3 license-free houseboat cruises for the Ascension or Pentecost weekend

Enjoy a license-free river cruise in may

In May, the weather is mild, nature is in full bloom, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a river cruise in May. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or friends, renting a license-free houseboat lets you cast off for a few days of complete freedom.

In this article, we’re sharing 3 accessible cruise ideas for the long weekend.

Canal du Midi Cruise: Homps -Carcassonne - Homps

Looking to get away for the Ascension or Pentecost weekend without spending hours stuck in traffic? This May cruise between Homps and Carcassonne is the perfect escape: a true break in a soothing setting. All of it aboard a license-free boat rental on the Canal du Midi — yes, you’ll be at the helm yourself (and it’s honestly easier than it sounds). Over 4 days, you’ll cover around 82 km round trip, with a total of just over 16 hours of navigation. The pace is relaxed — ideal for taking your time, exploring, and enjoying the ride.

Day-by-day itinerary for your Canal du Midi cruise

• Day 1: Homps → Puichéric : You set off from Homps, a typical winegrowing village in the Minervois region. Cruise to Puichéric, a hidden gem nicknamed the "Venice of the Minervois" thanks to its canals and little bridges. A first taste of the peaceful Canal du Midi and its flower-decked locks.
• Day 2: Puichéric → Carcassonne : After passing through Marseillette and Trèbes, you arrive in Carcassonne. This is the highlight of the trip: stroll through the medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the kind of place you don’t forget.
• Day 3: Carcassonne → Marseillette : It’s the return trip, but there’s no rush. Stop in Marseillette, surrounded by vineyards — the perfect spot for a peaceful break and maybe to pick up a nice local bottle of wine.
• Day 4: Marseillette → Homps : The final leg back to Homps. If the weather is nice, make a stop at Lac de Jouarres for a swim, picnic, or just to soak up the sun — a lovely way to end the trip.

In short, this license-free boat cruise on the Canal du Midi is ideal for a long weekend in May. Whether it’s for Ascension or Pentecost, it checks all the boxes: unplugging, discovery, and the joy of navigating at your own pace.

Burgundy cruise: Briare - Châtillon-Coligny - Briare

Dreaming of the Canal du Midi but want something closer to home? If you’re based in or near Paris, Burgundy is a fantastic option: refreshing, tranquil, and easy to reach for a long weekend. Why not take advantage of Ascension or Pentecost weekend to explore it differently — relaxed, aboard a license-free houseboat? This Burgundy cruise, between Briare and Châtillon-Coligny, takes you on a 4-day journey of about 56 km round trip, with 17 hours of navigation in total.

Day-by-day itinerary for your license-free cruise in Burgundy

• Day 1: Briare → Châtillon-sur-Loire: Departure from Briare, famous for its impressive canal bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. After about an hour of cruising, you dock in Châtillon-sur-Loire, a charming village on the border of Berry and Orléanais.
• Day 2: Châtillon-sur-Loire → Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses: Sail to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, home to an extraordinary series of historic locks. A peaceful stop, great for a walk and some lovely photos.
• Day 3: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses → Châtillon-Coligny: Next up is Châtillon-Coligny, a quaint town perfect for a peaceful break and a meal on a sunny terrace.
• Day 4: Châtillon-Coligny → Briare: Return to Briare, passing once again through the charming little villages that make the canal so delightful.

Whether for Ascension or Pentecost weekend, this May cruise offers a breath of fresh air, accessible, slow, and rejuvenating. A real escape… just a few hours’ drive from home.

Brittany cruise: Redon - La Gacilly - Malestroit - Redon

Think you know Brittany… but have you ever discovered it from the water? This Brittany cruise, departing from Redon, is a whole new way to travel: at your pace, stress-free, and with a real change of scenery. Ideal for Ascension or Pentecost weekend, it's a genuine break, blending nature, local crafts, and charming little towns. Over 4 days, you'll cover around 92 km round trip, with 12 hours of navigation and 12 locks.

Day-by-day itinerary for your houseboat getaway in Brittany

• Day 1: Redon → La Gacilly: Leave Redon, a quietly charming riverside town, and head toward La Gacilly. Wander its flower-filled lanes, visit artisan workshops, and be amazed by its famous open-air photo festival.
• Day 2: La Gacilly → Malestroit: Next stop: Malestroit, the "pearl of the Oust." Its half-timbered houses, cozy squares, and peaceful banks make it a charming and historic destination.
• Day 3: Malestroit → Redon: Time to head back to Redon, taking it slow. Maybe pause for a picnic by the canal or hop on a bike for a ride along the towpaths?
• Day 4: Redon and Surroundings: Before returning your boat, make the most of Redon: stroll through the town center, visit Saint-Sauveur Abbey, or just relax aboard one last time.

In May, this cruise is perfect for a real break during Ascension or Pentecost weekend. License-free boat rental gives you access to a slower, softer, and perhaps more surprising side of Brittany.

Whether you go for the sunshine of the Canal du Midi, the lush calm of Burgundy, or the authentic charm of Brittany, these May cruises are a great way to slow down. The Ascension or Pentecost weekend is the perfect time to try out license-free houseboat rental: an accessible, stress-free, and wonderfully charming adventure.

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