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France River Cruises

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250+ river cruises through France with 431 reviews

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Paris to Normandy 2024

we went with another couple and had a blast....we all agreed the trip was fabulous and we would try to do another trip with Avalon soon...

Paris to Normandy WWII Remembrance & History Cruise (Southbound)

• Wine tasting

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2024)

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)

Rhône Route Classique 2024 - A-ROSA STELLA

Great cruise, ship, crew and good. Exceeded expectations.

Paris & Normandy (2024) (Paris to Paris, 2024)

The Must-see Sights of the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)

I was kept informed & on promptly basis. A very professional approach by your staff

Colors of Provence 2024 Start Arles, End Lyon

Rhône Route Classique 2024 - A-ROSA STELLA (18 destinations)

Taste of Bordeaux 2024

Sensations of Lyon & Provence (Start Lyon, End Marseille)

Sensations of Lyon & Provence (Start Lyon, End Nice)

La Belle France: Paris, Normandy and the River Seine (Paris - Paris)

Cruise was great. The crew were very friendly and helpful. The food was excellent. The tours were well planned, and even though there were a few technical problems, the staff worked very hard to make things go as smoothly as possible.

Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon)

First time cruising with Amadeus. Really enjoyed everything about it. Wonderful staff, food and excursions.

Seine River Cruise from Paris

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

River Cruises in France Reviews

It was a very comfortable and enjoyable cruise. The service staff were very friendly and attentive. The fellow passengers were very friendly and sociable which makes the whole cruise line one big happy family.

I was kept informed & on promptly basis. A very professional approach by your staff

• Rhone (255)
• Seine (190)
• Saone (131)
• Garonne (49)
• Dordogne (45)
• Gironde (36)

Regions in France

• Southern France (216)
• Northern France (149)
• Normandy (66)
• Provence (66)
• Aquitaine & Midi Pyrenees (44)
• Bordeaux & Dordogne (41)
• Alsace & Lorraine (33)
• Burgundy (13)
• Loire Valley (12)
• Pays de la Loire (12)
• Ile de France (8)

Popular Cruise Ships

• Avalon Poetry II from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II from Avalon Waterways
• Scenic Sapphire from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Avalon Tapestry II from Avalon Waterways
• S.S Joie de Vivre from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• S.S. Catherine from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Scenic Diamond from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• AmaCello from AmaWaterways
• MS Van Gogh from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• Scenic Gem from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• MS Seine Princess from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Poetry II from Avalon Waterways

Travel Styles

• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)
• France Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 7 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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Boats Search

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France Boating Holidays and River Cruises

Use the Boat Availability Search to find the best boat for your French boating holiday. You can do separate searches for each style of boat - cruiser boats or penichette boats.

To help you choose, follow the links below for guides to boating holidays in France , luxury hotel barges on French canals and rivers, and river cruise ship holidays on River Seine and Rhone.

Cruiser Boat Holidays in France

We offer over 800 hire boats for French boating holidays. Choose your size of boat from 2-12 people, its level of luxury, and the steering position. Boat bases throughout France - cruise the famous Canal du Midi, the wine regions of Burgundy, the unique Camargue, rural Brittany and more. See the cruiser boat holiday map of France

Penichette Boat Holidays in France

Choose from over 400 French built Penichette self-drive boats in different styles and specifications. Penichette holiday bases on the major canals and rivers of France - the unique Canal du Midi, treasures of Burgundy, historic Anjou and Aquitaine, forested Alsace, the Camargue and more. See the Penichette boat holiday map of France

Hotel Boat Holidays in France

These typical working barges on the canals and rivers of France have been converted to luxury small floating hotels. With only 6 to 12 passengers, the hotel barges offer full service and gourmet catering on a choice of cruises including Burgundy wine routes and the Midi. More about French hotel boat holidays

River Cruise Holidays in France

The river cruise ship takes around 150 passengers, and offers dining and relaxation with full crew and service. These ships travel France's major rivers - cruise the River Rhone through Provence or cruise the River Seine to Paris and Normandy. We also offer a range of short city cruise breaks in Paris.

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Boating In France

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French Boating Regions

• Central France
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Cruise France, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US…

Luxury barge cruising, the quintessential french experience.

Imagine spending a week cruising the idyllic waterways of France on board a luxury barge. You’ll trade a week of the hustle of everyday life for the leisurely and gentle pace that barging provides. Cruising on these historic waterways allows for a deep exploration of the picturesque landscapes, historical gems, vineyards and more. You’ll be immersing yourself in French culture and history while savoring gourmet meals paired with exquisite wines and mouthwatering cheeses from each region.

