 |
| |
|
| |
Tourism and state property
 May I navigate on inland waterways with my sea permit ?
You need to consult the “tourism and leisure/basics for boaters” section.
I am planning to buy a pleasure boat soon. Which official documents do I need and what do I need to know to navigate on the French waterways (pass, permits, logbook, speed, lock opening times, journey times...) ?
Most of this information may be found in the “tourism and leisure/basics for boaters” section and also in “harbour master”, which allows you to plan your itinerary.
Can you tell me the price of renting pleasure boats on the canals ?
In the waterways list section, you will find the contact details for all national rental agents. Contact them to find out their rates, which vary according to the season, region and size of the boat.
What sort of maps/guides do you have for river tourism in France ?
VNF does not currently publish river navigation maps, which are produced by private mapping companies who distribute their products via the Librairie Verte, 36, avenue L. Pasteur – 34473 Pérols – tel : +33 4.67.50.42.67. However, VNF has produced regional “boater guides”, some of which are translated, and these help the novice to discover the waterways. In the “navigation basins” section, you may also leave a message for the local VNF correspondent.
What sort of documentation do you have on river tourism in France ?
The list of brochures published by VNF may be consulted in the "documentation" section. A description of each document is presented along with instructions on how to obtain them.
What is meant by fluvial tourism?
Fluvial tourism covers all activities linked to watercourses, canals, lakes and basins. Firstly, there are nautical activities: tourist navigation - sailing and cruising boats - and yachting. Then there are water sports: windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, water-skiing, swimming, etc. Lastly, there are the terrestrial sports: fishing, and 'ecotourism": walking, cycling, roller-skating and exploring the natural heritage around the water and in the surrounding countryside.
What perimeter needs to be taken in account when developing a tourist site?
The attractiveness of water is the key element in the charm of rivers and canals for tourists, as regards not only nautical activities but also the way they enhance their immediate environment (like a path running beside a waterway) and the landscape, whether rural or urban. It is thus a matter of using water's power of appeal to create activities on or beside it, and laying out tourist itineraries that link rivers to the cultural and natural heritage of the surrounding areas. The fluvial tourism observation network set up in 2001 in partnership with the national Observatory of tourism provides figures on the frequency of visits, the type of customer and consumer habits. Authorities can now evaluate the economic impact of fluvial tourism on their territory, and make use of the indicators thus provided to envisage fresh development. So, far more than a perimeter, it is really a question of defining the relevance of new facilities in a global approach to developing tourism and the economy.
How does fluvial tourism contribute to local development?
In terms of economic gain, fluvial tourism needs to be integrated into a global vision of the territory, on the scale of a valley or basin of average size. This is why VNF has set up urban development plans with support from the local authorities and State departments, like the one for the Canal du Midi, which addresses all the economic, environmental, landscaping and facilities aspects. In assessing their relevance, the plan has made it possible to integrate all new facilities along the watercourse into a coherent approach, and to create consistent signage for all of them. A study carried out in 2001 assessed the economic gains generated by fluvial tourism along the waterway at more than Euros 70M for this canal alone.
How does use of VNF signage help to develop nautical and terrestrial tourism?
The charter compiled by VNF makes it possible to provide regular service signage throughout the fluvial domain. A mark of quality as well as a support for information, signage integrates local initiatives as regards territorial promotion. It thus consolidates the watercourse in the space surrounding it, and enables the national network to be identified. With the modernisation of waterways, we are seeing the emergence of a new fluvial culture. The waterway is no longer just a method of transport, but has many functions responding to new needs in our society. With leisure, recreation, sport, exploring the countryside and so on, waterway customers now have many user requirements, which in turn call for quality services and relevant information.
|
|
