No experience needed! - Self-drive boating holidays FRANCE GERMANY PORTUGAL - Intercroisiere
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FRANCE • GERMANY • PORTUGAL
NEW® 2018es!
Nicols launch Self-drive boating holidays
its electric boat
ri e n c e n e e d e d !
No expe
2018
Nicols®
Leading innovation in the inland waterways
introduces industry: Nicols® creates the first ELECTRIC
electric power boat – the SIXTO® Green.
for 2018! • The new boat is non-polluting and environmentally friendly thanks to its "zero emission"
propulsion.
• Now all you’ll hear is the sound of the lapping water while you cruise thanks to the silent
electric power.
• Nicols continue to be committed to creating holidays that are in total harmony with nature.
• Customers will enjoy simple and fast charging thanks to its lithium-ion batteries. In just the
time needed for a lunch break the battery can be recharged ready for the next part of your
cruise!
• The electric powered boat increases the freedom and flexibility to cruise where you want,
when you want.
• Nicols first electric boat will be available in ALSACE operating between the bases in SAVERNE
and HARSKIRCHEN.
• The SIXTO® Green is part of the Estivale range and is suitable for crews of up to 8 people.
For more information or boat hire prices, please get in touch...
Going green in 2018!
© Jean-Jacques Bernier - Photo et textes non contractuels / Photo and descriptions are non-contractual
Edition 2018 | Photos
© Abbaye de Fontenay | © Air N. Bouyssi | © Andrei Nikiforov | © Anjou Navigation | © ARPT Alentejo | © Atelier Bos | © C. Domens – Mas de la Comtesse | © C. Jachymiak | © C. Power | © Christian Richters | © Claude Calcagno | © Clément Guérard
© Coteaux du Languedoc | © CRT Centre Val de Loire | © CRT Franche Comté | © CRT Franche Comté - J. Thiebaud | © CRT Midi Pyrénées – Dominique Viet | © CRTB – Emmanuel Berthier | © David de Miguel Herrero | © D. Maugendre | © Delfino
© Drone images solutions | © F. Charel | © France Mag /Howorth | © G. Huet | © G. Mulvaney | © Golf de Sablé-Solesmes | © Groupe Salins | © Guédelon | © Heinz Storrer | © Inter Croisières | © J.F. Macaigne | © J.J. Bernier | © J.S. Evrard
© Jörn-Lehmann © jose Miguel Redondo | © Les vignerons de Buzet | © M. Hellard | © M. Noblet | © Maison du riz | © Mas de la Comtesse | © Mayenne Tourisme | © Micault | © Nicols | © O. Friedrich | © O. Maynard | © OT Aigues-Mortes | © OT de Cahors
© OT Dole © OT Tonnerre | © P. Berthé | © P. Perriard | © P. Sahuquet | © Paléosite | © Paloma Mielcarek | © Paul Palau | © Philippe de Rexel | © Pomel-Nicols | © R. Krebel | © S. Jean-Baptiste | © S. Joncquez | © S. Ouzounoff | © Sara Bosmans | © Scherer
© Sébastien Laval | © Seenland | © Seth Golub | © Simon Baudouin | © Vallée de la Sarthe | © Ville de Dole | © Ville de Laval | © Ville de Nancy | © Voyage à Nantes | © www.scharmuetzelsee.de | © Y. Goux | © Zoe Mc Intyre | Fotolia © Birgit Mundt Osterw.
Fotolia © E. Schittenhelm | Fotolia © elxeneize | Fotolia © Hardyuno Fotolia © Ines | Fotolia © Leonid Andronov | Fotolia © P. Bossebœuf | Fotolia © P. Bossebœuf | Fotolia © Sliver | Fotolia © westfotos | Fotolia © Westfotos.de | Fotolia © Rudolf Ullrich.
2
WELCOME
4 HOLIDAYS EVERYONE WILL LOVE
SAVERNE NICOL'S® VOUCHERS
HARSKIRCHEN 6 GET READY FOR YOUR CRUISE
LAVAL Paris
BRIENON
Strasbourg
8 EVEN MORE TO ENJOY...
PORT-S.-SAÔNE
GLÉNAC SABLÉ-S.-SARTHE 10 ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE
SUCÉ-S.-ERDRE ROGNY
GREZ-NEUVILLE VENAREY
DOLE 11 THEMED CRUISES
Nantes
PLAGNY
FRANCE p.12 to 33
SIREUIL 12 BRITTANY
Bordeaux
14 ANJOU
BOUZIÈS
BUZET
16 CHARENTE
BELLEGARDE 18 LOT
PORT-LAURAGAIS Marseille
LE SOMAIL
AIGUES-MORTES
20 AQUITAINE
Porto
22 MIDI
24 CAMARGUE
MECKLENBURG 26 LOIRE-VALLEY, NIVERNAIS
Hamburg LÜBZ
28 BURGUNDY
Lisbonne
NEURUPPIN Berlin
Monsaraz
30 FRANCHE COMTÉ, SAÔNE
Évora
Mourão 32 ALSACE
BRANDENBURG AMIEIRA MARINA
Moura
Frankfurt
Lago Alqueva
Faro
GERMANY p.34 to 37
34 MECKLENBURG
36 BRANDENBURG
Strasbourg München
PORTUGAL p.38-39
All our boats are made Smart and bright Family friendly boats Small bases with
38 LAGO ALQUEVA
in our shipyard house boats. where safety knowledgeable
in France. is paramount. and friendly staff
NICOLS® p.40 to 51
40 THE NICOLS® FLEET
51 THE NICOLS® STORY
OWN YOUR OWN NICOLS® BOAT!
Cruising itineraries on Excellent savings for A welcome present And lastly....
the most beautiful our loyal customers. waiting for you our heated pool
waterways in France,
Germany and Portugal
on arrival aboard. (exclusive to NICOLS®)
perfect for children...
PRICES
(exclusive to NICOLS®). and for adults! Prices and information on how to book can be
found at the centre of the brochure.
3
4
Holidays
W hether your crew is a couple or family and/or group
of friends, new to boating or experienced sailors, we’re
sure to have a boat in the Nicols fleet to suit and a destination
everyone will
love...
packed with places to visit and activities to enjoy.
FOR COUPLES
Enjoy a relaxing and romantic getaway by GIFT CARDS
booking a boating holiday. Our PRIMO®
and ESTIVALE DUO® boats are the perfect
ALSO AVAILABLE!
choice for comfortable accommodation and Looking for a great gift idea? Treat family
a spacious rear terrace is ideal for candlelit or friends to a self drive boating break
dinners or breakfast in the sun! on one of our Nicols® boats. No previous
Book a Confort 900, 900 DP, N1000 or 1010 boating experience needed!
and take advantage of our ‘Couples’ discount.
Contact us for more information.
See the prices insert for details.
FOR FAMILIES
Family holidays are for spending time together and creating unforgettable memories.
A boating holiday is great for this as it mixes crew themed activities based around the boat –
such as navigation, manoeuvring and mooring with fun away from the boat such as waterside
picnics, swimming in the canals, visiting historic sites or after a busy day out simply spending
time together onboard playing board games in the evenings.
There are plenty of Nicols boats perfectly suited for crews with children. Why not read our
section dedicated to onboard safety on page 40.
If your crew contains children under the age of 16 then take advantage of our ‘Family’ discount.
See the prices insert for details.
WITH FRIENDS
A boating holiday is an excellent idea for
getting friends together. It’s highly sociable
with all hands on deck and flexible itineraries
mean you can enjoy a weekend break or
longer holiday. Your friends will thank you for
the suggestion!