We want you to be swept away by the tranquility of nature, become enthralled in the living history of the regions and indulge in the delicacies of the cuisine and wines of France. Our mission is to provide you with a week that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Our historic barges have been lovingly restored to once again grace the waterways of France in style and comfort.

Where We Cruise

We’ve selected some of the most unique and beautiful waterways in France to share exclusively with our guests.

Come with us to discover the beauty of France and cruising the French waterways  from our unique view of the world.

Every meal is thoughtfully paired with exquisite regional wines chosen exclusively by your captain.

Our chefs are masters at incorporating seasonal ingredients into regional dishes that will delight the most discerning gourmets.

From packing suggestions to knowing what to expect on board, we want to help you to feel informed and prepared.

Thank you for the wonderful week! We will long remember the food, the wine, the cruising, the tours, the walks, the lounging on the deck, the conversation and just plain fun!

A week of fabulous food, wonderful wines, terrific trips, comfy cabins, cheery company and most of all the super duper staff.

You made this a truly memorable week – great food, fabulous wine and such attention to detail.

The beautiful French countryside, amazing French cuisine & fabulous Burgundy wines surpassed all we had imagined!

I have traveled all over the world and this is by far one of the finest experiences of my life.

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French canal boat company, privacy overview.

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Canal boating holidays in France, Europe and Canada

Canal du midi and discover the brittany,, burgundy, river lot, camargue, canal boat vacations.

More than 30,000 customers have already travel with us

More than 220 model boats throughout europe., the very best deal on your vacation.,  lago-grande.

Penichette Evolution

The SIXTO Green, the first electric canal boat

South France

• Canal du Midi Camargue

Western France

• Aquitaine Charente River Lot Brittany Anjou

Burgundy & Eastern

• Burgundy-Nivernais Loire Valley Alsace Saône Ardennes

European Vacations

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Boating Holidays on the Rivers

Canals, lakes and lochs of france.

Navigate without any experience

Motor yachts

Euroclassic, pénichettes, boat ownership.

• Lutzelbourg
• Agen (Latéral)
• Valance-sur-Baïse (Baïse)
• St-Martin-sur-Oust
• Tannay (Nivernais)
• Vermenton (Nivernais)
• Joigny (Yonne)
• Briare (Loire)
• Montbard (Burgundy)
• Corbigny (Nivernais)
• Dompierre-sur Besbre (Loire)
• Macon (Saône)
• Scey sur Saône (Saône)
• St Léger sur Dheune (Centre)
• Besançon (Doubs)
• Capestang (Midi)
• Castelnaudary (Midi)
• Negra (Midi)
• Argens (Midi)
• Lattes (Camargue)
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Prices for EuroClassics, Linssens & Penichettes for 2024

Please click on this article to find the 2024 prices for the boats available on the France Afloat site. The prices for Linssens & EuroClassics from Vermenton on the canal du Nivernais have been held at their 2023 level. France Afloat Price List 2024 For the Penichette boats you can find the prices here: Penichettes 2024 If you have any questions about pricing for short breaks or cruises of more than 1 week please do …

SUMMER BOOKING & OLYMPICS DISCOUNTS FOR 2024 (PRICES HELD FOR 2024)

Contact us now for details of our ‘Special Offers’ for Summer 2024    available on a Linssen or a EuroClassic on the Canal du Nivernais from Vermenton. (For cruises of 1 week or more. max total discount -20%). SUMMER BOOKING DISCOUNT  up to 20%  OLYMPICS DISCOUNT ! -20% for all Vermenton Nivernais departures between the 22/07 & 18/08/2024 SEE OUR PRICING For availability and a quote or any questions please email [email protected]

France Afloat is unique in being both a family business and actually being based in France. We have all lived and worked on the inland waterways of France for many years and can offer the friendly, informed, personal advice that you need to choose the perfect boating holiday. No other company offers such a wealth of knowledge on the boats, the regions, sites and scenery and all this advice is only a phone call away.

France’s most beautiful Canal

France’s most stunning waterfront.

Auxerre on the river Yonne and Nivernais canal is a little known gem. With its Cathedral and Abbey dominating the skyline and complemented by medieval old town, there is nowhere that can rival this view. Auxerre once boasted 27 churches and was one of the most important towns in Christendom. Today its glory days are gone but the beauty remains. Walking through the old town is an experience not to be missed and sitting at one of the cafés …

How to travel France by canal (without going overboard)

Aug 8, 2022 • 8 min read

Tourists glide by boat through the canal and admire the architecture of the half-timbered houses © Franz Aberham / Getty Images

Transport and tranquility are usually mutually exclusive, but not if you book a houseboat and cruise along France 's canals and navigable rivers. You can stop at your whim to pick up fresh produce from a local market, dine at a village restaurant or glide by a local château by bicycle. 

