Français 
Deutsch 
Español 
Italiano Rent a barge without permit and discover the riches of a region along the water, following its rivers and canals, discovering new landscapes, monuments and locks along the way. If you are still not completely convinced, consult the 5 good reasons to go on a river cruise as well as being an activity accessible to all, it will allow you to discover a whole new facet of the cities you thought you knew by heart. River tourism is also a great way to enjoy a cooler feeling in the wind and by passing through shady areas during hot spells.
Renting a barge without a permit
Please note that the rental of a barge without a permit is accessible to all, even the most amateur of you. It is not necessary to have a licence in order to take control of the cockpit. If you opt for the rental of a barge without a permit, you will receive a quick training at the base and then you can fully enjoy the river navigation along the canals.
The maximum cruising speed of a barge is 12 km/h, which makes manoeuvring easy. Most models are equipped with bow thrusters on each side of the boat, which are small electric or hydraulic motors that allow you to turn your river boat without hassle, making manoeuvring in harbours and along rivers easier.
AAnother feature of inland navigation is the presence of locks along the canals. These small dams allow barges to cross the gradient and are maintained and operated by lock keepers. Passing through a lock on board a barge rental without permit ris a special moment during a river cruise, some of them are classified as major works such as the Fonséranes locks which you will have the chance to observe on board your barge rental on the Canal du Midi with its nine lock scale.
Discover the history and heritage of France's regions
France has the largest network in Europe with 8,500 kilometres of waterways and 1,860 locks spread over several regions. Among the most popular river destinations are A must-see river trip on the Canal du Midi, the largest construction site of the 17th century, which stretches over 240 kilometres and links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Renting a barge without a licence on the canals of France will be an opportunity to discover the history and heritage of its regions. Indeed, numerous villages line the different navigable rivers in Burgundy, Charente, Brittany... So many opportunities to moor along the banks or at the port in order to discover castles, local cuisine or other regional curiosities. River tourism is thus an excellent way to discover and explore the richness of our regions.
A promise of peace and freedom
Away from the big cities, river navigation is an excellent way to get closer to nature. The slow pace of navigation gives you time to admire the picturesque landscapes around you, and there is nothing to prevent you from docking at any time along a bank to take a break, for example for a picnic.
This freedom of navigation will delight the crew, favouring improvised stops and various activities (cycling, swimming, fishing...). On board, navigation books will provide you with the necessary information to plan your visits and your itinerary. If you wish to spend an original holiday combining tourism, various activities on land and in the water, as well as the discovery of rural France, the location of a barge without a permit is made especially for you!
Comfortable barges
The houseboats available for hire come in a range of sizes, depending on your plans. Whether you're with family or friends, you'll find the right model of barge for your river holiday. The largest boats contain up to 5 habitable cabins and a lounge, a reasonable amount of space for a large family.
A real floating house, the rental of houseboats without a permit are fully equipped: kitchen, running water, air conditioning, refrigerator... you will find all the comfort of a modern home. Some of the more recent models, such as the Horizon range or the Pénichettes 950E, have particularly pleasant and spacious living areas that will encourage you to extend your stay by several days.
Frequently asked questions about houseboat rental
How much does a houseboat rental cost?
There are 3 types of houseboat rental ranges depending on your budget: entry-level, classic and premium. The rental price of a houseboat without a licence starts at 120€ per person. This price then changes according to the comfort of each boat (from 1 to 5 cabins, level of equipment, etc.). In addition, there are administration and fuel costs, and any extras requested by the client (bicycle pack, linen, navigation guide, etc.).
Where to sail by barge?
Discover the top 5 most beautiful river destinations in France to discover with family or friends. Indeed, many French regions lend themselves particularly well to river tourism, depending on your tastes and desires. For gastronomic excursions, wine tasting and heritage visits, sail in Burgundy,on the Canal du Midi, the Lot, the Camargue, Anjou or the Charente. Do you want to relax and enjoy nature? Choose the houseboat rental in Bretagne, on the Nivernais Canal, und Camargue, but also in the Lot or in Alsace. The most fun destinations, ideal for celebrations, will certainly be the Canal du Midi, or the Bretagneor the rental of a houseboat without a permit in Charente. Some of the routes can be done in a weekend, for a getaway near your home. Want to go somewhere else? Many destinations in Europe are also available for your river cruise, such as the Netherlands, Finland and Germany.
Do I need a licence to sail a barge?
Anyone over 18 years of age can operate the boat: no licence is required to navigate on the French river network with the houseboats rented by Filovent. A basic training course will be given to you when you pick up your boat. However, for certain European destinations, a one-day training course is compulsory if you have no experience in river navigation.
Good to know
| Number of available boats | 1,237 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | 2,136€ |
| Minimum price per week | 698€ |
| Maximum price per week | 4,099€ |
