
You will then be given a licence that is
valid for the duration of your stay.
Will
we be able to handle the boat ?
As soon as you arrive at the base and are
installed in your Pénichette Pleasure Cruiser,
a service engineer will come on board to explain
to you the
workings of the boat.
You
will be given a course of instruction in piloting
and shown how to manoeuvre
the craft.
You will then have an opportunity to ask any
questions you wish. In no time at all, you
will be feeling quite at home at the helm and
familiar
with the handling of the Pénichette Pleasure
Cruiser
What
if we meet another boat ?
If you are the only craft navigating
a particular stretch of water, you may keep to
the centre of the canal or river, but when you
meet another boat, you must pull over to the
right and stay close to the bank. Remember also
to look behind you, in case there are faster
craft following which are anxious to overtake.
What
do we do if there are anglers (people fishing)
on the bank ?
When passing anglers (people fishing), you
must reduce speed.
Are the locks easy to negotiate ?
Yes, and passing through a lock will be a
highlight of your cruise! You can always chat to the lock keeper and you can
sometimes buy produce that will be a speciality of the region or you can simply
take advantage of this pause on your cruise to absorb the local atmosphere
and get to know your fellow boating enthusiasts.
Are there lock keepers in attendance
?
Yes, most of the time. There are five types of lock in all: a manually
operated lock with keeper (the most common type); an electrically operated
lock with keeper; and an automated lock with keeper (a type frequently found
on major rivers in particular). There are also two other types of lock without
a keeper. A manually operated lock without keeper will be found especially
on certain canals and rivers which are little used.
You
and your crew will have to negotiate this lock,
whose dimensions are small, but you will be rewarded
for your efforts with one of your happiest holiday
memories! The automated lock without keeper is often of medium size and can
sometimes be found on canals with light commercial traffic. The service engineer
will give you explanatory details of the control system for this at your
point
of embarkation.
When are locks "open for business"
?
Locks are "open for business" every day as a rule, but on certain
public holidays they may be shut. For full details of relevant days and times,
all you have to do is consult the River Guide relating to your itinerary.
Is there anything to pay ?
No, there is nothing to pay for passing
through a lock. In Ireland, a plastic card on sale at the base (£10)
will cover you for all services at locks and harbours. In Holland, certain
drawbridges and locks are subject to a modest toll (Nlg 3 – 5).
Is there any danger for children ?
No ! Pénichette Pleasure Cruisers – whichever model you choose
for your cruise – are all equipped with a number of safety features.
There is ease of movement at all times on board, thanks to the wide catwalks,
which are protected by guardrails, and the sun decks, which are extensive and
secure. In addition, life jackets are provided and compulsory for children.
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What is there to do ? Can it be
boring ?
A Pénichette Pleasure Cruise
allows no time.
Can we go swimming ?
It is often possible to go swimming at
all stages of your itinerary.
There are numerous lakes, rivers and
canals where swimming is permitted. So
bring along your bathing togs –you
will need them anyway for getting that
suntan on deck ! Ask for information
about swimming at your point of embarkation.
What
about fishing ?
In
Ireland and Germany, you will pass through some of
the finest fishing reserves in the world. Here,
in exceptional natural surroundings, you will find
a wide variety of fish. You can pick up your dinghy
at the base and will have no difficulty in selecting
your bait, your lines and suitable places to fish.
As
for France, there is no shortage there of rivers
well stocked with fish, such as the Somme, the
Charente or the Saône.
N.B. In order to fish, you will have to obtain
a licence and this can be bought on the spot.
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Where can we leave our car in safety for the
duration of the cruise ?
All
Locaboat bases have car parks that are
enclosed and/or covered.
You will be asked to pay a parking fee for this
facility at your point of embarkation.
If we are taking a one-way cruise,
how do we recover the car ?
The
transfer can be done by Taxi.
Where
can we do our shopping ?
You
can stock up with fresh supplies in practically any
village along the banks of the canal or river.
Consult your River Guide.
It will tell you exactly where you will find a butcher,
a baker,
a fishmonger or a grocer.
Some
lock keepers will occasionally sell eggs and
poultry, vegetables and
wine at very reasonable prices. On the day of departure
for your cruise, take advantage of your car when
making bulky purchases. Locaboat can also organise,
on your behalf, the initial provision of fresh
supplies.
Can
bicycles be hired ?
With
Locaboat, you will have the opportunity to hire bicycles
and bring them on board with you. This will
add considerably to the enjoyment of your cruise.
Locaboat have a fleet of over 900 bicycles to suit
all requirements, and we recommend at least two bikes
per boat. It is advisable to reserve them in advance
direct from your point of embarkation. Use our Internet
website for this. We have bicycles suitable for children,
and standard adult machines fitted with baby-carriers
and shopping baskets.
Where
can bicycles be parked on board ?
There
is always a place provided on your Pénichette
Pleasure Cruiser for parking your bicycles on deck
or at the stern.
What
happens if we break down
?
Breakdowns
are happily rare, but they can occur and will most
likely be caused by a fault in the engine,
the electrical system or the fuel supply. If this
should happen to you, the drill is to ring your base
immediately, and our service engineer will do whatever
is necessary to put things right with the minimum
of delay.