There are thousands of kilometers of rivers and canals that link together in a vast web touching much of the country and allowing access to the surrounding seas. Changes in altitude are taken care of by a system of écluses (locks) and boats range from self-hire houseboats to luxury hotel barges.

There are hundreds of equally wonderful canal and river routes, dotted with small houses where the lock keepers used to live (and some still do). Below is just a sample of what lies ahead. Additional world-class routes include the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, a link between Paris and Alsace and Germany via the Rhine, and the 360km-long Canal de Nantes à Brest in Brittany .

Canal du Midi

Stretching for 241km between Toulouse and Sète , the Canal du Midi is one of the great waterways of southern France. Completed in 1681 at the behest of Louis XIV and classified as a World Heritage site since 1996, the canal was designed to provide a trading route between major French ports. Combined with the Canal de Garonne, it forms part of the Canal des Deux Mers (Canal of the Two Seas), which enables boats to travel all the way from the Atlantic (near Bordeaux) to the Mediterranean.

It’s a work of art as much as engineering, lined with stately plane trees, puttering houseboats and gorgeous riverside towns. You can stroll or pedal along the towpaths as you stop along the canal’s route, or visit its cities – Toulouse, Agde, Minerve, Béziers , Narbonne, Carcassonne and Sète.

It’s also worth stopping at the Musée Canal du Midi in St-Ferréol, which explores the history of the waterway and the life of its chief engineer, Paul Riquet.

Canal de Garonne 

With 53 locks, this serene canal falls from the junction with the Canal du Midi at Toulouse to Castets-en-Dorthe at the Garonne river. The Garonne then lets out to the Bay of Biscay just beyond wonderful Bordeaux , a jolly stop for its gorgeous architecture and wine aplenty . Or, take a day trip from the boat to Sauternes for its sweet and white wines, or Roquefort, for its world-famous cheese . Another fascinating stop along the way is Moissac, a large riverside town, partly on an “island” formed between the Tarn and the Garonne Canal. Its crowning glory is the Unesco-listed Abbaye St-Pierre , a monumental abbey church. 

Canal de Bourgogne

Canal boating between Bourgogne vineyards really can’t be beat. Burgundy's 1200km of placid waterways include the Rivers Yonne, Saône and Seille and a network of canals, including the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal Latéral à la Loire and the Canal du Nivernais, which are detailed below. 

The spectacular 242km Canal de Bourgogne connects the river Saône in the south at Saint-Jean-de-Losne, with the river Yonne at Laroche-Migennes – which in turn connects to the Seine if you want to continue on to Paris. Highlights Include , of course, touring the regions’ magnificent vineyards and sampling the wines, as well as visiting cities like Dijon and Beaune . West of Dijon, along and around the Canal de Bourgogne, the Pays d'Auxois is a rolling land of mustard fields, wooded hills and escarpments dotted with fortified hilltop towns, including Semur-en-Auxois. Tucked into this verdant landscape are a pair of exceptional historical sites, the Cistercian abbey of Fontenay and the MuséoParc Alésia historical museum.

Canal du Nivernais

Originally constructed for moving firewood from the Morvan’s forests to Paris, the peaceful Canal du Nivernais  crosses the Yonne river valley , sometimes merging with the river itself and connecting the Loire with the Seine. A top spot along the way, the ancient city of Auxerre dates back to Gallo-Roman times and now curves beautifully along the Yonne, with the magnificent Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre towering overhead.

You can also tour the vineyards – or simply stock the wines of the region – with Chablis being its reigning queen.

Loire Valley canals

A batch of bitty canals interlink between Burgundy and the châteaux-laden Loire Valley . They include the Canal du Centre, Canal latéral à la Loire, and the Canal de Briare.

Midway between Dijon and Lyon , Burgundy's southernmost département , Saône-et-Loire, is an inviting land of rolling green fields criss-crossed by hedgerows and dotted with indigenous Charolais beef cattle. The Canal du Centre and some fabulous bike paths meander through Saône-et-Loire's forests and pastureland.

During the region's medieval heyday it was home to the largest church in all of Christendom, the magnificent abbey of Cluny . These days it's a sleepier place, but pretty châteaux and little-known Romanesque chapels still sit around almost every bend, hinting at Saône-et-Loire's long history and making this a delightful area for day trips.

Other regional highlights include wines galore: from the wine-growing villages around Mâcon to Sancerre, which produce some of France's finest whites – taste tests abound.

Shorter hops and day trips on France's canals

If you’re not able to do a full canal cruise, you can also hop aboard a small day trip boat or punt the day away from French cities laced with canals, like Colmar . For example, boat cruises run along the Garonne in Toulouse from the Quai de la Daurade; in summer, some boats also travel onto the Canal du Midi. The two main companies are Les Bateaux Toulousains and Toulouses Croisières .

