Canal boat holidays in France
Discover French canal holidays in nine stunning regions
Fall in love with the French way of life with canal boat holidays in France from Le Boat, Europe’s number one boating holiday company!
A boat holiday in France is a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the French waterways. Discover the beauty of the countryside from the country’s canals and romantic rivers, explore the sights, or stop at any time to relax and indulge in fine French wines and delicious food. Choose from nine regions with distinct scenery, gastronomy, culture, and charm, and explore them at your own pace aboard your self-drive boat.
Regions in France
Canal du Midi highlights
-
Cycling
-
Gastronomy
-
History & Heritage
-
Wine tasting
Nivernais & Loire highlights
-
Gastronomy
-
History & Heritage
-
Wine tasting
Camargue highlights
-
Cycling
-
Gastronomy
-
Horse Back Riding
-
Nature
-
Swimming & seaside
-
Wine tasting
Franche Comté highlights
-
Fishing
-
Gastronomy
-
History & Heritage
-
Nature
-
Water sports
-
Wine tasting
Lot highlights
-
Fishing
-
Gastronomy
-
Nature
-
Swimming
-
Water sports
-
Wine tasting
Brittany highlights
-
Fishing
-
Gastronomy
-
Golf
-
History & Heritage
-
Swimming
-
Water sports
-
Wine tasting
Aquitaine highlights
-
Fishing
-
Gastronomy
-
History & Heritage
-
Water sports
-
Wine tasting
Charente highlights
-
Fishing
-
History & Heritage
-
Nature
-
Swimming
-
Water sports
-
Wine tasting
Alsace-Lorraine highlights
-
Cycling
-
Distillery / Brewery
-
Gastronomy
-
History & Heritage
-
Nature
Boating holidays in France
Discover boat holidays in France, no experience or boat license required. Canal boat hire with Le Boat is the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of the French canals and waterways.
Canal du Midi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi is one of France’s most iconic waterways. Cruising through this region, you’ll encounter picturesque vineyards, medieval villages, and historic cities like Carcassonne. The canal stretches from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea, offering opportunities for wine tasting, cycling, and exploring the rich history of the Languedoc region.
Burgundy: Nivernais & Loire
This region is renowned for its scenic valleys, stately châteaux, and flourishing vineyards. As you navigate the waterways, you’ll pass through medieval villages and larger Roman towns, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.
Burgundy: Franche Comté
The Franche Comté region offers a blend of natural beauty and rich history. Cruise along the gentle River Saône and explore charming towns like Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur, and Besançon, known for its impressive citadel. The area is also celebrated for its fine wines and gourmet cuisine.
Alsace-Lorraine
Cruising in Alsace-Lorraine offers a blend of French and German cultures. The waterways here take you through charming villages, past half-timbered houses, and into cities like Strasbourg. The region is also known for its unique cuisine and wines, providing a rich cultural experience.
Camargue
Located in the south of France, the Camargue region has broad saltwater lagoons, golden beaches, and unique wildlife, including wild white horses and pink flamingos. The area enjoys sunshine year-round, perfect for those seeking a warm and nature-filled boating holiday.
Brittany
Brittany’s canalised rivers are lined with towering castles and ancient Celtic heritage. The region offers a mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and culinary delights like Breton oysters and crêpes. Families will find plenty to enjoy, from zoos to butterfly reserves.
Lot
The Lot River meanders through dramatic limestone cliffs and medieval villages. This tranquil region is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat, with opportunities to explore historic towns and enjoy local markets. Highlights include the gothic architecture of Luzech and the wine city of Cahors.
Charente
Known for its gentle rivers and lush countryside, the Charente region offers a relaxed boating experience. As you cruise, you’ll encounter Romanesque churches, Renaissance castles, and the famous Cognac vineyards, making it a haven for history buffs and spirit enthusiasts.
Aquitaine
Aquitaine’s waterways take you through the heart of southwest France, offering a mix of historic towns, vineyards, and scenic landscapes. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions, providing a diverse and enriching boating holiday.
The history of canal holidays in France
France is an ideal destination for a canal boating holiday, with a vast river network boasting over 100 canals and rivers, and approximately 800km of navigable waterways. The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1694 to link the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, is among France’s most stunning waterways. Cruising along the canal allows travellers to experience a piece of history, passing by landmarks like the medieval city of Carcassonne, while enjoying the serene beauty of the waterways.
Reviews of boating holidays 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