NICOLS
have 18 different type of canal boat, so we've split
them
into easier-to-browse categories. Please select
a category of canal boat from the drop-down list below.
Essentially, canal boats are categorised into range
and accomodation capacity.
Correct,
a driving licence is not required. In France,
the legislation does not require you to
have a permit for boats less or equal to
15 metres in length and whose speed does
not exceed 12km/h.
All the Nicols boats respect these two criteria: they are equipped with governed
engines, that do not interfere with the navigation, knowing that the maximum
authorized speed on canals is 6 to 8 km/h; (be careful: if you rent a boat
of 13 metres, plus a pool, the overall length will exceed 15 metres, in which
case you will require a Pleasure Boat Licence).
Our canal boats are duly
equipped and certified for boating, and
no particular competence is necessary to
pilot.
On your arrival at the base, a technical
member will come on board to explain to
you the workings of all the equipment and
will give you instruction in
piloting. If it’s possible, he will take you through the first lock.
Piloting,
it’s child’s play!
A contact key, forward gear and reverse gear (to slow and to stop), a little
patience and passing gently through the first locks…and all clients
can be a captain in a very short time!
All our canal boats are
equipped with forward and aft pulpits,
guard rails and handrail (unlike anything
else in the market).
If you’re going on holidays with your children, we recommend you our “Sedan
Range” or “Estivale Range”, (both have a large aft terrace
which is on the same deck level as the lounge area),for several reasons:
-
No
stairs for little children.
-
The
aft terrace is protected by a balcony in polyester,
approximately 1 meter high.
-
From
the lounge area or from the inside steering position,
you will have a view of the back terrace (Rear sliding
picture window) and you can watch over the children
playing on the terrace, at the garden table.
Nevertheless,
we advise you to make them wear a life-jacket at
all times. Life jackets (0 to 30 kilos) are provided
at the bases and are compulsory for children. For
little children, it may be best to take their own
armbands which are easier to use during the summer
season.
Passing
through
a lock
is a very
simple
and pleasant
manoeuvre.
There is nothing to pay for passing through
a lock. For full details, please consult
our Internet website under the heading “General
Information”.
NICOLS is at your service
7 days a week (whenever the base is open).
Telephone your base immediately explaining
your problem, and give your exact position:
a technician will come as soon as possible.
Of
course!
The waterways
are often flanked by towpaths that are
very suitable for cycle rides. You will
be glad to have them for shopping trips
or little outings. For full details, please
consult our Internet website under the
heading “General Information”.
Yes, on your journey, you
will come across favourable and accessible
places for swimming. So do not forget your
bathing clothes!
Exclusive to NICOLS! Add the finishing touch with our towed heated pool (Do
not hesitate to contact us for further details).
In
case of
a renting
apartment
or villa, a rainy day is often very boring!
All you can do is play cards or board games
and wait that the weather to be better…!
On the contrary, on board your boat, you can:
-
Continue
to navigate, even if it’s raining. You can
go on your cruise without reducing what you have
planned for your holidays.
-
Our
canal boats (except the Riviera Range) offer a
super saloon with its panoramic views, at 360 degrees-
ideal to enjoy the landscapes even if the weather
is bad.
Many clients think that
a return cruise is boring and prefer to
choose a single trip.
But in reality, remember that if you want to book a single trip, you should
consider several points:
-
You
have to make the distance between the 2 bases in
the time required: no so much time to stroll during
the cruise!
-
The
cost is higher: cost for one-way cruise 110 € (management
and following of your single trip in our schedule)
+ transfer of vehicle or persons, if you have requested
this option as well (approximately 170 €).
-
It
is required to call a week before the date of departure
for confirmation of the one-way and the direction
of navigation.
On
the contrary, the return cruise offers many advantages:
-
You
can stop wherever you want! If you find the “paradise” and
if you want to moor several days, no problem: you
just need to take back the boat in time at the
base of departure.
-
The
return way-cruise : no extra cost
-
Do
not forget that you will view the countryside from
a different perspective going the other way.
River tourism is all inclusive!
Except
for the
consumable
(oils,
diesel
oil, gas…) that you have to
pay at the end of the cruise (between 20 and 40 € per day), boating
holidays are all inclusive, without “incidental expenses”.
-
You
can eat on board, or have a picnic
-
The
main activities are free: 4 to 5 hours of navigation
per day, going for a walk, cycling on the towpaths,
fishing, swimming, exploring the villages you pass
visit… contrary to “holiday clubs” where
most of the activities are charged.
-
Unlike
winter holidays, there are no renting or extra
costs (ski lift): passing through a lock is free,
you can stop wherever you want (free) or in a harbour
of your choice (low cost).
-
Unlike
sun destinations, the prices are quoted for the
boat-simply divide the total cost by the number
of people on board and judge for yourself what
good value it is.
Hire charges cover insurance
of the boat and the responsibility of Hirer
towards third parties. The day of departure,
you will give a deposit (Please consult
our Internet website under heading Price).
This sum will be repaid to you at the end
of your cruise if the boat and its equipment
are brought back in good condition and
undamaged, at the time and place agreed.
You have the choice of 22 bases of departure in France, Germany or Portugal.
Whether you go for a one way, a round trip or a loop, it will allow
some very
pleasant jaunts or varied waterways. |
France
Cruising Base Locations
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Germany
Cruising Base Locations
|
Portugal
Cruising Base Location
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