In the Dordogne Valley  you can go river boating from La Roque Gageac aboard a flat-bottomed gabarre with Gabarres Norbert .

Cycling the canals

Most boats have bikes on board or can arrange cycling day trips. With a vast network of cycling paths, the French canal towpaths are pure two-wheeling joy. Voies vertes (green ways) stretch for thousands of kilometres along old canal towpaths and are also open to walkers and horse riders, and many sections are paved to ensure a silky-smooth ride. Many connect to véloroutes – designated cycling paths .

You can cycle on or very near the chemin de halage (towpath) of the Canal de Bourgogne all the way from Dijon to Migennes (225km). The section from Montbard to Tonnerre (65km) passes by Château d'Ancy-le-Franc ; between Montbard and Pouilly-en-Auxois (58km), spurs go to the Abbaye de Fontenay and Semur-en-Auxois.

Similarly, peaceful towpaths along the Canal du Midi (check out Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo ) link the Atlantic with the Mediterranean via the canals.

Tips for canal travel in France

How to book a french canal trip.

Usually, companies, like Barge Lady Cruises , are brokers that then connect you to the outfit owning the boat or boats. Things to consider are:

• the size of the boat;
• whether there will be a skipper on board, and what other staff, like a cook or steward;
• how many staterooms will there be (and thus people you may share with);
• what do they offer in the way of day trips and how customizable are they?

...or book a luxury barge cruise instead 

Levels can become quite luxe, with your own private chef and bespoke food, drink and day trips. Smaller luxury boats can have as few as two staterooms, with a maximum of four guests, which are perfect for friends or family who want a private boat. A top purveyor in the field is Belmond , with its smaller boat, Allouette on the Canal du Midi, or larger ones like Fleur de Lys in Burgundy. 

How to rent a canal boat

If you’re up for piloting yourself, you can hire a boat. They generally accommodate from two to 12 passengers and are fully outfitted with bedding and cooking facilities. Anyone over 18 can pilot a riverboat, but first-time skippers are given a short instruction session so they qualify for a carte de plaisance (temporary cruising permit). The speed limit is 6km/h on canals and 8km/h on rivers. It’s important to read up on the route you will be taking to learn how to handle the locks and other tricks of the waterway. Except in July and August, you can often rent over a weekend.

You can also traverse the waterways by sailboat, but you must unstep (take down) the mast to do so.

Rental agencies abound. They include the following:

France Afloat – Anglophone canal-boat specialist in France, based in Vermenton, 25km southeast of Auxerre. This British-owned, family-run enterprise rents boats and provides advice for trips on France's inland waterways, including the Yonne River, the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal du Nivernais.

Locaboat Holidays – based in Joigny, 27km northwest of Auxerre – has been renting boats throughout France since 1977. Burgundian destinations for their self-guided explorations include the Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Centre, Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne and Seine Rivers.

Where to find a map of France's canals

Waterway books with detailed maps are a must. Excellent guides include Breil and Imray , or check out the website French Waterways for loads of info and maps on the country’s canals and waterways.

Rental companies offer boats from late March to mid-November (canals close for repairs in winter). Advance reservations are essential for holiday periods, over long weekends and in July and August, especially for larger boats. The best bet is to go during the shoulder seasons (May and June or September), when the weather is fine but wait times are shorter at the locks, and crowds fewer.

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France River Cruises

Be it the Rhône, Seine, Dordogne or Gironde, France’s rivers reveal some of the world’s most celebrated locales: majestic Bordeaux, gastronomic Lyon, historic Normandy, picturesque Provence and elegant Paris. Let Viking immerse you in rich culture and tradition.

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Highlights of france river cruises.

France was born along its rivers. And Viking delivers you to the doorsteps of a nation’s history and culture, from romantic riverside ruins and lush vineyards to glittering cities of elegance and grandeur. Here is a selection of some treasures you will experience with Viking:

• The elegant architecture of Paris
• Historic Avignon, City of Popes
• Gastronomic masterpieces of Lyon
• Normandy’s American Military Cemetery
• Scenic landscapes that inspired Impressionist artists
• Rouen’s spectacular cathedral
• Farms and forests of Aquitaine
• Fine wines of Bordeaux, Beaujolais and Burgundy
• Charming villages and dreamy vistas of Provence
• The medieval wine-growing town of Saint-Émilion

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Boats Search

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Boating Holidays in Europe

The widest choice of boats from the leading experts in boat hire in france, ireland, holland, italy, portugal, germany, belgium, hungary and canada, choosing your boating holiday.

