Rent a boat to navigate on the Canal Latéral à la Loire
Crisboat - Expert in river boat rental for over 20 years
No licence, no experience, and completely safe
view Map
Boat rental on the Canal Latéral à la Loire. Discover the highlights of this river cruise between Briare and Digoin
From Decize, many routes are available to you. You can leave for Auxerre to navigate in the heart of nature, for Chalon-Sur-Saône to navigate on the Canal du Centre, or for Briare for a river cruise in the heart of Burgundy. It is in this direction that we propose to take you.
Let's go for 196 km of waterways. In this navigation area you have 6 departure bases: Briare, Châtillon-Sur-Loire, Plagny, Decize, Dompierre-Sur-Besbre and Digoin. You will find a towpath all along your route so don't forget your bikes to enjoy it!
Cities and villages to discover during your cruise
See the current offers
La Charité sur Loire: Booksellers, bookshops, calligraphers, illuminators and bookbinders make La Charité-sur-Loire a real book town. There are many events linked to this throughout the year. The festival of the word in June, the fair of old books and old papers in July, the night of the book in August...
The Briare Bridge-Canal: The largest metal bridge-canal in France, 662 metres long, is lined with 72 lampposts. The bridge-canal is one of the most prestigious works of the French river heritage and constitutes a singular element of our national heritage and attractiveness of the territory.
The wines of Sancerre: the Sancerre vineyards stretch over magnificent hills perfectly adapted to the vine, well oriented, exposed and protected, whose limestone and siliceous soils contribute to the wonderful quality of the wines. You will be able to taste the Sancerre White, the Sancerre Red and the Sancerre Rosé.
Navigation conditions for hiring a boat without a licence on the Canal Latéral à la Loire
The Canal Latéral à la Loire was created in the 19th century to facilitate navigation because the Loire is a wild river, where navigation was uncertain due to floods and droughts. The Canal Latéral à la Loire is calm and offers a pleasant and easy navigation by boat without a licence, allowing you to enjoy the landscape and the nature. On this canal there are a total of 37 automatic locks and 26 harbours offering numerous mooring points. Did you know that boats without a licence have a maximum electricity autonomy of about 2 days? It is advisable to connect to the quay regularly and to navigate every day to allow the batteries to recharge.
We offer several bases to start your houseboat cruise: Rogny, Briare, Châtillon-Sur-Loire, Plagny, Decize, Dompierre-Sur-Besbre and Digoin. Please note that all our boat cruises depart in the afternoon and before leaving, you will receive a short 1 hour training session to familiarise you with your boat and its manoeuvres.
The locks are automatic or electric and most are manned by lock keepers, except on the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal du Centre where some are manual. The locks are closed the 1st of May, the 14th of July and the 1rst of November.
During the season locks are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are closed for lunch between 12:00-13:00 (1:00 p.m.).
The Roanne to Digoin canal is closed from mid-April to the end of June 2025 due to a leak on the canal.
On the Canal du Nivernais, there is a ladder of 16 consecutive locks: l'échelle de Sardy.
Between Saint Jean de Losne and Mâcon, you must only stop at designated moorings, elsewhere you can moor anywhere along the banks in the heart of the countryside.
