Want to discover France from a different angle? Then river cruises are just the thing for you!
Traveling through France by waterway, without a license, by renting a river boat: this is an original and very pleasant experience, for spending a few days of vacation with family or friends.
River tourism offers holidaymakers a sensational way to discover the different regions of a country, in terms of geography, history and culture. License-free river yacht charter is a particularly convivial way to travel, offering total freedom to cruisers, who can decide where they want to moor: close-hauled to a beautiful castle, a picturesque village or a magnificent nature reserve. You are spoiled for choice and there are many destinations available to you for river boat trips: the Canal du Midi, the Saône, Burgundy in France or even destinations in Europe such as Belgium or the Netherlands. Check out our offers and find the destination that's right for you for a dream cruise.
- A delightful adventure along the waterways
- An exceptional network of waterways
- River navigation within everyone's reach
A delightful adventure along the waterways
This type of vacation is perfect for everyone, whether you want to recharge your batteries as a couple, share some fun moments with friends, or spend a vacation with your family. River yacht charters generally offer accommodation with all the necessary comforts for up to 12 people. You can sleep on your barge, take a trip along the water, observe the birds and fish that live along the banks, and make lots of exciting stops, according to your tastes and pace.
River tourism invites you to venture beyond the banks. With this kind of cruise, you will discover a pretty village, a good restaurant or famous tourist sites nearby. Often accessible by foot, they can also be reached by bike. Whether for a weekend or a week, you will discover a rich heritage along the canals, accompanied by tasty local gastronomy. For example, when you take a trip on a river boat in Brittany, you will have the opportunity to taste the local seafood, cider and delicious galettes.
Our yacht charter agency offers bicycles for hire. You can, of course, bring your own bicycles if you prefer. You can also cycle freely along the towpaths alongside the canal, and discover the surrounding countryside and the many villages near the river in a different way. It's an experience not to be missed. You can leave the boat (temporarily) with peace of mind, as it will of course be equipped with secure locks.
From the start, the boat owner will provide you with a river map, which will list the main sites of interest near the river for the chosen region, as well as possible points of supply. This map will allow you to plan your favorite excursion for the following day, and if nothing takes your fancy, or if you are tired or prefer to spend time with family or friends, you can just rest peacefully at the side of the boat. Riverboat yacht charter is another way of doing tourism. It is a different kind of tourism, closer to nature and more convivial.
The boat's tank will be full at the start, and the autonomy of diesel-powered boats is generally two weeks, so all you'll have to do is set sail for adventure! If your stay on the water lasts longer, you can easily refuel in one of the many ports of call.
An exceptional network of waterways
With 8,500 km of navigable leaks, France has the largest river network in Europe, touching all regions and allowing you to discover their nature, history, heritage and gastronomy. There is something for everyone and a wide variety of sailing itineraries, including the Burgundy and Center canals and the Nivernais Canal, surrounded by nature.
Close-hauled to the Morvan regional nature park, the Nivernais canal offers an exceptional trip. It connects the Loire to the Seine, which is saying something... Burgundy is not to be outdone, with a peaceful and historic canal, from Roanne to Digoin.
To the south of the Nivernais, in the Loire Valley, you can also enjoy an exceptional heritage: castles, valleys, forests, nature and history are calling you. Nearby, the Loire promises historic walks along the water's edge, towards Nevers and the vineyards of Sancerre, to finish in style.
You can also choose the sunshine of the Canal du Midi and the Camargue. For example, the Canal du Midi links Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea: it's an explosion of flavors and the chance to visit numerous sites. But don't forget the Lot, the Marne or Aquitaine... In Loire-Atlantique, the Nantes-Brest canal will take you on the trail of the 19th-century slate industry. A river yacht charter is a different way to visit the beautiful regions of France. The canal linking Nantes to Brest, in Brittany, dates from 1858..
Whatever your choice, in any case, the weather will be with you, since charters are generally from March to October, and the boats are heated and have hot water. Very simply, hot water is produced when the boat's engine is running. So if the hot water tank happens to run dry (in the event of a prolonged stopover), simply turn on the engine again and hot water will be produced once more.
As for the landscapes you will travel through, each season has its charms, whether it be the blossoming flowers of spring, the heat of summer, or the auburn landscapes of fall.
River navigation within everyone's reach
You don't need a license to pilot a river boat (maximum length 15 meters), and no particular physical condition is required. Piloting is very simple, no special skills are required. The models offered to you by professionals are quite easy to maneuver, regardless of the price. A short training session given by an instructor at the base, before the start of the cruise, is more than enough for novices. It only takes two people to pass through the locks. Passing through the locks is very simple. All you have to do is go slowly and be patient. It can be a good opportunity to chat with the lock keeper, and maybe to meet other apprentice sailors.
Of course, when you board, the owner will show you how the equipment works and introduce you to waterway piloting. The main concepts to master are starting up with the ignition key, going forward and backward, turning to the right and going along the bank when you come across another boat... With a speed that generally does not exceed 8 kph, you are sure to quickly become an experienced captain.
Different models of boats are dedicated to navigation on fresh water, as is the case with our license-free boats for rent. For example, you can choose the river boat, whose living space is similar to a well-lit apartment and in which it is easy to move around. Unless you prefer a cruising houseboat for canal cruises. The latter is particularly appreciated for its maneuverability and comfort. Depending on your desires and preferences, a river boat could also be a good choice. With a capacity of up to 12 people, this type of boat is ideal for enjoying sunny cruises with your loved ones.
You can only sail during the day, as night-time navigation on the waterways is prohibited. You can moor wherever you like and stop off as often as you wish. A river cruise is a great way to relax for a weekend or a week and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surroundings. But it also calls for swimming, unusual excursions or meals prepared on board, since the boat offers all the necessary comforts and equipment (hob, oven, refrigerator, crockery, etc.). It is a decidedly different kind of tourism. So many pleasant moments shared with family or friends, to get together and make unforgettable memories!
A riverboat charter is a wonderful experience to share with friends, family or as a couple. Anything is possible!
Is it necessary to have a boat license to go on a river cruise?
No, it is possible to rent a river boat without a boat license. In fact, the boat must be less than 15 meters long and have less than 5 horsepower. The skipper of the boat will only receive theoretical training at the starting point of your cruise, and you will then be able to navigate through the most beautiful canals in France and Europe.
How much does a river cruise cost?
Whether you want to cruise in France or in Europe, there are many river boats of different sizes and models available for charter. Here is a table showing the average prices for a river cruise.
It is important to note that these prices are indicative and may vary depending on demand, the age of the boat, the length of stay and many other factors.
| Type of boat | High season July and August | Mid-season June and September | Low season April, May and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| River boat with 2 cabins | 2000 USD | 1500 USD | 1000 USD |
| River boat with 3 cabins | 3000 USD | 2000 USD | 1500 USD |
| River boat with 4 cabins | 3500 USD | 3000 USD | 2000 USD |
It is important to note that these prices are indicative and may vary depending on demand, the age of the boat, the length of stay and many other factors.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 190 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $2,435 |
| Minimum weekly price | $794 |
| Maximum price per week | $4,662 |