Book online or call our specialists for independent advice

The first step is to choose where you wish to go boating from our wide choice of boating areas of Europe and Canada. Check out boating areas in our Europe boating destinations

Second step is to choose your boat. The Boats Search at the top of the page lets you find boats of the correct size which are available in your chosen boating location. Full details are shown, and the dates and routes available. For advice on choosing your boat go to choosing your boat

Finally, for your desired boat choose the start date, and start and end base for your holiday. You may prefer an 'out-and-back' route returning you to the same base or a 'one-way trip' to another base. To help you choose your route go to choosing your route

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Call us on : 01756 701200 (+44 1756 701200)

Boating Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

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Burgundy Nivernais & Loire

Burgundy saône.

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Disconnect & take a break, two on a boat, boating for foodies.

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Canal boat hire our destinations.

Locaboat has a fleet of 330 self-drive boats that offer consistent high quality and require no licence to drive, available in a host of European destinations: France, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy and Germany. Choose your destination, rent a boat that suits you, and enjoy your boating holidays!

Canal du Midi & Camargue

The Camargue and the Canal du Midi boat-hire routes present a dazzling show throughout the whole length of your french cruise, with famous listed sites dotted along the way, in the heart of an extraordinary ecosystem.

Shannon & Erne

Your boating holiday in Ireland takes you to a millennial land with picturesque and lush landscapes. From river Shannon to river Erne, cruise along splendid waterways and enjoy an authentic celtic getaway aboard your Pénichette®.

Burgundy Nivernais & Loire

A cruise in the Burgundy Nivernais area, along the Burgundy or Nivernais canals in France, promises effortless boating holidays in complete comfort on your no-license Pénichette ® .

In Holland you will meet friendly people, if not on the water, then on two wheels. Follow the pretty canals that run through the entire region and the historic cities.

We’re offering you boat hire in Venice – yes, Venice! – for an irresistible italian cruise you’ll never forget.

and also…

CHARENTE VALLEY ALSACE & ARDENNES BURGUNDY SAÔNE SOUTH WEST OF FRANCE THE LOT VALLEY BRITTANY GERMANY

OUR CURRENT Special offers

We provide permanent offers all year round. They are automatically applied to your boat hire price and can be combined up to a maximum of 20%. In addition, we regularly advertise special offers on our website that are valid for a limited period. Make the most of the best value boat hire deals available now.

Summer on a Pénichette ®

Last minute, the most beautiful boating regions in france and europe.

Set off on a journey to explore the Charente region from our new base in Saintes! The winding course of the Charente River is navigable for 147 kilometers, stretching from Angoulême to Tonnay Charente.

Charente River 1 departure base

Embarquez à la découverte de la vallée de la Saale ! Ses paysages naturels, ses villes historiques et ses délices culinaires sont l’assurance d’une expérience inoubliable.

Rivière Saale 1 base de départ

Canal du Midi & Camargue

The Camargue and the Canal du Midi boat-hire routes present a dazzling show throughout the whole length of your cruise, with famous listed sites dotted along the way, in the heart of an extraordinary ecosystem.

Canal du Midi, Canal du Rhône à Sète, bassin du Thau, petit Rhône 3 departure bases

Müritz & Mecklenburg

Enjoy boating holidays on the lakes of Mecklenburg, the pride of Germany’s waterways. These huge lakes are unspoilt and have marinas at regular intervals, so you can take a break from helming your self-drive boat. A superb destination for a cruise!

1 departure base

Shannon and Erne

Book your boating holidays in Ireland and cruise the lovely and enigmatic waterways of the Shannon and Erne.

Shannon, Erne 2 departure bases

Holland: north to south

Holland is familiar and exotic at the same time, but there’s one thing the whole world knows: the Dutch had to fight to win back their land from the water, driving back the sea and digging out amazing canals in its character towns.

2 departure bases

Venice lagoon

We’re offering you boat hire in Venice – yes, Venice! – for an irresistible cruise you’ll never forget.

Brandenburg

Subtle greens and blues… Known for its long stretches of water through vast pine forests, this wild region of Germany is ideal for boating holidays and also offers excellent city break opportunities.

The Lot valley

Boating holidays on the River Lot offer the promise of new experiences, new pleasures and the joy of getting away from it all. The waterways in this region will lead you into hidden areas of the Lot valley that you never knew existed.

Lot 1 departure base

Boating holidays in the Burgundy Saône Franche Comté area provide the ideal way to explore a unique waterways region. Rent a boat on the majestic Saône, one of the most beautiful rivers in France, for a gentle cruise on a self-drive boat, with no license needed.

