SELF-DRIVE BOATS ~ HOTEL BARGES ~ RIVERBOATS
Rent your own self-drive canal boat. Charter a luxury hotel barge. Plan a marvellous riverboat cruise vacation.
Or pilot your own motor yacht through the canals to the deep blue Mediterranean.
The waterways of France provide limitless potential for fascination, exploration, culinary delights,
huge enjoyment, warm friendship – and life-long memories of French Canal Tours.
TOP DEALS
New cruises, excursions, itineraries and price reductions
-
LOCABOAT SELF-DRIVE DISCOUNTS FOR 2024
25% off 1 week cruises or more…
-
AVALON FLEET
Prices from £1,799pp on selected sailings in 2024…
-
EMERALD FLEET
Up to 35% off…
CONTACT US AND BE INSPIRED
Discover new destinations, new perspectives and the true joys of cruising.
You can count on our unique experience and enthusiasm,
gained from 15 years and 10,000 km of cruising on the French waterways
+44 7590 287 178 +1 405 445 0350 +61 3 9005 8569
Self-Drive Boating Holidays ~ Luxury Hotel Barging ~ Riverboat Cruising
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO CRUISE?
Take control of your cruising holiday aboard a self-drive hire (rental) boat; make your own decisions about where you go, and what you do. Charter or book a cabin aboard a luxury hotel barge for an intimate and sublimely relaxing experience. Take a memorable riverboat cruise along the beautiful major rivers.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to explore major towns and cities, happen-upon delightful villages and tiny hamlets, discover architectural marvels, savour authentic French cuisine and delicious wines, and revel in her cultural diversity. Immerse yourself in the glories of France from the waterways.
Self-Drive Canal Boating
Go your own way. Explore the pleasures and treasures of the French waterways.
Luxury Hotel Barging
Lie back and let the skipper and crew take care of everything. Great food. Fine wine. Unique.
Riverboat Cruises
Cruise sedately through the heart of France. Moor in the centre of historic towns and cities.
A selection of 3 holidays from 342,834 available
5 039€15% off!
Vision4 (8+1)
Departure: | 27 Jun 2025 |
---|---|
Length: | 7 nights |
Destinations: | Port Cassafières |
Size: | 4 cabins |
Class: |
5 054€5% off!
Pénichette Flying Bridge 1020 FB
Departure: | 05 Oct 2024 |
---|---|
Length: | 14 nights |
Destinations: | Argens |
Size: | 2 cabins |
Class: |
Hands-On Expertise
PRACTICAL NAVIGATION
100 pages of unique resources
Printed navigation guides and maps from the best publishers
Detailed information for every navigable waterway in France
Practical guidance – fees, regulations and canal boat-handling
Showing 3 of 3,000+ cruises
£4,231pp Rhone, Saone
French Fête in Saone and Rhône: From Lyon…
ABOARD
Riverside Ravel
Destinations: | Lyon, Avignon, Rhone, Saone |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 14 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
£10,299pp Rhone, Saone
Grand France
ABOARD
S.S. Catherine
Destinations: | Arles, Paris, Rhone, Saone |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 23 Jun 2024 |
Length: | 14 nights |
£2,388pp Rhine
Classical Rhine Cruise
ABOARD
MS Amadeus Cara
Destinations: | Amsterdam, Basel, Rhine |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 13 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
WONDERFUL DESTINATIONS
Waterway France has eight quite distinct and fascinating regions – influenced by past history and neighbouring countries as well as by geography and climate. Together they provide a glorious variety of cuisines, wines and cultures to savour and fall in love with.
DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION
Each region has delightful waterways, just ready for you to discover
by self-drive boat, luxury hotel barge or riverboat cruise.
Yours to Discover . . .
Aquitaine
From Toulouse west to Bordeaux tranquil south-west France is a lush, rolling landscape of wine, fruit and produce. Fascinating history lies around every corner.
Explore the Garonne canal by hotel barge or self-drive boat. Journey from magnificent Bordeaux to the Medoc vineyards on a riverboat cruise.
