Inland Waterway Charts and Guides from the Specialists at Librairie Maritime Nautic Way

Inland waterway navigation has its own rules, specific constraints and, above all, its own documentation requirements. Navigating on a canal, river or inland waterway network is not prepared in exactly the same way as maritime navigation. Locks, bridges, dams, draught, air draught, dimensions of structures, mooring possibilities, ports, stopping places and local regulations all need to be considered when planning a suitable route for a particular boat.

Inland waterway charts and guides turn an idea for a journey into a properly prepared navigation project. A general map provides an overview of a waterway network and helps establish an itinerary. An atlas or more detailed chart provides greater precision. An inland waterways guide complements the cartographic information with practical details about waterways, structures, stops and available services.

Librairie Maritime Nautic Way offers a selection of inland waterway charts, maps, atlases and navigation guides designed primarily for France and Europe. This documentation is intended for recreational boaters, owners of inland waterway craft, navigators planning a river cruise and anyone wishing to study a route on Europe's inland waterways.

Why use an inland waterway chart?

An inland waterway chart first of all helps users understand the geographical organisation of a navigable network. It makes it possible to visualise rivers, canals, connections between different waterway basins and the main possible routes.

For a navigation lasting several days or weeks, a general map is a particularly useful planning tool. It can help answer several questions:

• Which waterway should be used?

• Which canals connect two regions?

• Where are the main junctions?

• Which route can be used to reach another region or country?

• What are the main navigable waterways in a particular area?

• Which detailed publications should be consulted next?

A general map does not necessarily replace a specialist guide. It is primarily the first level of preparation for inland navigation.

Map of the French inland waterways

France has an extensive network of navigable rivers and canals covering many regions. A map of the French inland waterways provides an overall view of this network and helps plan an itinerary before selecting guides covering the different stages.

General maps may show the routes of navigable waterways, major structures and general characteristics of the network, as well as information concerning waterway dimensions, locks, draught or bridge clearance.

For a navigator wishing to cross several regions, a general map is particularly useful because it provides a rapid overview of the connections between different waterway networks.

It can then be complemented by detailed inland waterways guides covering northern and central France, the north-east and south-east, or the south and west.

Inland waterways guides: complementary documentation

An inland waterways guide does not serve exactly the same purpose as a chart.

A chart primarily represents geographical space and makes it possible to locate navigable waterways. A guide provides more descriptive and practical information about the route.

Depending on the publication, an inland waterways guide may include:

• characteristics of navigable waterways;

• locks and other structures;

• bridges and their restrictions;

• mooring possibilities;

• ports and stopping places;

• available services;

• towns and villages along the route;

• points of interest;

• useful information for planning stages;

• specific characteristics of individual routes.

This complementarity between charts and guides is particularly important when preparing an inland waterway cruise.

Imray inland waterways guides for France

The Imray collection dedicated to the inland waterways of France is an important reference for planning river and canal cruises.

The documentation is organised into three geographical volumes:

• Volume 1: North and Central;

• Volume 2: North-East and South-East;

• Volume 3: South and West.

This geographical organisation makes it possible to select documentation corresponding to the area being navigated. The publications combine detailed maps, general inland waterways maps, route descriptions and practical information.

A navigator planning a cruise through Burgundy, northern France, the Paris Basin, the Midi or south-western France can therefore identify the volume corresponding to the intended route.

This geographical structure is particularly useful for long-distance navigation, as an itinerary may cross several regions and require several levels of documentation.

Inland navigation in Europe

European inland navigation makes it possible to connect many countries through networks of rivers and canals. Preparing an international cruise therefore requires a broader perspective than that of a single national network.

A general European inland waterways map provides an overview of the main routes and possible itineraries across several countries.

The main networks concerned include France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain. The Danube is also a major European inland navigation route.

For an international cruise, the general map is used to establish the overall route, while specialist guides can then be used to study the different sections of the itinerary.

European inland waterways map

A European inland waterways map is particularly useful when a navigator wants to plan a route through several countries.

It provides a simplified overview of the main networks and makes it possible to identify major connections between European inland waterways.

This type of publication is therefore primarily intended for planning rather than detailed navigation on a specific section of waterway.

Once the route has been established, the general map can be supplemented with guides covering the countries and regions along the itinerary.

Inland waterways of the Netherlands

The Netherlands has an extensive network of canals, rivers and navigable waterways. Specialist documentation makes it possible to plan routes while taking into account the density of the network and the numerous connections between waterways.

A guide dedicated to the inland waterways of the Netherlands provides more detailed information than a general European map. It can be used to prepare stages and better understand the characteristics of the network.

For international navigation, such a guide can be used alongside a general European inland waterways map.

Inland waterways of Belgium

Belgium is also an important country for European inland navigation, particularly because of its connections with the French and Dutch networks.

A specialist guide makes it possible to study the country's canals and navigable rivers in greater detail and to prepare the different stages of a route.

For a cruise connecting France, Belgium and the Netherlands, a combination of a European map and national or regional guides can therefore be particularly useful.

Inland waterways of Germany

Germany has an extensive inland waterway network, including major navigable waterways and connections with several other European networks.

Specialist documentation makes it possible to study the characteristics of different routes and prepare navigation that forms part of a wider European itinerary.

Planning should take into account the characteristics of the boat, the structures encountered and the specific constraints associated with each waterway.

The Danube

The Danube is one of Europe's major inland navigation routes. Its considerable length and passage through several countries make the use of appropriate documentation particularly important.

A guide dedicated to the Danube complements a general map with information specific to the river and its different sections.

