2018, a good year for river tourism in France!
In France, there are many rivers and canals on which it is possible to navigate. And if for a long time, river cruises attracted the retirees, today they attract a wider public, both French and foreign. Indeed, according to the latest figures published in the annual report of Voies navigables de France (VNF), 11.3 million people were transported on its network of 6700 km of rivers, canals and rivers. This is an increase of 2% compared to 2017. The craze for river tourism is therefore there, and affects as much the boats of walk that the steamers and barges without license. The offer is quite varied, each traveler can find happiness.
A thriving sector responding to the cravings of "slow tourism"
The good numbers of the year 2018 are due to several factors. First of all, the return of foreign customers who represent "57% of attendance across all sectors" and up to 84% for cruises on cruise ships according to VNF. Then, river tourism is part of the "slow tourism" trend. During a cruise, we really disconnect, we take his time and especially, we take advantage of various activities on and around waterways (water activities, hiking, biking, horseback riding, visits to the local heritage, tastings of gastronomic specialties ... etc.). And then, it also allows to spend time with family, friends, to discover a different region and to have fun.
Boat rental without a license, an attractive option for more and more tourists
If river cruises were acclaimed by 463,000 people in 2018, renting barges or unlicensed boats is also doing well. This sector is also growing, with 26,000 leases signed. Accessible to all, these boats measuring less than 15 meters are easy to navigate and can take many routes in France, Alsace, the Ardennes, Brittany, Camargue or the Lot for example. Similarly, they can be rented for weekends, short or long stays (from 3 to 14 nights). The equipment varies by boat, but there is always the necessary to sleep and wash.
So, if you want to learn about river tourism and navigation without a license, do not hesitate to consult the offers available on our site!