Larger groups of friends hiring more than
one boat can take advantage of our ‘Groups’
discount. See the prices insert for details.
5
Get ready for
your cruise
and...
enjoy the
waterways!
NAVIGATION
IS EASY! WHERE TO STOP
Our boats are easy to operate with either During your cruise you’re free to stop wherever you like…being careful not to disrupt the
just one inside steering position or a second countryside and wildlife (or encroach on private property!) simply moor up and step ashore.
rooftop position to navigate under the sun Day-by-day you’ll discover new surroundings and sights as you travel at your own pace
with a panoramic view. through beautiful countryside - a wonderful way to enjoy ever-changing scenery and the
You will discover simple controls that are great outdoors.
easy to use: the wheel, a gear lever and a If on the other hand you prefer the hustle and bustle of the towns and villages you pass on
few instruments on the dashboard. Don’t route then take advantage of the purposebuilt ports and mooring sites. Some are free while
worry if you’ve never been on a boat before - others are available at a small charge (this varies depending on the size of the boat and
we’ll show you everything you need to know whether there are power charging points). We estimate charges to be between 10€ to 50€.
before you set off. You’ll be taken out on the These comfortable and serviced areas will provide easy access to the town.
water and given a hands on demonstration
of everything from how to go through locks
WARNING: the information provided in this document is not contractual. Characteristics may vary depending on the boats
to tying up at the water’s edge. and the areas where you’ll navigate
Warning: the minimum age to take the helm of a boat
is 16 years old but they must remain under the captain’s
(an adult!) responsibility.
6
CANAL OR
RIVER? LOCKS
Most of the waterways in our brochure • Will I have to pay? Passage through locks and bridges is free.
are generally wide and nontidal making • Are they automatic? Most locks are automatic and operated by a lock keeper who may ask you
them easy to navigate. Depending on your to help them, whilst others are manual. In the Charente the locks are all operated by you and
chosen departure base you may cruise on your crew, thus you are not restricted by timetables.
both canals and rivers.
• Are there days of closing? Most locks are automatic and operated by a lock keeper who will be
Rivers, where natural, are more susceptible happy to help you. In general, lock keepers do not work on Bank Holidays : 1st May, 14th July,
to the possibility of flooding compared to 1st November. For a list of regions concerned please contact us.
the manmade canals - especially in Spring
and Autumn.
Some navigation restrictions may occur
as a result of this flooding and for your WATERWAYS GUIDES
own safety we may change your departure A comprehensive guide is vital for planning your cruise. It provides detailed information of the
base or restrict cruising to the canal waterways on which you will navigate highlighting useful information such as the location of
sections only, rather than cancelling your cruise locks, quays, water fill-up points in addition to tourist information such as places to visit and their
completely. Please make enquiries about opening hours, market days, good restaurants and much more. We recommend you order
the state of the waterways before leaving on your waterways guide at the same time as booking so that you receive it with the other cruise
your cruise. documentation you will be sent. This means you will have plenty of time to plan your journey in advance.
7
ANIMALS
Even more to ets are welcome onboard. A supplement of 40 euros will be
P
enjoy... requested when you depart the base. Don’t forget to bring their
belongings (feeding bowl, bedding/blankets etc) and when travelling
ensure that they remain safe and cannot cause any harm or damage.
BICYCLES
Bikes are available to hire from all of our bases and provide extra
flexibility for exploring the area where you’ve moored, little villages,
places of interest or simply for going to buy your daily bread.
A helmet is mandatory for children under 12 years of age: please remember to bring your
equipment.
FISHING
Your boat is a great vantage point for fishing from. You can fish in
the canals and rivers providing you hold a fishing licence. These
can be purchased from local fishing tackle shops or on the web
(www.cartedepeche.fr).
As a guide, a 7-day licence for fishing will cost around 32 € in France
and 40 € in Germany. In Portugal it’s a one off cost of 25 € regardless
of the length of your holiday.
BARBECUE
Hire all of the equipment you'll need to a enjoy a barbecue, then
simply pick up your food fresh from the many mooring places you'll
find on route. Take it on board with you…most of our bases even
offer rental of gas bottles. As with all barbecues please be careful and
familiarise yourself with all the equipment before departure.
Whether it’s your tablet, laptop or mobile phone... stay connected
during your cruise! Most of our bases offer a Wifi service that will
allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously*. For more
information please contact us.
(*subject to the quality of network coverage. This varies by region).
8
YOUR LUGGAGE ALL INCLUSIVE
Holdalls are recommended - they are easy
The Nicols® ALL INCLUSIVE option
to stow away. Suitcases do take up far more
makes holiday planning easy with
space on board, so perhaps unpack them
everything you need and more for a
and leave in the boot of your car. Take with
wonderful boating holiday. Let us do the
you comfortable non slip shoes so that
hard work while you sit back and relax.
you can move on the deck without danger
(tennis or baskets). The all inclusive option includes: boat
fuel + 2 bikes + a waterways guide +
Don’t forget sun glasses and sun creams, cleaning fee + towels + kitchen linen. For
hats, gloves… and your camera! more information please contact us.
NEW DECK MATTRESS
Enjoy additional onboard comfort with our
deck mattress. Foldable and easy to store,
the mattress is great for relaxing on the roof
terrace or front deck of your Nicols boat.
THE SWIMMING POOL: A NICOLS® EXCLUSIVE
The on-board pool! Discover the pleasures of on-board bathing by adding one of our fantastic
heated splash pools – simply tow it along with your boat. Suitable for the Estivale, Confort
and Sedan (except N800 and Primo®) ranges.
N.B. : for boats of 13 m length and more a pleasure boat licence is necessary due to the total length of
the boat plus pool.
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION:
Dimensions: 2,55 m x 3,10 m. Capacity: 700 litres, suitable for 3 people. Terrace with double
safety rails. Converts into a larger terrace with two sliding covers.
Available in: Alsace, Aquitaine, Charente, Franche-Comté, Midi.
WARNING: the information provided in this document is not contractual. Characteristics may vary depending on the boats and the areas where you’ll navigate.
9
Let’s take We take our responsibility for caring for the environment very seriously
and are continuously striving to implement best practice procedures.
care of the To help you do your bit, on the day of departure Nicols® will provide
you with a welcome kit which includes some biodegradable cleaning
environment products for use on your holiday. Rubbish bags should be left in the areas provided.
together! Please abide by the strict speed limits to reduce bankside erosion and protect the
wildlife that live there and when mooring, be careful not to damage the plants around
you. Our aim is to ensure that our boats and everyone who uses them have a minimal
impact on the environment to protect our waterways so many more people can enjoy
In Portugal, the
them for years to come.
entire Nicols® fleet is
equipped with solar
panels.
Nicols® is committed
to helping preserve
the Canal du Midi,
a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
NICOLS® creates the
first electric boat
(details on page 2).
© Sebastien Joncquez
10Our themed
cruises
NICOLS® new themed cruises will help you choose the best suited itinerary to match
your interests.
Look out for the appropriate symbols flagging the interests throughout the brochure…
FOOD & WINE: Index of map icons
Vineyards, wineries, tasting venues, restaurants (p. 12 to 39)
offering prestigious local specialties and local produce
tastings...
Train station
Please drink alcohol responsibly and in moderation.
Airport
HISTORY & HERITAGE: Historical heritage
Castles, religious buildings, classified sites, free tours
to discover places of interest or hosted tours from Religious heritage
the experts...
