Douelle Base Information

Douelle and its river are steeped in history, with the most important section between Cahors and Fumel. The river has been used for trading wines and cereals from Cahors since the Middle Ages. Douelle itself was famous for its skilled boatmen and a Gabarra is hung in the local church reminding the locals of its village history.

Our base offers toilets, showers and fresh, hot drinks. You will find a supermarket, restaurants, a post office, bakery and vineyards nearby.


At the Base

Base Opening Hours

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 08.30 to 12.30 and 14:00 to 18:00.

Late Arrivals

If you are going to be arriving at the base late, you will need to inform the base directly.

When you arrive at the base there will be a note on the reception door informing you where your boat is. The boat will be left open with the lights on for you to stay on board that night. The base staff will do the full briefing the following morning.

When To Arrive:

Your boat will be ready to depart for 16:00 - 18:00. We recommend that you arrive 60 minutes earlier for check-in and instructions.

If you have booked an Early Check-in Service, please arrive at the base ready to depart between 11am and 12pm or from 2pm.

Your Return

Your boat should be returned and unoccupied by 9am on your last cruising day (or by midday if you have booked a Late Check-out).

Upon Arrival:

Our base staff look forward to welcoming you to their cruising region and aim to make your arrival and holiday as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

When you arrive or base staff will:

  • Take a fuel deposit to cover the fuel you use during your holiday. Any extra fuel used will be charged on your return or we will refund the difference for fuel you have not used.
  • Take a refundable collision damage deposit – if you have not purchased collision damage waiver. This will be refunded if you return your boat and its inventory undamaged at the end of your holiday
  • Familiarise you with your waterways guide, maps and other helpful documentation provided to help you plan where you want to go and where you’d like to stop.
  • Brief you about your boat, the equipment on board, and the cruising area (places to visit, etc).
  • Give you a boat handling demonstration on the water with one of our technicians.

Hotels and Restaurants

Hotels

La Chartreuse - +33 (0) 565 351 737
Inter Hotel De France - +33 (0) 565 351 676
Terminus - +33 (0) 565 352 450

Restuarants

L’Auberge du Vieux Douelle – +33 (0) 565 200 203
La Marine – +33 (0) 565 200 206
Le Château De Man – +33 (0) 565 359 040
Château De Mercuès – +33 (0) 565 200 001
Le Clos Grand – +33 (0) 565 350 439
La Chartreuse – +33 (0) 565 351 737

Cahors

Extra Information

Parking

Outside unsecure parking: Free of Charge
Outside secure Parking : £35 per week

Shops

You will find a grocery shop, restaurants, a post office, bakery and vineyards in Douelle. Another supermarket can be found in Cahors (10 min car from the base). General opening hours: 8am - 1pm and 2pm - 7.30pm

Market Days

Wednesday and Saturday morning at Cahors.

Tourist Information

Place F. Mitterrand,
46000
Cahors
+33 (0) 565 532 065

Transport Information

By Road

Be Prepared

It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with local road rules and abide by them. Most European countries have a list of compulsory equipment that you must take with you. For example, there is a new legal requirement in France to carry a breathalyser, triangle & florescent jacket in your car. For driving advice and a list of the equipment you’ll need, please visit www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas

Maps Michelin n° 79 and IGN n° 110 Arriving from the South - Leave motorway exit 58 Cahors Sud. Then take the N20 direction Cahors/ Villeneuve sur Lot for 18 km. At the Mac Donald’s roundabout turn right in the direction of Villeneuve sur Lot. Take the D 911 for 5 km. At the Mercués traffic lights turn left in the direction of Douelle. Our base is 4 km from here. Arriving from North - Leave motorway exit 57 Cahors Nord/ Villeneuve sur Lot and continue for 10 km. At the Mac Donald’s roundabout turn right in the direction of Villeneuve sur Lot. Take the D 911 for 5 kms. At the Mercués traffic lights, turn left in the direction of Douelle. Our base is 4 km from here.

By Air

Closest airports:
Brive la Gaillarde: 102km (A20/D12 or D6)
Bergerac: 107 km (E70/E9))
Toulouse: 125 km(E9)
Bordeaux : 232 km (E70/E9)
Nimes : 412 km (D999)

By Train

Closest train Station:
Cahors: 15km

Ferries

The following ferry companies operate to Northern France.

  • Newhaven to Dieppe: LD Lines
  • Portsmouth to Le Harve: LD Lines
  • Portsmouth to Caen: Brittany Ferries
  • Portsmouth to St Malo: Brittany Ferries
  • Portsmouth to Cherbourg: Brittany Ferries or try Northern Spain and drive across to South France
  • Portsmouth to Bilbao or Santander: Brittany Ferries
  • Plymouth to Santander: Brittany