Proceedings

Also see 'General terms'

Documentation

To receive our brochure, just send us the 'Brochure request'

Availability

Check the availability of your boat for the preferred period by mailing us the 'Availability check' form or by contacting us by telephone (+33 2 38 31 28 73) or by fax (+33 2 38 37 12 66).

Reservation

Send in asap your Booking form, completed and signed, accompanied by a down payment of 40% of the total hiring price (bank or postal cheque, euro cheque, holiday cheque or credit card - Visa/Mastercard/Eurocard).

Confirmation

The payment is effective when Charmes Nautiques confirms the receipt of the hiring contract accompanied by the down payment and sends you the invoice.  You will also receive a navigation guide, if ordered.

Payment of the balance

The balance of the hiring price is payable one month before departure.  In case you book less than 30 days before departure, the total hiring amount must be paid upon reservation.

Sent documents

The log book gives all information you need to know on the equipment of your boat and on the fluvial navigation in general (signalization, locks, mooring, practical advice, etc...).  It is at no charge and will be sent with your booking confirmation.
We advise you to order a navigation guide upon reservation.  It contains a complete and detailed fluvial map of the waterways you will cruise upon.  Villages, locks and river services, points of interest, shops, restaurants are precisely indicated.

Reception at the boatyard

If you come by train (line Paris-Clermont-Errand), it is good to know it is a 15 minutes walk from the station to our base.  If you have contacted us the previous evening, we will be happy to pick you up at the station.
If you come by car, you can park it in the harbor the time of your cruise at no additional charge.  However, this parking lot is public and is not guarded.  We also offer a closed parking.
Should you arrive before the planned hour of embarkation, please take the time to visit Briare or to buy enough supplies for the first days of your cruise.  You will find a few shops nearby the base.

We recommend you the following restaurants:
  

We recommend you the following hotels:

     

In case of one-way

If you have chosen for a one-way tour, please contact us one week before departure in order to get confirmation of the direction of your cruise and to confirm the hire of bicycles (especially for departure in Moret sur Loing). In case of transfer of the car, do not forget to leave us the papers, the keys and make sure that there is enough fuel in the gas tank (Briare/Moret 100 kilometers). In case of accident, our company is insured for the return of the car. In Moret, the base is located at the 'halte nautique' where the Canal du Moing and the River Loing meet. In case of late arrival, please contact the base at Briare (02 38 31 28 73).

Administrative formalities

You will need 15 minutes to carry out all the formalities such as payment of the guarantee (in cash, by cheque or credit card), payment of extras (bicycles, transfer of the car, barbecue, parking).
In case you did not order a navigation guide upon reservation, you can still buy it upon departure.

Handover of the boat

Upon departure our staff will give you full instructions and will explain the functioning of the equipment and give you all information needed. You will receive the log book with the technical info you need and some useful addresses you will find along your way.
You will be given an inventory of the equipment on board.  Upon return a check of the material will be made.  At embarkation the gas tank of the boat is filled: you will have enough fuel for 2 weeks cruising.  The calculation of the fuel consumption is based on how many hours you sailed (meter check at  departure and upon arrival).

Skipper's license

You do not need any fluvial license to handle our boats, but the captain must be at least 18 years old. The company will provide the captain with an official skipper's license ("carte de Plaisance").  It is valid for the duration of your holiday. On your arrival a member of our staff will give you full instructions and show you how the handle your boat.  He will also explain the functioning of the equipment, the safety rules and will show you how to perform the essential maneuvers such as passing a lock.  We will answer all your questions. And then it is up to you !

A safe cruise

In case of a breakdown, unlikely to happen, our staff will come and help you as soon as possible. Our breakdown and repair service is at your disposal each day during normal working hours.
The liability of the tenant towards third parties and the insurance of the boat and its equipment are included in the hiring price. This insurance does not cover any loss or damage of personal belongings.

The end of your cruise

You must return the boat at the fixed date and time.
Upon arrival the staff will check the inventory and will take note of your remarks.  The guarantee you have paid on your departure, will be refunded if you return the boat in good condition (clean without any damage) at the fixed place and time.  If you prefer Charmes Nautiques will take care of the cleaning of the boat - the amount will be deducted from the guarantee.
On your departure we fill the fuel tank and on your arrival you pay only for the consumption (calculation based on the time you sailed and the power of the engine).