Printed Navigation Guides
There is now one series of chart-guides that cover the network – Breil (Fluviacarte has ceased publishing). Each provides a detailed map of the subject river or canal, page by page, kilometre by kilometre, with information (in French, English and German) about locks (width, rise, number of chambers), bridges (air draft), depths, towns and villages; and moorings. Whilst it is possible to travel using just a waterways system map plus the various waterway signs that warn, instruct, or provide information en-route it is preferable to have better information to hand. In addition, the definitive hard-back ‘pilot’ book and accompanying maps, covering the waterways network in fine detail, have been edited by David-Edwards-May, published by Imray and Transmanche.
Breil Navigation Guides
Maps and detailed guidance books for each canal and river, published by Breil.
Imray Guides
Maps and detailed guidance books for each canal and river, from Imray
New or Pre-Owned
WATERWAYS BOATS
Boats and Barges for the Inland Waterways
Motor cruisers, ex-hire fleet boats and private owner boats and barges for sale.
New and bespoke-built boats and barges.
Ownership and charter management programmes. Hotel barge businesses.
Waterways, Regulations and Techniques
We provide a unique resource of 80 detailed information pages, covering every canal and navigable river in France. Each is available separately as a downloadable PDF file, or as part of a set that includes other waterways in the same region. In addition, we provide a similarly unique resource of pages of essential information about waterway characteristics, routes, regulations and practical boating techniques.
Depths + Dimensions
Depths, heights (air clearances) and widths for French rivers and canals.
80+ French Waterways in Detail
Canal Routes to the Mediterranean
Waterway routes through France to the Rhone and the Med – and Atlantic to the Med.
Canal du Midi in Unique Detail
The history, essential data, maps, navigation information and cruise options. PDF to download.
Rules and Regulations
Qualifications and Competances
| ICC and CEVNI | Equipment |
VAT | Pets
Navigation Fees
The VNF vignette licence to cruise the rivers and canals. Cost and How to Purchase. VNF offices.
Coastal Ports and Connections
All the Channel, Mediterranean and Atlantic ports giving access into the French waterway network.
Locks (écluses)
Overview | Signals
Operational aspects and VHF
Configurations | Notes | Video
Inland Waterway Boats and Barges for Sale
Boats for the inland waterways, rivers and canals of France and Europe. Steel and GRP motor cruisers, ex-hire fleet boats and private owner boats and barges for sale. New and bespoke-built boats and barges. Ownership and charter management programmes. Hotel barge businesses.
Pre-Owned Boats
Privately Owned
used boats for sale
ex-Hire Fleet Boats
Retired self-drive fleet
boats for sale
Canal Barges
Modern and Traditional
barges for sale
New Inland Boats
New Boats and Barges
for sale
Waterway and guidance pages have been compiled and edited by David Edwards-May (waterways consultant, president of Inland Waterways International and author of ‘Inland Waterways of France’) and Jenny Ruff. Information is also founded on the extensive 10,000km of canal and river cruising experience of the french-waterways.com team since 2003.
