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.
Compass
18 amazing destinations
Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
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.
  • 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.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • 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.
Le Boat boats

Houseboat vacations for nature lovers

Our top boating recommendations to find beautiful gardens and breath-taking scenery

The waterways are home to some of Europe’s finest scenery, including many nature reserves, such the Caledonian Canal in Scotland or the Spreewald in Germany. Tha'ts why houseboat rentals make the perfect vacation for nature lovers! Try and spot a hoopoe or a flamingo in Camargue, or spot the herons before they spot you... Take some time to have a walk in one of the many parks you'll encounter. Or enjoy the loveliest gardens along the waterways, like the botanical gardens in La Gacilly (Brittany), the Dendrological Gardens in Germany or the rose gardens of Saverne (Alsace)...

The best houseboat vacation destionations for nature lovers

Rideau Canal, Canada

Autumn in Canada

Discover an ancient landscape of wide open lakes and pristine wilderness in Canada. If you visit in autumn you'll bear witness to the trees changing from a sea of green to riotous cacophony of red, orange, purple and yellow - one of earth's great natural wonders!

More about the Rideau Canal

Shannon and Erne, Ireland

Lough Key, Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful country. It is a tasty mixture between nature and history. Come here to discover seizing natural landscapes, great windy grassland aside the banks, sometimes with vestiges of the past.

More about the Shannon and Erne

Burgundy: Franche-Comté, France

Vision in Burgundy

Burgundy does not only host great gastronomy and culture. You will also appreciate its numerous verdant forests around the canal all along your cruise. Stop around Fontenoy-le-Chateau and enjoy the various hiking paths.

More about Franche-Comté

Mecklenburg & Brandenburg, Germany

Boats moored in Germany

Between great cities like Berlin or Potsdam, you will find peaceful pretty places like Spreewald, a relaxing place known for its quiet verdant canal banks. Spreewald is a little village in harmony with nature that you will appreciate.

More about Mecklenburg & Brandenburg

Alsace, France

Saar River in Germany

Dive into Alsace’s peaceful and preserved landscapes. Sail along the verdant canal banks and appreciate the quietness of the place, before arriving to pretty floral towns like Saverne. Take time to observe the great sights over the Gondrexange Lake.

More about Alsace-Lorraine

Caledonian Canal, Scotland

Flower of Scotland

Scotland is known for its unbelievable preserved places, such as the great mountain Ben Nevis or its numerous lochs. Come here and enjoy the unique sight of a virgin territory, with the perfect silence for meditating, or just breathing

More about the Caledonian Canal

Lot, France

River Lot, France

Welcome into the Lot, a unique, verdant and peaceful area in the shining southern France, where you will enjoy the beauty of the sights over the river. Here, you will appreciate the pretty typical villages, vineyards, nestled into great preserved landscapes.

More about the Lot

Looking for more vacation inspiration?

Take a look at all our houseboat rental vacation activities to see what else you could discover on your Le Boat vacation.