The Canal Latéral à la Loire - our suggested cruises
Decize
round trip
Digoin
round trip
Briare
round trip
Plagny
round trip
Decize
round trip
Briare
round trip
Dompierre
round trip
Plagny
round trip
Digoin
round trip
Briare
round trip
Decize
round trip
Plagny
round trip
Digoin
round trip
Briare
round trip
Briare
Chatillon en Bazois
Corbigny
Dompierre
Chatillon en Bazois
Digoin
Cruise 7 of nights
Gastronomy
Swimming
River constructions
Monument
Plagny
round trip
Chatillon en Bazois
round trip
Cruise 7 of nights
Dompierre
round trip
Cruise 7 of nights
Decize
round trip
Digoin
round trip
Cruise 7 of nights
Gastronomy
Swimming
River constructions
Monument
Dompierre
Corbigny
Chatillon en Bazois
Briare
Digoin
Chatillon en Bazois
Cruise 7 of nights
Gastronomy
Swimming
River constructions
Monument
Briare
Digoin
Cruise 7 of nights
Gastronomy
Swimming
Monument
River constructions
Vineyard
Digoin
Briare
Cruise 7 of nights
Gastronomy
Swimming
Monument
River constructions
Vineyard
Digoin
round trip
Briare
round trip
Briare
Digoin
Briare
Chatillon en Bazois
Decize
round trip
Decize
round trip
Plagny
round trip
Digoin
round trip
Decize
round trip
Plagny
round trip
Decize
round trip
Cruise 14 of nights
Dompierre
round trip
Chatillon en Bazois
round trip
Cruise 14 of nights
Gastronomy
Swimming
River constructions
Monument
Digoin
round trip
Plagny
round trip
Cruise 14 of nights
Also to be discovered
Here is the list of possible cruises on the Canal Latéral à la Loire
Range Essential
4
1
-59%
From €134 / pers
Week of the 6/16/25 to 6/23/25
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
220V socket
Electric toilets
Range Comfort
6
0
-41%
From €370 / pers
Week of the 7/12/25 to 7/19/25
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
Range Premium
4
0
-40%
From €350 / pers
Week of the 8/23/25 to 8/30/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Plancha
220 V converter
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher
Electric toilets
Range Comfort
4
2
-40%
From €186 / pers
Week of the 6/14/25 to 6/21/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
Range Standard
4
3
-40%
From €191 / pers
Week of the 8/23/25 to 8/30/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
Range Standard
4
3
-40%
From €212 / pers
Week of the 8/9/25 to 8/16/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
Range Premium
4
0
-40%
From €377 / pers
Week of the 8/9/25 to 8/16/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Plancha
220 V converter
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher
Electric toilets
Customer testimonials
Average :
4.7/5
(based on 83 opinion)
4.7/5
(based on 83 opinion)
Josef B.
Cruise carried out on Apr 12, 2025, Tarpon 49 QPCruise :
between Digoin and Briare
"auto-translation :'' ''"
Maryline C.
Cruise carried out on Apr 14, 2025, Tarpon 32Cruise :
Briare round trip
"auto-translation :'' ''"
Francois S.
Cruise carried out on Apr 14, 2025, CalypsoCruise :
Decize round trip
"Pleasant despite the bad weather"
Didier S.
Cruise carried out on Apr 12, 2025, Tarpon 37Cruise :
between Digoin and Chatillon en Bazois
"Chnage of scenery."
Sandy M.
Cruise carried out on Apr 12, 2025, Riviera 920Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :'' ''"
Véronique B.
Cruise carried out on Oct 28, 2024, Horizon 4Cruise :
Decize round trip
"Restful and original."
Véronique B.
Cruise carried out on Oct 28, 2024, MagnifiqueCruise :
Decize round trip
"Very good."
Christiane B.
Cruise carried out on Oct 12, 2024, Tarpon 42 TPCruise :
Digoin round trip
"Very good."
René P.
Cruise carried out on Oct 12, 2024, Penichette 1180 FBCruise :
Dompierre round trip
"Great pleasure cruising the peaceful canals."
Ludovic A.
Cruise carried out on Oct 12, 2024, Triton 860 FlyCruise :
Briare round trip
"A real change of scenery."
Eleonor D.
Cruise carried out on Jul 15, 2024, Tarpon 42Cruise :
Briare round trip
"A relaxing cruise."
Danielle S.
Cruise carried out on Jun 15, 2024, Tarpon 32Cruise :
between Digoin and Briare
"Very good value for money."
Alain V.
Cruise carried out on Jun 10, 2024, ContinentaleCruise :
Decize round trip
"Superb, calm, relaxing scenery and above all charming lockkeepers."