Museum
Typical town centre
NATURE:
Areas of natural beauty for fauna, flora and wildlife. Craft industry
Free tours to discover places of interest or hosted
tours from the experts... Archaeological site
Cave
GOLF: Restaurant
Mix your hobby of golf with a boating holiday. Vineyard area
Some golf courses can even be found within walking
distance of the waterways! Boat lift
Water slope
Lock staircase
Swimming
SWIMMING & BATHING: Indoor pool
Natural and artificial lakes, easy beach access close to
the river/canal, swimming pools and waterparks… Nautic activities
Fishing
Marvelous flora & fauna,
Zoo,
FISHING: Animal park
Golf
In the canals, rivers, lakes and ponds!
A holiday on the water is a fisherman’s dream
holiday...whether an amateur or enthusiast. Cycle paths
What will you catch?
Pony trekking
FAMILY: Hiking
Highlights any route with activities suitable for Viewing point
children and the whole family to enjoy. Zoo’s, play
areas, adventure parks and many more...
11Bretagne Brittany
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
Canal de Nantes à Brest Josselin
La Vilaine
L'Erdre
A t the crossroads of l’Erdre, la Vilaine and the Nantes to Brest Canal, discover the charms of Inland
Brittany: waterways devoted entirely to pleasure cruising, its traditions, its seafood, delicious crepes
and traditional cider!
From Glénac and Sucé-sur-Erdre Malestroit
Explore a land of magic and mystery, rich in colour and traditions
with a boating holiday in Brittany cruising the canal from Nantes to
Brest. Enjoy historical treasures and remarkable natural sites: Josselin,
with its magnificent castle reflected in the water ; Malestroit and its
15th century houses ; the craftsman village of Gacilly ; Redon founded
in 832 or Blain (traditional popular arts museum)...
The river Vilaine takes you to Rennes, the capital of Brittany, and on
to Dinan and the surrounded ramparts dating back to the thirteenth
century.
Following the Erdre you’ll pass fantastic golf courses. Count
17 castles within just 15km of waterways on this stretch! In two hours
of locks free cruising you’ll be at the heart of the city of Nantes and
all its treasures: Cathedral St Pierre, Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne,
Pommeraye passage, Museum of Fine Arts, the Machines of the Isle...
to name just a few!
12Saint-Malo
La Rance
Dinan
Carhaix
Châteauneuf- Ca
na
ld
du-Faou ’Ill
ee
Can tR
al d
e an
Châteaulin à B Nant
res Guerlédan ce
t es
Pontivy Rohan
Rennes
Ca
na
ld
et
e Josselin
av
Na
Bl
nt Pont-Réan
Le
es
àB
re
e
s
ilain
t
La V
La Gacilly
Guipry
Malestroit
L'île aux Pies Messac
GLÉNAC
Redon
La Vilaine
Arzal Guenrouët
Blain
Nicols® base La Roche-Bernard Bout de Bois
Navigation limit
SUCÉ-S.-ERDRE
Dam
L’Erdre
See p. 11 La L
oire
Nantes
Locks are open
L'Erdre all season
Muscadet
DON'T MISS
LA GACILLY: exhibition of 30 years of crafts
JOSSELIN: painting, sculpture, ceramics, leather, jewellery
LA ROCHE-BERNARD: art workshops in the old districts
Castles of the Dukes of Brittany (Nantes), castles at Blain and
Josselin, castles dotted along the river Erdre
Small towns with character: Malestroit, La Roche-Bernard, Josselin,
Rochefort-en-Terre
ÎLE AUX PIES: adventure trail
GUENROUËT: leisure park including mini-golf and waterslides
NANTES: the "Machines de l'Île" art project Artist - La Roche-Bernard "Machines de l'Île" - Nantes
GLÉNAC SUCÉ-SUR-ERDRE
Redon (12 km), Rennes (70 km), Nantes (90 km). Nantes (20 km), Rennes (115 km).
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
A81 (Paris-Rennes - 350 km). A11 (Paris-Nantes - 380 km). 23 - Nantes-Est.
TGV Redon (12 km), TGV Rennes (65 km), TGV Nantes (105 km). Nantes (20 km), TGV Paris-Nantes (2h15).
Nantes (105 km), Rennes (71 km). Paris-Orly (375 km), Nantes (30 km).
ESTIVALE Duo | Quattro | Quattro S | Sixto | Octo
® ® ® ® ®
ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro®
CONFORT 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 B CONFORT 900 DP
SEDAN Primo® | 1000 | 1170 | 1310 SEDAN 1000 | 1170
RIVIERA 920
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
A Glénac > Malestroit > Glénac 59 10 10h 2 DAY A Sucé/Erdre > Blain > Sucé/Erdre 70 20 14h
2 DAY
B Glénac > La Roche-Bernard > Glénac 90 2 12h30 WEEKEND B Sucé/Erdre > Nantes > Bout de Bois > Sucé/Erdre 76 12 15h
WEEKEND
C Glénac > Guenrouët > Glénac 74 4 11h30 SHORT BREAK A Sucé/Erdre > Guenrouët > Sucé-sur-Erdre 114 30 23h
A Glénac > Josselin > Glénac 109 30 22h SHORT BREAK
A Sucé/Erdre > Glénac 93 17 20h30
SHORT BREAK B Glénac > Guipry-Messac > Glénac 132 4 18h30 (One way)
C Glénac > Blain > Glénac 118 14 21h30 A Sucé/Erdre > La Gacilly > Sucé/Erdre 194 32 35h
SHORT BREAK 1 WEEK B Sucé/Erdre > La Roche-Bernard > Sucé/Erdre 228 32 36h
A Glénac > Sucé/Erdre 93 17 20h30
(One way) C Sucé/Erdre > Messac > Sucé/Erdre 240 34 41h
A Glénac > Josselin > Rohan > Glénac 158 62 39h 1 WEEK
1 WEEK A Sucé/Erdre > Nantes > Glénac 136 17 27h
B Glénac > Rennes > Glénac 184 24 33h (One way)
1 WEEK A Sucé/Erdre > Redon > Rennes > Sucé/Erdre 334 58 60h
A Glénac > Nantes > Sucé/Erdre 136 17 27h 2 WEEKS
(One way) B Sucé/Erdre > Redon > Josselin > Sucé/Erdre 268 60 55h
A Glénac > Nantes > Glénac 238 34 47h
2 WEEKS
B Glénac > Dinan > Glénac 262 69 55h
13Anjou
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
La Mayenne La Sarthe
La Sarthe
L'Oudon
T he beautiful and welcoming valleys of Anjou are just 2 hours and 30 minutes from Paris.
A cruise on the Sarthe and Mayenne rivers takes you to the heart of the region’s rich heritage with
numerous castles, mills and character villages to explore. Lock keepers (who are even working on public
holidays) are there to guide you easily through the locks making a boating holiday in this area a great
option for those new to the waterways.
From Grez-Neuville From Sablé-sur-Sarthe
Dotted along the banks of the Mayenne river are numerous places Discover the pretty Sarthe river and the surrounding delights.
to visit such as the Lion d’Angers equestrian centre, the millennial Meandering through verdant countryside dotted with picturesque
city of Château-Gontier, the Port-Salut abbey at Entrammes and the villages. There are very few locks along its reaches, so it’s ideal for
historical cities of Laval and King René’s Angers. Cycling enthusiasts beginners. Don’t miss the most elegant castle of plessis Bourré,
will appreciate the excellent ‘EuroVelo’ towpath that runs along the the imposing Benedictine Abbey of Solesmes, Malicorne, capital of
river, specifically geared to cyclists and an award winner in 2017. artistic porcelain and the older part of Le Mans town... Also enjoy
Another hidden gem is the small and calm Oudon river that flows local specialities such as rillettes du Mans!
into the Mayenne close to Grez-Neuville and is therefore a must see.
