Boating holidays without a licence

Since 1999, we have been offering our customers the chance to hire houseboats for 2 to 12 people, with no need for previous experience or any licence.

Why choose CrisBoat for your canal boating holiday without a licence ?

With over 20 years' experience, we've helped more than 95,000 people discover the fabulous canals and rivers of France and Europe. Working in partnership with local rental companies, we offer a wide range of licence-free boats for hire, perfect for an introduction to river tourism.
 

What are the advantages of hiring a houseboat without a licence?

• Accessibility for all : No licence or previous experience is required to go for a river cruise with us
• Flexibility and freedom : Cruise at your own pace, stopping whenever and wherever you like, and discover spots that are only accessible from the river
• Conviviality and special moments with your friends or family: Boating holidays are ideal for strengthening bonds, creating unforgettable memories and enjoying a unique collective experience
   

Our river cruise destinations

Our destinations for a canal boating holiday in France :

• Canal du Midi: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a relaxing cruise. Find out more about our barge hire offers on the Canal du Midi.
• Burgundy: Known for its wines and picturesque landscapes, this is the ideal destination for renting a houseboat without a licence in Burgundy. 
• Brittany: Book a houseboat without a licence in Brittany to discover this green region with its rich cultural heritage.
• Lot: Unspoilt nature and historic sites make the Lot a popular destination for barge cruise enthusiasts.
• Aquitaine: Hire a barge for a cruise in Aquitaine to discover the typical, welcoming villages of the South-West. 
• Charente : Peace and quiet in the heart of the countryside. Discover our barge rental offers in Charente for a peaceful cruise.
• Mayenne and Anjou: Charming itineraries and an exceptional heritage, hire a houseboat without a licence in Mayenne and Anjou and explore these regions from a different angle.
• Alsace: Book a houseboat for your holidays in Alsace to discover picturesque villages and magnificent landscapes.
• Ardennes: Perfect for nature lovers. Discover our barge hire offers without a licence in the Ardennes.

In addition to these destinations, we also offer licence-free river cruises throughout Europe: 

• Holland: Sail through the canals of Amsterdam and discover the tulip fields and numerous castles. Ideal for beginners, with plenty of cycle paths and four possible departure bases (Alphen, Hindeloopen, Vinkeveen).
• Scotland: Explore the Scottish mountains and sail on the legendary Loch Ness, with typical pubs along the way. A departure base in Laggan.
• Italy: Cruise near Venice between lagoon and sea, discovering the Italian islands with three departure bases (Casale, Chioggia, Precenicco).
  Ireland: Ideal for beginners to river cruising thanks to the few locks, with departure bases in Banagher, Carrick and Portumna. While cruising the Shannon, don't miss the beer tasting at Sean's Bar and the fishing around the islands of Upper Lough Erne.
• Germany: For nature lovers with water sports on majestic lakes and four departure bases (Jabel, Wolfsbruch) take a river cruise between Mecklenburg and Brandenburg. 
• England: Sail into the heart of the English kingdom from Oxford to London on the River Thames, a river rich in historical heritage and typical English villages. Two departure bases (Benson, Chertsey).
• Belgium: A cruise rich in Belgian history and heritage, close to the sea and beaches, with a tasting of Flanders chocolates. One departure base at Nieuwpoort.

What are the conditions for hiring a river boat without a licence?

To ensure safe and enjoyable cruising, there are three main requirements:

1. Maximum boat length: the boat must be less than 15 metres long.
2. Crew: There must be at least 2 adults on board. Without a licence, it is impossible to hire a boat for a single person.
3. Training: Initial training is given before departure. This lasts about an hour. That's why there's a gap of around 1 to 2 hours between the time you arrive at the base and the actual time you can leave. This is the time it takes to finalise the administrative documents, followed by the boat handling training, during which you will learn how to navigate, manoeuvre and pass through the locks, as well as all the navigation rules.

The different ranges of boats available for your boating holiday

We have classified our boats into different ranges to make your choice easier:

• Essentielle range: Traditionally designed, license-free boats, perfect for discovering river cruising on a budget. Equipped with electric toilets, 220V sockets, and sometimes a terrace and double steering position.
• Standard range: river boats with all the comforts you need, including bathrooms with shower and electric toilets, terraces and outdoor helm stations to enjoy the scenery during a river cruise.
• Comfort range: modern, comfortable boats, often equipped with en-suite bathrooms in each cabin, bimini, microwave, air freshener. 
• Premium range: Elegant, spacious river boats with top-of-the-range equipment such as air conditioning, bimini, bow and stern thrusters, plancha, integrated sink on the deck, and internal 220V circuit.

Our tips for your first rental boat without a licence

Cruising for the first time on a barge without a license is a memorable experience, accessible to everyone. To ensure a successful cruise, choose a simple route such as the Canal du Midi, book your Canal du Midi houseboat in advance and take the practical training course on arrival. Our barges are easy to handle and well equipped for your comfort. Bring appropriate clothing and respect the environment by using our recycling facilities.