Canal boating holidays
Canal boat holidays and canal boat hire from the market leaders. No licence required. Find out about our destinations in the UK and Europe.
Who are we?
We are the market leaders in the boating holidays on the canals of the UK, Europe and Canada. With over 900 boats in fleet, we have the largest choice of canal boats to hire and the wildest selection of beautiful boating destinations. And with over 50 years of experience, you can count on us to deliver exceptional service and a wealth of helpful advice and knowledge.
Our canal boat holiday destinations
Operating across nine different countries, each one has something special to offer. We’ve selected our canal boat hire destinations, steeped full of history and were once built to carry goods from one place to another, are now a tranquil escape.
France: Canal du Midi
In the scenic Languedoc wine region of France, the Canal du Midi is a tranquil waterway meandering through stunning landscapes and historic destinations. A canal boat adventure along this idyllic route provides a unique chance to luxuriate in the region’s laid-back charm, exploring lush vineyards and enchanting medieval villages while enjoying delightful activities like wine tasting and cycling. Canal boat hiring opens up exploration from bustling Toulouse to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.
Camargue : Canal du Rhone à Sète
Explore the captivating Camargue region through the enchanting waters of the Canal du Rhone à Sète. This unique canal offers a remarkable blend of untamed natural beauty and cultural treasures. With its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and charming towns, the Camargue is a must-visit destination for canal boating enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in a world of flamingos, wild horses, and serene waterways.
Burgundy: Nivernais & Loire
Nivernais & Loire, a region of timeless beauty and rich history, beckons canal boating enthusiasts with its alluring waterways. This enchanting canal network, often regarded as one of the most picturesque in France, weaves through vineyard-draped hills, medieval towns, and idyllic countryside. Journey through a landscape steeped in heritage, where each twist and turn of the canal reveals new stories and hidden gems.
Burgundy Franche Comté
Discover the timeless beauty of Burgundy Franche Comté through the enchanting experience of canal boating. This captivating region, located in eastern France, is a tapestry of rolling vineyards, historic towns, and serene waterways. Canal boating here allows you to embark on a journey filled with picturesque vistas, cultural treasures, and the pleasures of leisurely travel. Whether you’re savouring fine wines, exploring charming villages, or simply relishing the peaceful ambiance, this is a destination that offers an unforgettable blend of history, natural splendour, and slow-paced exploration.
Brittany : Canal de Nantes à Brest
Embark on a unique canal boating adventure through the heart of Brittany along the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This enchanting region in western France is a land of captivating contrasts, where lush green landscapes meet rugged coastlines. Canal boating in Brittany promises a journey through a realm of medieval towns, lush forests, and tranquil waters, where history and natural beauty intertwine. From savouring delectable cuisine to exploring ancient castles, this is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Breton culture and scenic wonders while navigating the peaceful waterways at your own pace.
Aquitaine: Canal de la Garonne
Embark on a canal boating adventure through the enchanting landscapes of Aquitaine along the scenic Canal de la Garonne. This idyllic region in the southwest of France is a hidden paradise, boasting a harmonious mix of lush vineyards, picturesque towns, and serene waterways. Canal boating in Aquitaine allows you to immerse yourself in the unhurried charm and sunny ambiance of the area while indulging in exquisite French cuisine. Whether you’re sampling world-class wines, savouring regional delicacies, exploring historic villages, or relishing the tranquillity of the canals, this boating holiday will be one for the books.
Alsace Lorraine : Canal de la Marne au Rhin
Set sail on a canal boating odyssey through the captivating landscapes of the Alsace, tracing the picturesque Canal de la Marne au Rhin. This historic region in northeastern France is a mosaic of stunning vineyards, charming villages, and serene waterways. Canal boating in the Alsace offers the perfect blend of leisurely travel, cultural discovery, and culinary delights.
