Self Drive rental boat canal cruises

Self-Drive rental boat canal cruises in France

Reference: LB

FRANCE AT LEISURE is Australia's official distributor for Le Boat Rental Boat canal cruises.
2026 reservations with great deals are available now!
We guarantee the lowest prices.

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Start the conversation for your French canal cruise adventure. Call us on 1300 302 623.

Self-Drive rental boat canal cruises

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A self-drive rental boat canal cruise is the best way to see the French countryside at your own pace.

Perfect for a family holiday and groups of friends

Explore France's Waterways like a Boss on Your Own Private Boat

Rental Boat canal cruises in France are a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the French waterways. Discover the beauty of France and its countryside from the country's canals and romantic rivers.
With Le Boat, you can explore the sights or stop anytime to relax and indulge in fine French wines and delicious food. Choose from 10 regions with distinct scenery, gastronomy, culture, and charm and explore them at your own pace aboard your self-drive barge. And if it's a unique experience you're craving, imagine sailing amongst the vineyards of Burgundy or sipping the Rieslings of Potsdam aboard your very own river cruiser.

Are you new to canal rental boat canal cruising? - CLICK HERE to watch the video

NO permit required
Only requires 45 Minutes of training
YES, you can add bike rentals as an option
YES there are transfers pre and post-cruise available offer Transfers pre and post-cruise

With the widest choice of boating holidays across France, why not try the South West, Canal Du Midi, Burgundy, Alsace or even the Loire Valley

CURRENT OFFERS AND DEALS Up to 15% OFF for 2026 cruises

✨ Discover France at Your Own Pace. Have you ever dreamed of gliding through the French countryside, glass of wine in hand, watching vineyards, villages, and châteaux drift by?
With our many cruise options, this dream becomes your holiday.

✨ Your Boat, Your Adventure - Be your own captain on board one of our boats! No license or prior boating experience is needed. After a short introduction, you're free to explore France's enchanting waterways at your own pace. Moor up wherever you fancy, whether it's beside a medieval village, a sunny riverside café, or a lavender field in full bloom.

✨ Freedom, Food & French Flair - On a Le Boat cruise, your days are your own. Stop at a market for fresh baguettes and local cheese, or dine at a waterside bistro as the sun sets. Cycle along towpaths, stroll through historic villages, or relax on deck with a chilled rosé.

✨ Comfort on the Water - Le Boat's modern fleet offers something for everyone — from cozy cruisers for couples to spacious floating villas for families and groups. Every boat comes fully equipped with kitchens, showers, and comfortable cabins. You'll feel right at home, just with a better view.

✨ Set Sail on Your Next Adventure - France's canals are calling — and the captain's seat has your name on it. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a group of friends getaway, Le Boat offers a truly unforgettable way to see the heart of France

Choose from a variety of routes, each with its own magic:

The Canal du Midi: A UNESCO World Heritage treasure lined with plane trees, winding past vineyards and charming towns like Carcassonne and Béziers.
The River Lot: Perfect for nature lovers — dramatic limestone cliffs, castles perched above the water, and peaceful rural scenery.
The Camargue: Where wild horses roam, pink flamingos feed, and the Mediterranean breeze follows you from lock to lock.
Burgundy: The gourmet's route — fine wines, mustard, and Michelin-starred dining steps from your mooring.

*** Other French regions are available ****

If you still can't make up your mind or need assistance, don't hesitate to call one of our French travel experts on 1300 302 623, who will help you with your choice, or send us an email with your travel plans.

Price vary depending on the boat selected and the season

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The Leader in the Self Drive Cruising

We're the No 1 provider of boating holidays on the beautiful rivers and canals of Europe and Canada. We have the world’s largest fleet of self-drive boats and the widest choice of boating destinations to choose from!

50 years of boating experience
We've been doing this for a long time, so you can rely on us to offer exceptional service and a wealth of helpful advice and knowledge to ensure you and your party have the best time on the water!

Introduction to Le Boat

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Be Your Own Captain & Explore France next Summer on a Private Boating Experience

How about taking your touring to the water on a private boating experience? You don’t need any previous boating experience or a boating license to book Le Boat, as they show customers how to captain their own boat at their own pace while on a flexible itinerary. Boats range from one to five cabins sleeping up to 12 guests for itineraries ranging from a short three to 6-night trip or a seven to 10-night holiday.
Le Boat has over 50 years of experience in the industry and 900 boats stationed at over 33 different departure bases across eight European countries— Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherland, and Scotland
Discover French canal holidays in 9 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 boating 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 on your own private boat.
This is holidaying on your terms as you’re free to explore the places you want to see at your own leisure and pace. Whenever you’re ready for a stop, you can dock and explore the many waterside towns and villages along your itinerary. Le Boat can supply a sample itinerary as well as detailed region guide to each of the cruising routes that we operate.
Le Boat’s premier class Horizon Cruisers were designed with first-time boaters in mind and come equipped with bow and stern thrusters, plus it also has fully equipped kitchens and saloons, a top sun deck ideal for sunbathing or dining al fresco, BBQ hot plate (on Premier and Comfort Plus categories), linens and bedding, all required safety equipment, navigation aids, and more. Some guestrooms also feature en-suite bathrooms and AC.
For a little extra fun both onboard and off board, you can add bikes to take with you that can be used while touring the seaside towns; gas barbecues, which attach to the railings of the sundeck and will allow you to cook meals after shopping from local butchers and grocers for a true local experience; paddle boards for added adventure right from the boat; and gift baskets filled with local delicacies and regional specialties to help you celebrate special occasions while onboard.
Explore the Canal du Midi, Burgundy, Alsace, Camargue ,Lot, Charente, Brittany, and Aquitaine all from the comfort of your own boat.
Le Boat can be anything you want it to be, whether that is a relaxing boating getaway or an active river boat adventure. So why not choose a destination that best suits your passion, or the interests of your party, and make your boat rental a holiday to remember.

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