CANAL BOAT HIRE in the SOUTH OF FRANCE
on the
CANAL DU MIDI and CANAL DE GARONNE
FAQ: Meilhan - Canal de Garonne
Do you do one-way cruises?
Sorry, but no we do not offer one-way cruises. However, there is plenty to explore on an out and back trip and a canal (or river) always looks different from each direction. As a guide, we have a few suggestions for short breaks, weekly cruises and for 10/11 day trips.
What is the situation with regard to shopping?
There is a well-stocked mini-market in Meilhan-sur-Garonne (and they will deliver to your boat for purchases in excess of €20) and there is also a fabulous Butcher. As a free service we can provide 2 sizes of "get you started" packs, as follows:
NB: Please note that these packs are of pre-determined contents; we cannot provide a bespoke shopping service.
How do we operate the Locks?
On approaching each lock on the Canal de Garonne you will see a wire suspended across the canal. To the right of centre, there is a hanging pole, which you twist to initiate the lock sequence. At the lock you will see a series of lights that indicate both the status of the lock and what you should do. A full explanation sheet (in English) is included in your Boat Manual and your instructor will make certain that you fully understand the procedure before you depart.
On the River Baise the procedure is different and again you will have an information leaflet and your instructor will make certain that you fully understand the procedure before you depart.
Those on an extended cruise beyond Moissac will encounter a series of manned locks and a manned swingbridge and the procedure for these is included in your route information.
Do we pay to use the Locks?
No, there are no charges as it is all included in the annual licence fee we pay to the VNF.
What hours do the Locks open?
On the Canal de Garonne, this varies throughout the season:
| Mar/April | 0900 - 1230 | 1330 - 1800 |
| May/Sep | 0900 - 1230 | 1330 - 1900 |
| Oct/Nov | 0900 - 1230 | 1330 - 1800 |
Lunch Break: The automatic locks No 26 to No 51 (inclusive) do not close at lunch but all manned locks close between 1230 - 1330 for the "pause meridian".
Locks closed: 01 May (Fete du Travail)
On the River Baise, with the exception of the double locks at Buzet and Graziac, all the locks are automated and are available 0900 - 1900. The double lock at Graziac is available as follows:
| April | 000 - 1230 | 1330 - 1700 |
| May/Sep | 0900 - 1230 | 1330 - 1800 |
| Oct | 1000 - 1230 | 1330 - 1700 |
Can we swim in the Canal?
The VNF (French Navigation Authority) state that swimming is forbidden but some people still do it. However we strongly recommend that you do not.Can we fish in the Canal?
Yes but you do need a licence. If you choose to fish without one it's at your own risk - you have been warned! Getting a special holiday licence (Carte de pêche "vacances") requires a trip to the Tabac at Meilhan-sur-Garonne and the licence is valid between 1 June and 31 December for 15 consecutive days and costs €30 for an adult. There are other reduced rate cards available for juniors.
Are there plenty of canal side facilities?
Most of the villages you pass will have some sort of shop and these are individually signposted in the village or, where there is a cluster of shops, the sign will be for "Commerces". Bars and restaurants often have directions near to the moorings. Additional information is available in the Fluvial Guide Number 12, which can be ordered when you make your booking or bought at the boatyard on your arrival.
Many restaurants are seasonal and do not open before Easter or the beginning of May and start to close down in October. If you are boating in early or late season, the boatyard will try and give advice on specific restaurant availability.
What is the drinking water quality like?
In the South of France it is generally good. However, to be safe, we recommend that you use bottled water for drinking and cleaning your teeth etc. Bottled water is very cheap here - typically less than €0.25 per litre in a supermarket - as compared to UK prices.
Do we need to carry much cash?
You will need cash (Euros) on arrival to pay for your taxi, cycle hire, towels and groceries etc. You will also need some cash on your last day to pay for your fuel. There are banks in many of the local villages and all those listed below have ATM machines. Please remember that very few restaurants will accept payment by Credit Card and of those that do, they will almost certainly only accept a card issued in France. Travel Cheques are not a good idea as there are very limited opportunities to cash them.
The following information is based on data obtained from the Credit Agricole website. There are other banking chains but CA ATM machines are easy to use with an English language option and normally allow up to €300 withdrawal on Visa cards (more if you have made a prior arrangement with your own Bank).
- Damazan: Boulevard du Midi
- Buzet: Rue Gambetta
- Moissac: Place de la Liberté
- Valence d'Agen: Boulevard V Guilhem
- Montech: Place Aristide Brand
- Castelsarrasin: Rue de l'Egalité
- Tonneins: Place Jean Jaures
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Rue du Bois
- Laverdac: Allée des Allies
Agen, Marmande, Nerac and Condom offer a range of banking facilities on a par with any town in the UK.
Our nearest ATM is at the Credit Agricole in Meilhan-sur-Garonne and it is available between 0600 hrs and 2200 hrs.
Can you arrange Airport Transfers etc?
Yes. We have established enabling arrangements with a local Taxi firm who will collect from Airports etc. However, if you are arriving by train in Marmande, you are advised to take a Taxi from the rank outside to avoid waiting charges if the train is delayed. In these cases we will book your return Taxi.
Are there reasonable Hotels in the area?
Yes. You will find links on our website to some Chambres d'Hotes (B&B) establishments and there are a number within easy reach of Meilhan-sur-Garonne.
Various Hotel brands offer a range of accommodation over a broad pricing spectrum and there is a Campanile and an Etap in Marmande. These can be booked over the Internet.
Do you provide Hairdryers?
Yes, all the boats are equipped with a Hairdryer.
Are there plenty of restaurants close to the Canal?
Yes. There are restaurants in many of the villages catering for a range of tastes and budgets. However, one word of caution, in this part of France all meat (beef, pork, lamb, duck) tends to be "undercooked" to many British tastes. If you prefer your meat well done, you must stress this.
| Rare | Saignant | (pronounced senn-yon) |
| Medium | a point | (pronounced a-pwan) |
| Well Done | bien cuit | (pronounced bee-an kwee) |
If uncertain, ask for your meat to be cooked for longer ie, rare in UK would be medium in France