From Laval
See more with a one-way cruise from Laval to Sablé-sur-Sarthe or
Laval to Grez-Neuville. This route is perfect for nature lovers taking
in the high valleys of Anjou (a Natura 2000 nature protection area)
with visits to great places such as Laval, Château Gonthier, Angers
and Sablé-sur-Sarthe.
Malicorne's crockery
14Mayenne
e
nn
Montgiroux
ye
Ma
La
Avoise-Parcé
LAVAL
Le Mans
Entrammes Solesmes
Port-Salut
enne
Spay
La May
e
SABLÉ-S. arth
LaS Angers
-SARTHE
Château Gontier Fillé
Chenillé rth
e
Malicorne
Changé
Sa
La Chapelle-s.-Oudon Morannes
La
Segré L’Ou
don Châteauneuf-s.-Sarthe
Le Lion d’Angers
Cheffes
GREZ-NEUVILLE NICOLS® base
Terra Botanica Angers Navigation limit
e
ain
M
La
See p. 11
La
Lo
ire La Lo
ire
Anjou- Locks are open
Val de Loire all season Plant life theme park Laval
DON'T MISS
ANGERS: the castle of King René
LE MANS: the historic quarter of the Plantagenet City
SOLESMES: the Benedictine Abbey
ECOUFLANT: Parc Anjou adventure park
JAILLE-SUR-YVON: tree top trek
SPAY: wake boarding watersports centre
ANGERS: plant life theme park "Terra Botanica"
ASNIÈRE: botanical garden with mosaic garden
SPAY AND CHÂTEAU-GONTIER: animal parks
La Mayenne Local produce
GREZ-NEUVILLE SABLÉ-SUR-SARTHE
Angers (25 km). Paris (250 km), Rennes (128 km), Angers (65 km), Le Mans (50 km).
A11 (Paris-Angers 300 km) 17. A11 (Paris-Sablé 260 km), 10 (13 km).
TGV Angers (25 km). Sablé 800 m, TGV Paris-Sablé (1h20).
Paris-Orly (305 km), Nantes-Atlantique (110 km). TGV Roissy CDG-Sablé (2h20), Roissy CDG (285 km),
Paris-Orly (250 km), Nantes-Atlantique (160 km).
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
ESTIVALE Quattro® ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Octo®
CONFORT 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 B CONFORT 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 B
SEDAN Primo® | 1000 | 1170 SEDAN Primo® | 1000 | 1010 |1160 | 1170 | 1310
RIVIERA 920 | 1130
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
A Grez > Château-Gontier > Grez 62 18 10h30 2 DAY A Sablé > Malicorne > Sablé 52 10 10h
2 DAY
B Grez > Daon > Segré > Grez 62 12 10h30 WEEKEND B Sablé > Châteauneuf-s.-Sarthe > Sablé 60 10 10h
WEEKEND
C Grez > Angers > Grez 62 8 10h30 A Sablé > Spay > Sablé 120 22 20h
A Grez > Entrammes > Grez 122 34 21h SHORT BREAK B Sablé > Angers > Sablé 120 12 18h
SHORT BREAK
B Grez > Château-Gontier > Segré > Grez 96 24 18h C Sablé > Malicorne > Châteauneuf > Sablé 112 20 19h
SHORT BREAK A Grez > Segré > Laval 106 27 17h30 A Sablé > Spay > Châteauneuf > Sablé 149 26 25h
1 WEEK
(One way) B Grez > Montgiroux > Laval 110 35 20h B Sablé > Angers > Grez > Sablé 84 10 14h30
A Grez > Laval > Segré > Grez 176 46 30h A Sablé > Malicorne > Angers > Segré > Grez 175 27 28h
1 WEEK 1 WEEK
B Grez > Sablé > Malicorne > Grez 190 42 30h B Sablé > Angers > Château-Gontier > Grez 144 27 24h
(One way)
1 WEEK A Grez > Segré > Angers > Malicorne > Sablé 175 27 28h C Sablé > Angers > Laval 146 31 28h
(One way) B Grez > Château-Gontier > Angers > Sablé 144 27 24h
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
LAVAL One way
SHORT BREAK A Laval > Segré > Grez 106 27 17h30
cruises are now
even easier thanks to (One way) B Laval > Montgiroux > Grez 110 35 20h
Paris (280 km), Rennes (75 km). the new SABLÉ – LAVAL 1 WEEK
rail link. A Laval > Angers > Sablé 146 31 28h
(One way)
Rennes : A81, 4, Paris : A11 / A81, 3 To celebrate this there is
no one-way supplement
TGV 800 m. on this route saving EVEN MORE COMFORT ON BOARD!
you 150 €
Rennes (80 km). The whole fleet benefit from 1 quay plug 220 Volts and electric toilet.
NEW FOR 2018: one USB port per cabin.
Choose your boat from either the Grez-Neuville or Sable-sur-Sarthe fleet.
15Charente
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
La Charente
La Charente
E njoy a boating holiday on one of France’s most beautiful rivers. Take in green countryside, crystal clear
waters and fields of sunflowers whilst you cruise. The best bists : Locks operated by yourself so no
restrictions on travel time ; Cognac and Pineau vineyards and tasting! Peaceful countryside and ancient
Roman sites.
From Sireuil
Large and winding, the river Charente quoted by François the 1st as “the most beautiful stream in the Kingdom”, runs through the ancient
counties of “Langoumois” and “La Saintonge”.
For 171 km, from Angoulême to Rochefort, the Charente is regulated by 21 locks. The ancient vineyards cover the surrounding hills. Many cellars
and distilleries will invite you to taste the famous Cognac or delicious pineau des Charentes. Along your cruise, you will find many villages and
towns that are testimonies to a rich past such as Angoulême, Fleurac, Saint-Simeux, Châteauneuf, Saint-Simon, Bassac, Jarnac, Saint-Brice,
Cognac, Saintes, Saint-Savinien, and Rochefort.
In the Charente area, the gastronomy based on seafood and local products, is waiting for you along the river with many of its restaurants
preparing local specialities (“mouclade”, oysters, melon, meats, snails, cheese...). Fishermen will not be forgotten and will find plenty of brown
trout, carp, pike, perche, and eels…
Cognac - Tours Saint-Jacques Saintes - Amphitheater
16Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
NICOLS® base
SIREUIL
Navigation limit Poitiers (130 km), Bordeaux (118 km), Angoulême (20 km).
La Rochelle
See p. 11
A10 (Paris) 30 (Poitiers-Sud), A10 (Bordeaux 39b (Barbezieux).
Angoulême (20 km), TGV Paris (2h20), Châteauneuf-s.-Charente (8 km).
Locks are open La Rochelle-Laleu (145 km), Bordeaux-Mérignac (118 km),
Rochefort all season
Angoulême-Champniers (30 km).
