We have the biggest choice of boating holidays in France. Choose your boat from over 1000 cruisers or Penichettes in 48 French boat hire locations.
The French canals and rivers travel scenic countryside and ancient towns, with each area having its own particular culture, history and architecture. To help you choose your French self-drive boat holiday here is an outline of France boat hire areas:
With miles of canals and rivers, boating holidays in France give you hundreds of route options. Cruise from almost 50 boat bases and choose your own route - try a one-way cruise from one base to another or choose an out-and-back cruise.
Hire a Boat in France
South of France
West France
The Canal du Midi
![Canal Du Midi Boat Hire]()
A World Heritage Site, an amazing 17th century feat of engineering. Now it gives relaxed cruising in the south of France sunshine - a perfect holiday for experienced or first-time cruisers - as cultural, gastronomic or leisurely as you please.
Canal Du Midi Boating Holidays
The Camargue
![Camargue Boat Hire]()
The Camargue is famous for its pink flamingos, cowboys on white horses, ancient ports and modern beach resorts. Enjoy sunshine late in the year, and with miles of lock-free cruising the Camargue offers an easy holiday afloat.
Camargue Boating Holidays
Brittany
![Brittany Boat Hire]()
Brittany offers picturesque cruising under warm, sunny skies. Its unique culture, medieval towns and romantic castles make for a perfect holiday easily accessible from Channel ports.
Brittany Boating Holidays
Central France
East France
Eastern Burgundy
![East Burgundy Boat Hire]()
Eastern Burgundy offers boat hire with picturesque cruising, fine wines and gourmet cuisine in a landscape rich with natural beauty - pine forests, waterfalls and mountain scenery.
East Burgundy Boating Holidays
Western Burgundy
![West Burgundy Boat Hire]()
Western Burgundy has splendid chateaux, peaceful landscapes and pretty canals - some of the most beautiful and varied cruising areas of France - easy to reach by car or train from Paris.
West Burgundy Boating Holidays
Alsace
![Alsace Boat Hire]()
Alsace on the borders of France and Germany offers magnificent scenery, gourmet restaurants and interesting routes. The famous Arzviller boat lift raises boats 45m in 20 minutes!
Alsace Boating Holidays
Aquitaine
![Aquitaine Boat Hire]()
Aquitaine has ancient Bastide towns, medieval market squares and magnificent chateau in a picture postcard scenic landscape in south west France.
Aquitaine Boating Holidays
River Charente
![Charante Boat Hire]()
The unspoilt River Charente gives peaceful cruising in cognac country. Travel inland or towards the sea - with manual locks for the energetic!
Charente Boating Holidays
River Lot
![River Lot Boat Hire]()
The upper section of the River Lot offers cruises on rivers through wide valleys and steep gorges.
Lot Boating Holidays
Bicycles can be hired from all boat bases, subject to availability. Taken onboard, they are useful for countryside excursions, towpath exercise, to go shopping in the villages, or perhaps to a nearby restaurant. Moorings are usually free, and in most areas locks are electrically operated with lock-keepers to help you.
Whatever French canal or river holiday area you choose, there will be new pleasures and experiences enjoyed in warm sunshine.