Hire canal boats and navigate on the Lot River
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River cruise on the Lot
The Lot, navigable on about 160km, is a river located in the southern Massif Central, running from Luzech to Larnagol. It is one of the most impressive French navigable waterways. The perfect destination for unique and depaysant holidays with friends and family! Start you river cruise from 4 different bases on the Lot : Douelle, Luzech, Cahors or Bouzies. We suggest 2 navigable areas : Lot west and Lot east.
- Experience of river boating recommended
- Perfect for history buffs
- Near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the most beautiful village in France
Cruise on the Lot
Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Lot between Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
The Lot is the ideal destination for a river cruise. Think about it: manual locks, walks along the towpath in Bouzies and wanders around Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, voted most beautiful French village. During your stay, you will fin the perfect balance between nature and inhabited areas.
Cruise on the Lot
Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Lot between Cahors and Luzech
What would you say about navigating through a fascinating valley? Opt for a cruise on the western Lot. You will get the chance to discover some of the most picturesque French villages such as Cahors, Luzech and their majestic landscapes! On top of that, you will manoeuvre the locks by yourself, giving you an optimal riverboating experience!
- Majestic landscapes
- For lovers of Grands Crus wines
- Self-operated locks (no lockkeeper)
Customer testimonials
4.6/5
(based on 82 opinion)
"Very good customer service."
"Very good."
"Great."
"This is adventure!"
"Met my expectations."
"Good."
"Very competent, attentive and friendly to the customer."
"I think it was one of our best holidays ever."
"Great."
"This wasn't our 1st booking with you; we're very satisfied."
"We had a great week."
"We had a great week."
"Serious company, pleasant staff, attractive discount."
"A wonderful experience."
"We loved the welcome, the boat and the region... we'd love to do more similar experiences…"
"Total change of scenery, very comfortable boat."
"From the preparation of the trip to the return of the barge, the team is available, gives good advice and is very pleasant."
"Meets our expectations"
"Highly positive"
"Lot river is perfect, might be too small for a one week trip - but take your bikes and go visit Pech Merle!"
"auto-translation :''Good stay''"
"auto-translation :''Good''"
"auto-translation :''Super''"
"auto-translation :''for our sixth cruise we were amazed by the region and the very good welcome of the inhabitants, our friends with whom we made this cruise for their first experience are ready to do it again''"
"auto-translation :''Good''"
"auto-translation :''Great.''"
"auto-translation :''The people at Les Canalous were excellent''"
"auto-translation :''To redo''"
"auto-translation :''Quietude''"
"auto-translation :''Excellent time - to redo''"
"Relaxing in beautiful scenery....great"
"auto-translation :''Simple stay to organize as interlocutors present to answer our questions''"
"Good"
"auto-translation :''Good''"
"auto-translation :''Pleasant stay''"
"auto-translation :''Very good, comfortable boat for 2. Good reception and reactivity in case of need''"
"auto-translation :''Pleasant stay despite a navigation a little more difficult than on the canal du midi''"
"auto-translation :''3rd rental and always satisfied''"
"auto-translation :''Pleasant stay but bad weather ''"
"auto-translation :''Late May, before the crowd, on a quiet river, perfect!''"
"auto-translation :''Very satisfied, served by pleasant weather''"
"auto-translation :''Excellent welcome. Staff very friendly base.''"
"auto-translation :''All very pleased with the stay we highly recommend''"
"auto-translation :''Very pleasant stay''"
"auto-translation :''Excellent''"
"auto-translation :''Well, the Lot is really beautiful''"
"auto-translation : ''Stay in line with our expectation''"
"auto-translation : ''Team underlying Luzech very nice''"
"auto-translation : ''Very good, very nice''"
"auto-translation : ''Very nice river cruise''"
"auto-translation : ''Excellent responsiveness of the staff at our little worries naviguation.''"
"auto-translation : ''First tasty experience … small flat on other companies disrespectful of the rules of safety and courtesy … 34 locks help keep the line while eating foie gras and magret …''"
"Excellent although missed out on a day collection from 16.00hrs delivery back 0900hrs"
"auto-translation : ''Cruise very well organized''"
"Great service"
"auto-translation : ''Cruise the Lot relaxing and very enjoyable''"
"auto-translation : ''Very good reception from the base Cahors, satisfied with this cruise''"
"auto-translation : ''All went well. No problem. Answered our questions.''"
"auto-translation : ''Well, good stay in houseboat''"
"auto-translation : ''Exchange of information, reservation, etc. everything was done quickly and without hassle''"
"auto-translation : ''Well organized river cruise; shame the weather was not great!''"
"auto-translation : ''A true professional team and a river cruise on the really great Lot''"
"auto-translation : ''A few clicks and a form and everything was in order for our cruise. Very quick and easy to book our river boat''"
"auto-translation : ''Boat very clean; acceptable comfort for a week stay, very welcoming and competent staff''"
"auto-translation : ''A delicate first experience on the Lot, but that makes you want to renew''"
"auto-translation : ''Perfect river cruise ''"
"auto-translation : ''Relaxing for Mr., Mrs. Least (locks)''"
"auto-translation : ''In line with expectations''"
"We are recommending it widely !"
