Practical details

Here you will find all the practical information you need to prepare for your license-free boat rental!
For any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

  • Where are the departure bases?

    We offer cruises throughout Europe and Canada.
    Ask us, we will send you detailed maps.

  • What extras are offered? What are the prices for extras?

    We have many optional extras to offer such as bike or barbecue rentals. You will find the complete list and prices on our boats page.

  • Do I need a license?

    For rental, you do not need a license. You will have instructional documents to study beforehand and training upon embarkation.

  • Are the locks free? Automatic? Manual?

    In France, lock passage is free. Depending on the waterway, they are either manual or automatic. Their use will be explained to you at embarkation.

  • Can I rent bikes on-site? Can I bring my own bikes?

    Yes, you can rent bikes at the departure base, or bring your own.

  • How much does fuel cost? (for a weekend, a week...)

    The cost of fuel depends on the boat, it is indicated on the page of each boat, accessible via the list of our boats.

  • How do you refill the water tank?

    To fill your water tank, you need to go to a port, it's very simple and you will have autonomy for two to four days. It may cost you a few euros.

  • Are we required to make a round trip?

    You have the choice between a round trip and a one-way trip.

  • Do you transfer vehicles?

    If you choose to make a one-way trip, we can transfer your vehicle so it waits for you at your arrival base. This is an extra charge.

  • What route should we take?

    On a round trip, you are free to take the route you want, and you choose the number of hours you navigate each day.

  • Where can we park the car?

    You have a free public parking lot available, and depending on the bases, a closed parking lot and/or a garage (with extra charge). Do not hesitate to contact us to know what is available at your boarding base.

  • How many hours do we navigate per day?

    You are free to choose the number of hours you want to navigate each day. Our clients navigate an average of 5 hours per day.

  • Can we moor anywhere?

    On a canal, you can moor anywhere as long as it does not obstruct navigation, on a river it is preferable to moor at designated sites like pontoons or quays.
    This is one of the main differences between river or canal navigation

    .

  • Do you accept pets?

    Pets are welcome on board. However, a fee will be charged. On some boats, a maximum of two pets is allowed.

Charente. In most cases, mooring in the wild is allowed. Fully enjoy the surrounding nature. Bring your pet with you, it is welcome on board.

  • Is there heating and air conditioning?

    Our boats are equipped with a heating system and some with air conditioning or air coolers.

  • Is there electricity on board? How does it work? Can we charge a mobile phone or tablet?

    The vast majority of boats are equipped with 12V cigarette lighter sockets.
    Other boats are also equipped with small inverters that can provide you with low power 230V for your mobile phone or tablet.
    Other boats are equipped with inverters that will provide you with up to 3KW for the coffee maker, toaster, hairdryer, etc.
    Many boats are also equipped with shore power sockets that allow you to have 230V when you are plugged into a port.
    Ask us, we are at your disposal to provide more information depending on the boat you want to book.

  • Connected or disconnected?

    Renting a license-free boat is a great way to completely disconnect. You will be alone on your barge and can enjoy the surrounding nature.
    And if you still want to stay connected, you can either use your phone's shared connection or rent a WIFI box on most boats.

  • Are towels and sheets provided?

    Sheets are provided on the majority of boats. For towels, it depends on the boarding base, to know it you need to check the inventory of your boat, in your boarding file or contact us for the information.

  • Will there be chairs and tables outside?

    Yes, there are on the majority of boats.

  • Is there the necessary equipment for cooking on board?

    Dishes and cooking utensils are provided.

  • Are life jackets provided?

    There is at least one life jacket per person on board the boat. If you have children, do not hesitate to ask for jackets adapted to their size.

  • Can we fish? Where to buy fishing licenses?

    Yes, you can fish. Depending on the location, you need to buy a license either online or in a nearby shop at the base.

  • How long does the training last? At what time will we embark?

    The training lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes. Your embarkation is generally scheduled for around 4 PM, we recommend calling the base a few days before your embarkation to arrange an arrival time.

  • Is there a guide or navigation chart on board?

    A guide chart is provided free of charge on board the boat. If you want to prepare your route with your own copy, you can order it before departure, ask us!

  • Can we swim in the canals? And in the rivers?

    Swimming in the canals is not recommended, however, in the rivers, it is very pleasant and will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Lot, some waterways or lakes allow swimming, your boat then becomes a fantastic playground. Brittany, Nantes to Brest Canal. Arrival of the license-free boat in a lock.

Photos: Locaboat, Nicols, Le Boat, Les Canalous.