River boat & license-free river boat charter Nort sur Erdre

Part of the Loire-Aquitaine department in western France, the commune of Nort-sur-Erdre owes its reputation to its natural and river heritage, which has earned it the Station Verte (Green Resort) label. The Erdre, a river that flows into the Loire in Nantes, runs through the town. A river cruise from Nort-sur-Erdre will allow you to discover the charm and diversity of the region, with its nature, culture and gastronomy. 

What is there to do during your yacht charter on the Erdre?

Located in the Erdre valley, about thirty kilometers north of Nantes, the town of Nort-sur-Erdre has a friendly and pleasant atmosphere with its lively shops and markets, its port and its old buildings that are well worth a visit. As you take a stroll through the town, you will come across some beautiful architecture, such as the 19th-century Château de Montreuil, the Manoir de la Garenne, the Church of Saint-Christophe, with its bell tower dating from 1840, and much more

The city's industrial heritage will show you how it developed thanks to its commercial activity, such as the Languin coal mines, occupying the west of the city, the flour mill which closed its doors in 1932, and the Merré shipyard renowned for its boat construction since 1921.

Green tourism during your yacht charter in Nort-sur-Erdre

What attracts tourists to Nort-sur-Erdre is certainly its lush green countryside, closely linked to the Nantes-Brest canal and the Erdre. Recognized as a Green Resort, it boasts a natural environment of unexpected beauty and includes all the tourist facilities for a family vacation of discovery. Campgrounds, picnic areas, eco-grazing, parks and a nautical center will give you the opportunity to happily enjoy your getaway in the Erdre valley.

Are you fond of nature hikes in a bucolic setting? Seven beaconed hiking circuits will allow you to let your mind escape to the heart of the Nortais country, home to a number of green spaces such as the Parc de La Garenne, where hundred-year-old chestnut trees flourish, and the Parc du Port-Mulon, home to rare species of shafts such as bald cypresses. The Arcades circuit, the Petit Canal and the Port de Mulon offer sailing itineraries suitable for all levels.

Your cruise on the Erdre and the Nantes-Brest canal

The municipality will also benefit the boatmen who choose yacht charter in Nort-sur-Erdre to discover the joys of river navigation. The town's dock, which ceased its activity in 1970, now houses a marina, the point of departure for a new adventure on the peaceful waters of the Erdre, proudly wearing the cap of the Most Beautiful River in France. Renting a canoe or kayak will satisfy your desire for rest and silence on the peaceful waters of the Erdre.

From the side of your river boat, follow the river at your own pace, join the famous Nantes-Brest canal and drop anchor at the nearest town, Sucé-sur-Erdre, where a little gourmet and cultural stroll awaits you. On the Nantes-Brest canal route, you will come across six locks, including Quiheix, Tindière, Rabinière and Haie Pacoret.

Where to sail during a yacht charter in Nort-sur-Erdre?

• The Erdre: the Erdre is a river that offers an idyllic setting for a river cruise, with its green banks, its castles and its islands. You can rent a river boat in Nort-sur-Erdre and sail on the Erdre, in the direction of Nantes or Sucé-sur-Erdre. You can admire remarkable sites such as the Château de la Gascherie, the Château de la Desnerie and the Château du Port-Mulon. You can also enjoy water sports such as canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing.
• The Nantes-Brest canal: the Nantes-Brest canal connects the two Breton cities via central Brittany. It is made up of several sections, including the Erdre, which runs from Nort-sur-Erdre to Quiheix. You can rent a river boat in Nort-sur-Erdre and follow the Erdre canal, which will take you through the rural landscapes and typical villages of the region. You can visit the locks, decks and ports along the route. You can also cycle along the towpath or the lock keepers' path.
• The Loire: the Loire is the longest river in France, crossing the country from the center-east to the center-west. It is renowned for its varied landscapes, its castles and its cultural heritage. You can rent a river boat in Nort-sur-Erdre and join the Loire via the Erdre and the Maine. You can discover the wonders of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire historic cities such as Orléans, Tours, Saumur and Nantes. You can also discover famous vineyards such as Sancerre and Chinon, or natural sites such as the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park or Béhuard Island.
   

How much does a river cruise along the Erdre cost for a river cruise on a river boat in Nantes?

In the table below, we have made a rough calculation of the average price of a river cruise in Nantes according to the season and the size of the boat.

Please note that these prices are for guidance only and may vary depending on the size and style of the boat, the duration and period of the stay, the services included or optional, and demand.

Where can I go for a yacht charter in Nantes?

You can rent a river boat in Nantes in one of the ports on the Loire or Erdre. The main departure bases near Nantes are the port of Trentemoult and the port of Sucé-sur-Erdre. These ports offer easy access to the center of Nantes, where you can visit the castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral and the art museum. You can also enjoy the entertainment and cultural events organized in the city throughout the year.

Do I need a license to go on a yacht charter in Nantes?

No, you don't need a license to rent a boat in Nantes. You can rent a river boat without a license and navigate the waterways in complete safety. You will receive an introduction to boat handling and navigation rules before you set off. You can then fully enjoy your river cruise.

What are the best times for a yacht charter in Nantes?

River cruises in Nantes are available all year round, but some periods are more pleasant than others for enjoying the climate and the scenery of the region.

• Spring is the ideal season to admire nature in bloom and the colorful gardens. The temperatures are mild and the days are long. This is also the period when the rates are lowest.

• Summer is the most popular season for renting a river boat in Nantes, during the school vacation period. The sun is shining and there are many nautical activities. It is also the period when rates are highest and when it is necessary to book in advance.

•  Autumn is the ideal season to enjoy the shimmering colors of the shafts and the vines. The temperatures are still mild and there are fewer tourists. 

•  Winter is the least favorable season to rent a river boat in Nantes, as the weather is often cold and wet. However, you can enjoy the charm of the city under the Christmas lights and entertainment.