Hire self-drive boats and navigate in Aquitaine
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Houseboat Holidays in Aquitaine
What if you took the time to discover Aquitaine from a different perspective? With its charming villages, lush green landscapes and delicious local cuisine, this region invites you to enjoy a relaxing boating holiday in the heart of South-West France.
Aquitaine's waterways stretch over 253 km and feature 74 locks. As you cruise along the Canal latéral à la Garonne and the River Baïse, travel at your own pace, stop off in picturesque bastide towns, wander through local markets and savour the region's delicious specialities.
Whether you're travelling with family or friends, enjoy a holiday in the great outdoors, with no boating licence required and the freedom to explore at your own pace!
- Tasting of local products
- Bike ride on the towpath
- Discovery of the typical villages of the South
Canal boating holidays in Aquitaine
Rent a licence-free boat on the Canal de Garonne
Feeling like holidays punctuated with local discovery? You will be amazed by the Canal de Garonne, its typical South-West villages such as Damazan and food specialties from Gers and Perigord. This area is ideal for food lovers. You will love walking on the towpath that runs all along the Canal, enjoying the surrounding nature differenlty.
Canal boating holidays in Aquitaine
Rent a licence-free boat on the Baïse
Feeling like exploring the South-West of France on a boat? Opt for a river cruise on the Baïse and follow the path of d’Artagnan, the famous musketeer. During your stay, do not miss the chance to visit authentic villages, such as Nérac, and vinyards.
- Cruise past pretty villages
- Tasting of local alcohol
- In the footsteps of d'Artagnan
Customer testimonials
4.7/5
(based on 44 ratings)
"Very good."
"Your staff are very professional."
"A relaxing holiday surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery."
"A great experience with friends."
"Very good."
"Everything was perfect: the boat, the staff and the advice."
"A great introduction to river cruising with a very pleasant boat."
"Efficient sales service."
"Everything was perfect."
"A very enjoyable trip."
"Overall, a pleasant experience, but we wouldn't choose a return trip along the same route again. In the future, we'd prefer a one-way cruise or a circular itinerary."
"Excellent."
"A great base, with a highly competent and friendly team."
"Very good."
"Easy booking process and accurate description of the boat."
"For a first time it was a great experience. Received great training and support at the start of our trip."
"The booking went well and the rental company 'Le Boat' was excellent."
"Despite a few technical issues (changing batteries en route) and a few glitches (difficult door, windscreen condensation), our choice was perfect."
"I would gladly do the one that goes through Condom again."
"Pleasant."
"Great."
"Very pleasant."
"Pleasant and well supervised."
"Team efficiency during the navigation ban on the Baïse."
"Pleasant."
"True to the description."
"Soothing. Too short. Shame we have to be back at 9am. We lost 1 day."
"Very nice, my granddaughters were delighted."
"I really enjoyed the experience, it was very simple from the beginning of the booking to the end. Thanks to the whole team."
"It was a great experience."
"Very pleasant."
"Amazing."
"Very well organised."
"A stay full of discoveries (passing through locks, cruising on the canal, going over a canal bridge); a simple, authentic stay, what a joy to return to simple values and to experience little moments of time, almost out of time, without stress."
"Very warm welcome at the Mas d'Agenais base."
"Warm welcome, nice tour on the canal, experience to be repeated!"
"auto-translation :''Nice discovery, human size of the reception and the port, personalized advice, few people on the canal''"
"auto-translation :''Very nice experience, a very nice and professional team that listens to the client..... THANK YOU !!!!''"
"auto-translation :''It was nice, we had a good time.''"
"auto-translation :''A beautiful discovery of a Zen stay, with intense moments during the manoeuvres.''"
"auto-translation :''We loved it and spent 2 great days with friends.''"
"auto-translation :''Very friendly and relaxing''"
"auto-translation :''Reliability of the reservation and beauty of the cruise''"
Best current offers for the destination Aquitaine
From €164 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €143 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220V socket
From €162 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €309 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €194 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
220V socket
From €282 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Flat-screen TV
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €136 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220V socket
From €152 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €195 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 4
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €133 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €388 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Dishwasher
Electric toilets
From €159 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €357 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €136 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220V socket
From €295 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €265 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €369 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Dishwasher
Electric toilets
From €185 / pers
Week of the 4/10/27 to 4/17/27
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
220V socket
Locks in Aquitaine
Locks: On the Canal latéral à la Garonne, the locks are automated and operated directly by boaters, so there is generally no lock keeper on site. On the River Baïse, most locks are also operated independently by boaters. Only certain special lock structures, particularly the double lock at Buzet-sur-Baïse, which connects the canal to the River Baïse, require the assistance of a lock keeper.
Navigation and lock operating hours: From 9 am to 7 pm, March to September, and from 9 am to 6 pm in October. Please keep these hours in mind when planning your daily cruising itinerary.