Saint-Savinien ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Sixto® | Octo®
CONFORT 900 | 900 DP | 1100
Cognac SEDAN 800 | Primo® | 1000 | 1160N
RIVIERA 920
Saintes Cognac Jarnac PISCINE / POOL
Royan Chaniers La Charen
te
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
Angoulême
2 DAY
Châteauneuf- A Sireuil > Jarnac > Sireuil 56 18 13h
Pineau WEEKEND
s.-Charente SIREUIL SHORT BREAK A Sireuil > Chaniers > Sireuil 24h
132 30
1 WEEK A Sireuil > Saint-Savinien > Sireuil 198 30 32h
2 WEEKS A Sireuil > Rochefort > Sireuil 252 32 40h
DON'T MISS
COGNAC: famous producers Hennessy, Martell,
Baron Otard and museum of Cognac production
JARNAC: famous producer Courvoisier
LES AIREAUX: famous producers Maison Brillet and Pineau des Charentes
Regional dishes such as
melon charentais, mouclade,
oysters and snails
CHÂTEAUNEUF-SUR-CHARENTE AND L'ILE MADAME (JARNAC) :
Supervised beaches,
swimming also possible in the Charente river
Trout, carp, pike,
perch, eels and
many more!
Fishing on the banks of the Charente Charentais vineyard
St-Césaire - History centre
Angoulême
17Lot
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
Le Lot
Le Lot
F rom Bouziès-Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: the cliffs of limestone, the picturesque villages, the gastronomy:
stuffed foie gras, goose confit, Cahors wine...
From Bouziès / Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
A succession of cliffs and caves await you around the tree-lined curves of the Lot. A 74 km river
for your complete pleasure!
17 manual locks, to operate yourself as in former times. The old villages of Quercy with their
narrow alleys and mossy, red roofs, the famous Valentré bridge of Cahors, the cliffs of Bouziès,
St-Cirq-Lapopie village overlooking the valley, add to the charm of this navigation.
Bouziès - Towpath Cahors - Valentré bridge
18Locks are open
all season
Château Le Célé
Saint-Sernin
Grotte du Pech Merle
Parnac Mercuès Laroque-des-Arcs
Caix Caillac Cabrerets
Domaine Larrigue Vers Saint-Géry
Larnagol
Tour-de-Faure
Le
t
Lamagdelaine
Le Lo
Lo
Lot
t
Pradines
Luzech Douelle Le
Cénevières
Arcambal BOUZIÈS
SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
Cahors
NICOLS® base
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie Calvignac
Navigation limit
See p. 11
Domaine Dols
Cahors
DON'T MISS
SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE: an interesting medieval village
CAHORS: the Valentré bridge (a UNESCO site)
BOUZIÈS: the towpath carved into the rocks, the painted
cave of Pech Merle, the 20,000 year old Castle of Cenevières
Wines of Cahors: Château Saint-Sernin at Parnac, Le Domaine
Lagarrigue at Lamagdeleine and also Le domaine Dols in Bouziès
Regional products: truffled foie gras, goose confit, walnut cake
Bathing in Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Swimming is also possible in the river Lot!
Swimming in the river
Pech Merle caves
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie Cénevières - Castle
BOUZIÈS / SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Octo®
CONFORT 900 | 900 DP | 1100
Cahors (35 km), Montauban (100 km), Brive (110 km), Toulouse (150 km). SEDAN Primo® | 1000 | 1010 | 1170
RIVIERA 920
A20, Paris-Toulouse, 57 Cahors-Nord (27 km).
Cahors (35 km). DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
Toulouse-Blagnac (150 km). 1 WEEK
A Bouziès > Larnagol / Luzech > Bouziès 148 34 22h
B Bouziès > Larnagol > Cahors > Bouziès 90 26 16h
Warning: we recommend that you've had some previous boating experience
if cruising on the river Lot.
19Aquitaine
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
La Baïse Nérac
Canal de Garonne
F rom Buzet: possibility to cruise both on canal and river, automatic locks, natural beauty and cultural
inheritage, local specialities : Armagnac, duck breast, Agen prunes, Buzet wines...
Aquitaine, from Buzet
A choice of memorable itineraries in the land of King Henri IV and d’Artagnan the Musketeer!
The River Baïse, mysterious and bewitching, meandering its way past bastide towns, abbeys and castles of Gascogny, visiting Vianne, Nérac
and Condom.
The garonne Canal flows quietly under the plane trees towards the Aqueduct of Agen, the Cloister of Moissac, “the Water Slope”
of Montech and through the historic town of Toulouse.
Towards Bordeaux, discover the Rembrandt of Le Mas d'Agenais, the promontory of Meilhan and the charming village of Fontet.
Buzet - Nicols® base Agen - Canal bridge
20La D
ord
ogne
Bordeaux
NICOLS® base
Bergerac
La
Ga
Bordeaux Navigation limit
ro
n
ne
Cadillac See p. 11
Castets en Dorthe
Fontet Canal de Garonne :
locks closed on 1st May
Marmande
Meilhan-s.-Garonne Villeneuve- The Baïse: locks are
La
de
Ca aro
open all season
Ga
s.-Lot
na nn
G
ro
l e
n
Clairac
ne
Aquitaine Lustrac
Le Mas d’Agenais Le Lo
t
Aiguillon
BUZET-S.-BAÏSE La Gar
onne
Buzet Agen
Vianne Can
Lavardac Ga al de
ron
Nérac ne Valence
La
Ga
ron d’Agen Moissac
n e
La Baïse
Moncrabeau
Montauban
Condom
Armagnac Canal de
Valence-s.-Baïse Montech Montauban
Frontonnais
Can
al d
e
Gar
onn
e
Toulouse
Moissac
Ca
na
l du
Mi
di
DON'T MISS
NÉRAC: Castle of King Henri IV (16th century)
VIANNE: fortified country house (12th century)
FLARAN: Cistercienne Abbey (12th century)
CONDOM: Cathedral and Cloister (14th century) on the pilgrimage route
to Compostelle - MOISSAC: Abbey and Cloister (12th century) on the pilgrimage
route to Compostelle - AGEN: canal bridge (19th century) at 530 metres long
Wines of Buzet: Cave-Coopérative in Buzet, Château Frandat in Nérac
Armagnac: Maison Ryst-Dupeyron and the Armagnac museum in
Condom Floc de Gascogne: Château de Cassaigne
Numerous gourmet restaurants
Foie gras of duck: at the farm and duck kitchen of Lafitte à Montgaillard
Pruneau d’Agen: Roques farm in Montesquieu…
Melon de Nérac (in the markets)
The unconventional strawberry and tomato jam of Marmande (in the markets)
Swimming pools: Lud'o Parc in Nérac, Waterparks in Agen, Golfech,
Condom and Moncrabeau
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
BUZET-SUR-BAÏSE
Bordeaux (110 km), Agen (30 km), Toulouse (150 km).
A62, Bordeaux-Toulouse, 6 Aiguillon (5 km).
Aiguillon (5 km), Agen (30 km), TGV Paris-Agen (4h).
Bordeaux-Mérignac (115 km), Toulouse-Blagnac (150 km).
ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Octo®
CONFORT 900 | 1100 | 1350 B
SEDAN Primo® | 1000 | 1010 | 1310
RIVIERA 920 | 1130
PISCINE / POOL
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
2 DAY A (Baïse) Buzet > Nérac > Buzet 42 14 10h
WEEKEND B (Canal) Buzet > Agen > Buzet 56 14 10h
A (Baïse) Buzet > Moncrabeau > Buzet 70 28 17h
SHORT BREAK B (Canal) Buzet > Fontet > Buzet 98 16 17h
C (Canal) Buzet > Valence d’Agen > Buzet 108 20 18h
A (Baïse) Buzet > Valence-s.-Baïse > Buzet 112 40 28h
1 WEEK
B (Canal) Buzet > Montech > Buzet 184 58 38h
21Midi
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
Canal du Midi
Canal de la Robine Canal du Midi
Canal du Rhône à Sète
© David Maugendre
C lassified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi
links the Atlantic with the Mediterranean and takes you through
sun drenched vineyards and to numerous villages and canal side
restaurants. The best bits: plenty of sunshine, numerous historical
sites to visit, and excellent Languedoc wines from waterside vineyards.