Kurt B.
Cruise carried out on May 13, 2024, Tarpon 32Cruise :
between Briare and Digoin
"A beautiful and enjoyable trip in a magnificent setting with impressive water structures."
Monique B.
Cruise carried out on May 8, 2024, Grand ClassiqueCruise :
Decize round trip
"It was really great."
Stefan W.
Cruise carried out on May 25, 2024, Penichette 935 W ACruise :
between Digoin and Briare
"A beautiful adventure."
Stefan W.
Cruise carried out on May 25, 2024, Penichette 935 W ACruise :
between Digoin and Briare
"A beautiful adventure."
Nicolas H.
Cruise carried out on May 8, 2024, MystiqueCruise :
Decize round trip
"A great first cruise."
Jean-pierre N.
Cruise carried out on Apr 24, 2024, MagnifiqueCruise :
Decize round trip
"A lovely, calm and relaxing experience."
Denis J.
Cruise carried out on May 17, 2024, Penichette 1107 WCruise :
Dompierre round trip
"Excellent."
Patrick C.
Cruise carried out on May 4, 2024, Penichette 935 W ACruise :
between Digoin and Briare
"Very pleasant despite the rain, very friendly lock-keepers."
Martine N.
Cruise carried out on May 8, 2024, CalypsoCruise :
Decize round trip
"A real delight."
Franck R.
Cruise carried out on Apr 24, 2024, CapriceCruise :
Decize round trip
"A great experience, to be repeated."
Bernard D.
Cruise carried out on Apr 13, 2024, MagnifiqueCruise :
Decize round trip
"Much satisfied."
Dominique N.
Cruise carried out on Sep 2, 2023, Tarpon 32Cruise :
Briare round trip
"Magnificent canal, impressive Briare canal bridge, very friendly lock-keepers."
Daniel H.
Cruise carried out on Aug 23, 2023, CapriceCruise :
Decize round trip
"In 3 days, you don't navigate very far, but the main aim was to stroll along the canal, no matter how far we went."
Nathalie L.
Cruise carried out on Jul 19, 2023, CrusaderCruise :
Decize round trip
"auto-translation :''Great, do it again''"
Carmela Z.
Cruise carried out on Jul 1, 2023, Tarpon 32Cruise :
Digoin round trip
"Pleasant, bucolic area."
Jörg S.
Cruise carried out on Jun 17, 2023, CapriceCruise :
Decize round trip
"Peace and quiet; pleasant restaurants."
Michel T.
Cruise carried out on May 20, 2023, Tarpon 42 TPCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"Wonderful."
Eric L.
Cruise carried out on Jun 10, 2023, Sedan 1160Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"An interesting and relaxing cruise."
Philippe B.
Cruise carried out on May 29, 2023, Haines 40Cruise :
Briare round trip
"It will remain a good memory, especially as the weather was great."
Franz C.
Cruise carried out on May 19, 2023, CapriceCruise :
Decize round trip
"Very comfortable, we'll probably prefer a busier canal next time."
Vincent C.
Cruise carried out on May 18, 2023, Grand ClassiqueCruise :
Decize round trip
"A good cruise with a variety of locks, good navigation time and interesting sightseeing spots."
Alain V.
Cruise carried out on May 6, 2023, Sedan 1170Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"Very relaxing."
Bruno S.
Cruise carried out on May 6, 2023, Tarpon 49 QPCruise :
Briare round trip
"A week to relax and enjoy life."
Yseult S.
Cruise carried out on Apr 19, 2023, CapriceCruise :
Decize round trip
"We enjoyed it very much."
Jacques C.
Cruise carried out on Apr 22, 2023, Tarpon 42 TPCruise :
Digoin round trip
"Calm and relaxing."
Ruth M.
Cruise carried out on Apr 21, 2023, Haines 40Cruise :
between Digoin and Briare
"A timeless experience."
Christian N.
