Famous for its delicious quiche, the Lorraine region of North Eastern France is renowned for its unspoiled countryside giving some truelly picturesque views to enjoy on your boating holiday.

The picture-postcard scenery of the Aquitaine region in South West France has inspired artists for generations and is a delight to visit. Here, good living is a traditional way of life and the vine-covered hillsides, orchards of fruit and fields of corn signify a land of plenty.

Regional specialities include foie gras, truffles and wild mushrooms while the famous vineyards of Margaux, Pauillac, Saint Emillion, Graves and Medoc provide delicious wines to accompany your meals.

Perfect for beginners, Brittany's network of Napoleonic and flower adorned castles are a delight to navigate by boat or by bike.

On the edge of the Nivernais Loire region of Burgundy, the gently sloping Canal latéral à la Loire follows the course of the River Loire and affords spectacular views of the surrounding vineyard-clad hilltops and the beautiful River Loire itself.  With few locks to operate, this is an easy place to cruise.  Cruising the surrounding network of waterways - the Canal du Nivernais, the River Yonne and the River Seine provides a perfect opportunity to see this gentle and peaceful region from a unique perspective.

From our base at Châtillon-sur-Loire, beautiful villages to visit include Montargis, known as the 'The Venice of Gatinais' because of its many canals and hump-backed bridges and Briare for its famous Eiffel Aqueduct.  The vineyard clad hilltops surround the hilltop village of Sancerre where wine-tastings of this classic Loire wine are available.  Nevers is famous for producing the oldest china in France; its quaint streets converge on the splendid Ducal Palace.

Regional highlights:

Delicious Crottin de Chavignol goats cheese - a local speciality
The pretty book town of Charité-sur-Loire and the old barge town of Marseilles-les-Aubigny
Formula 1 Museum at the Magny Cours racing circuit at Plagny
Never's rich cultural heritage

The charming Canal du Nivernais, reputed to be one of the prettiest in France, winds peacefully between Auxerre and Decize through rolling meadows, hillside vineyards, rocky outcrops and forests.

Picture-postcard scenery and pretty canal-side villages line your route and the slow pace of life on land superbly mirrors your gentle cruise along the region's peaceful waterways.  It is easy to see how these peaceful landscapes inspired the Impressionists of the day.

Our bases at Migennes, Châtel Censoir, Tannay and Decize provide perfect starting points for your cruise through this 'green land of running waters' with cruising on the River Yonne and the Canal de Bourgogne also possible.

Regional highlights:

Splendid châteaux and castles, especially Chitry-les-Mines and Châtillon-en-Bazois
Medieval Clamecy
Waterspots at Baye
Vineyards and wine-tastings
The gothic St. Etienne Cathedral at Auxerre
Superb network of cycle paths and flat towpaths

A perfect destination for Beginners to enjoy a wonderful boating holiday. The Camargue has something for everyone, swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean at nearby seaside resorts, enjoy the amazing wildlife including over 400 species of birds that the Camargue provides habitats for, or enjoy the ancient fishing ports of Aigues Mortes and Sète.

Discover the true spirit of France in this region famed for its fine cognac, delicious cuisine and Romanesque art and architecture. Waterfront towns and villages boast excellent restaurants and colourful local markets are a treat to explore. Beautiful country walks through woodland and sunflower fields, bike rides and an 18-hole golf course at Cognac all help to create a leisurely and relaxed holiday both on and off the water.

Known as the ‘Loveliest River in France’ the Charente meanders from its source in the Limousin through the gentle countryside of the Charente region until it reaches the Atlantic at Rochefort. You can choose to cruise in either direction from our base at Jarnac.

Cruising west towards the Atlantic at Rochefort, you’ll see the worldrenowned vineyards of Cognac and a visit to this elegant town and its famous distilleries such as Hennessy and Remy Martin, is a must. Rochefort was built to house Louis XIVth’s new Navy and remains an important and historic naval centre today. Enjoy the sea air and fabulous seafood restaurants!

Cruise east through the stunning Charente valley to the cathedral city of Angoulême, once home to the region’s prosperous papermaking industry.

Whichever cruising direction you choose, you’ll enjoy the unhurried pace of life that is so evident in the towns and villages that line the riverbanks and fall in love with the ever-changing scenery that frames this truly beautiful river.

Regional highlights:

The Moulin de Fleurac at  Nersac - traditional 18th century papermill
The ramparts of Angoulême for stunning views
Guided tours and tastings at Cognac's famous distilleries
Saintes for Gallo-Roman ruins, amphitheatre and frescoes
ship-building and rope-making museums at Rochefort
Great seafood restaurants

A cruise on Burgundy's beautiful network of peaceful waterways takes you through the wealthiest and perhaps most gastronomic region of France - a haven for all who appreciate fine wines and excellent cuisine.

Rediscover the natural beauty of unspoilt countryside while attractive towns and villages with their spectacular glazed roof tiles are rich reminders of the region's ancestral heritage.  From ancient market towns and lively farmers' markets to historic towns resplendent with fantastic architecture, fine paintings and objects d'art, there's much to see and do.

And of course, for food and wine enthusiats Burgundy is a heaven-sent holiday destination.  Follow the waterways alongside neatly planted premier cru vineyards and through historic villages that lend their names to some of the world's most famous wines.  Take time to visit Mâcon, Chassagne-Montrachet and Pommard to sample fine wines in their place of origin and enjoy delicious cuisine at sumptuous restaurants and bistros alike.

Regional highlights:

Wine tastings at world-famous vineyards
Beautiful cruising on the Rivers Saône and Seille - perfect for nature lovers and fishermen
Distinctive Burgundian architecture, old-world charm and quaint villages of character

 

 

For centuries, the River Lot has wound its way through a landscape rich in natural beauty, ancient culture and spectacular scenery. Le Boat give you the opportunity to explore the Lot in both directions - west towards Gallic town of Luzech and east as far as Larnagol.

For many, this is river cruising at its best! The meandering River Lot flows through wide valleys and narrow gorges, beneath spectacular limestone cliffs and past cascading waterfalls, taking you on a memorable voyage to ancient castles, medieval villages and historic châteaux.

Our base at Douelle is perfectly situated for exploring the Lot in both directions – west towards the Gallic town of Luzech and east as far as Larnagol which is newly open to navigation.

Orchards, vineyards and pine forests colour the landscape, and picnics on the riverbank, swimming in the clear waters and fishing from your boat are all fun to do. For a change of cruising style, kayaks and canoes are available to hire at various sites along the river and make for a fun day out. And of course, the natural environment of the Lot is home to an amazing array of wildlife; watch otters playing on the riverbanks and kingfishers and herons fishing for food, while majestic eagles can be seen soaring the skies above. Bring your binoculars!

Discover the Lot on horseback!
If you love horse-riding, why not hire your own horse to take along with you! Local stables can provide everything you need from riding tackle to hay, giving you a unique chance to explore the beautiful countryside on horseback while others in your party cruise. A detailed itinerary, including best places to stop for the evening for you and your horse is provided. Speak to the sales teams for more details and they will be happy to help.

Regional highlights:

Prehistoric cave drawings at the Peche-Merle Caves
7th Century hilltop stone village - St-Cirq Lapopie
Cahor's 14th Century Valentré Bridge - join in the 700 year celebrations in 2008!