Canal du Centre, petite Saône, Saône, Seille, Doubs, Canal des Vosges 2 departure bases

Ardennes & Alsace-Lorraine

Canal boat holidays in Alsace Lorraine & Ardennes take you from the historic homeland of Rimbaud to surprising areas of wilderness.

Canal de la Marne au Rhin, Canal de la Sarre, Moselle, Canal des Vosges 2 departure bases

Your Brittany cruise takes you into a land of Celtic traditions, in a waterways region that’s famous for art and historic monuments, as well as the peaceful natural surroundings you’ll pass through on your canal boat.

Canal de Nantes à Brest, Vilaine, Aff, Erdre, Canal d'Ille et Rance 1 departure base

Boating holidays in the South West of France will appeal to foodies, wine connoisseurs and fans of rugby (a real cult).

Gascogne, Baïse, Tarn 1 departure base

A cruise in the Burgundy Loire Nivernais area, along the Burgundy or Nivernais canals, promises effortless boating holidays in complete comfort.

Yonne, Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Nivernais, Canal latéral à la Loire, Canal de Roanne à Digoin 3 departure bases

Discover our collections and follow your heart! Collections are themed cruises in various regions, designed to inspire you. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, looking for peace and quiet or an exciting urban adventure, whether you are a couple or a group of friends, you will find inspiration here to help you to choose the waterways cruise of your dreams.

Symbols and mystery, history and culture, art and tradition… Boating holidays on one of our legendary routes mean a cruise through history, discovering local stories on the way.

Unexperience welcome!

Your first waterways cruise will be an unforgettable experience. No licence is needed to hire a self-drive boat – just take the helm and fulfill your dream of cruising in freedom on your Pénichette ® .

For a real holiday in the wilderness, hire a self-drive boat and cruise into the most beautiful unspoilt areas. Boating holidays let you unwind to the rhythm of the waterways.

Cruise & Dive

A cruise along the waterways is an adventure in itself – but the excitement doesn’t stop there. Boating holidays also give you the chance to dive into the water and enjoy a memorable swim.

Is exploring iconic cities and great cultural sites your idea of a great holiday? A waterways cruise on a cultural route promises the perfect city break.

A romantic holiday on the waterways: enjoy a well-deserved couples cruise, going with the flow aboard your Pénichette® equipped with all mod cons.

Discover France’s finest vineyards and sample the wines they produce: enjoy a holiday on a self-drive boat following a trail through some of France’s most famous and picturesque wine regions.

Explore the most beautiful regions in Europe on a canal boat

Travelling with Locaboat gives you a genuine travel experience. The keywords are closeness, discovery and independence. When you hire your boat, you are the captain, the one in charge of your holiday. Opt for the closeness of a family holiday or traveling with a group of friends or your partner and explore unspoilt countryside. You will also discover regions that differ in their natural surroundings, history, vineyards and their local population.

A holiday with Locaboat is a different way to get to know an area as you go with the flow. Your life aboard will be friendly and fun. If you hire bikes, you can set off in search of historic or architectural sites. We will help you to design a route that suits you to find what you want in terms of food and wine, urban or cultural visits, historical interest, nature and swimming.

Enjoy your holidays to the full by stepping on board one of our Pénichette ® barges and exploring our finest destinations.

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Customers' review about locaboat boats.

Leave with peace of mind with the inclusive pack

Vous êtes de plus en plus nombreux à choisir de naviguer en pénichette® l'esprit libre, en toute sérénité. Aux nouveaux moussaillons, nous allons expliquer pourquoi !

How to moor your boat successfully?

Pour les novices, savoir bien manœuvrer sa pénichette© ou son bateau et réussir à amarrer peut sembler à première vue délicat. Mais si l’on suit quelques conseils d’expert, rien de plus simple !

For Valentine’s day, take a cruise to Venice!

Arriving in the canal boat by Venice lagoon, seeing the campanile and towers of La Serenissima rising over the horizon... an unforgettable experience.

Locaboat Holidays has been the industry specialist for boating holidays and waterways cruises since 1977. Inventor of the Pénichette®, Locaboat is as famous for the friendliness and quality of its customer service as for the comfort and easy handling of its boats. When you rent a boat from Locaboat, you’ll benefit from the advice of local experts who are passionate about boating and will do their utmost to make sure you enjoy a wonderful holiday.

More than 200 routes throughout Europe

1.4 million customers since 1977

97% of our customers would recommend us

More than 40 years of expertise to draw on

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France holiday destinations: the most beautiful places to explore this year

Whether you want to taste world-class wines in lovely vineyards, explore prehistoric caves or laze on a Mediterranean beach, France has all of this and more

France has the perfect region for everyone – which is why we've rounded up our favourite France holidays to feature something everyone will love, from gorgeous coastal resorts and blissful islands to bustling cities, from national parks and reserves filled with thrilling outdoor pursuits to world-class art and architecture.

