
SELF DRIVE RIVER BOAT RENTALS FROM Briare
Famous for its canal bridge, one of the most beautiful in France, Briare is at the crossroads between the Briare Canal and the Lateral à la Loire. This is the starting point for the one-week single-trip cruise to Digoin.
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.
- Market Briare, U Express and Lidl in Briare
- At 200 meters from the Canal bridge without lock (once past the canal bridge, the first lock is 16 kms towards Sancerre)
- Train: Briare Station (10 minutes walk from the base)
- Air: Orly airport (143 km)
Possible cruises
Customer testimonials


"Excellent accueil à la base de Cognac"
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.
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5

Cris Boat Blog

TOP 5 practical equipment for river cruising

River cruise or sea cruise?

"Accueil très sympathique."