Sailing and Barge Boats on inland Canals and Waterways of France

What you need to know for owning a barge or for a holiday or trip on French canals, rivers and waterways. How to operate locks, what times can you sail and types of boat licences and permits that may be required.

The VNF, Voies Navigables de France, control the navigable waterways, canals and rivers throughout France. The website is in English and French with some articles in Dutch.

Voies Navigables de France
Direction de la Communication et de la Promotion de la Voie d'Eau
At: 175 rue Ludovic Boutleux, BP 820, 62408 Béthune Cedex
Tel: 03 21 63 24 24
Fax: 03 21 63 24 42
Website
For an interactive map of the navigable waterways: Click here

Owning a Boat

All boats must be registered with the local Commission de surveillance des bateaux de la navigation intérieure (CSN). A boat must carry proper identifying markings and have a vignette plaisance. This is a river permit which proves that the fee has been paid in order to use the boat on French waterways, the price of the vignette (disc/sticker) depends on the size of the vessel and the time spent on the river network. The disc/sticker must be displayed in a clearly visible place.

The vignette can be bought from a number of outlets around France (a local tourist office or Mairie will provide information) and can be issued on an annual basis or daily, with seasonal, monthly or 16 day vignettes also available. Vignettes are also sold online, payment by credit card, from the VNF website. See the heading "Vignette Plaisance" (an e-mail address and printer are required for this).

For more information on the tariffs and locations selling them: Click here (PDF in French)

In addition to the vignette some tunnels and lifts charge a toll fee. These are the Mauvages tunnel, Riqueval tunnel, and the Montech lift. Prices vary depending on the size of the vessel.

Pleasure Boat Licences

Navigating a vessel over five metres, with an engine capacity greater than 4.5 Kw (6hp) and a displacement of over 10m requires a licence the certificat de capacité. This permit, or certificate of competence, is the ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) and is issued if competence in boat handling, navigation and knowledge of the collision regulations has been proved by a test or previous equivalent qualification.

In addition, navigating interior waters requires the CEVNI (Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure) qualification, which is issued after a test to show knowledge of rules and collision regulations is passed.

Full details of the ICC: Click here (PDF)
Full details of the CEVNI: Click here (PDF)

Permit types

Three permanent, renewable permits (certificats de capacité) are:

Category C (coche de plaisance): Pleasure boats up to 15m travelling under 20 Km/h
Category S (bateau de sport): Power boats able to travel faster 20 Km/h
Category PP (péniche de plaisance): boats (and house boats) longer than 15m but travelling under 20 Km/h
For information from the VNF, in French: Click here (in French)

No licence is required to drive a non-habitable boat (one without bunks) under 5m which travels under 20 Km/h

To qualify for a category C or S licence the applicant must be 16 years or older, while a PP licence holder must be 18 or over. A recent medical certificate is required when applying for a PP licence.

The licence is issued following a exam taken at a recognised training centre. The test may include a theory and practical test. The licence is issued by the local CSN.

Three temporary permits available are:

La Carte Plaisance: issued by a professional charter boat or boat rental company, it is valid for a set period for a motorised, habitable boat of less than 15 metres
La Carte Plaisance encadrement sportif
La Carte Junior: for people aged 14 to 16 to drive boats under 15 metres

Note: Non-motorised vessels such as rowing boats, skiffs, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats do not requite a licence.

Preparing for a Journey

Navigation charts are available from bookshops or alternatively from:

La Librairie Fluvial
At: 36 ave Pasteur, 34473 Perols
Tel: 04 67 50 42 67
Website

Many of the river guides are available in English, and the regional tourist offices often have information published in partnership with the VNF.

For information on blockages and flooding which would make navigation of the waterway impossible: Click here
To download the navigation timetable: Click here

Rules for Conduct and Safety on the Waterways

Barge boating is subject to strict laws and regulations. The VNF issue guidelines for proper behaviour on the river, lakes and canals. The waterways are used for commercial transport and watersports as well as pleasure craft.

All boats travel on the right hand side unless otherwise directed
Merchant/commercial vessels have priority over pleasure boats
Descending (downstream) traffic has priority over upstream traffic
Overtaking takes place on the left hand side and in a safe place. The boat being passed should slow down to allow the faster vessel through
Follow the instructions on signs and speed limits
Use signal lights if travelling after dark or in fog
Every person on board should have a life jacket, and children's jackets should be adjusted to make sure they fit
Watersports and swimming must be done in designated areas
Waste must not be thrown overboard
Sailing is not permitted at night

Lock-keepers areas are a good source of information and advice.

For the complete guidelines from the VNF: Click here

Locks

There are around 2,000 locks (écluse) in France. Some locks are automatic, some are operated by a lockkeeper others by the boat's crew.

For a full description (including diagrams) of how to cross locks: Click here

Renting a Boat

Temporary permits may be issued to the driver of a rental boat for the duration of the rental period and set journey. This temporary ICC is issued after a short training period which includes some practical training on the boat. It can only be issued by approved boat charter companies.

Boats may be rented and driven by any person over 16 with a valid operating certificate. Foreign ICC cards are accepted.