Frequently Asked Questions

INSTRUCTION AND BOAT HANDLING

All our boats are easy to handle. No special licence is required. On your starting day, you will be given all the necessary instructions so that you become “the perfect captain on board”. We will give you a “carte de plaisance”, a provisional licence valid for your cruise. Young people from 16 years of age may take the helm, but remain under the captain’s reponsibility.

LOCKS

Operating the locks will be simple and pleasant if you follow the instructions which are given to you. In Lot-Quercy, locks are manuel (no lock-keeper, except for the automatic lock at Cahors). Locks are operational daily from April to beginning of November, from sunrise to sunset.

BOATING SEASON

Our boats are available from mid-April to the beginning of November. Take advantage of reduced rates by booking your boat for spring and autumn. Hire rates are lower out of season.

RIVER CONDITION

Temporary closures of the river Lot can occur due to flooding in spring. In this case and for your own safety we may change your departure base, which will not, under any circumstances, be grounds for cancellation. Please inform yourself of the waterway conditions before setting off on your cruise.

ONE-WAY CRUISES

In some regions, we can offer one-way cruises (one-way supplement : 110 €/week ; this does not include transfer of vehicles or passengers). One-ways may be subject to unforeseen circumstances which can hinder their operation. Considered as an additional service, a one-way cruise as well as its direction are only confirmed 48 hours before departure.

SUPPLEMENT LOT-QUERCY

A shorter season, inclement river conditions and additional supervision, oblige us to charge a supplement of 80€ per boat and per cruise.

DEPARTURE AND RETURN DAYS AND HOURS

TYPE OF BOAT

The accommodation and level of comfort on the boats vary from style to style:

If you can, choose a boat that is big enough to avoid converting the living room into a bedroom.

LIFE ON BOARD

In our well equipped and comfortable boats, you will soon feel at home. Navigating and discovering the area will make life on board pleasant and far from boring. Everyone will be busy – handling the boat, going through locks, going shopping, preparing meals, cycling and walking in the nearby countryside…
A healthy and simple life following nature’s rhythm.

CHILDREN

Children love holidays on board. On our boats, they are completely safe with our life jackets and the guard-wires which surround the boats. Some boats are more suitable for certain ages than others. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
And children won’t be bored. Depending on their age, they can navigate, help with manoeuvres, go off exploring, watch the wildlife, cycle, fish,…

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

In the unlikely event of a breakdown, our staff will do their utmost to come and help you as soon as possible. We are at your disposal every day, all day during regular working hours.

FUEL, GAS, WATER

Enough fuel and propane gas are provided on the boat for your cruise. All our boats are equipped with an engine hour counter which is read on your departure and return. The number of hours used are then calculated in accordance with the current hourly rate indicated at the base (average 20 to 40€ per day).
You should fill up with drinking water every 2 or 3 days.

ELECTRICITY

Our boats provide 12 Volts via the cigar lighter and 220 Volts via an adapter; for recharging mobile phones, video cameras and laptops. For all other electrical equipment 220 Volts power is available in harbours (an extension cable is provided with each of our boats).

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable clothes, soft and non-slip shoes (trainers), toiletries, torches, battery operated radios, and extra blankets or duvets in case of cold weather.
You will need protection from the sun: suncream, sunglasses, a hat… and don’t forget to bring your camera!

YOUR CAR

Free parking is available next to the port. An unsupervised private car park is also available.

BICYCLES

Highly recommended. You will enjoy using them to do your shopping in town or even to visit the surrounding countryside. You can also book a free child carrier. The bicycles are your full responsibility during your holiday.

PERSONAL INSURANCE

The insurance included with boat hire does not cover third party responsibility, personal liability, any responsibility for your belongings and equipment, nor cancellation or interruption of your cruise.

HOW TO BOOK

1. Online availability and reservation for Bouziès – St Cirq Lapopie

2. Reservation by internet or letter

PAYMENT

METHOD OF PAYMENT

BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE

We will send you complete documentation including:

ON ARRIVAL AT THE PORT

We only ask you to go through the final formalities (inventory of fixtures, navigation contract, extras, deposits, …) meanwhile your crew may install the luggage on board or do the initial shop for the first day. A technician will welcome you on board to give you instructions and to show you how to navigate the boat. He will also go through a lock with you. You should allow between 1 ½ and 2 hours before setting off.

ON RETURNING TO THE PORT

Don’t forget to return your boat empty and clean at the agreed time and place!
The staff at the port is at your disposal to provide you with any equipment you need for cleaning the boat (vacuum cleaner and cleaning products).

OUR PRICES INCLUDE

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE

The port of Bouzies

CDT Lot-Jean Maureille