Scotland: Caledonian Canal
Scotland, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a land of captivating beauty and historic significance. One of its most remarkable features is the Caledonian Canal, a waterway that traverses some of the most pristine and rugged terrain in the Scottish Highlands. The Caledonian Canal is not merely a passage for boats; it is a gateway to a world of stunning natural scenery, hidden treasures, and centuries of history. Discover the magic of Scotland and the wonder of the Caledonian Canal.
Canada: Rideau Canal
Canada, a nation known for its vast and diverse landscapes, is a treasure trove of natural wonders and historical marvels. Among its many gems, is the Rideau Canal, which stands as an emblem of engineering ingenuity and scenic splendour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches through the heart of Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Set out on a boating adventure to uncover the allure of Canada and the enchantment of the Rideau Canal, where history, culture, and nature harmoniously converge along its storied path.
Our canal boats for hire
Embarking on a canal boat adventure is a journey like no other, where you become both the captain of your destiny and the explorer of tranquil waterways. We offer a remarkable and expansive fleet of canal boats, each one ready to take you on an unforgettable voyage. With a variety of sizes, styles, and amenities, our fleet is designed to cater to your every preference, ensuring a personalised and comfortable experience as you navigate the picturesque canals. No licence or experience is required to operate these easy-to-use self-drive boats.
Our boats are divided into three classes namely;
PREMIER BOATS: These are our newest boats with en-suite bathrooms, a BBQ area for ultimate alfresco dining and in-built entertainment system, including the Horizon 1.
COMFORT PLUS & COMFORT BOATS: Stylish and beautifully designed, with spacious sundeck, fully equipped kitchen, and communal saloon / diner. These include our top boats in this class, the Royal Mystique A /B which are our comfort plus boats, and our top comfort boats the Elegance, Caprice and Magnifique
BUDGET BOATS: Our much-loved classics, including well-equipped kitchen/galley, saloon, radio/CD player and outdoor space.
Is it your first time on a canal boat holiday?
If you’ve never been on a canal boating holiday before, you’ve truly been missing out! Allow us to show you what kind of holiday awaits – you won’t be disappointed! Our dedicated staff at our bases are there to guide you through all the training and information you need to embark on your canal boat adventure with confidence. On your canal boating holiday, you will encounter canal locks and lifts.
These are a common sight along the waterways, serving a vital role in helping boats navigate hilly terrain. These remarkable engineering marvels are key to the smooth progress of your boating adventure.
Navigating through locks adds an element of ease and enjoyment to your holiday experience. It presents a delightful opportunity for everyone on board to participate, regardless of age or expertise. Familiarising yourself with different types of locks, whether manually operated or electric, automatic, or managed by a lock keeper, is part of the adventure. As you quickly grasp the process, you’ll relish the camaraderie among the crew and engage in friendly conversations with fellow boaters.
Why choose Le Boat canal boat holidays?
Discover your ideal boating holiday with us, where our USPs set us apart:
Boating Made Easy: Benefit from over 50 years of boat hire experience, ensuring exceptional service and expert guidance. No licence. No experience. No worries. Our expert team is on hand to help and support.
Unrivalled Market Leadership & Affordable Boating: As the top provider of boating holidays on Europe and Canada’s stunning inland waterways, we offer boats, routes and trip durations to suit every budget.
Why we are the best: With more experience, and more boats in more destinations than anyone else on the water. And our customers love boating with us.
FAQ’s
What is included in the price? What is not?
From your canal boat hire to essential amenities and top-notch service, we’ve got you covered. Set sail worry-free with the peace of mind that your boating holiday encompasses all you need for a memorable and hassle-free journey.
What should I bring?
We suggest bringing non-slip footwear like boat shoes and a pair of gloves. Additionally, opt for small foldable travel suitcases which recommended for easy storage on the boat.
Feel free to bring your food and provisions, although most bases are conveniently close to local supermarkets and accessible by car. Alternatively, you can streamline your holiday preparations by ordering provisions in advance through our grocery packs.
If you have some questions about boating holidays or need boating holiday help – look no further – check out our boating frequently asked questions.