During your cruise you will have to “lock through”! But do not worry, this is a simple process which can also be a lot of fun. The locks in France are either automatic or operated by a lock keeper. You do not have to operate the locks yourself, but you do have to control you boat and use the ropes. (This will all be explained during the demonstration). Passing through a lock will take around 15mins, and this is a chance to chat to the lock keeper, meet other boat crews and to even purchase some local produce. The lock charges are covered in your “navigation forfait” and you do not have to pay the lock keepers. Lock opening hours are typically 09.00-12.00 & 13.00-19.00, although this does vary from region to region. The locks are usually shut on the 1st of May and the 14th of July.
Quality boating holidays from the French canal specialist