Cruise carried out on Apr 24, 2023, Tarpon 37Cruise :
Briare round trip
"A real pleasure to share with my daughter, her husband and my two grandchildren. It was their first river cruise."
Catherine L.
Cruise carried out on Apr 16, 2023, Corvette ACruise :
Decize round trip
"Very pleasant discovery of the Nivernais. Very friendly contact with the people who live around the canal."
Eduard S.
Cruise carried out on Jul 17, 2021, Triton 860 FlyCruise :
Digoin round trip
"auto-translation :''Great!''"
Sylvie J.
Cruise carried out on Jun 25, 2021, Espade Concept FlyCruise :
Briare round trip
"auto-translation :''pleasant and relaxing''"
Pascale C.
Cruise carried out on May 12, 2021, Classique StarCruise :
Decize round trip
"auto-translation :''Peace and quiet - Ideal for family reunions''"
Lucie B.
Cruise carried out on Oct 19, 2020, Royal ClassiqueCruise :
Decize round trip
"auto-translation :''Calm, serenity, a change of scenery''"
Réginald V.
Cruise carried out on Aug 24, 2020, CapriceCruise :
Decize round trip
"auto-translation :''Excellent experience with 2 children of 10 years old''"
Laurent D.
Cruise carried out on Oct 12, 2019, Tarpon 32Cruise :
between Chatillon en Bazois and Digoin
"auto-translation :''Pretty landscapes, few tourist attractions: visit, terroir''"
William W.
Cruise carried out on Jun 24, 2019, CapriceCruise :
between Decize and Chatillon sur Loire
"Calme et reposant, mais paysages assez ordinaires"
Alain B.
Cruise carried out on Sep 17, 2018, CalypsoCruise :
Chatillon sur Loire round trip
"auto-translation :''Satisfied, it corresponded to our expectations''"
Daniel O.
Cruise carried out on Sep 24, 2018, Royal Mystique ACruise :
Decize round trip
"auto-translation :''What happiness !!!''"
Malcolm T.
Cruise carried out on Sep 3, 2018, Triton 860 FlyCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"Beautiful countryside’ lovely and quiet! Lovely places to moor up!"
Daniel D.
Cruise carried out on Jul 7, 2018, Confort 900Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Interestingly quiet relaxing, the canal bridge of the guetin to make beautiful experience''"
Myriam R.
Cruise carried out on Jun 23, 2018, Sedan 1310Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Very Godd''"
Dominique P.
Cruise carried out on May 28, 2018, Tarpon 32Cruise :
between Briare and Chatillon en Bazois
"auto-translation :''Cruise a bit long which leaves little time for cycling and discovery over 7 days''"
Maurice S.
Cruise carried out on May 26, 2018, Tarpon 49 QPCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"auto-translation :''Nice cruise''"
Marie-hélène R.
Cruise carried out on May 9, 2018, Riviera 1120Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''We appreciated''"
Raynald H.
Cruise carried out on May 5, 2018, Triton 860Cruise :
Briare round trip
"auto-translation :''No stress, relaxing. Site visit that we would not have done otherwise''"
Patrick D.
Cruise carried out on May 7, 2018, Vision 4Cruise :
Chatillon sur Loire round trip
"auto-translation :''Superb cruise on the Canal Lateral to the Loire''"
Patrice G.
Cruise carried out on Sep 16, 2017, Tarpon 37Cruise :
Digoin round trip
"auto-translation :''Great, lockers very nice and good atmosphere''"
Freddy R.
Cruise carried out on Sep 1, 2017, Renaud 8000Cruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"auto-translation :''Very pleasant''"
Christophe J.
Cruise carried out on Aug 19, 2017, Sedan 1000Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Very nice to live along the water''"
Jackie N.
Cruise carried out on Jul 15, 2017, Riviera 920Cruise :
between Rogny and Plagny
"Excellent - everything I imagined it would be."
Pierre andré L.