From Le Somail
From the charming small port of Le Somail, cruise away to discover the Canal du Midi in the
direction of Carcassonne or if your cruising time permits down to Narbonne close to the
Mediterranean Sea. You will cruise on the largest pound of France (52 km without any locks)
up to the Fonserannes staircase, situated close to the historical city of Béziers.
A few kilometres more and you arrive, via Agde, to the huge Etang de Thau - renowned for
its oyster beds...
From Port-Lauragais
Cast off from our base in Port-Lauragais and sail west towards Toulouse, named the "pink
city" because of its red brick buildings, rich with points of interest for tourists - Heritage
Capitol museum, city of Space to name a couple.
To the East a must stop is Castelnaudary to try its delicious cassoulet, a local gastronomic
specialty, before cruising on to the medieval city of Carcassonne. The streets of Trebes, whose
origin date back to 4500BC, await you before reaching Homps and its man-made beaches.
Toulouse
22Tarascon e
• Moissac Nîmes Beaucaire Le
Rh
ôn
• Montauban NICOLS® base
BELLEGARDE
• Montech Navigation limit
Saint-Gilles
See p. 11 ne
Rhô Arles
al du
Can à Sète
Rh tit
e
La G
ôn
Pe
Montpellier
aron
Locks closed on 1st May
ne
and 1st November AIGUES-MORTES
Le
Rh
Toulouse Le Grau-
ôn
Coteaux du Muscat de Frontignan
e
Languedoc Frontignan du-Roi
Mèze
Ca
Fonsérannes
na
Palavas-les-Flots
l
Minervois
du
PORT-LAURAGAIS Argeliers
M
LE SOMAIL Etang
id
i
de Thau Sète
Béziers
Villefranche- Canal du Midi
Etang
de-Lauragais de Jouarres
Homps
Agde
Ca
Malpas
Bram Marseillette
na
Castelnaudary
l
di
Canal du Mi
de
la
Ro
b
Trèbes Narbonne
ine
Carcassonne
Limoux
Corbières Port-la-Nouvelle
DON'T MISS
WINE APPELLATIONS: Minervois, Corbières, Limoux,
Coteaux du Languedoc
VENTENAC-EN-MINERVOIS: wine museum
MARSEILLAN: cellars of Noilly Prat
Numerous cellars at Marseillette, Colombiers, Puichéric and Vias
ADVENTURE PARKS: outdoor adventure park in Portiragnes and
the indoor Europark in Vias
WILDLIFE PARKS: Australian park in Carcassonne and African
reserve of Sigean near Port la Robine
LAKE WITH BEACH & WATERSPORTS: Etang de Jouarres near Homps
SWIMMING POOLS: Trèbes and Castelnaudary
BEACHES: Vias (1 km), Port-la-Nouvelle (2 km)
Portiragnes, Port Cassafières and Agde (4 km)
Carcassonne Béziers
LE SOMAIL PORT-LAURAGAIS
Narbonne (18 km), Béziers (40 km), Carcassonne (50 km). Avignonet-Lauragais (2,5 km).
A61, A9, Paris (770 km). Toulouse (56 km) A61 - 20, Narbonne (116 km) A61 – 21.
TGV Béziers & Narbonne. TGV Toulouse Matabiau (45km), TER Avignonet Lauragais (2,5 km)
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
Béziers (35 km), Carcassonne (56 km), Montpellier (150 km), Toulouse-Blagnac (56 km), Carcassonne-Salvaza (55 km).
Toulouse (148 km).
Duo® | Quattro® | Quattro S® | Sixto® | ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Sixto® | Octo®
ESTIVALE
Sixto® Prestige C | Octo® | Octo® Fly C CONFORT 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 B
CONFORT 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 B | 1350 VIP SEDAN 800 | 1000 | 1170 | 1310 | Primo®
SEDAN 800 | 1000 | 1170 | 1310 | Primo® RIVIERA 920
RIVIERA 920 PISCINE / POOL
PISCINE / POOL
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
2 DAY A Le Somail > Fonsérannes > Le Somail 82 - 11h 2 DAY Port-Lauragais - Castelnaudary - Port
A 30 12 8h
WEEKEND B Le Somail > Homps > Le Somail 42 12 10h WEEKEND Lauragais
Le Somail > Narbonne / Fonsérannes > A Port-Lauragais - Toulouse - Port-Lauragais 90 28 22h
A 111 20 20h SHORT BREAK
Le Somail B Port-Lauragais - Bram - Port-Lauragais 60 46 20h30
SHORT BREAK
B Le Somail > Port-La Nouvelle > Le Somail 74 24 15h Port-Lauragais - Carcassonne - Trèbes -
1 WEEK A 136 68 37h
C Le Somail > Marseillette > Le Somail 80 34 22h Port-Lauragais
A Le Somail > Trèbes > Le Somail 100 40 26h 1 WEEK
A Port-Lauragais - Carcassonne - Le Somail 118 54 31h45
1 WEEK B Le Somail > Carcassonne > Le Somail 124 52 33h (One way)
C Le Somail > Agde > Le Somail 130 22 23h30
1 WEEK A Le Somail > Port-Lauragais 118 54 31h45
(One way) B Le Somail > Aigues-Mortes 139 15 27h
23Camargue
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
Canal du Rhône à Sète Canal du Rhône à Sète
Etang de Thau
Canal du Midi
T he Camargue is packed with bustling Crusader ports, sandy
beaches and some of the richest flora and fauna in Europe.
The south of France enjoys warm sunshine for most of the year and
with only a few locks makes it ideal for first time cruisers.
From Bellegarde
Cruise away to discover the Etang de Thau and the Camargue, land of marshes, flamingos
and wild horses.
This formidable nature reserve of 85000 hectares has the richest fauna and flora in Europe.
Remarkable settings of fortified towns, remnants of past history dating to the first Crusades,
Meridional foods, Bouzigues oysters, Costières de Nîmes wines or Frontignan Muscat.
Aigues-Mortes
From Aigues-Mortes
Visit Aigues Mortes, the fortified medieval town from the thirteenth Frontignan Muscat; discover the treasures of the Abbey of Maguelone
century and starting point of the first crusades of King Louis IX, and or Saint-Gilles by road to visit St Jacques de Compostela. Last but not
the famous salt marshes that have surrounded the city since the least explore the city of Sète, a maritime town set at the opening of the
Middle Ages. Elsewhere enjoy the Mediterranean beaches at Grau du Etang de Thau lagoon.
