If you want to experience France at your own pace and discover the authentic and sometimes off the beaten track parts, to feast on local specialities, enjoy wine tasting, hiking, cycling and cultural visits – then push the boat out with a self-drive boating holiday! It’s one of the finest and most relaxing ways to discover real France.
Nicols Boats operate 15 boat-hire bases spread throughout the country’s most popular waterways: six in south-west France, including the legendary Canal du Midi, four in Brittany and Anjou in the west; and five in Northern France and Burgundy. There are several different styles of boat to rent, suitable for crews of anything between 2 – 12 people. And after a short lesson in how to drive them, you’ll be captain of your own boat and free to discover France, your way.
We take a look at just 5 brilliant boating holiday destinations in France:
Canal du Midi boating holidays
The UNESCO-listed as a world heritage site, the Canal du Midi is one of the most famous canals in the world. 15,000 labourers toiled for four long years to create a route that would allow ships to go from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean without needing to take a long voyage around Gibraltar. Now the canal makes for a fantastic pleasure boat holiday taking in renowned sun-kissed wine regions like Corbières and Minervois. Travel along the tranquil waterway, lined with shady trees and bordered by tow paths that are perfect for cycling. Stop off at beautiful villages, historic towns like Carcassonne, and Roman remains. Feast your senses at stunning markets and indulge in the local gastronomy – don’t miss cassoulet, a historic dish that is the taste of France!
Nicols have designed a variety of tours from gourmet escapes to historic towns and more. Their suggested itineraries reveal the secrets of this beautiful part of France, the places you’d never discover without someone sharing with you. The best places for cellar visits, the prettiest villages, where to swim and more.
Details of Canal du Midi cruises
Rhone Canal boat holidays
Staying in the south, there’s nowhere quite like the Rhone Canal, it’s certainly one of the most beautiful canals in the world. Taking you to the heart of nature, some of the finest beaches you’ll ever enjoy and to some of the most dazzling villages – this is a route for those who want to make memories to cherish forever.
There are so many not-to-be-missed places on this route it’s hard to know where to start! Aigues-Mortes, a sun-drenched medieval village that’s famous for its pink sea. Marseillan where Noilly Prat is made. Beziers, a stunning city with museums, a grand cathedral and superb restaurants. The region is famous for its oyster and wine, as well as for magnificent sandy beaches. Unload bikes from the boat (you can hire them from Nicols when you hire the boat), and pedal off to discover the most stunning sites a short distance from your boat.
You’re like to spot pink flamingos as you float along this beautiful canal. And maybe black bulls and white horses – this is the Camargue, France’s cowboy country, wild, untamed and unspoiled. And the sunsets here will leave you open-mouthed, the colours are intense – and there’s no better way to experience them than with an aperitif on your own boat.
Details of Rhone Canal cruises
Lot River boat holidays
Still in the southwest, the region of the Lot is a bit of a secret place for boating holidays – and there’s nowhere quite so authentic. 74km of rivers reveal an area that’s pickled in the past. Ancient villages of the history Quercy region are a photographer’s dream, and foodies will go overboard for the absolutely mouth-watering local products and speciality dishes that the cosy restaurants specialise in.
Discover the perched village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, officially one of the most beautiful in France, and historic Cahors, the base for Nicols Boats. Hire a canal barge to make the most of these tranquil waterways and immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of this land that time seems to have forgotten. Float past monumental cliffs, swim in some of the clearest waters in France and go star gazing from your deck in this unspoiled and incredibly special part of France.
Details of Lot River cruises
Charente River boating holidays
Moving northwards, Les Charentes (Charente-Maritime and Charente) is the second sunniest region of France (but without the intense heat of the far south). It’s a lush, green area crossed by the River Charente which the Renaissance King Francois I called “the most beautiful waterway of the king kingdom.”
Discover the famous vineyards of the region and stop off for cellar visits and tastings. Enjoy the gastronomic specialities, picturesque villages and glorious countryside. Historic towns like Saintes with its Roman amphitheatre and one of the finest markets in France; Angouleme, famous for its comic museum; Cognac, famous for the drink, the castle where King Francois was born; and historic Rochefort are just some of the must-sees on this route.
Details of the Charente River cruises
Loire Valley canal boat holidays on the Nivernais Canal
Not far from Paris lies the Loire Valley, AKA The Valley of the Kings as this is where the French royal family loved to take time out. The Nivernais Canal takes you on a gentle journey through the historic region that’s famous not just for its chateaux but for its wine too as it crosses into Burgundy. Must-sees include Sancerre where you should pick up some local cheese – Crottins de Chavignol – to enjoy on your boat, paired with the famous wine of course.
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss Pouilly-sur-Loire and stop for a tasting of the famous Pouille-Fumé. Stop off at little villages like Chevnon and Verneuil, home to one of the most romantic looking chateaux in the area. Shop at the lovely markets for onboard lunches and dinners (all boats have kitchens with everything you need for super self-catering). And explore the historic Burgundian city of Nevers, a short journey from Nicols Boats base in Plagny, a capital of earthenware, and former F1 race circuit. Petrol heads will love the ‘Musée Ligier F1’ at Magny Cours with a collection of F1 cars.
Details of the Nivernais Canal cruises
Discover destinations by the boat load plus loads of helpful info at: boat-renting-nicols.co.uk
