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Book Now! Pay Later
Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Boat
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Life buoy
No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Book Now! Pay Later
    Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Life buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Book Now! Pay Later
    Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Life buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
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Boating Vacations
/France

French river cruises

1457 reviews

Discover river cruises and canal boating in France in nine stunning regions

Map showing all French boating regions

A boating vacation is a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the French waterways. Discover the beauty of France and its countryside from the country's canals and romantic rivers. With Le Boat you can explore the sights or stop at any time to relax, indulge in fine French wines and delicious food. Choose from 9 French boating destinations with distinct scenery, gastronomy, culture and charm and explore them at your own pace, aboard your houseboat rental. 

 
To see prices and to book please explore the regions in France below. 
 

Great for

  • Largest choice of destinations
  • Unique scenery for each region
  • Rich history and heritage
  • Local gastronomy and finest wines

Regions in France

France Boating Vacations

Discover French canal boat holidays, no experience needed, no licence required. Captain your own boat as you explore France from the unique perspective of your cruiser. French river cruising is the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of the waterways. The Canal du Midi offers a wonderful journey through the sun-drenched vineyards and pretty villages of Languedoc - France's most prolific wine producing region. A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holiday. Nivernais is reputed to be one of France's prettiest canals providing gentle cruising through its picturesque villages and vineyards. The amazing wildlife in the Camargue will accompany your cruise as you enjoy ancient ports, historic towns and fabulous beaches. Burgundy is one of the most fascinating regions for a barge cruise in France and is often referred to as the "country of art and life". Every one of our regions has something to offer for your France canal boat vacation. 

The history of French river cruising

French houseboat vacations allow you to go where you want and do as you please. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you explore the many towns and villages along the way. Cruising in France offers the largest river network in Europe with over 100 canals and rivers creating around 800km of navigable waterways making it the ideal destination for canal boat vacations. Experience nine boating regions from a completely different perspective.

 

Reviews of cruising in France...

"A five star service every time! We have booked holidays with Le Boat for over 15 years and we have always had a memorable experience. Both during and before our cruise, we have always been very well informed! And always with a smile!" 

Margaret P

 

"I will never forget my visit to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a magnificent village perched on the cliffs of the river Lot. Its unique location, its historic buildings and its imposing church gave me the impression of being in a film: too good to be true!" 

Marie J

 

"We arrived in a beautiful hamlet along the Canal de Nantes to Brest. We left our houseboat and put our bikes on to go downtown. We enjoyed the surroundings, we did the shopping at the local market and we returned to the boat to prepare the dinner whilst drinking a delicious local wine on board. All very relaxing and stress-free!"

Anne F

 

"I will always remember the wine tasting in the Loire-Nivernais region. The vineyards of Sancerre stretched along the entire canal at the Loire. At sunset the leaves went from green to a magnificent golden shade. We could taste wine at vineyards all around us. A unique experience: wine, nature, our canal boat and the waterway." 

Amandine J