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 destinations for nature lovers
Rideau Canal, 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 CanalTrent-Severn, Canada
On the Trent-Severn Waterway, nature is never far from the deck. Drift through quiet Kawartha Lakes scenery, green riverbanks and small waterfront towns, then step ashore for gentle trails, lock-side walks and wide-open views. Around Lakefield, Buckhorn and Fenelon Falls, you can keep things easy: a morning wander, a slow lunch, then back to the water at your own pace.
More about Trent-severnCanal du Midi, France
The Canal du Midi is perfect for nature lovers and hikers, with scenic towpaths winding through vineyards, peaceful countryside and woodland. Its gentle pace and rich wildlife make it ideal for exploring the outdoors on foot.
More about the Canal du MidiLot, 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 lotBurgundy: Franche-Comté, France
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-ComtéAlsace, France
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-LorraineShannon and Erne, 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 ErneMecklenburg & Brandenburg, 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 & BrandenburgCaledonian Canal, 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 CanalLooking 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.