"auto-translation : ''Too short, we leave a full week next time''"
"auto-translation : ''A beautiful way to discover the Lot, its nature and its villages''"
"auto-translation : ''Good tracking back - very welcome at the base''"
"auto-translation : ''A remake on other regions''"
"auto-translation : ''Super''"
"auto-translation : ''Very satisfied''"
"auto-translation : ''Very pleasant''"
"auto-translation : ''Good''"
"auto-translation : ''This is unfortunately an expensive afraid''"
"auto-translation : ''Good''"
"auto-translation : ''Everything went as planned''"
"auto-translation : ''Relaxation and discovery, fabulous river cruise on the Lot''"
Best current offers for the destination Lot
From €286 / pers
Week of the 7/19/25 to 7/26/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Plancha
220 V converter
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher
Electric toilets
From €211 / pers
Week of the 8/2/25 to 8/9/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
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
From €446 / pers
Week of the 7/25/25 to 8/1/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €338 / pers
Week of the 7/25/25 to 8/1/25
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €634 / pers
Week of the 7/19/25 to 7/26/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €488 / pers
Week of the 7/28/25 to 8/4/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 4
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €340 / pers
Week of the 7/26/25 to 8/2/25
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €521 / pers
Week of the 8/1/25 to 8/8/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €398 / pers
Week of the 7/20/25 to 7/27/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €491 / pers
Week of the 7/27/25 to 8/3/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 4
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €628 / pers
Week of the 7/12/25 to 7/19/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €376 / pers
Week of the 7/21/25 to 7/28/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €368 / pers
Week of the 7/16/25 to 7/23/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €392 / pers
Week of the 7/16/25 to 7/23/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €632 / pers
Week of the 7/16/25 to 7/23/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €385 / pers
Week of the 7/23/25 to 7/30/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €402 / pers
Week of the 7/23/25 to 7/30/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
The locks are manual but they are easy to operate.
If the Lot is in spate, we may have to transfer your cruise to another departure base. We do not recommend the Lot for a first boating holiday.
It is important you only moor in the designated places.
Everything you need to know about navigation with a licence-free boat on the Lot
The Lot is the second longest river in France, navigable for 160 km on either side of Cahors, and is distinguished by its long meanders. Renown as one of the wildest regions in France, you will cruise through high cliffs, oak-covered hillsides and AOC Cahors vineyards. The most beautiful part of the Lot to do by barge is the Ganil towpath. On foot or by boat, you will walk along a man-made wonder of nature!
During your river cruise on one of the most beautiful rivers in France, you will pass through several villages of character such as Luzech, Parnac, Caillac, Douelle, Pradines, Cahors, a small town of Art and History, Arcambal, Bouzies, Saint-Cirq Lapopie, elected the most beautiful village in France, Crégols, Cénevières or Larnagol. Sailing on the Lot on a licence-free boat, you will discover its rich heritage.
For a memorable experience, you can take a river cruise from April to October. Note that the beginning of the season can be punctuated by floods. This is due to the snowmelt in the Massif Central, which can cause the navigation to stop in April and occasionally in May. If you choose to cruise the Lot in July, you can enjoy the Cahors Blues Festival, the oldest Blues festival in France.
Renting a houseboat in the Lot is a unique and enriching adventure. This iconic region in the southwest of France is perfect for exploring its rich historical and natural heritage. You can peacefully navigate the tranquil canals of the Lot, pass through locks, discover historic villages, and savor delicious local cuisine. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor, renting a houseboat in the Lot is an exceptional opportunity to explore a rich cultural heritage and the natural beauty of the region while enjoying the leisurely pace of river life.
Rent a houseboat in the Lot with CrisBoat and enjoy a wide selection of boats. You can choose the houseboat that best suits your preferences and requirements. For easier selection, we've divided the available houseboats in the Lot into different categories.
The Essential Range: Our houseboats in the Essential Range have a traditional design and are a few years old. They offer you the opportunity to experience the pleasures of river cruising in the Lot at an affordable price. Most of the houseboats have electric toilets and a 220V outlet (when docked). Some also feature an external steering position with a terrace that provides breathtaking views of the Lot landscapes.
The Standard Range: The boats in the Standard Range available for rent are older but offer all the essential comfort. These houseboats have multiple bathrooms and, for the most part, an external steering position on a terrace where you can enjoy the sun and the splendid Lot landscapes. Some boats have a bow thruster to facilitate navigation in the Lot.
The Comfort Range: Choose a Comfort Range houseboat for your family holidays in the Lot. These modern boats offer great comfort and are ideal for a successful stay. Each cabin usually has a private bathroom, and many amenities are provided, such as bimini tops, microwaves, air coolers, and flat-screen TVs/DVD players. Enjoy a pleasant stay in the Lot aboard these comfortable and modern boats.