Cruise carried out on Jul 8, 2017, Tarpon 37Cruise :
between Chatillon en Bazois and Digoin
"auto-translation :''Ideally well sized''"
Eric V.
Cruise carried out on Jun 10, 2017, Estivale Quattro BCruise :
between Plagny and Rogny
"auto-translation :''Beautiful landscapes very calm lockers very welcoming''"
Joëlle M.
Cruise carried out on May 22, 2017, Estivale Quattro BCruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Very beautiful river cruise despite the heat''"
Patrick D.
Cruise carried out on May 24, 2017, Sedan 1310Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Very good family time; The good weather is nevertheless essential for the success of this type of stay ..''"
Pierre B.
Cruise carried out on Sep 3, 2016, Tarpon 42 TPCruise :
between Chatillon en Bazois and Digoin
"auto-translation :''Great experience that we will renew''"
David B.
Cruise carried out on Sep 23, 2016, Sedan 800Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''To redo''"
Susan B.
Cruise carried out on Aug 15, 2016, Tarpon 32Cruise :
Digoin round trip
"We want to buy a boat, loved it."
Daniel G.
Cruise carried out on Aug 20, 2016, Riviera 920Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Nice cruise on the Lateral Canal to the Loire''"
Jean-marc S.
Cruise carried out on Jul 30, 2016, Triton 860 FlyCruise :
Digoin round trip
"auto-translation :''relaxing cruise''"
Béatrice G.
Cruise carried out on Jul 1, 2016, Confort 900Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Super relaxing''"
Gilbert B.
Cruise carried out on Jul 8, 2016, Riviera 920Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :''Quiet and nice Weekend on the Canal Lateral à la Loire''"
Jean louis M.
Cruise carried out on May 21, 2016, Triton 860 FlyCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"auto-translation :"Great discovery, corresponded to our expectations""
Nicolas G.
Cruise carried out on May 4, 2016, Sedan 1170Cruise :
Rogny round trip
"auto-translation :"River cruise nice and relaxing especially with the 4 sunny days""
Michel F.
Cruise carried out on Apr 16, 2016, Sedan 1170Cruise :
Rogny round trip
"auto-translation :"Beautiful river cruise on the Canal de Briare""
Philippe G.
Cruise carried out on May 4, 2016, Riviera 920Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :"Very nice cruise on a houseboat""
Jean marc V.
Cruise carried out on Apr 22, 2016, Confort 1350Cruise :
Plagny round trip
"auto-translation :"No luck, rotten weather . We 're not out of the boat, so Belote and drink, it was very nice , pleasant boat on that side : living area , dining room and great as everyone 's toilet is appreciated ..""
Denis M.
Cruise carried out on Jul 25, 2015, Espade Concept FlyCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"auto-translation :"Satisfied with our cruise choices""
.. G.
Cruise carried out on Jul 11, 2015, Tarpon 37 DPCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"auto-translation :"Location really wild , no nearby ports , very few shops. Warning locks are closed July 14 on the Canal du Nivernais""
Robert A.
Cruise carried out on Jul 4, 2015, Tarpon 42 TPCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"auto-translation :"Pleasant landscapes , but too few supply opportunities""
Jean-pierre D.
Cruise carried out on May 16, 2015, Tarpon 37 DPCruise :
Chatillon en Bazois round trip
"auto-translation :"Very good, very pleasant cruising""
Travelling with CrisBoat
Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.
Customer
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
20 years of experience
Wide choice of boats and destinations
Cris Boat Blog
Navigate in May: the 5 main benefits of a spring cruise
What if May became your favorite month to go cruising?
Read more
3 license-free houseboat cruises for the Ascension or Pentecost weekend
Take advantage of the Ascension or Pentecost weekend to unwind… without leaving France!
Read more
5-night cruise in Burgundy on the Canal du Nivernais
How about a 5-day break in Burgundy aboard a boat without a license? Discover our detailed itinerary now!
Read more
"auto-translation :'' ''"