How to choose the right houseboat for your river cruise?

Our advice on choosing the right houseboat for your river cruise 

Choosing the right houseboat for your cruise may seem complicated, especially if it's your first time on a river. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process. Are you ready? We've got all the advice you need.

A boat adapted to its crew

The first thing to consider is the number of passengers. The composition of your crew will obviously influence your boat pre-selection (boats can accommodate 2 to 12 people). Determine the number of cabins and beds you'll need to sleep in during your stay. We recommend that you ask for everyone's preferences to ensure that your holiday with friends or family is as comfortable as possible.

• Family holidays: Choose modular boats with bunk beds or convertible beds to guarantee space for everyone.
• Cruising with friends: Choose boats with private bathrooms for each couple, offering greater privacy and avoiding morning queues.

Choose your houseboat according to its equipment

All our houseboats are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: interior cockpit, fully-equipped galley, hot water, heating, shower and sanitary facilities. The quality of this equipment may vary depending on the range of boat you choose (Essential Range, Standard Range, Comfort Range, Premium Range). Choose the range that meets your comfort expectations.

Some boats may have other equipment, here are some examples:

• An outdoor helm station, essential on sunny days to discover the joys of sailing in the open air.
• An outdoor area for dining under the stars.
• For sunny destinations, the bimini (a protective cover offering optimum protection from the sun) will be appreciated for enjoying the outside terrace without the risk of sunburn.
• On board, the presence of an air cooler (or air conditioner) in the saloon can also be a real plus in the hottest months (only for boats in the Premium range).

If this is your first river cruise, we recommend that you choose a houseboat with a bow thruster. This will make your experience on board even more enjoyable. In a nutshell, a bow thruster is a small propeller positioned at the front of a boat, facilitating manoeuvres in port by pushing the water sideways, thus helping to steer the boat to port or starboard, improving the experience of boaters when mooring up.

Don't choose your houseboat on design alone

The appearance of your houseboat can be an important criterion, but we strongly advise you not to base your decision solely on this factor. River cruising enthusiasts may opt for the authenticity of the Pénichettes, recognisable by their inimitable look, while others may prefer more modern designs with a maritime feel. As the saying goes, "there's no accounting for taste". And if you're looking for an even more eco-friendly experience, head to Alsace to discover our range of 100% electrically-powered boats.

Space for bikes and fishing rods

If you're planning to take bikes on board for a ride along the towpaths, opt for a houseboat with a spacious deck for easy bike parking. We recommend a maximum of 3 or 4 bikes. Are you a fishing enthusiast? We recommend you choose a houseboat with a pontoon where you can comfortably set up your rods. We remind you that you need a fishing licence, which you can apply for online.

If you need any further advice, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be delighted to help you choose the houseboat that best suits your needs.