License-free yacht charter: a leisure activity accessible to all
River tourism is a separate activity and very easily accessible to the general public. No previous sailing experience is required for your license-free yacht charter, and yet you will be steering a river boat along the canals. With an average speed of 8 km/h and easy maneuvers on the side of the boat, it is possible to take charge of a river boat very quickly. After a quick training session given by a technician at the port of your departure base, you will even be able to pilot your boat without a license.
There is no need to worry when you are sailing on the river, the sailing conditions are calm and do not present any particular danger if you follow the safety instructions. Safety railings are installed on the sides of the boat to secure the outside of the boat. Instead, take advantage of your license-free yacht charter to discover the picturesque landscapes along the canals.
Comfortable houseboats
The license-free boats that we offer for charter have all the comforts of a modern apartment, with of course a difference in space and equipment depending on the range. On the side of the boat you will always find a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, dishes and hotplates. In addition to the living area, all boats have a main room (the living area) where there is generally a steering position. The cabins are generally located at the back of the river boat and there are more or fewer depending on the size of the boat.
The success of riverboats is also linked to the presence of an outdoor deck: a raised terrace where you can have lunch, organize a barbecue or play cards while admiring the surrounding flora and fauna during your license-free river trip on the Canal du Midi, in Burgundy or even in Brittany. A second steering position is also often present on the flybridge, giving you a 360-degree view, making navigation easier and particularly enjoyable.
How to choose your license-free boat?
The choice of your model of license-free boat for your charter is crucial. The river boats provided for charter offer a minimum level of comfort with the presence of hot water, showers, toilets and heating in winter. However, each range has a different number of berths, depending on the number of people on board. The first step, therefore, is to determine the number of crew on board, bearing in mind that the living area offers two additional berths. For a stay of a week or more, we advise you not to convert the living area into a lounge and to use only the cabins to accommodate passengers in order to take advantage of the living space on board.
On the budget side, cheap license-free yacht charter is possible depending on the desired comfort and the charter period. We offer entry-level license-free boats such as the Tarpon or the Eau Claire punts. On the other hand, if you opt for a week on a license-free boat outside the high season (from June to August) you can benefit from more advantageous rates with special discounts for navigating the canals.
Some models offer more living space on board and are more recent. If you want to enjoy a river cruise in the best possible conditions, then opt for a charter of a Horizon or a Pénichette 950E.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 190 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $2,436 |
| Minimum weekly price | $794 |
| Maximum price per week | $4,662 |