The Premium Range: We offer Premium Range houseboats in the Lot that are elegant, comfortable, and spacious. Each cabin has its own bathroom and private toilet. Most of these boats also have air conditioning, both bow and stern thrusters, and an integrated plancha.
If you're considering a first-time houseboat rental in the Lot, here are some tips to prepare for your cruise with peace of mind.
- Find the right houseboat to rent in the Lot: To make the right choice for your houseboat rental in the Lot, we recommend identifying your preferences and needs and then selecting the boat that suits you best. We offer boats from different ranges, suitable for crews of 2 to 12 people, with various options.
- Planning your houseboat trip in the Lot: To choose your houseboat, it's also necessary to decide on your starting point in the Lot. Renting with CrisBoat offers several departure base options : Bouzies, Cahors, Luzech, Douelle
- Itinerary for your houseboat rental in the Lot: You have complete freedom to choose the itinerary for your river cruise in the Lot. It's advisable to plan ahead. You can contact us to order a river guide for the Lot. This guide will be on board your houseboat and will allow you to plan your itinerary from the day of departure.
- Operating the houseboat in the Lot: Before setting off, you'll receive an hour of training to familiarize yourself with the river code and navigation rules. You'll also learn how to operate your license-free boat's controls.
- Discovering the Lot Region at Your Own Pace: Renting a houseboat in the Lot allows you to explore charming villages, beautiful green landscapes, and savor delicious regional cuisine. Don't hesitate to taste local specialties during your stay.
- Respecting the Environment in the Lot: If you rent a houseboat in the Lot, be vigilant about respecting the environment. Follow navigation rules and make sure not to leave any traces behind.
By following these tips for a first-time houseboat rental in the Lot, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience!
During your houseboat rental in the Lot, you'll likely be required to pass through locks. Lock passage in the Lot is a crucial step in navigation. Here's how it generally works:
- Crew Preparation: First and foremost, it's essential to outline safety instructions, assign specific roles to each adult on board, such as helmsman and mooring crew, and ensure the safety of the entire crew.
- Notify the Lock Keeper: Depending on the type of lock, it's necessary to inform the lock keeper of your intention to pass through.
- Enter Slowly: You enter the lock cautiously, avoiding any rush that could damage the boat.
- Position Properly: Ensure that you leave enough space for other boats inside the lock. If you're the only boat, place yourself carefully in the center.
- Mooring in the Lock Without Tying Knots: Moor the boat to the lock bollards at the front and back without tying knots, thus facilitating the operations.
- Watch for Swirls: Stay vigilant for swirls, especially during the filling or emptying of the lock, particularly near the doors, to ensure everyone's safety on board.
- Let the Mooring Lines Out While Holding Firmly: Ensure that you hold the boat firmly using the mooring lines during the ascent or descent of the lock, avoiding any knots on the cleat.
- Do Not Place Hands: It's imperative to avoid manipulating mooring lines or the cleat directly with hands or feet. Prefer the use of equipment like boat hooks to perform these maneuvers safely.
- Wait Until the Doors Are Fully Open: Under no circumstances leave the lock before its doors are fully open, an essential precaution to avoid potential issues.
In general, lock personnel are present to assist boaters and ensure safe passage. It's essential to respect right-of-way rules and follow the personnel's instructions as needed.
To rent a houseboat in the Lot, it's important to take various factors into consideration, including your personal preferences. Here are some points to consider:
- High Tourist Season: The high tourist season in the Lot typically runs from late June to late August. Renting houseboats is in high demand during this time because the weather is pleasant, and it's the school holidays. However, canal traffic is often busier at this time.
- Low Season: It's recommended to rent a houseboat in the Lot during spring or autumn to enjoy calm conditions and advantageous rental rates. During this time of the year, the landscapes are particularly beautiful, with lovely autumn colors.
- Local Events: Check for local events, such as festivals or markets, that could make your houseboat rental in the Lot more interesting. Many of these events take place during the tourist season.
The Lot offers a multitude of popular routes for houseboat cruises. Here are some examples of routes if you rent a houseboat in the Lot:
- The Lot River: This river winds its way through the Lot department, offering picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to visit charming hilltop villages.
You can find more detailed itinerary suggestions on our website to help you plan your houseboat rental in the Lot.
By Car: To get to your houseboat rental in the Lot, you can take the highway and park your car near the departure base or reserve a parking spot.
By Train: You can reach your departure base by taking the train.
By Plane: To save time and reach your houseboat rental in the Lot, choose to fly if time is precious to you. Just take a flight to the nearest airport to your destination and then rent a car or choose public transportation to get around locally.
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
1 day at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie during your river cruise on the Lot
1 day in Cahors during your river cruise on the Lot
Itinerary ideas for your cruise on the Lot
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"Nice trrip, with a great weather!"