SELF DRIVE RIVER BOAT RENTALS FROM Briare
To see in Briare: Briare canal bridge, Museum of the Mosaic and Enamels, Museum of 2 Marines and the Canal Bridge, Saint-Etienne Church, Castle Barrier Kit. Briare located at the crossroads between the Canal de Briare and the Lateral à la Loire is the starting point for the one-way trip to Dompierre sur Besbre, which can be done in one week.
The locks are automatic or electric and most are manned by lock-keepers.
The locks are closed the 1st of May and the 1st of November.
The locks are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are closed for lunch between 12 and 1 p.m..
On the Canal du Nivernais, there is a ladder of 16 consecutive locks: the locks of Sardy.
- From 22 July 2026: the Canal Latéral à la Loire is closed between La Besbre Lock (PK 29, near Dompierre-sur-Besbre) and Maimbray Lock (PK 182, near Belleville-sur-Loire) until April 2027 due to insufficient water resources.
- From 31 July 2026: the Canal du Centre is closed until further notice due to insufficient water resources.
- From 16 August 2026: the Briare Canal is closed until further notice due to insufficient water resources.

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.
- Road: A77 exit 20 Briare, take direction city center, after 1 km, turn right direction Museum of Emaux (Locaboat Holidays indicated), continue for 200 m, turn left.
- Train: Briare station (500 m)
- Air: Paris-Orly airport (150 km)
- All shops, closed on Sunday afternoon Leader Price in the city center. Attention: closed on monday 16 rue de la liberté - BRIARE
- The locks of the Loing Canal, Canal lateral to the Loire and the Briare Canal are open every day from 9 to 12 pm and from 13 to 19 pm. Closed May 1st and November 1st
- Friday morning
Possible cruises
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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.
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