self drive boating adventures

BESPOKE FRANCE’S self-drive boating adventures

Boat depot, Auxerre

Rental boat in lock

Cruising in the Venetian Lagoon

Moored at Torcello, Venice

Messing about in boats

A rental boat is the key to a great holiday in France. You have a self-contained floating home with modern facilities - accommodation and transport in one neat package. They’re fun for all ages and no licence is required, so everyone (well, almost everyone) can take the helm. Use Bespoke France’s extensive knowledge of French waterways to plan your perfect getaway. We are not tied to just one or two suppliers, so we can find you the best boat on the best route for your holiday afloat.

WHERE CAN WE GO?

There are boat depots throughout France, offering one way and return cruises. Our preferred operator in Burgundy is France Afloat who offer a wide range of boats. Their Euroclassics are very spacious and comfortable with the solid feel of a barge, with wood-lined interiors and steel hulls. Le Boat has the best one-way route in Alsace, another great boating region, plus depots in the South of France, Brittany, Burgundy and the Loire. For parties of eight, Locaboat has a well designed boat with four cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Nicols has a good range of boats and routes, and for river cruising, Pavillon Saone has excellent steel-hulled boats from their base in Tournus.

Boats are also available in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Belgium, Holland, Ireland, England, Scotland and Italy. When we say Italy, we mean Venice; the lagoon and its islands and the rivers that flow into it. This is an area made for boating - apart from a few scooters and trucks on a few of the larger islands, it’s the only mode of transport there is. Quite different from French canal boating, it’s another experience not to be missed.

WHAT ARE THE BOATS LIKE?

Rental boats come in all shapes and sizes; traditional houseboats, lightweight cruisers and steel-hulled mini-barges. They sleep from two to twelve people and are fully equipped, so all you need to bring is food and drink, a good book and perhaps a fishing rod!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ARRIVE?

On arrival at the depot you will be taken aboard your boat and after a short practical lesson you’ll embark on your personal voyage of exploration. Navigate at your own pace and choose your own mooring each night. Your canal chart provides a clear map of the waterway and vital information on replenishing water tanks, larder and cellar. Bicycles give you the freedom to head off in search of fresh croissants for breakfast and to explore the countryside. Moor overnight in a tranquil country spot, or tie up at a quay in a town or village and try a local restaurant or buy picnic goodies at the market.

RENTAL OPERATORS WE WORK WITH -

LE BOAT

FRANCE AFLOAT

RIVE DE FRANCE

NICOLS

LOCABOAT

PAVILLION SAONE

FRANCE PASSION PLAISANCE

SNAILLY

KUHNLE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US -

BESPOKE FRANCE