Roi, Palavas-les-Flots, Grande Motte or in Carnon. See the Camargue’s
wild horses and bulls and an abundance of exceptional flora and
fauna. Taste the oysters from Bouzigues, savor a glass of Picpoul or
24NICOLS® base
Costières de e
ôn
Navigation limit Nîmes Rh
Le
Nîmes Beaucaire
See p. 11 Tarascon
BELLEGARDE
No locks in Saint-Gilles
Camargue Arles
Rh tit
e
ôn
Pe
Montpellier l du
Cana ète
eàS
Rhôn
AIGUES-MORTES
Le
The famous bulls of the Camargue
Rh
Le Grau-
ôn
Coteaux du Muscat de Frontignan
e
Languedoc Frontignan du-Roi
Mèze
Palavas-les-Flots
Fonsérannes
LE SOMAIL Etang
de Thau
Argeliers Béziers Sète
Canal du Midi
Homps
Agde
Ca
Malpas
na
l
di
Canal du Mi
de
la
Ro
b
Narbonne
ine
Port-la-Nouvelle
Thau lake
DON'T MISS
WINE APPELLATIONS: Costières de Nîmes, muscat
de Frontignan, Sables wines, Picpoul and rice beer!...
GALLICIAN: wine cellar
AIGUES-MORTES : wine cellar in the ramparts
MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE AND LOCAL PRODUCTS:
rice and salt of the Camargue, olive oils, Fougasse of Aigues-
Mortes, asparagus, fish and seafood
GRAU DU ROI: Aquarium, mini golf, Babyland adventure park
AIGUES MORTES : ‘Les Petits Bouts’ adventure park, Train du
Colorado (a 1/24 scale model railway), the ‘Templar treasure hunt’
around the city
Flamingos, horses and bulls of the Camargue
Wildlife observation: Scamandre discovery centre, Rice beer Aigues-Mortes - Les Salins
the La Marette pond near our Aigues-Mortes base!
Palavas-les-Flots The Scamandre nature reserve
BELLEGARDE AIGUES-MORTES
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
Nîmes (17 km), Montpellier (66 km), Marseille (106 km), Lyon (265 km). Nîmes (44 km), Montpellier (33 km), Marseille (136 km).
A9, A54 2 Garons (12 km). A9 26 (20 km).
TGV Nîmes (22 km). TGV Montpellier (32 km), TGV Nîmes (42 km), TGV Avignon (1h).
Nîmes (14 km), Montpellier (65 km). Nîmes (48 km), Montpellier (25 km), Marseille (138 km).
ESTIVALE Duo® ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro S® | Sixto® | Sixto® Prestige C | Octo®
CONFORT 900 | 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 VIP CONFORT 900 DP
SEDAN 1010 | 1310 SEDAN Primo®
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
2 DAY A Aigues-Mortes > Bellegarde > Aigues-Mortes 72 - 12h
A Bellegarde > Aigues-Mortes > Bellegarde 72 - 12h 2 DAY
WEEKEND Aigues-Mortes > Grau du Roi > Palavas >
WEEKEND B 53 - 9h
SHORT BREAK A Bellegarde > Palavas-les-Flots > Bellegarde 122 - 15h30 Aigues Mortes
1 WEEK A Bellegarde > Etang de Thau > Bellegarde 196 - 28h Aigues-Mortes > Grau du Roi > Sète >
SHORT BREAK A 101 - 17h
Aigues-Mortes
Aigues-Mortes > Grau du Roi > Etang de Thau
1 WEEK A 161 6 28h
> Agde > Vias > Aigues-Mortes
1 WEEK
A Aigues-Mortes > Le Somail 139 15 27h
(One way)
25Paris
Strasbourg
Val de Loire,
Nivernais
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
Canal de Briare
Canal latéral à La Loire Briare - Eiffel canal bridge
Canal du Nivernais
L'Yonne
T his is an easy to access cruising region as close to Paris (about 2h or 2h30 depending on your
starting point at either Rogny or Plagny). Explore numerous historical sites and enjoy internationally
renowned Sancerre wines and excellent local gastronomy. There are a wide range of cruise itineraries
on both canals and the river Yonne.
From Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses
and from Plagny
The Canal de Briare runs parallel to the Loire River and the superb
Canal du Nivernais and offers peaceful waters alongside the rhythm
of enchanting French village life. Set in surroundings between hills
and forests the area is dotted with remarkable sites such as: Rogny
with its seven locks built during the realm of Henry IV ; the Briare
canal bridge designed by Eiffel ; Sancerre and pouilly, renow-
ned for their world famous vineyards ; la Charité sur Loire (city of
books) which is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and
an essential stop on the route to ‘Saint-Jacques-de-Compostella’
Apremont-sur-Allier ranked among the most beautiful villages in
France and Nevers, a town full of art, history and famous for its
cathedral and gothic dukes’ palace, its Roman church from the 11th
century and some of the oldest potteries in France. Lastly nature
lovers should visit Bec d’Allier – the meeting point between Loire Sancerre
and Allier, one of the last wild rivers in Europe and classified a ‘Panda
Site’ by the WWF.
26NICOLS® base
Paris-Orly La See p. 11
Se
in
e
Moret-s.-Loing Locks closed on
1st May
L’Yo
nn
Nemours
e
Sens
Canal
Bec d'Allier
du Lo
Villeneuve-s.-Yonne BRIENON
ing
Joigny
Montargis Saint-Julien-du-Sault Saint-Florentin
Tonnerre
Chablis
Canal
Tonnerrois
Can
de Bria
al d
Châtillon-Coligny Auxerre
Ca
n
u
al
de
Niv
re
Bo
Guédelon
ern
ur
g
ais
og
Auxerrois
ne
Briare ROGNY
Champs-s.-Yonne
Local crafts / Swimming in the Loire river Mailly-le-Château
Châtillon-s.-Loire
La
Merry-s.-Yonne
Can Loire
Lo
à la
ire
al la
Clamecy
téra
l
Saint-Satur
Can
Pouilly-s.-Loire
al d
Sancerre Tannay
u
Niv
ern
Pouilly
ais
Etang
La Charité-s.-Loire de Baye
Sancerre
Guédelon - Medieval castle
Marseilles-les-Aubigny
DON'T MISS Nevers Châtillon-en-Bazois
BRIARE: museum of mosaics and metals
NEVERS: museum of ceramics – with workshops
and activities
LA CHARITÉ-SUR-LOIRE: a ‘City of Books’ and with
craftsmen, calligraphers and illuminations PLAGNY Cercy-la-Tour
Bec d’Allier
GUÉDELON: find many different types of art in the heart of Decize
Pont-canal du Guétin
the medieval castle Apremont (6 km)
Ca
na
l la
WINE APPELLATIONS: Sancerre, Pouilly fumé, coteaux du
té
ral
Giennois La
àl
Loi
aL
POUILLY-SUR-LOIRE: wine-tourism centre re
oir
e
SANCERRE: Wine house with tasting sessions and shop
Dompierre-
BEACHES: in Châtillon-sur-Loire, Nevers beach in the s.-Besbre
summer and at the Guétin canal bridge
SWIMMING POOLS: in St-Satur and in Nevers enjoy the pool
on the banks of the Loire and watersports centre "Ilot Corail"
ROGNY PLAGNY
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
Paris (155 km), Montargis (30 km), Briare (18 km). Nevers (5 km), Bourges (90 km), Paris (250 km), Lyon (260 km).
A77 18 Orléans - Montargis (60 km), A77 20 Orléans - Gien (23 km). A6, A77, Paris (250 km - 2h30).
Briare (18 km), Gien (25 km), Montargis (30 km). Nevers (5 km).
Paris-Orly (120 km). Paris-Orly (230 km).
ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Sixto® Prestige | Octo® ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Sixto® Prestige | Octo®
CONFORT 900 | 1100 | 1350 CONFORT 900 | 1100 | 1350
SEDAN 800 | 1000 | 1160 | 1170 | 1310 SEDAN 800 | 1000 | 1160 | 1170 | 1310
RIVIERA 920 | 1120 RIVIERA 920 | 1120
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
2 DAY A Rogny > Châtillon-s.-Loire > Rogny 52 34 11h 2 DAY A Plagny > Marseilles-les-Aubigny > Plagny 46 4 8h
WEEKEND B Rogny > Montargis > Rogny 66 28 16h WEEKEND B Plagny > Decize > Plagny 66 10 14h
A Rogny > Sancerre > Rogny 120 44 26h A Plagny > Sancerre > Plagny 112 22 25h
SHORT BREAK SHORT BREAK
B Rogny > Nemours > Rogny 132 58 34h B Plagny > Cercy-la-Tour > Plagny 102 22 25h
A Rogny > La Charité-s.-Loire > Rogny 164 50 39h A Plagny > Châtillon-s.-Loire > Plagny 180 32 42h
1 WEEK 1 WEEK
B Rogny > Moret-s.-Loing > Rogny 168 72 42h B Plagny > Châtillon-en-Bazois > Plagny 176 54 48h
1 WEEK 1 WEEK
A Rogny > Sancerre > Plagny 118 32 28h A Plagny > Sancerre > Rogny 118 32 28h
(One way) (One way)
3 WEEKS (whole 3 WEEKS (whole
A Rogny > Auxerre / Plagny > Rogny 436 174 98h A Plagny > Rogny / Auxerre > Plagny 436 174 98h
central loop) central loop)
27Bourgogne Burgundy
Paris
Strasbourg
Nantes
Lyon
Bordeaux
Toulouse Marseille
Canal de Bourgogne
Canal de Bourgogne
Canal du Nivernais
L'Yonne
C lose to Paris (approx 2 hours by road), discover the Canal de Bourgogne - one of the best known
canals in France - which winds its way through beautiful Burgundy countryside. Do not forget to
discover the richness of its cultural heritage, its world famous wines and cuisine to try!
From Brienon From Venarey-les-Laumes
Brienon is located at the crossroads of three exceptional waterways: Cruising the Bourgogne canal is in itself a trip into the history of France
the Canal de Bourgogne, the Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais. whilst at the same time navigating one of the best known canals in
Cliffs, groves, and waterside vineyards make up the landscape the country. An exceptional number of sites and monuments border
that surrounds the meandering rivers. Numerous castles, medieval the canal. The most prestigious is incontestably the Cistercian Abbey
villages and historic towns invite you to stop: Joigny, Sens, Auxerre of Fontenay (World Heritage of Unesco) but you will also discover a
(a city full of art and history) or Mailly-le-Château set on a rocky few paces away, or a short bicycle ride, imposing Burgundy castles
outcrop ... such as Bussy, Tanlay, Ancy le Franc, Nuits, Maulne…
The area is excellent for fishing with many species of fish populating Prestigious world-renowned wines and excellent traditional Burgundy
the rivers including pike, carp, berch, bream and many more. gastronomy await you at each bend of the canal. Our Venarey base
Climbers can test their skills and practice climbing on the famous also provides cruising itineraries to discover the Nivernais canal, and
rocks at Saussois while wine lovers can visit cellars and prestigious stop offs such as Auxerre with its gothic cathedral.
vineyards (Châblis, Irancy, Crémant de Bourgogne...)
Auxerre Fontenay abbey
28L’Yo
NICOLS® base
nn
Paris-Orly
e
See p. 11
Sens
Brienon: locks closed on
Villeneuve-s.-Yonne BRIENON 1st May and 14th July
Joigny
Saint-Julien-du-Sault Venarey: locks closed
Saint-Florentin on 1st May
Tonnerre
Laroche-Migennes
Tanlay
Chablis Bussy Rabutin - castle
Auxerre Ancy-le-Franc
Ca
St-Bris-le-Vineux
na
del
Bo
ur
Champs-s.-Yonne
go
Buffon
gn
e
VENAREY-
Montbard LES-LAUMES
Mailly-le-Château
Alise-Sainte-Reine
Merry-s.-Yonne
Ca
na
ld
uN
Dijon
ive
rn
ais
Pouilly-en-Auxois
Ca
Tunnel de Pouilly
na
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3330 m
eB
ou
Châteauneuf
rg
og
Bourgogne
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Tonnerre
DON'T MISS
VENAREY: Alésia Museopark
MONTBARD: Fontenay Abbbey (UNESCO site)
BUFFON: large forges monument in Buffon
ANCY LE FRANC AND TANLAY: renaissance castles
TONNERRE: Hôtel Dieu and Fosse Dionne
AUXERRE: clock tower, Saint-Germain Abbey and Saint-Etienne cathedral
WINE APPELLATIONS: Chablis, Auxerrois, Tonnerrois, Crémant de
Bourgogne
FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN: domaine Flavigny-Alésia
TONNERRE: wine cellar visit, tastings and excursions organised by
winegrowers
CHABLIS: Béru wine estate
SAINT-BRIS-LE-VINEUX: Bailly-Lapierre wine cellars
GOLF:
At Tanlay Castle (9-hole course)
and at Venarey (7-hole course) Delicious local foods Museoparc in Alésia
BRIENON VENAREY-LES-LAUMES
Auxerre (30 km), Paris (170 km). A6, Paris-Lyon 18 Joigny (34 km). Montbard (15 km), Dijon (70 km).
Boat and cruising route suggestions: non contractual information, subject to change.
Laroche-Migennes (10 km). A6 (Paris - 365 km - 2h45), 23 Bierre-les-Semur (25 km).
Laroche-Migennes (Paris - 1h20). TGV Montbard (14 km), Les Laumes-Alésia (2 km).
Paris-Orly (150 km). Paris-Orly (255 km), Lyon (270 km), Dijon (73 km).
ESTIVALE Quattro® ESTIVALE Duo® | Quattro® | Sixto® | Octo®
CONFORT 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 B CONFORT 900 DP | 1350 B
SEDAN Primo® | 1000 | 1150 SEDAN Primo® | 1000 | 1010 | 1160N | 1310
RIVIERA 920
DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS DURATION CRUISE KM LOCKS HOURS
2 DAY A Brienon > Joigny > Brienon 36 10 8h 2 DAY
A Venarey > Buffon > Venarey 40 26 10h
WEEKEND B Brienon > Saint-Florentin > Brienon 20 8 6h WEEKEND
A Brienon > Villeneuve-s.-Yonne > Brienon 74 16 16h SHORT BREAK A Venarey > Ancy-le-Franc > Venarey 82 50 21h
SHORT BREAK B Brienon > Tonnerre > Brienon 70 32 20h 1 WEEK A Venarey > Tanlay > Venarey 124 68 31h
C Brienon > Auxerre > Brienon 64 22 15h 1 WEEK Venarey > Montbard > Tonnerre >
A 108 57 32h
A Brienon > Sens > Brienon 106 22 23h (One way) Saint-Florentin > Brienon
1 WEEK B Brienon > Ancy-Le-Franc > Brienon 130 62 38h 2 WEEKS A Venarey > Châteauneuf > Venarey 98 130 90h
C Brienon > Mailly-le-Château > Brienon 154 68 37h
1 WEEK Brienon > Saint-Florentin > Tonnerre >
A 108 57 32h
(One way) Montbard > Venarey
3 WEEKS (The
A Brienon > Plagny > Rogny > Brienon 436 174 98h
whole central loop)
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