Homps Base Information

Base Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00

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 for you to stay on board that night, but cruising will not be permitted. The base staff will do the full briefing the following morning.

When To Arrive

Your boat will be ready to depart for 15:00 - 17:00. 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 from 11:00.

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 our base staff will:

• Give you a welcome booklet which contains important safety advice and contact numbers.
• Ask you to sign documentation to show that certain information has been read and unserstood.
• Take a Damage Deposit and Engine Hours Deposit.
• Let you know what time to expect your pre-departure briefing.

Parking

Secure parking onsite (pre-bookable extra – fee applies).

Tourist Office

A 15 minute walk from the base Tel: +33 (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

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: DFDS Seaways
• Portsmouth to Le Harve: DFDS Seaways
• 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