Routes in France

The waterways in France 🇫🇷 are mostly Freycinet gauge waterways. The Freycinet gauge (named after Minister Charles de Freycinet) is the classic French standard from 1879 for the dimensions of locks and ships on the main canals.

The Impact of the Freycinet Gauge:

The introduction of this standard had a profound effect on European inland shipping:

• Modernization & Connectivity: It led to the massive modernization of the French canal network, with nearly 5,800 km of waterways eventually conforming to the standard.
• Increased Capacity By standardizing lock sizes to 39 x 5.2 meters, it allowed larger barges (up to 350 tonnes) to navigate through previously disconnected regions, doubling canal traffic by the early 20th century.
• European Classification The Freycinet gauge remains relevant today as the basis for Class I in the Classification of European Inland Waterways.

What about Size?

• Lock dimensions: 39 meters long and 5.20 meters wide.
• Maximum vessel dimensions: To pass through the locks safely, your vessel must be a maximum of 38.50 meters long and 5.05 meters wide.
• Draft: The official draft is 1.80 to 2.20 meters, but in practice, you should account for only 1.40 to 1.60 meters on many canals due to silting.
• Air draft: The standard is 3.50 meters at the center of the arch.

Freycinet Locks: Why the Bridge is at the Lower Side

In France, almost all Freycinet standard locks feature a (foot/pipe/road)bridge at the lower side (downstream). This design is strategically chosen for the following reasons:

1. Maximum Vertical Clearance

As seen in the image of the boat "Tom," the water level is at its lowest point on the downstream side. This provides the maximum possible "air draft" (distance between the water and the bridge), allowing vessels to pass underneath safely without building an incredibly high or expensive bridge structure.

Maybe a little calculation example will help. The following variables are in place:

• Your boat air-draft: 2.50 meter
• You come in on the HIGH end of the lock, so you will go down.
• In front of you, over the doors on the lower side, you see a bridge, approx 1 meters above your current waterlevel.
• The waterlevel will drop 3 meters in the lock

So, the bridge is already 1 meters above your current waterlevel, and you are going to go down 3 meters. That makes: 1 + 3 = 4 meters between waterlevel and underside of the bridge. And your boat is 2.50 meters. Hm... You have then 4 - 2.5 = 1.5 meters of space above your boat. So always remember: When I see a to low bridge, but I still have to go down, you (probably) will be fine. Or you haven't paid attention checking your water-charts/maps/apps.

Rule of thumb: To easily figure out if you are climbing or descending, look at the position of the bridge relative to the lock. If you pass under a bridge first and then enter the lock chamber, you are on the "low" side and will be heading UP. Conversely, if you enter the lock first and see the bridge ahead of you at the far end, you are on the "high" side and will be heading DOWN.

2. Constant Accessibility

At the upper side of the lock, the water level changes significantly. By placing the bridge at the lower side, the clearance remains constant and the bridge stays accessible and dry for lock keepers and pedestrians, regardless of whether the lock chamber is filling or emptying.

Structural Efficiency

Placing the bridge at the lower end allows it to align more naturally with the surrounding towpaths and terrain. This avoids the need for steep ramps or stairs that would be required if the bridge were placed where the water level (and the land) is much higher.

Summary: The lower side offers the most space for the boat's cabin while ensuring a practical crossing point for people.

What is a "Freycinet-spits"?

In English, a spits is most commonly referred to as a péniche or a Freycinet barge.

• Definition: It is a steel, motorized inland waterway barge specifically designed to maximize cargo space while fitting precisely into Freycinet-standard locks.
• Standard Dimensions: To fit the locks, these vessels typically have a maximum length of 38.5 meters, a width of 5.05 meters, and a draught of 1.8 meters.
• Modern Use: While many original barges have been replaced by larger commercial vessels, hundreds of Freycinet barges are still in use today as hotel barges, live-aboards, or for transport on smaller canals.

VHF Radio Phrases: Dutch, French & English

This sheet is about commonly used communications with objects like bridges and/or locks.

French Numbers & Waiting Times (VHF)

After you've transmitted your request, you will get an answer. Most of the time it is about the time it will take to service your request. This means: Numbers.

French Waterway Signage (Signalisation Fluviale)