You might head for an alpine lake or be lured by a river beach, you might discover modern metropolises that are busy greening themselves for the 21st century and beyond, or you may be tempted by splendid châteaux, cathedrals and other great reminders of bygone eras. But perhaps the best thing about France is that you don’t have to choose – it’s all there for the taking in fantastic destinations in every corner of the land.

And anywhere you decide to go, you’re guaranteed the fabulous cuisine that is so much part of the reason people come back to France time and again.

Whether you're looking to travel by Eurostar or drive, there's a city , coastal spot or beautiful countryside to be explored. From Bordeaux to Lille and Provence to Marseille , these are the best France holiday destinations to discover this year.

At the heart of one of the world’s most revered wine-growing regions, this rapidly evolving river port draws oenophiles but also those who love French gastronomy and culture in general. Perhaps its main sight is the immense and wonderfully interactive Cité du Vin, but part of the charm of Bordeaux is just discovering its districts - including hip Chartrons - and its riverside on foot or by bike.

You’ll be rewarded for your amblings by architectural glories in styles ranging from Gothic and neo-classical to contemporary, by art and history museums galore, and of course by wine estates including the bijou Chateau les Carmes Haut-Brion within the city limits, with a spectacular modern wine cellar by Philippe Starck. Bordeaux is also a fantastic French destination to reach by train, less than six hours from London by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to Stay : The best Bordeaux hotels range from boutique urban boltholes to wine estates offering dining in the midst of the vines. Some have Michelin-starred restaurants and some even have grape-based spa treatments. Try the chic Mondrian Bordeaux , which opened recently.

Provence and the Côte d’Azur/French Riviera

A vast and varied area, the South of France (the historic province of Provence, which is now largely equivalent to the modern-day Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region/Région Sud) embraces everything from the North-African-inflected city of Marseille and glam, yacht-filled resorts such as Nice, Cannes and St Tropez to tiny timeless villages lost amid rugged countryside scented by local herbs.

Provence and the Côte d’Azur are perfect for anything from a long weekend in France to a full-on holiday, and the weather is mild enough even in February to make this a great pick for a winter break. It’s also easy reached by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to stay : The best Provence hotels are inspired by surrounding nature, whether it’s lavender fields or Mediterranean beaches, and many have great restaurants showing fresh produce including fish fresh from the fishing boats – some holding Michelin stars. See also our round-up of recommendations in the laidback Riviera resort of Antibes with its cobbled streets, 16th-century ramparts and Picasso museum. Try La Place Boutique Hotel , located in the old town of Antibes.

Loire Valley

Dating from its 150 years as home to the French court, the castles of the Loire Valley are so impressive that this entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among the most breathtaking are Chenonceau straddling the Cher river, and the almost ridiculously opulent Chambord, the biggest, including a famous open double-helix staircase said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

But the landscapes of the Loire Valley are spectacular too, from the wide swathe of the River Loire itself to the vast old hunting forests full of stags and wild boar, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including boat cruises, canoeing, cycling along the river banks, and exploring local cave homes.

How to visit: Country Living's tour of the Loire Valley takes in several extravagant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals and abbeys, and lush gardens.

Now an an artists’ village with workshops, galleries and a re-creation of a historic artists’ studio, this Normandy beauty spot 75km north-west of Paris was home to Claude Monet for half his life, from 1883 to 1926, and provided inspiration for his iconic water-lily and Japanese bridge paintings.

Long a pilgrimage site among both art and plant lovers, it’s back in the limelight thanks to the film Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse . You can also see other sites in the surrounding Seine Valley that inspired Monet and his fellow Impressionists.

How to visit : Giverny is the focal point of our tour of Monet’s France through paintings and gardens, accompanied by Paula McWaters and also including the chance to immerse yourself in Monet’s vast Les Nymph é as (The Water Lilies) in Paris’s Musée de l’Orangerie.

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From its Haussmannian boulevards to its great green spaces, the City of Lights is always a delight, no matter how many times you visit or with whom. There are too many sights to do justice to here, but among the highlights are the Jardin du Luxembourg with its sculptures, boating pond and puppet theatre, the Jardin des Plantes – botanical gardens housing three natural-history museums – and of course the Seine (a river cruise is a great way to take in several major landmarks including Notre-Dame cathedral).

Paris is also a glamorous destination for foodies and fashionistas, with some of the world’s best dining plus superb shopping everywhere from neighbourhoo boutiques and historic department stores to incredible fleamarkets.