Useful Information for Your Boating Holiday
Navigation is quite easy in this region, both on the Canal Latéral à la Garonne and on the Baïse River.
Regarding swimming: swimming is not permitted in the Baïse River or in the Canal de Garonne. However, if you head towards Bordeaux, there are several places where you can swim:
- at Damazan Lake
- at the Fontet marina, where the swimming lake is supervised by a lifeguard in July and August, from Tuesday to Sunday, between 1 pm and 7 pm.
- in several municipal swimming pools
- in the Garonne River at two locations close to river ports: Meilhan and Le Mas-d’Agenais (unsupervised swimming).
Navigation on the Baïse in summer: During the summer months, water levels on the Baïse can be particularly low. Depending on the conditions, some boats may therefore experience difficulties navigating beyond Nérac. The situation is regularly monitored by the base and, when water levels do not allow sufficiently safe navigation, customers may be advised not to continue further upstream. We therefore recommend checking the current navigation conditions with the base before departure.
NB: Vision boats cannot navigate on the Baïse River due to their size, as they are too wide to pass through the locks.
Mooring in Aquitaine
On the Canal latéral à la Garonne, you can moor your boat in the heart of nature, outside ports and designated mooring areas, whenever conditions allow, provided you do not obstruct navigation or the towpath. To make this possible, two metal mooring stakes and a mallet are provided on board. You can use them to secure your boat's mooring lines to the riverbank and enjoy a peaceful stop surrounded by nature.
On the River Baïse, however, mooring outside ports and designated mooring areas is not permitted. For overnight stays, we recommend using designated mooring facilities in all cases.
Everything you need to know about navigation on a licence-free boat in Aquitaine
The Canal de Garonne is 193km long and runs from Toulouse to Castets-en-Dorthe. The most beautiful part of the Canal de Garonne is between Buzet and Agen, crossing the beautiful Agen Aqueduct. This bridge is 580m long and has 23 arches. It is the second longest canal-bridge in France. You will also get the chance to discover the magnificient manmade architectural heritage!
During your river cruise, you will pass by cities such as Le Mas d’Agenais, Agen, Valence d’Agen, Castelsarrasin and Montauban. Be ready to discover the rich heritage of the region.
For a memorable experience, get onboard from April to October, and enjoy a mild oceanic climate. Navigating in July, you may attend the Agen Food and Gastronomy Festival. Enjoy delicacies and gatherings. Its is the best time to discover the South-West of France.
Renting a houseboat in Aquitaine is a unique adventure that allows you to navigate the peaceful canals of the southwestern region of France while discovering its history and natural beauty. You can leisurely pass through locks, explore historic villages, and savor local cuisine. Renting a houseboat in Aquitaine is a one-of-a-kind travel experience, suitable for novices and experienced boaters alike. It provides an opportunity to explore a rich cultural heritage and the natural beauty of this region while enjoying the leisurely pace of river life.
Rent a houseboat in Aquitaine through CrisBoat and enjoy a wide selection of available vessels. Your choice will depend on your preferences and requirements. We have categorized the houseboats into different ranges to make your selection easier.
- The Essential Range: Houseboats in the Essential range offer a traditional and older design for a budget-friendly river cruise in Aquitaine. They are equipped with electric toilets and a 220V power socket when connected to a quay. Some also offer an external steering position and a terrace for admiring the region's landscapes.
- The Standard Range: Houseboats available for rent in Aquitaine in the Standard range have some age to them but still provide optimal comfort. Equipped with multiple bathrooms, most have an external steering position with a terrace, allowing you to take in the beautiful canal landscapes. License-free houseboats are equipped with a bow thruster for easier cruising.
- The Comfort Range: If you're looking to rent a houseboat in Aquitaine, opt for the Comfort range. These boats are newer and comfortable, perfect for a successful family holiday. Most have their own bathroom facilities and are equipped for comfort, with canopies, microwaves, air coolers, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Enjoy a pleasant stay in Aquitaine aboard one of these houseboats.
- The Premium Range: We offer the rental of Premium range houseboats in Aquitaine, which are elegant, spacious, and very comfortable. Each cabin has its own bathroom and private toilet. Most of the houseboats are equipped with air conditioning, bow and stern thrusters, an integrated plancha grill, and an internal 220V circuit to provide you with a power supply on board at all times.
If you're planning to rent a houseboat in Aquitaine for the first time, here are some tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
- Find the Right Houseboat to Rent in Aquitaine: Choose a houseboat rental that fits your preferences and requirements. Our fleet offers houseboats for 2 to 12 people with various ranges and options. It's essential to know your crew members and determine your needs before renting a houseboat in Aquitaine.
