French river cruises
Take a river boat cruise and explore nine stunning regions in France
Experience the magic of a France river cruise or canal boat adventure through stunning French waterways. With Le Boat, enjoy flexible vacation boat rentals across 9 unique regions – each rich in culture, cuisine, and scenery.
Whether you’re after a peaceful river boat cruise, planning a unique France vacation, or exploring the best European river cruises, your perfect boating vacation starts here. Relax, explore, and enjoy France at your own pace.
To see prices and to book please explore the regions in France below.
Regions in France
Canal du Midi highlights
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Cycling
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Gastronomy
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History & Heritage
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Wine tasting
Nivernais & Loire highlights
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Gastronomy
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History & Heritage
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Wine tasting
Lot highlights
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Fishing
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Gastronomy
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Nature
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Swimming
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Water sports
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Wine tasting
Franche Comté highlights
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Fishing
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Gastronomy
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History & Heritage
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Nature
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Water sports
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Wine tasting
Aquitaine highlights
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Fishing
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Gastronomy
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History & Heritage
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Water sports
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Wine tasting
Alsace-Lorraine highlights
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Cycling
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Distillery / Brewery
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Gastronomy
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History & Heritage
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Nature
Camargue highlights
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Cycling
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Gastronomy
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Horse Back Riding
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Nature
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Swimming & seaside
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Wine tasting
Brittany highlights
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Fishing
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Gastronomy
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Golf
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History & Heritage
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Swimming
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Water sports
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Wine tasting
Charente highlights
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Fishing
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History & Heritage
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Nature
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Swimming
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Water sports
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Wine tasting
France boating vacations
Discover French canal boat holidays, no experience or boat licence required. Captain your own boat and explore France from the unique perspective of your cruiser.
Cruise the iconic Canal du Midi, winding through sun-drenched vineyards and medieval villages, with must-see stops like Carcassonne and the Fonseranes locks. Drift through the tranquil Nivernais Canal, one of France’s prettiest routes and stop to visit a French vineyard, or spot flamingos and wild horses in the Camargue as you sail past ancient ports and sandy beaches.
For a cultural journey, explore Burgundy, often called the “country of art and life,” which is ideal for a relaxing river boat cruise in France.
Every destination offers something special – start your unforgettable France canal boat vacation today.
Canal du Midi
Set sail on the Canal du Midi, one of France’s most iconic and scenic waterways. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches from Toulouse to the Mediterranean, guiding you through sunlit vineyards, medieval villages, and historic gems like Carcassonne.
Perfect for a relaxed French canal boat vacation, the region invites you to enjoy wine tasting, cycling, and exploring the rich history of Languedoc – all at your own pace from the comfort of your private boat.
Burgundy: Nivernais & Loire
Cruise through a region famed for its stately châteaux, rolling valleys, and vineyard-dotted landscapes. Along the waterways, you’ll drift past charming medieval villages and impressive Roman towns, making this the perfect destination for history lovers and wine enthusiasts.
Burgundy: Franche-Comté
Explore the tranquil beauty of Franche Comté as you cruise the gentle River Saône. This region offers a perfect mix of natural scenery and rich history, with highlights like Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur, and Besançon, home to a magnificent citadel. Known for its fine wines and gourmet cuisine, Franche-Comté is an ideal destination for a relaxed and flavorful French river cruise.
Alsace-Lorraine
Set off on a canal boat vacation in Alsace-Lorraine, where French and German cultures intertwine. Navigate scenic waterways lined with half-timbered houses and charming villages, and explore vibrant cities like Strasbourg.
Camargue
Located in the sunny south of France, the Camargue offers a truly unique canal boat experience. Navigate saltwater lagoons, relax on golden beaches, and spot the region’s famous wild white horses and pink flamingos. With sunshine year-round, it’s an ideal destination for a warm, nature-filled France vacation or a peaceful river boat cruise. Discover the wild beauty of southern France from the comfort of your boat.
Brittany
Cruise through Brittany on a canal boat and uncover a land of Celtic heritage, towering castles, and lush natural beauty. Navigate tranquil rivers lined with historic towns and scenic countryside, perfect for a relaxed France vacation or river boat cruise. Enjoy local specialities like Breton oysters and crêpes, and make memories with the whole family at nearby zoos and butterfly reserves.
Lot
Embark on a river boat cruise along the stunning Lot River, where limestone cliffs, medieval villages, and peaceful waters create the ultimate retreat. Ideal for a relaxing France river cruise or a scenic canal boat getaway, this region is rich in charm and history. Explore gothic towns like Luzech, stroll through Cahors, famous for its wine, and browse vibrant local markets.
Charente
Discover the laid-back charm of the Charente aboard a canal boat or on a leisurely river boat cruise. Known for its gentle waterways and lush countryside, this region is perfect for a tranquil France vacation. Explore Romanesque churches, Renaissance castles, and the world-renowned Cognac vineyards, a must for history lovers and spirit enthusiasts alike.
Aquitaine
Cruise the waterways of Aquitaine in southwest France for a truly enriching boating vacation. This scenic region offers a blend of historic towns, sprawling vineyards, and picturesque landscapes, perfect for a peaceful river boat cruise or canal boat vacation. Renowned for its cultural heritage and world-class cuisine, Aquitaine is an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive France 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