The Cruising Association and the RYA are advising cruisers from the UK to arrive and depart from France via an official Port of Entry. Credit: Getty

If you are sailing to France, here is what you need to know to avoid immigration and customs headaches for a smooth entry and exit from the country

After a harrowing first lock experience, Lizzy and Rob favoured a technique of tying off mid-cleat and motoring against it, whether against a ladder - or to the Rhone locks' easier floating bollards. Credit: Lizzy Bolan

From buying a suitable yacht to negotiating 371 locks, three tunnels and travelling 1,400 miles from Fareham, Lizzy Bolan shares the highs and lows of navigating the French canals