River cruises and license-free boat charters in Toulouse

What boats are available for charter in Toulouse?

We offer a wide range of river boats for charter close to Toulouse. River boats are specially designed for canals, with a shallow draft and a width that allows them to pass easily through locks. They vary in size and capacity, ranging from boats with moorings alongside to those designed to accommodate several families or groups of friends. We work with many companies offering river cruises close-hauled of Toulouse such as Le Boat, Locaboat, Nicols and Canalous.    
 

What are the rates for river cruises on the Canal du Midi in Toulouse?

The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for a river cruise in Toulouse, for a period of one week. Note that these prices are a dead reckoning and may vary depending on several factors (season, model and size of the boat).

• The price includes : the yacht charter and the main equipment on the side of the boat (crockery, Wi-Fi, bedding).
• The price does not include: insurance, mooring fees, cleaning, extras (bicycles, etc.) and provisions taken on board.

Where can you sail on a river cruise from Toulouse?

• Toulouse itself: Before starting your trip, take the time to discover the Pink City. With its historic pink brick buildings, the Place du Capitole, the Saint-Sernin basilica and the banks of the Garonne, Toulouse is a real gem.
• Montauban: Sailing north, you will arrive in Montauban, a city of art and history. Its old center, with the Place Nationale surrounded by arcaded houses, is particularly charming.
• Cahors: Nestled in a meander of the Lot, Cahors is famous for its impressive Valentré Deck, a marvel of medieval architecture, and for its deep, dark wines made from Malbec.
• Moissac: Renowned for its Abbey of Saint-Pierre and its cloister, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Moissac is a must-see. The town is also an important river crossroads where the Garonne Canal joins the Tarn.
• L'Isle-Jourdain: Heading east from Toulouse, this town is famous for its lake, its water sports and its magnificent 14th-century market hall. An ideal stopover for those who want to enjoy the natural environment while discovering the

When to sail on a river cruise from Toulouse?

Toulouse, the point of departure or arrival of the Canal du Midi, enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with Mediterranean influences, making navigation pleasant for a large part of the year. For the best experience, consider sailing between May and September. While summer brings heat and crowds, the months of May, June and September are more peaceful. Keep in mind that the Canal du Midi is generally closed to navigation between November and March for maintenance.

Here is an overview of the temperatures recorded in Toulouse in recent years:

Useful information for your river cruise in Toulouse

How do the locks work and how do you pass through them?

Ayacht charter in Toulouse involves passing through numerous locks, these mechanisms allowing the canal's gradients to be managed. When approaching a lock, reduce your speed and follow the lock keeper's instructions, if he is present. Otherwise, follow the instructions displayed. Moor your boat inside the lock and let it rise or fall with the water level.
There may be charges associated with the use of the locks, especially if they are managed by lock keepers.
Here are the opening hours of the locks on the Canal du Midi:   

Do you need a license to take a river cruise in Toulouse?

It depends on the type of river boat you want to rent. River cruises without a license are available to everyone. You will receive a quick training at the departure base and then you can fully enjoy sailing along the canals. This is reserved for smaller river boats. If you want to rent a larger and more comfortable river boat, you will need a river license or a deep-sea license.

Can I take a pet on board a river boat?

Riverboat rental companies allow pets (dogs, cats, rodents) on board, free of charge in some cases and for a flat fee of around 50 USD on average in others (80 USD at LeBoat). Make sure your pet can swim.

What are the important points to know about sailing during a yacht charter in Toulouse?

Here are some of the main rules to follow during a yacht charter in Toulouse:

• Speed limit: Speed is generally limited to 8 km/h or less, especially near ports, locks or when passing other boats.
• Mooring: Make sure you only moor your boat in designated areas. Avoid obstructing access areas or areas reserved for other uses.
• Safety: always make sure you wear a life jacket, especially near locks or when maneuvering. A good knowledge of navigation signals is also essential.
• Priority: Upstreamboats (those going towards the source of the canal or river) generally have priority, especially when approaching locks.
• Insurance: We recommend that you take out our cancellation insurance for your river cruise in Toulouse. It will cover all crew members, whereas individual cancellation insurance or insurance via your bank card will cover only the policyholder. We also encourage our customers to take out damage waiver insurance. On a boat, damage can happen to even the best sailors. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of damage related to navigation.