For a long-distance navigation project, it is important to distinguish between overall route planning and detailed preparation of the different stages.

Draught and air draught: two essential criteria

Choosing an inland waterways guide should also take into account the characteristics of the boat.

Draught is the depth of the boat below the waterline. It can affect access to certain sections of an inland waterway.

Air draught is the height required above the water. It becomes particularly important when passing under bridges or other structures.

These two characteristics are essential when preparing an inland waterway route.

Other factors should also be considered:

• boat length;

• beam;

• lock dimensions;

• waterway dimensions;

• local restrictions;

• navigation conditions;

• mooring possibilities.

How should you choose between an inland waterways chart and a guide?

The choice mainly depends on the intended purpose.

For planning a general route, an inland waterways map is particularly appropriate.

For studying a specific region, an atlas or detailed chart may be preferable.

For planning the stages of a cruise, an inland waterways guide provides additional practical information.

For crossing several countries, a European inland waterways map first provides an overall view, followed by specialist guides for each country.

For planning a long cruise in France, the different volumes covering French inland waterways make it possible to work by major geographical areas.

Inland waterways chart and guide: complementary publications

It would therefore be misleading to treat a chart and a guide as alternatives.

The chart primarily answers the question:

“Where is the waterway and how is the network organised?”

The guide is more concerned with:

“What will I encounter during my navigation?”

Using both makes it possible to prepare an inland cruise more effectively.

The chart facilitates geographical planning. The guide helps anticipate the specific characteristics of the route. Together, they provide the navigator with a more complete understanding of the itinerary.

The importance of edition and current information

As with all navigation documentation, the edition of a chart or guide should be taken into account.

Inland waterways can change. Works, modifications to structures, temporary restrictions, changes to services or evolving navigation conditions may make older information less relevant.

Specialist publications may be issued in new editions or supplemented by corrections and additional information. It is therefore advisable to check the publication date and any available updates before undertaking an important voyage.

This precaution is particularly relevant for long cruises and international itineraries.

Preparing an inland cruise with appropriate documentation

Effective preparation can follow several stages:

• define the destination precisely;

• determine the intended route;

• identify the waterways to be used;

• choose a general map;

• select guides covering the regions along the route;

• check the characteristics of the boat;

• take draught and air draught into account;

• identify locks and major structures;

• locate possible mooring places;

• check applicable restrictions and local information;

• verify the editions of the charts and guides being used.

This method makes it possible to move progressively from an overall view of the journey to a much more detailed navigation plan.

Inland waterways documentation for France and Europe

The charts and guides in this category cover a range of requirements: general planning, cruise preparation, study of a national waterway network and preparation of international itineraries.

Imray publications have an important place within this documentation, with guides covering the inland waterways of France, publications covering the networks of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and guides dedicated to major European rivers and routes.

General maps complement these publications by providing a more concise overview of inland waterway networks.

This combination of publications addresses very different needs, from gaining an initial understanding of an inland waterway network to preparing a cruise lasting several weeks and crossing several countries.

Conclusion

Inland waterways charts and guides are essential tools for preparing inland navigation. A general map provides an understanding of the network and helps establish an itinerary. An atlas offers greater detail. An inland waterways guide complements this information with descriptions, waterway characteristics and information about structures, stops and services.

In France, the various publications dedicated to inland waterways make it possible to work by major geographical regions. In Europe, general maps and specialist guides facilitate the preparation of itineraries crossing several countries.

The documentation should always be selected according to the destination, route, boat, draught and air draught, as well as the level of detail required.

For serious inland navigation planning, combining a general map with specialist guides therefore provides a particularly useful documentary foundation.

FAQ – Inland Waterways Charts and Guides

What is the difference between an inland waterways chart and an inland waterways guide?

An inland waterways chart primarily shows navigable waterways and helps with route planning. An inland waterways guide provides additional information about routes, locks, structures, stopping places, services and navigation conditions.

Which chart should I use for navigation on French inland waterways?

A general map of the French inland waterways provides an overview of the network. For detailed preparation, it can be complemented by a guide covering the relevant region or waterways.

Which Imray guides are available for inland navigation in France?

The Imray Inland Waterways of France collection is organised into three volumes: North and Central, North-East and South-East, and South and West.

Is there a map of European inland waterways?

Yes. A general European inland waterways map provides an overview of the main navigable networks and their connections between different countries.

Which countries are covered by European inland waterways guides?

Specialist documentation covers France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain, among others. Other publications focus on major routes such as the Danube.

Why use an inland waterways guide in addition to a chart?

The chart provides a geographical overview of the route, while the guide provides more detailed information about navigation conditions, structures, stopping places and services.

Does draught matter for inland navigation?

Yes. Draught can determine whether certain sections of an inland waterway can be accessed. It should therefore be compared with the characteristics and restrictions of the intended route.

Why is it important to know the air draught of a boat?

Air draught is particularly important when passing under bridges and other structures. It may restrict access to certain inland waterways.

What documentation should I choose for an inland cruise in France?

A general map can be used to plan the route and then complemented by guides covering the regions and waterways along the itinerary.

What documentation should I use for an inland cruise in Europe?

A general European inland waterways map can be used to plan the route. Specialist guides can then be selected for each country or network along the itinerary.

Should an inland waterways guide be recent?

Yes. Information concerning structures, restrictions, works, services and navigation conditions can change. The edition and any available updates should therefore be checked.

How should I prepare an inland waterway navigation?

Start by defining the itinerary, identify the waterways involved, select a general map and then choose guides covering the different stages. The boat's dimensions, draught and air draught should also be taken into account.