Why try a river cruise in autumn?
No licence, no experience, and completely safe
1. To enjoy the autumn scenery from your houseboat
The canals are transformed into golden avenues. The foliage turns red, copper and yellow... and the reflection in the water creates a unique atmosphere. When navigating on board a licence-free houseboat, you have a front-row seat to admire this living spectacle.
👉 On the Canal du Midi, in Alsace, Burgundy or on the Charente, the landscapes are adorned with their most beautiful colours.
2. To navigate a licence-free houseboat in peace, far from the summer crowds
Autumn holidays are synonymous with tranquillity. The waterways are less congested, the locks are less busy, and you can enjoy a gentler pace, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
👉 A houseboat cruise in September or October guarantees a peaceful stay, perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with nature.
3. To take advantage of attractive rates during the low season for river cruises
Autumn is also a great time to visit! When you book during this period, rates are often lower than in summer. And as demand is lower, you have a wider choice of licence-free houseboats and dates...
4. To experience the grape harvest and local festivals
Between September and October, the wine-growing regions are buzzing with activity. The vines are laden with grapes, the cellars are open to visitors and the villages come alive with the harvest. A river cruise in autumn is the perfect opportunity to take a gourmet break between two stops.
👉 Things to do: visit estates, farmers' markets, tastings on board or during stopovers.
5. For gentle activities: cycling, walking, nature walks
Autumn is the ideal season to enjoy outdoor activities without the oppressive heat of summer. From your licence-free houseboat, set off to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike, discovering small villages, castles, forests...
👉 Towpaths are particularly pleasant at this time of year, especially in Brittany, Franche-Comté and Anjou.
Where to go on a river cruise this autumn?
Here are 3 suggestions for perfect destinations to enjoy autumn on board:
- Hire a licence-free boat on the Canal du Midi: vibrant colours and listed heritage
- Houseboat cruise on the Nantes-Brest Canal: Breton nature and peaceful villages
- Licence-free houseboat cruise on the Petite Saône: morning mist, wildlife and beautiful light
👉 Discover all our destinations for autumn
Navigating in autumn is another way to experience a river cruise. More authentic, more intimate, but just as beautiful. You don't need a licence: a short training course is all you need to safely take the helm of your boat.
👉 Book your houseboat cruise for September or October and (re)discover France's canals in a new light!