Upper Loire
South of Paris the almost-secret pretty Gatinais region follows the Loing river down to the Loire Valley and the world-famous canal bridge at Briare.
The scenery then widens along the broad Loire river to the vineyards of Sancerre and the fabulous chateaux of the French nobility.
Download
FREE eGUIDES
French Waterways’ own unique PDF guides introduce some of the most interesting things
to be enjoyed on and around the enchanting rivers and canals of France.
Written and created from expert first-hand experience.
Beaune | Southern Burgundy
Multicoloured roof tiles, Boeuf Bourgignon and some of the best wines in the world await you
Carcassonne | Canal du Midi
Romance and history inspires and delights the whole family in this unique Medieval treasure
Avignon | Provence
See the Pope’s Palace and the famed Pont d’Avignon in this ancient city by the river Rhone
Newsletter
STAY IN TOUCH
Wherever you are in the world we’d love to send you an occasional newsletter
with cruising offers and new ideas for enjoying this fabulous country.
We respect and comply with EU law about your privacy.
New or Pre-Owned
WATERWAYS BOATS
Boats and Barges for the Inland Waterways
Motor cruisers, ex-hire fleet boats and private owner boats and barges for sale.
New and bespoke-built boats and barges.
Ownership and charter management programmes. Hotel barge businesses.
SELF-DRIVE BOATS ~ HOTEL BARGES ~ RIVERBOATS
Rent your own self-drive canal boat. Charter a luxury hotel barge. Plan a marvellous riverboat cruise vacation.
Or pilot your own motor yacht through the canals to the deep blue Mediterranean.
The waterways of France provide limitless potential for fascination, safe exploration, culinary delights,
huge enjoyment, warm friendship – and life-long memories.
TOP DEALS
New cruises, excursions, itineraries and price reductions
-
LOCABOAT SELF-DRIVE DISCOUNTS FOR 2024
25% off 1 week cruises or more…
-
AVALON FLEET
Prices from £1,799pp on selected sailings in 2024…
-
EMERALD FLEET
Up to 35% off…
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO CRUISE?
Take control of your cruising holiday aboard a self-drive hire (rental) boat; make your own decisions about where you go, and what you do. Charter or book a cabin aboard a luxury hotel barge for an intimate and sublimely relaxing experience. Take a memorable riverboat cruise along the beautiful major rivers.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to explore major towns and cities, happen-upon delightful villages and tiny hamlets, discover architectural marvels, savour authentic French cuisine and delicious wines, and revel in her cultural diversity. Immerse yourself in the glories of France from the waterways.
Self-Drive Canal Boating
Go your own way. Explore the pleasures and treasures of the French waterways.
Luxury Hotel Barging
Lie back and let the skipper and crew take care of everything. Great food. Fine wine. Unique.
Riverboat Cruises
Cruise sedately through the heart of France. Moor in the centre of historic towns and cities.
A selection of 3 holidays from 342,834 available
5 039€15% off!
Vision4 (8+1)
Departure: | 27 Jun 2025 |
---|---|
Length: | 7 nights |
Destinations: | Port Cassafières |
Size: | 4 cabins |
Class: |
5 054€5% off!
Pénichette Flying Bridge 1020 FB
Departure: | 05 Oct 2024 |
---|---|
Length: | 14 nights |
Destinations: | Argens |
Size: | 2 cabins |
Class: |
Hands-On Expertise
PRACTICAL NAVIGATION
100 pages of unique resources
Printed navigation guides and maps from the best publishers
Detailed information for every navigable waterway in France
Practical guidance – fees, regulations and canal boat-handling
Showing 3 of 3,000+ cruises
£4,231pp Rhone, Saone
French Fête in Saone and Rhône: From Lyon…
ABOARD
Riverside Ravel
Destinations: | Lyon, Avignon, Rhone, Saone |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 14 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
£10,299pp Rhone, Saone
Grand France
ABOARD
S.S. Catherine
Destinations: | Arles, Paris, Rhone, Saone |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 23 Jun 2024 |
Length: | 14 nights |
£2,388pp Rhine
Classical Rhine Cruise
ABOARD
MS Amadeus Cara
Destinations: | Amsterdam, Basel, Rhine |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 13 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
WONDERFUL DESTINATIONS
Waterway France has eight quite distinct and fascinating regions – influenced by past history and neighbouring countries as well as by geography and climate. Together they provide a glorious variety of cuisines, wines and cultures to savour and fall in love with.
DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION
Each region has delightful waterways, just ready for you to discover
by self-drive boat, luxury hotel barge or riverboat cruise.
Yours to Discover . . .
Aquitaine
From Toulouse west to Bordeaux tranquil south-west France is a lush, rolling landscape of wine, fruit and produce. Fascinating history lies around every corner.
Explore the Garonne canal by hotel barge or self-drive boat. Journey from magnificent Bordeaux to the Medoc vineyards on a riverboat cruise.
Upper Loire
South of Paris the almost-secret pretty Gatinais region follows the Loing river down to the Loire Valley and the world-famous canal bridge at Briare.
The scenery then widens along the broad Loire river to the vineyards of Sancerre and the fabulous chateaux of the French nobility.
Download
FREE eGUIDES
French Waterways’ own unique PDF guides introduce some of the most interesting things
to be enjoyed on and around the enchanting rivers and canals of France.
Written and created from expert first-hand experience.
Beaune | Southern Burgundy
Multicoloured roof tiles, Boeuf Bourgignon and some of the best wines in the world await you
Carcassonne | Canal du Midi
Romance and history inspires and delights the whole family in this unique Medieval treasure
Avignon | Provence
See the Pope’s Palace and the famed Pont d’Avignon in this ancient city by the river Rhone
CONTACT US AND BE INSPIRED
Discover new destinations, new perspectives and the true joys of cruising.
You can count on our unique experience and enthusiasm,
gained from 15 years and 10,000 km of cruising on the French waterways
+61 3 9005 8569 ~or~ +33 6 09 74 00 64
Self-Drive Boating Holidays ~ Luxury Hotel Barging ~ Riverboat Cruising
Newsletter
STAY IN TOUCH
Wherever you are in the world we’d love to send you an occasional newsletter
with cruising offers and new ideas for enjoying this fabulous country.
We respect and comply with EU law about your privacy.
New or Pre-Owned
WATERWAYS BOATS
Boats and Barges for the Inland Waterways
Motor cruisers, ex-hire fleet boats and private owner boats and barges for sale.
New and bespoke-built boats and barges.
Ownership and charter management programmes. Hotel barge businesses.
SELF-DRIVE BOATS ~ HOTEL BARGES ~ RIVERBOATS
Rent your own self-drive canal boat. Charter a luxury hotel barge. Plan a marvellous riverboat cruise vacation.
Or pilot your own motor yacht through the canals to the deep blue Mediterranean.
The waterways of France provide limitless potential for fascination, safe exploration, culinary delights,
huge enjoyment, warm friendship – and life-long memories.
TOP DEALS
New cruises, excursions, itineraries and price reductions
-
LOCABOAT SELF-DRIVE DISCOUNTS FOR 2024
25% off 1 week cruises or more…
-
AVALON FLEET
Prices from £1,799pp on selected sailings in 2024…
-
EMERALD FLEET
Up to 35% off…
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO CRUISE?
Take control of your cruising holiday aboard a self-drive hire (rental) boat; make your own decisions about where you go, and what you do. Charter or book a cabin aboard a luxury hotel barge for an intimate and sublimely relaxing experience. Take a memorable riverboat cruise along the beautiful major rivers.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to explore major towns and cities, happen-upon delightful villages and tiny hamlets, discover architectural marvels, savour authentic French cuisine and delicious wines, and revel in her cultural diversity. Immerse yourself in the glories of France from the waterways.
Self-Drive Canal Boating
Go your own way. Explore the pleasures and treasures of the French waterways.
