Best Offers of self-drive boating in Alsace

With CrisBoat, hire a houseboat in Alsace from a wide choice of boats. Choose the houseboat that suits your needs and preferences. To make your choice easier, our boats are classified into different ranges.

• The Essential range: The houseboats in the Essential range for hire are of traditional design and are quite old. However, they are perfect for a river cruise in Alsace on a limited budget. Most of them have electric toilets and a 220V socket if they are connected to a quay. Some also have an outside steering position, so you can enjoy the beauty of the Alsace countryside from a terrace.
• The Standard range: The houseboats in the Standard range available for hire in Alsace are equipped with all the necessary comforts, even though they are rather old. They offer several bathrooms, as well as an outside cockpit with a terrace where you can soak up the sun and enjoy uninterrupted views over the canals of Alsace. Some houseboats without a licence are equipped with a bow thruster to make your navigation in Alsace easier.
• The Comfort range: You can hire a comfortable houseboat from the Comfort range in Alsace, ideal for a successful family holiday. These recent boats have a private bathroom for each cabin and some are also equipped with a bimini, microwave, air freshener and flat-screen TV with DVD player, for a pleasant stay in Alsace.
• Premium Range: We offer Premium Range houseboats for hire in Alsace. These elegant boats are particularly spacious and comfortable. Each cabin has its own private bathroom and toilet. Most Premium houseboats come with additional equipment such as air conditioning, a bow and stern thruster, an integrated plancha and an internal 220 V circuit, so you'll never be without an electrical socket on board.

If you're considering your first houseboat charter in Alsace, we've got a few tips to help you make the most of your cruise.

1. Finding the right houseboat to hire in Alsace: To choose the right houseboat in Alsace, we recommend that you determine your preferences and requirements. Our boats are suitable for groups of between 2 and 12 people, and come with a range of different options. It is therefore essential to consider your crew and your needs before hiring a houseboat.
2. Planning your houseboat trip in Alsace: When choosing a houseboat, it's essential to choose a base in Alsace. With CrisBoat, hiring a houseboat in Alsace gives you access to several departure bases: Boofzheim, Hesse, Languimberg, Saverne, Lutzelbourg, Waltenheim/Zorn, Harskirchen, etc.
3. Itinerary for your houseboat charter in Alsace: You can decide on the itinerary for your houseboat charter in Alsace. We recommend that you think about it before you leave and order the Alsace river guide from us. This guide will also be available on your houseboat, so you can plan your itinerary on the day of departure.
4. Driving the houseboat in Alsace: Before your departure, you will attend an introductory session lasting around an hour, which will give you the basics for navigating the waterways and using the controls of your houseboat without a licence. You'll also be able to familiarise yourself with the rules of navigation and the operation of the equipment.
5. Discover the Alsace region at your own pace: One of the advantages of hiring a houseboat in Alsace is the chance to explore the charming villages, vineyards and delicious regional cuisine. Take the opportunity to sample the local wines.
6. Respect for the environment in Alsace: If you hire a houseboat in Alsace, make sure you protect the environment. Follow the navigation rules and make sure you don't leave any rubbish behind.

If you take these suggestions into account when you hire a houseboat in Alsace for the first time, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

When you hire a houseboat in Alsace, you'll certainly have to pass through some locks. Passing through locks in Alsace is a crucial stage in navigation. Here's how it generally works:

1. Prepare the crew: Explain the safety instructions to the children, assign roles to each adult (helmsman, moorings, etc.), and make sure everyone is safe.
2. Inform the lock-keeper: Depending on the type of lock (with lock-keeper, without lock-keeper, automatic), inform the lock-keeper of your intention to pass.
3. Enter slowly: Enter the lock slowly to avoid damaging the boat.
4. Position yourself well: Leave space for other boats in the lock. If you are alone, position yourself in the middle.
5. Tie up in the lock without tying a knot: Tie up the boat to the lock bollards at the bow and stern without tying a knot.
6. Watch out for eddies: Be aware of eddies when filling or emptying the lock, especially near the gates, to ensure everyone's safety.
7. Let go of the mooring line with a firm hold: Hold the boat firmly using the mooring lines when going up or down the lock, without tying a knot in the cleat.
8. Avoid putting your hands or feet directly on the mooring lines or cleat. Use equipment such as pike poles to handle the mooring lines.
9. Wait until the gates are wide open: Do not leave the lock until the gates are fully open to avoid potential problems.

Lock staff are usually on hand to assist boaters and ensure safe passage. It is important to respect the rules of priority and to follow the staff's instructions carefully if necessary.

The ideal time to rent a houseboat in Alsace depends on a number of criteria, not least your personal tastes. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

• High tourist season: In Alsace, the high tourist season runs from the end of June to the end of August. During this period, you can hire a houseboat because it's a time of pleasant temperatures and school holidays. It should be noted, however, that the canals may be busier.
• Low season: For lower prices and a more peaceful atmosphere, it can be advantageous to hire a houseboat in Alsace outside the high season, such as spring or autumn. The magnificent autumn colours offer stunning views.
• Local events: To make your houseboat hire in Alsace more interesting, it's a good idea to find out about local events such as festivals and markets. Most of these events take place during the tourist season.
• Weather: It is advisable to consider weather conditions and temperatures when planning a trip. The months of May and September are suitable as they offer stable weather, low tourist numbers and pleasant temperatures.

In Alsace, there are many popular routes for houseboat cruises. If you're thinking of hiring a houseboat in the Alsace region, here are some of the most popular sailing areas:

• Canal de la Marne au Rhin: Houseboat cruising on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin is fairly easy, ideal for a first cruise. It's the perfect cruise for beginners or experienced boaters who want to pass through locks, navigate through impressive landscapes and discover typical villages, such as Strasbourg.
• The Canal de la Sarre: Take a houseboat cruise along the 64 km between the Etang du Stock and the town of Sarreguemines. You'll come across 27 automatic locks, triggered by remote control, making your cruise even easier.
• Return itineraries: You can also choose to hire a houseboat in Alsace for a return trip. You can choose to return to your point of departure, giving you a more complete experience of the region.

To plan your houseboat charter in Alsace, take a look at our detailed itineraries on our website.

By car: To get to your houseboat hire location in Alsace, you can take the motorway. You can then park your car close to the departure point or reserve a parking space.

Train: Trains are considered to be a comfortable and environmentally-friendly way of getting to your destination. The rail network is particularly well developed in certain regions of France, such as Alsace.

Plane: If you're in a hurry and want to save time getting to your houseboat rental in Alsace, flying may be a good idea. Choose the airport closest to your destination and then either hire a car or use public transport to reach your destination.