Is
it easy to stop off and go cycling ?
Absolutely.
The waterways are often flanked by towpaths
that are very suitable for cycle rides. It's an ideal
way to explore and discover the natural heritage
of the surrounding area - not to mention the pleasure
of shopping expeditions to towns and villages that
are never that far away!
Can
we stop anywhere we like
?
Certainly
you can! Exploring a region in your Pénichette
Pleasure Cruiser means setting off on your journey
and having complete freedom to call a halt at any
time. In addition to the numerous harbours with amenities
that are dotted along the waterways.
you
can moor your Pénichette virtually anywhere – except
where there are "No Mooring" signs, or
if you are on a bend or in a narrow passage, under
a bridge, in a lock or near a stretch of reeds. But
you are perfectly at liberty to tarry where you will
in the very midst of nature, using the two mooring
poles and mallet with which your Pénichette
is equipped, or even to drop anchor on one of the
many lakes in Germany or Ireland.
Are
harbour fees payable ?
Harbours
with amenities can be found just about everywhere
along the waterways. Some of them make no charge
but others, which may often provide water and electricity,
will ask for payment of a mooring fee in return for
these facilities.
Will
there be hostels in the vicinity
?
You
will often find that you not very far away from a
beauty spot, complete with tourist facilities such
as a hostel, a restaurant or even a hotel, if that
is what you are looking for. Your River Guide will
tell you all you need to know about the interesting
and unusual sights of the area you intend visiting,
and your conversations with lock keepers or locals
will also serve to point you in the right direction
for hostels and restaurants.
The
great advantage of a Pénichette Pleasure
Cruise is that you can view the countryside from
a different perspective, as the water carries you
along, and you can stop anywhere you like to prepare
the midday or evening meal. Will
there be towns and villages to visit
?
A
Pénichette Pleasure Cruise doesn't mean
that you have to limit your horizon to the canal
or river bank ! Frequently, you will only have to
travel a few hundred yards on foot or by bicycle,
or perhaps take a taxi,
to discover a well-known beauty spot, a mediaeval
village, an old Roman church or a fine cellar that
it would be a shame to miss.Your River Guide will
tell you all you need to know about the interesting
and unusual features of the area that you intend
visiting.
Will
there be opportunities to meet other people
?
A
Pénichette Pleasure Cruise frequently provides
opportunities to meet other people and make new
acquaintances.
When negotiating a lock, for instance, you will
usually find yourself in the company of other boating
enthusiasts.
But
you will also be drawn into contact with people
from the area that you are passing through. Often,
a word or two of conversation and a smile are
all it takes to establish an excellent rapport
with
good-humoured and friendly locals.
Make the first move, even if you are cruising
abroad and don't speak the language of the country
very
well.
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When is the best time of year for a cruise ?
Strictly speaking, there is
no "best
time of year" for a Pénichette
Pleasure Cruise. Each season has
its own particular attractions,
and the countryside adjoining rivers
and canals can always be seen to
best advantage. In winter, for
instance, you can still appreciate
the beauty of the South of France,
where the base at Lattes remains
open all year round.
Will we have fine weather
?
The region and the time of year
that you have selected for your
holiday will
naturally determine the kind of
weather you can expect. But, whatever
the weather, life on board a Pénichette
Pleasure Cruiser is always an enriching
experience.
And,
whatever the weather, you should always bear
in mind that humidity is a constant factor
in life afloat.You will be well advised to
bring some woollen garments with you - irrespective
of the region and the season you have chosen
for your cruise.
What
if rains ?
The
region that you have chosen for your holiday
will determine the kind of weather you can expect
but, whatever the weather, life on board a Pénichette
Pleasure Cruiser is always an enriching experience.
And
if it rains for any length of time, this is
the right moment, if ever there was one, to
explore what the surrounding area has to offer
in the way of natural heritage! For, no matter where your itinerary may lead
you, there will always be something to see
at no great distance from your river course.
How
long should we go for
?
No matter how long or short a holiday you plan,
there is a Pénichette Pleasure Cruise
to meet your needs. Some itineraries are designed
for a weekend, others for a short week or longer.
Depending on the itinerary that you select, you
can set off on a cruise lasting one week or ten
to eleven days or two weeks, while, for the more
adventurous, there are deep-sea cruises lasting
three weeks!
Where
can bicycles be parked on board ?
There
is always a place provided on your Pénichette
Pleasure Cruiser for parking your bicycles on
deck or at the stern.
Where
should we go ?
With
our fleet of 380 Pénichette Pleasure
Cruisers and 25 points of departure in France,
Holland, Germany, ireland and Italy, Locaboat
can offer you a wide range of routes and regions
from which to choose - all just waiting to be
explored from a new perspective.
Those
who enthuse about lush green scenery and fishing
will be
in their element in Ireland and Germany, those
who are keen on culture will revel in our French,
Dutch and Italian itineraries, while those
for whom no holiday is a holiday without the
sun
will be overjoyed at the abundant choice of
routes on offer in the South of France. Have
a browse
through our brochure or take a look at the
detailed itineraries on our Internet website
and you will
soon get some ideas about where you would like
to go.