- Plan Your Houseboat Trip in Aquitaine: To rent a houseboat in Aquitaine, you'll need to select a departure base. With CrisBoat, several bases are available to offer you the ideal choice.
- Buzet-Sur-Baïse
- Mas d’Agenais
- Agen
- Valence-Sur-Baïse
- Itinerary for Your Houseboat Rental in Aquitaine: You have the freedom to choose the itinerary for your houseboat rental in Aquitaine. We recommend planning your route in advance while waiting to depart. To assist you, we provide a river guide for Aquitaine that you can order by contacting us. This guide will be available on your houseboat, allowing you to plan your itinerary upon arrival at the departure base.
- Operating the Houseboat in Aquitaine: Before your departure, you'll receive a one-hour training session to familiarize yourself with the river code, navigation rules, and how to operate the controls of your license-free boat.
- Exploring the Aquitaine Region at Your Own Pace: Renting a houseboat in Aquitaine allows you to explore picturesque villages, vineyards, and savor regional cuisine. You can even sample local wines along the way.
- Respecting the Environment in Aquitaine: When renting a houseboat in Aquitaine, take care to respect the environment by following navigation rules and ensuring you leave no trace of your visit.
By following these tips for your first houseboat rental in Aquitaine, you'll enjoy a memorable experience!
When you rent a houseboat in Aquitaine, you are likely to navigate through locks. Passing through these locks is an important part of river navigation in Aquitaine. Typically, here's how it works:
- Prepare the Crew: Ensure clear safety instructions for all participants, and designate specific roles for each person (helmsman, line handlers, etc.), with everyone's safety in mind.
- Signal to the Lock Keeper: It is recommended to inform the lock keeper of your intention before entering a lock.
- Enter Cautiously: Gently maneuver the boat when entering the lock to avoid potential damage.
- Position Well: Leave enough space for other boats to enter the lock and ensure smooth entry and exit. If you're the only boat using the lock, position yourself in the middle to allow easy entry and exit.
- Secure the Boat in the Lock without Knots: Secure the vessel to the lock bollards at both the front and rear using a knotless mooring technique.
- Watch for Swirls: Pay attention to water movements when the lock is being filled or emptied, especially around the gates, to ensure everyone's safety.
- Hold the Lines Loosely: Keep the boat secure with lines during the lock's ascent or descent without tying knots on the cleat.
- Avoid Hands or Feet Use: Use hooks or poles to handle lines and avoid direct contact with hands or feet.
- Wait for the Gates to Open Fully: It is advisable to wait until the lock gates are fully open before moving to prevent any issues.
Lock personnel are there to assist pleasure boaters in safely navigating locks. It's essential to observe right-of-way rules and closely follow the instructions of personnel as needed.
To decide on the best time to rent a houseboat in Aquitaine, several factors come into play, such as your personal preferences. Here are some considerations:
- High Tourist Season: In Aquitaine, the high tourist season typically runs from late June to late August. During this time, you can rent a houseboat as it's the most popular season due to mild temperatures and school holidays. However, canals may be somewhat busier during this period.
- Low Season: For quieter conditions and more advantageous rental rates, it's ideal to choose houseboat rental in Aquitaine during the offseason, in spring or autumn, for example. The fall landscapes will charm you with their vibrant colors.
- Local Events: To make your houseboat rental in Aquitaine more appealing, it's recommended to inquire about local events such as festivals or markets. Most of these events occur during the tourist season.
- Weather: When selecting the dates for your trip, consider weather conditions and temperature variations. The months of May and September are ideal for enjoying favorable weather and avoiding tourist crowds while still enjoying mild temperatures.
In Aquitaine, there are numerous popular itineraries for a houseboat cruise. If you're considering renting a houseboat in the region, you can navigate in two different areas.
- The Baïse: A river with wild and winding banks, it's a pristine waterway close to nature. Your stay in Aquitaine will be punctuated by visits to historic villages perched along the river. They'll take you along the water's edge, following in the footsteps of King Henry IV and the Three Musketeers.
- The Canal Latéral à la Garonne: This canal is an extension of the Canal Du Midi. Cruising by houseboat is just as easy and therefore perfect for beginners.
- Round-Trip Itineraries: You can also opt for a houseboat rental in Aquitaine on a round-trip basis. You can choose to return to your starting point, allowing for a more comprehensive experience of the region.
On our website, you'll find detailed route suggestions to help you plan your houseboat rental in Aquitaine.
By Car: To reach your houseboat in Aquitaine, you can take the highway and choose to park near your departure point or reserve a parking space.
By Train: The train is a comfortable and environmentally friendly means of travel. French regions, including Aquitaine, have an extensive and convenient rail network.
By Plane: If you have limited time and want to save time getting to your houseboat rental in Aquitaine, flying can be a good option. You can choose the flight closest to your destination, then rent a car or use public transportation to get there.
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
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"Perfect!"