House Boating In France – What You Need To Know

Are you thinking about renting a house boat in France? No matter if you steer along the Saône in the region Franche-Comté or any other place in France.

Here are some general tips and facts you need to know for enjoying a house boating trip.

Tips and What You Need To Know While House Boating in France

• There is no licence required for steering the house boat. After some brief instructions and getting a “riverboat card” you are good to go. As long as one member on the house boat has this card, all of the other passengers older than 16 can steer the boat.

• You steer the boat on the right side (like driving a car).

• The thing with the locks: They are automatic or semi-automatic and regulated by lights. You get a guide on how to handle them during your trip. After the first time (being a little nervous) they are easy to handle.

• Being patient is a habit you will profit from. The boat doesn´t turn immediately into the direction you want to go. Being hectic might lead to crashing into something like the walls in the narrow channel below. Even though the boat is protected by fenders it´s a lot more fun having a patient captain.

• Depending on how many persons are on the boat, the fresh water for cooking, the toilet and the shower lasts for about two days on a house boat like the “Magnifique” from Le Boat. After that you can stop and get some fresh water and also electricity at the harbors along the way. You will find the harbors in the information folder provided by the house boat company.
• Mooring the boat is allowed anywhere (with only a couple of restrictions). You can stop the boat at docks or secure them with a metal peg.

• Especially along the Saône, where you won´t find restaurants at every village, it is essential to bring food with you. Tip: Find out what the kitchen on the boat has to offer before you go shopping (gas oven, microwave?).

• Navigation is easy. Signs along the river show the way. If you are not sure what a sign means, you can use the manual.

• For five days along the river we needed about half of the fuel. If you have to refill the tank you will find fuel at the harbors along the way.

• Before you rent a house boat think about the persons you want to travel with. You should really know them and trust them. Staying on a house boat means sharing a limited space and you have to work together, especially when it comes to navigation, cooking and doing the dishes.
• A last note: Never, ever throw anything else besides toilet paper into the toilet! Otherwise it will be blocked. Nothing you want to experience. 😉

Packing Essentials for House Boating

• Especially if it´s wet on the boat non slip shoes are perfect. I prefer being barefoot but it´s up to you and your ability of walking around a boat without falling or hurting yourself.
• As it is colder on the boat a jacket can be useful.
• Bring comfortable clothes. Handling the locks means you have to walk a lot around the boat. Sometimes you might even climb up a ladder inside the lock.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses and a hat are a must aboard. The water reflects the sunrays a lot more on the boat.

Handling a house boat is easier than you might think. If you are prepared with enough food and drinks you are good to go.

You might also enjoy:

SLOW TRAVEL: HOUSE BOATING ALONG THE SAONE IN FRANCE

THE BEAUTY OF HOUSE BOATING IN FRANCE – THE BEST INSTAGRAM MOMENTS

Thanks to Le Boat and Franche-Comté. The opinions are as always ours.

zuletzt aktualisiert am February 24, 2023