Where to stay : Hôtel Madame Rêve has a beautifully nostalgic setting in Paris’ old central post office near the Louvre, a breathtaking decor of boiserie panels, golden velvet and 8m-high ceilings, and fabulous views from its top-floor restaurant and roof terrace.

Oozing creativity, innovation and cultural dynamism, this port city on the Loire River in western France has the unique attraction of the amazing Machines de l’Ile, a collection of giant mechanical ‘living machines’ based on the imaginings of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci and others, some of which you can ‘test’ or even ride, including the 12m-tall Great Elephant and the Marine Carousel.

Jules Verne was born in the city, and there’s also a Musée Jules Verne with a multi-media trail. Another must-see is the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, including displays on Nantes’ role in the slave trade.

Nantes is also a very green city, with an evolving network of eco-friendly transport including new tram lines and green zones for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s also handy for the seaside in destinations including La Baule, Le Croisic and Noirmoutier island with its oyster huts.

Where to stay : The first five-star hotel in the area, a few minutes from the city centre, the Château de Maubreuil sits in a wooded estate with lovely gardens and offers a Cinq Mondes spa and superb dining.

Pastel-painted houses lining the river and canal banks, winding cobbled alleys and array of green spaces make the ‘Venice of France’ a fairytale destination - especially in its Vieille Ville (Old Town). It also holds the rare Fleur d’Or (‘Gold Flower’) award from the national association Villes et Villages Fleuris (‘Cities and Villages in Bloom’).

Other highlights of this capital of the Haute Savoie region of south-eastern France are the Pont de l’Amour or Lovers’ Bridge, a wrought-iron affair with to-die-or mountain and lake views, and the Jardins de l’Europe – laid out by Henry I, Duke of Savoy-Nemours, with ginkgo bilboas, laricio pines, giant sequoias and a tulip tree. There’s also walking, cycling and lake-based water sports to enjoy.

Where to Stay : Hôtel Le Pélican occupies a former alms house transformed by star architect Christian de Portzamparc and offers lake and mountain views from many of its rooms and other spaces, which include a bistro and an artisan bakery. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool with a pool bar.

The birthplace of art is so named for having some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, and while you can’t access the most famous caves, Lascaux, for risk of damaging their 16,000-year-old artworks, you can see reproductions of two of the cave halls at nearby Lascaux II and further reproductions in Le Thot – Centre d'Interpretation de la Prehistoire.

Once ruled by the British, Périgord – as the French know it – is still popular for its slower-paced of life, its rolling countryside dotted with lovely châteaux, and its amazing, if often very rich, food (this is truffle country). But you can work it all off by swim or canoeing in or the Dordogne, especially at Limeuil, with its river-beaches. You can also take a trip along the river in a traditional gabarre , seeing fabulous castles en route.

Where to stay : Le Clos 1855 is a luxury B&B near Limeuil with the option of fabulous dining on local products, plus an outdoor pool for the summer months.

Lively festivals, beautiful beaches and incredible geological formations, record-breaking lighthouses, spiralling head-dresses ( coiffes ), record-breaking lighthouses, and even fairies (the shapeshifting korrigans of local myth)… The northwest corner of France is another world, although it shares a Celtic heritage with parts of Britain and many of its ancient sites were built by the same folk as Stonehenge.

Among must-sees are St-Malo, an ancient walled pirates’ city, the Côte de Granit Rose with its pinkish rocks carved by the elements, the wild, windswept island of Ouessant with Europe’s most powerful lighthouse and unique dwarf black sheep, and Carnac, the most important prehistoric site in Europe, with around 3000 menhirs older than Egypt’s pyramids, thought to have been a lunar observatory.

Where to stay : An icon and an institution dating back nearly 150 years, the Hôtel Barrière Le Grand Hôtel is a classic seaside hotel with views of the St-Malo ramparts and a spa with a pool, sauna and hammam.

It’s not hard to fall in love with this French island perched out in the Mediterranean, clad in fragrant evergreen maquis and studded with ancient cork oaks and olive trees. Time seems to stand still here as you hike past rock roses, prickly pears and immortelles while red-tailed kites circle overhead.

Among the island’s most charming spots are the Balagne region with its hilltop villages including Montemaggiore and Pigna with their charming rustic architecture and authentic little bars serving fresh lemon and clementine juice from Corsica’s orchards. The bustling ports of Bastia, Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio are all worth spending time in too, and the local markets are sensational.

Where to stay : A family-owned five-star in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, the Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa overlooks a vast sandy beach in the bay of Porto-Vecchio and includes a swanky Nucca spa.

More European ideas:

- The best hotels in Geneva

- Where to stay in Rotterdam

- Vienna's best hotels

- The best hotels in the Dolomites

- The best hotels in Iceland

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