Luxury Hotel Barging
Lie back and let the skipper and crew take care of everything. Great food. Fine wine. Unique.
Riverboat Cruises
Cruise sedately through the heart of France. Moor in the centre of historic towns and cities.
A selection of 3 holidays from 342,834 available
5 039€15% off!
Vision4 (8+1)
Departure: | 27 Jun 2025 |
---|---|
Length: | 7 nights |
Destinations: | Port Cassafières |
Size: | 4 cabins |
Class: |
5 054€5% off!
Pénichette Flying Bridge 1020 FB
Departure: | 05 Oct 2024 |
---|---|
Length: | 14 nights |
Destinations: | Argens |
Size: | 2 cabins |
Class: |
Hands-On Expertise
PRACTICAL NAVIGATION
100 pages of unique resources
Printed navigation guides and maps from the best publishers
Detailed information for every navigable waterway in France
Practical guidance – fees, regulations and canal boat-handling
Showing 3 of 3,000+ cruises
£4,231pp Rhone, Saone
French Fête in Saone and Rhône: From Lyon…
ABOARD
Riverside Ravel
Destinations: | Lyon, Avignon, Rhone, Saone |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 14 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
£10,299pp Rhone, Saone
Grand France
ABOARD
S.S. Catherine
Destinations: | Arles, Paris, Rhone, Saone |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 23 Jun 2024 |
Length: | 14 nights |
£2,388pp Rhine
Classical Rhine Cruise
ABOARD
MS Amadeus Cara
Destinations: | Amsterdam, Basel, Rhine |
---|---|
Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 13 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
WONDERFUL DESTINATIONS
Waterway France has eight quite distinct and fascinating regions – influenced by past history and neighbouring countries as well as by geography and climate. Together they provide a glorious variety of cuisines, wines and cultures to savour and fall in love with.
DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION
Each region has delightful waterways, just ready for you to discover
by self-drive boat, luxury hotel barge or riverboat cruise.
Yours to Discover . . .
Aquitaine
From Toulouse west to Bordeaux tranquil south-west France is a lush, rolling landscape of wine, fruit and produce. Fascinating history lies around every corner.
Explore the Garonne canal by hotel barge or self-drive boat. Journey from magnificent Bordeaux to the Medoc vineyards on a riverboat cruise.
Upper Loire
South of Paris the almost-secret pretty Gatinais region follows the Loing river down to the Loire Valley and the world-famous canal bridge at Briare.
The scenery then widens along the broad Loire river to the vineyards of Sancerre and the fabulous chateaux of the French nobility.
Download
FREE eGUIDES
French Waterways’ own unique PDF guides introduce some of the most interesting things
to be enjoyed on and around the enchanting rivers and canals of France.
Written and created from expert first-hand experience.
Beaune | Southern Burgundy
Multicoloured roof tiles, Boeuf Bourgignon and some of the best wines in the world await you
Carcassonne | Canal du Midi
Romance and history inspires and delights the whole family in this unique Medieval treasure
Avignon | Provence
See the Pope’s Palace and the famed Pont d’Avignon in this ancient city by the river Rhone
CONTACT US AND BE INSPIRED
Discover new destinations, new perspectives and the true joys of cruising.
You can count on our unique experience and enthusiasm,
gained from 15 years and 10,000 km of cruising on the French waterways
+1 405 445 0350 ~or~ +33 6 09 74 00 64
Self-Drive Boating Holidays ~ Luxury Hotel Barging ~ Riverboat Cruising
Newsletter
STAY IN TOUCH
Wherever you are in the world we’d love to send you an occasional newsletter
with cruising offers and new ideas for enjoying this fabulous country.
We respect and comply with EU law about your privacy.
New or Pre-Owned
WATERWAYS BOATS
Boats and Barges for the Inland Waterways
Motor cruisers, ex-hire fleet boats and private owner boats and barges for sale.
New and bespoke-built boats and barges.
Ownership and charter management programmes. Hotel barge businesses.