Which
cruise should we take ?
You
certainly have a wide choice! Locaboat can offer
you 150 cruises – it's up to you
to decide on the one best suited to your requirements
and preferences as regards region, length of
holiday, day of departure, type of cruise. And
whether to opt for a single or return trip.
Whatever
cruise you finally choose, you will undoubtedly
have the pleasure of viewing nature
from a new angle and may expect to make a few
surprising discoveries en route.
May
we take or leave the boat whenever we like
?
During
your cruise, you are free to moor your Pénichette
Pleasure Cruiser wherever you like, provided
of course that mooring is permitted
in the place that you have chosen. However, you
will be expected to honour the terms of your
hiring agreement and must therefore return your
Pénichette Pleasure Cruiser to the place,
and at the time, originally stipulated.
Can
Locaboat advise us on what there is to see
and do ?
Once
you arrive at your point of departure, our local
Reception Staff will brief you fully about
their region on the spot and recommend the best
places that are not to be missed. In addition,
there will be plenty of tourism brochures available,
as well as navigation maps containing invaluable
information about restaurants and tours, plus
details about obtaining fresh supplies.
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What is the right number for a cruise ?
A Pénichette Pleasure Cruise is always an unforgettable experience,
whether shared with a partner, as a family or with friends. Children will quickly
find their feet, happily take their place at the helm and retain unique and
lasting memories of their time on board. Good humour will quickly be established
between friends, whose enjoyment of the varied activities on board will fulfil
all expectations.
Will we be able to get on with each other in a confined space
?
A Pénichette Pleasure Cruise doesn't mean that you have to shut
yourself up in your cabin – far from it ! As you cruise along, you will
be captivated by the passing scenery, experiencing a sense of space and freedom
second to none ! Moored at the quayside, you will experience the supreme contentment
of being comfortably ensconced in your saloon, sitting down to a good meal
and looking out at the river bank as on your own back garden...
What
about going as a couple
?
No problem ! A Pénichette Pleasure Cruiser is so easy to handle,
that it is perfectly feasible for two people to pilot and manoeuvre it. And,
then, if you choose your region carefully, there will be opportunities for
romantic interludes on the river bank and excursions together into the surrounding
countryside !
Are
dogs allowed on board ?
Owners of dogs and other domestic pets are welcome to bring them on board
our Pénichette Pleasure Cruisers, but it is important to also bring with
you any items, such as a blanket or basket, that your pet will require for its
comfort during the cruise, as these cannot be provided at the base or on board.For
safety reasons, please ensure that pets are kept under control, particularly
when the boat is passing through a lock
and they should not be allowed to sleep on the duvets !
You
are kindly requested to keep your dog with
you on a lead while at the base prior to embarkation,
but once on board it may be given its freedom. Please
note that if you wish to bring your pet on
board that you will be asked to pay a standard
fee of €26 at your point of embarkation, irrespective
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Are the boats comfortable ?
With a Pénichette Pleasure Cruiser, no matter what model you select,
everything has been done to ensure your comfort on board. Special features
include a spacious saloon, comfortable bunks, hot water and the pleasure of
a good shower – all the more enjoyable, as the water can be topped up
easily at a nearby village or lock.
On board your boat, space is necessarily limited, but the saloon is always
given priority, for this will virtually be your "living room" on
a cruising holiday.
The
cabins are modest in size but have excellent
storage capacity. In fact, this is one of Pénichette's trump cards. In addition
to the normal sanitary facilities, you will usually find a washbasin in each
cabin. Most of the beds on board are generously proportioned. And, what's
more, all Pénichette Pleasure Cruisers come equipped with
full bedding, including sheets, pillows and duvets. When you take a Pénichette
Pleasure Cruise, you will feel at home right away!
Is there heating on board ?
All Pénichette Pleasure Cruisers
are fitted with heating systems. Some work
on gas for warm-air heating and others on diesel
oil for central heating.
Are
linen and crockery provided on board
?
You will find on board all the appropriate crockery and culinary equipment
that you will require for the preparation of anything from an intimate dinner
to meals on deck, in the harbour or in the countryside. Standard facilities include
worktop, cooker, fridge and sink, as well as pots and pans and a sufficient quantity
of crockery to cater for the maximum number of passengers accommodated on board.
Similarly,
the bedding supplied with each boat, including
sheets, pillows and duvets, is appropriate
to the number of passengers carried. Top
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It must be very expensive
?
A Pénichette Cruise offers
you the never-to-be-forgotten pleasurable
experience of a journey afloat at a
price you would pay for a week's skiing
holiday – or less.
If
you take into consideration the length of your
cruise, the type of cruiser you select
and the number of passengers you
have
on board, you will find that a Pénichette
Pleasure Cruise is, in fact,
a very reasonably priced holiday indeed.
How early should we book
?
Don't delay... Pénichette Pleasure Cruisers are much in demand and
it is best to book early. You should contact us without delay, to make enquiries,
find out what if your preference is available. Whatever cruise and region you choose, we will endeavour to satisfy your requirements
with a friendly and efficient service. |
Locaboat
Holidays - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
