Homps Base Information

Base Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 09:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 17:30

Late Arrivals

If you are going to be arriving at the base late, you will need to inform the base directly or the general sales office where you booked.

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.

Parking

Outside unsecure parking: Free of Charge
Outside enclosed secure parking: £35

Tourist Office

A 15 minute walk from the base Tel - 0033 (0) 466 592 657.

Market Days

Local markets are held weekly on Thursday and Sunday mornings.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed on the canal throughout the season. A fishing license is required and a holiday license can be purchased near to the base.

Shops

In Olonzac, which is the next village along from Homps (10 minute walk) you will find the local supermarket. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 20:00

There is also a supermarket in Homps town centre, which is again a 10 minute walk from the base. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 06:30 - 20:30, Sunday: 07:30 - 20:30

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

Directions from Calais:
From Calais take A26 Auto route to Reims, then A4 to Châlon-sur-Marne, then A26 to Troyes, then A5 to Langres, then A31 to Beaune, then A6 to Lyon, then A7 to Orange, then A9 to Narbonne, then A61 to Lézignan. Leave Autoroute at junction 25. Then follow directions Lezignan Corbieres, When in Lézignan Corbieres follow ‘toutes direction’ until you pick up signs for Homps. In the village of Homps follow Le Boat signs, after crossing canal turn first left then straight on you will find Le Boat. Road distance approximately 1150 kms 11.5 hrs.

Directions from Toulouse:
Take A61 and exit at junction 25 at Lézignan and follow directions as above. Road distance approximately 150 kms 1.5 hrs.

By Air

Nearest airports:
Carcassonne: 33 Kms (E80)
Toulouse: 129 Kms (E80)
Béziers: 45 Kms (E15/E80)

By Train

Nearest train stations:
Lezignan Corbieres - 12km
Narbonne - 35km
Carcassonne 45km

Ferries

The following ferry companies operate to Northern France.

• Dover to Dunkirk: DFDS Seaways (previously Norfolk Lines)
• Dover to Calais: P&O
• Newhaven to Dieppe: LD Lines
• Portsmouth to Le Harve: LD Lines
• Portsmouth to Caen: Brittany Ferries or try Northern Spain and drive across to South France
• Portsmouth to Bilbao or Santander: Brittany Ferries
• Plymouth to Santander: Brittany