Mobile Homes

Houseboats or Barges

Whether known as "motor homes" or recreational vehicles (RV) or campers, mobile homes are the best way of taking your house with you.  If you can drive a car then you should be able to drive a mobile home, after just a few minutes of practice.  It is important however that you become familiar with the various vehicle categories and their characteristics, before deciding to go and rent one of them. 

Motor home categories 
There are three basic categories:

		Category A: From large to very large vehicles, about the size of a bus.  They vary from 29 to 37 feet in length (about 10 to 12 meters) and are 8.5 feet wide (about 3 meters).  These vehicles would be appropriate for 2 persons (with a fair degree of comfort) or for an entire family.  Generally they include a single queen-sized bed and one or more other beds, and others may be added, depending on the model. This category consists of the most luxurious models:  bedrooms with complete linen sets, storage spaces, a television, fitted carpets, bathroom with shower and toilets, hot and cold water, a stove with burners, refrigerator, utensils and dishes, a microwave oven, dishwasher, dinette, another television, an AM-FM radio and compact disc player and air conditioning. Some may even include a washer and dryer! Most models include a covered area that can be stretched out when stopped, thus increasing the home's living area and adding perhaps a dining room, a living room or even a bedroom for additional sleeping space.  These vehicles are usually set up in a special area (campsite or other) since given their size and the difficulty in driving them on small streets or parking them, they cannot be easily used just to drive around or into town.  Often hooked to the back of these vehicles you'll see a small car used for driving around town.
		Category B:  This tends to be the most popular and practical model.  Vehicles in this category may be 23 to 32 feet in length (about 7.6 to 11 meters) by 8.3 feet wide (about 2.8 meters).  Given their smaller size, they would be appropriate for 2 adults or 2 adults with young children.  Children will sleep under the roof while parents will have a double or queen sized bed. All models include:  bedroom with complete linen set, storage spaces, television, fitted carpet, bathroom with shower and toilets, hot and cold water, stove with burners, refrigerator, utensils and dishes, microwave oven, dishwasher, dinette, AM-FM radio and air conditioning.  This is the most practical model because you have both accommodation and a vehicle you can take to drive into town.  It can be operated and parked just like a car, so with this model there's no need to go back to your "home."
		Category C:  This includes units that can be attach to you vehicle, be it a car or truck.  Once you've arrived on site, you detach the trailer and it becomes your home. Of course this model is a bit more rudimentary than Categories A or B, but it is practical and certainly cheaper. The basic elements of comfort may vary from one model to another, but essentially they contain everything you need. As model appropriate for 2 people, it is practical because it means you can have your accommodation and also a vehicle with which to drive downtown.  It does however mean going back again to your "home."

Where to settle in?
Adepts at camping in the wild will be able to settle right into a natural setting or on the beach, far from cities and traffic. Those who prefer official campsites and the comforts that come with them may choosing from a list of campsites. 

With the increasing number of ferries, it is getting easier to cross from one continent to another, such as between Europe and North Africa. A mobile home means you can set up close to a beach in say Tunisia or Morocco, allowing you to live some unforgettable experiences, and at a much lower cost. 

You are advised however to pay attention to your own personal safety and to protecting the environment.  In organized sites, there may be provisions for electrical outlets or water, but you may also be disturbed by the occasional problem with visits, encounters, distractions or supplies.  You may also have to be more concerned with matters of safety, nature conservation and organization (monitoring of entries, security, collecting garbage, electronic mail, telephones, etc). 

Parking just about anywhere downtown or outside is not always allowed or advised, so you should always get information before settling any type of site. 

Touring waterways is especially popular in Europe, where some countries have a large number of canals, waterways and navigable rivers.  These include Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Germany Italy and especially France. 

This form of tourism is most developed in France, especially in Brittany, Burgundy, Alsace and the canals of the Southwest and Midi regions (included as of 1996 on the list of UNESCO world heritage conservation sites). There are crossing through the Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrenees and Aquitaine regions, and from the canals in these areas you can discover the rich natural, cultural and gourmet heritage, and do so with complete freedom.

There are superb landscapes, nature reserves, towns and villages rich in history, memorable encounters, where you might chat with some really friendly people, in addition to the pleasure you'll have cruising on a barge.  Renting a barge means living according to the rhythm of the water, stopping and doing whatever you like, and enjoying some truly peaceful moments. 

Activities while onboard:
You like the place?  Then stop. You can go for a walk or a bicycle ride, visit a castle or a church, go swimming or fishing, or simply take note of the passing time as you relax on the deck.  The deck is often the most preferred area, you can use it for reading, as a solarium, a place for a picnic and for a place to go fishing.  Bicycles are a great accessory, they allow you to explore the towpaths along the canal or to go on a bicycle tour.  You can reserve them when you rent the boat or rent them at places you visit.  Fishing is another interesting activity, whether you have a casual interest in fishing or you have a quite passion for it.  Whatever the case, you need to get a license.  In France, a 15-day license costs about 160 francs, in Germany fixed rates per boat will vary from 130 to 230 marks, depending on the season. 

Barges will also give you a great chance to explore local gourmet offerings. From the boat you can travel about and discover the country's local charm, including of course certain specialties, typical dishes, and local products found in markets. You can cook them yourself or try them in the many restaurants you'll find along your way.

Houseboats are very comfortable: 
The sizes of barges may vary according to the number of passengers. Accommodating between 2 and 12 persons, they could measure from 9 to 15 meters (30 to 50 feet) in length.  They are equipped with all the comforts you'd probably want:  beds and linen, an equipped kitchen with an oven, cooking surface, refrigerator, utensils and dishes, plus a bathroom with shower, toilet, hot and cold water, and heating, electricity and security hardware.  A tank of drinking water can be obtained very easily each day at villages or at locks.  Barges include lots of storage space and every effort is made to have you feel right at home.  

Driving a barge: 
Throughout European countries, no special license is required to pilot a barge.  In Germany, no license is necessary for boats shorter than 13 meters, except for the crossing between Müritz and Berlin.  Piloting a barge is really not that difficult, they are safe, easily handled and comfortable, and very easy to handle.  With a navigation speed of 6 km per hour on average, all you need is a few minutes of "training," provided at the point of departure by company professionals.  Before you leave, the company provides you with very complete documentation, including details on ports, locks, navigation and places to procure provisions along the way (with their relative distances), plus places you can visit throughout your route.  Locks are fairly numerous, depending on the route selected. Operating instructions are explained in detail in documentation provided, and again by the personnel sending you off.  Passing through locks is an important part of your trip and lockkeepers will be able to help you cross the first one. You'll very quickly become an expert, however.

Rates and reservations: 
Obviously, rates will vary, depending on many factors such as boat, season and rental duration.  Fees in general include: boat rental as described, the duration chosen, insurance for the boat and public liability coverage for the user, complete bed linen, dishes and kitchen utensils, navigation tolls, introduction to navigation, technical aid, etc.  You will be required to pay a deposit at the time of departure, which will be returned after a final inventory.  Fees do not include fuel, cancellation insurance, and in some cases a travel guide. There may be additional expenses: a return to starting base or returning to your vehicle in the event of a single rental ticket; bicycle rental; rowboat or outboard motorboat rental; car parking and carrying a domestic animal.  Barges are much in demand and it's best to make reservations in advance, so the earlier you reserve, the better.

Barges are available in Europe and motor homes in many developed countries, there are also interesting possibilities that might be available in other countries.  Why not consider renting typical accommodation?