• We have never done a self-drive barge cruise before. Is it very difficult?
• Are all the cruises for just one week?
• I have read the information on routes and the variety of boats. Is there anyone who can give me more information and answer my questions about the boats or the cruising areas?
• We are considering a hotel barge cruise for our party which includes children. Are there barges which welcome children? Are there activities for children on family cruises? Is the pace too slow?
• What about taking children on a self-drive boat? Can they be kept busy and entertained?
• What are the best times of the year for cruising and what will the weather be like?
• What do I wear on the boat?
• What's the best country and area to cruise?
• We are a party of bikers who would like to tour an area and thought of hiring a boat to serve as our home base. Can this be done?
Is it safe and can we lock the boat?
• Do I need to tip the lock-keepers?
• Are there points of interest such as restaurants as well as markets, shops and laundromats along the canals?
• Where can I tie up the boat?
• What do we do if we have a breakdown or some other problem en-route?

We have never done a self-drive barge cruise before. Is it very difficult?

Barging is very well organized and comfortably geared to people who have no boating experience. We suggest that novices select a canal cruise rather than one on a river, to avoid dealing with possible currents. First-timers might also best select an itinerary with a moderate number of locks to give more time for exploration and sightseeing.

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Are all the cruises for just one week?

On self-drive boats one can arrange longer cruises. Your only obligation is to return the boat to the designated base on the date specified. In some areas, there are routes which form a natural circle and lend themselves to longer cruises. Ask the staff at Le Boat if you need help finding such routes.

Most hotel boat cruises are for six nights but there are some exceptions, such as a 3-week cruise from Amsterdam to Paris or reverse. In other instances hotel boats may move to another area and be therefore able to offer two weeks in succession to give an extended cruise. Feel free to ask Crystal at The Barge Connection any questions regarding hotel barges.
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I have read the information on routes and the variety of boats. Is there anyone who can give me more information and answer my questions about the boats or the cruising areas?

Le Boat's staff will be happy to supplement the information found on the web site and in the brochures, and answer any questions which may arise about the boat, its layout and equipment, itinerary, weather, etc. We make it our business to inspect fleets of self-drive boats we represent as well as the hotel boats on our list, and have cruised most of the areas covered.
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We are considering a hotel barge cruise for our party which includes children. Are there barges which welcome children? Are there activities for children on family cruises? Is the pace too slow?

Most hotel boats welcome children on private charters, so you should consider boats which accommodate your exact number of guests. The captains have many attractions on their itinerary which could interest children, such as a visit to one of the goat farms where children can observe the goats being milked and learn the process of cheese-making; or various craft shops, such as potters, glass blowers, etc., as well as parks and swimming facilities. Old chateaux and castles provide a rich experience to children, especially where their guides can take them up on the ramparts and into the armories, etc. Local food markets are very colorful and can be fascinating to youngsters. The pace is not too slow because there is so much to observe en route and energetic children can ride bicycles on the tow path to a designated meeting place. At the locks they may be able to help taking lines and cranking the lock handles. Many captains will allow responsible youngsters to take the wheel and steer the boat under their supervision, an activity which can be a special treat.
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What about taking children on a self-drive boat? Can they be kept busy and entertained?

Self-drive boats provide a special experience for adults and children who can join in running the boat, operating the locks and handling the ropes. Lockkeepers are quite happy to show off their gardens, ducks and geese, and the products of their vegetable plots. Older children enjoy reading the guides and plotting where the next locks are and finding appropriate places to moor for lunch or overnight. They are very likely to meet youngsters from other countries who are on a similar holiday. We have many reports from families whose children have kept up pen-pal correspondece with these new-found friends for many years.
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What are the best times of the year for cruising and what will the weather be like?

Hotel boats and self-drive boats usually cruise from late March to the end of October. You can adjust your choice of area depending on what weather suits you best. We can give you a range of temperatures for particular areas but our only promise is that the weather can be unpredictable.
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What do I wear on the boat?

This is your holiday and so you set the pace. On self-drive boats, blue jeans are the most practical but in hot weather one might prefer shorts. T-shirts seem to be a universal style. For restaurant dining, casual clothing is quite acceptable in the countryside. Major restaurants in town may lead one to slightly more formal attire. Aboard the hotel boats, smart casual is acceptable. Women may choose to change into casual dress for dinner, while men may choose shirt and slacks or dinner jackets. Of course, if you have made up your own charter party, the choice is completely up to you!
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What's the best country and area to cruise?

Follow your heart but don't agonize over it. We suggest tossing the brochure up in the air and selecting the location that comes out on top! You'll undoubtedly want to repeat the experience in another area at some point in the future, as do most of our clients. Our champion barger just booked his 17th year in a row!
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We are a party of bikers who would like to tour an area and thought of hiring a boat to serve as our home base. Can this be done?

Yes, this can be done in many of the areas where self-drive boats are available. Ask the staff at Le Boat to suggest suitable routes. Once you've selected an area you can plan ahead to move the boat in stages in early mornings or evenings. You might want to prepare al fresco meals for the touring portions of your day, and return to the boat in time to move to the next location. Save time for sightseeing, relaxing or dining in one of the local bistros.
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Is it safe and can we lock the boat?

The boats have locks, as do the bicycles. Although the canals are very safe, please use good sense. Don't leave your best camera in full view of the window. Take the same care you would use in your own home, or when parking your car.
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Do I need to tip the lock-keepers?

It is not the custom nor is it necessary to tip lock-keepers, but buying wine or fresh fruits or vegetables from their gardens is appreciated. Failing that, sometimes in hot weather we leave a can of juice, soda or beer on the lockside to say thanks. We also usually keep a box of dog biscuits at hand as lock keepers frequently have a pet dog who invariably takes on the responsibility of welcoming visiting boaters.
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Are there points of interest such as restaurants as well as markets, shops and laundromats along the canals?

Yes, each boat has a log book with a short description of each town, a list of restaurants and other facilities, as well as points of interest within a reasonable distance. They are usually accessible on foot or by bicycle. (Don't forget your flashlight when going to dinner. It will be dark when you return and country roads are unlit.) Ask at the base about recommendations for local restaurants.
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Where can I tie up the boat?

You can moor up just about anywhere along the canals, unless otherwise posted. Just be sure to keep a proper distance from the locks. Be careful not to tie your lines across the tow-path, but put stakes into the ground on the canal-side of the towpath.
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What do we do if we have a breakdown or some other problem en-route?

To minimize any chance of a breakdown, pay careful attention to the information in the captain's manual which is sent to you with your confirmation vouchers. All adult members of your party should read it carefully and note anything which you find unclear or confusing. Then, when you receive your orientation at the base, you can ask for clarification. The staff at the base will make every effort to be sure you understand the operation of the onboard equipment such as the heating system, air-conditioning (if included), stove, propane tanks (and how to switch them), etc., as well as how to go through the locks. However, should you at any time during your cruise require assistance, call the emergency number given to you at the base. In after hours your call will be answered by machine. Be sure to leave a message giving the time of the call, your location, (lock number or canal intersection), and the nature of your problem. The bases monitor their calls and will send assistance as soon as possible. A cell phone is always a good idea while onboard. Ask Le Boat about cell phone rentals for use in Europe when you book.
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