Discover the best houseboat rental offers in the Ardennes

When you choose to hire a houseboat from CrisBoat in the Ardennes, you have access to a variety of boats to suit your preferences and needs. The barges are classified according to their level of quality to make your selection easier.

• The Essential Range: The barges in the "Essential" range are an economical alternative for exploring river cruising in the Ardennes. Although their design is traditional and a little dated, most barges have electric toilets and a 220V power socket when moored. In addition, some have an outdoor cockpit with a terrace offering a splendid view of the Ardennes countryside.
• The Standard Range: We offer standard barges for hire in the Ardennes. Although they are older, these boats are very comfortable. Most of them have several bathrooms and an outside cockpit with a terrace to enjoy the sun and admire the picturesque scenery of the Ardennes canals. Some of these no-licence boats also have a bow thruster to make cruising easier.
• The Comfort range: If you hire a Comfort range barge in the Ardennes, you'll enjoy comfortable, modern boats, ideal for a successful family holiday. Most of these barges have a private bathroom for each cabin, as well as modern facilities such as a bimini, microwave, air conditioning, flat-screen TV and DVD player, for a pleasant stay in the Ardennes.
• The Premium Range: We have elegant, spacious and very comfortable Premium barges available in the Ardennes. Each cabin has its own private bathroom and toilet. Most barges are equipped with air conditioning, bow and stern thrusters.

If you are considering renting a houseboat for the first time in the Ardennes, we recommend that you take the following tips into account to prepare yourself properly:

1. Choice of barge: Take your time to choose the ideal barge from our varied selection, according to the size of your crew and your preferences.
2. Planning your trip: When choosing a barge, don't forget to take into account the departure base in the Ardennes. With CrisBoat, you can choose from several bases, so you can select the one that best suits your itinerary: Pont à Bar
3. Your rental itinerary: You are free to choose your route through the Ardennes. You can either order our river guide in advance to plan your itinerary, or wait until the day of departure to organise it with the river guide on board.
4. Training and initiation: Before setting off, you'll be given a one-hour training session to teach you the river code, the basics of navigation, and to familiarise you with the controls of your licence-free barge.
5. Discovering the region: During your barge hire, why not explore the pretty villages, admire the lush countryside and savour the local Ardennes specialities?
6. Respect for the environment: If you hire a houseboat in the Ardennes, make sure you respect the navigation rules and leave no trace of your passage to protect the environment.

If you hire a houseboat in the Ardennes, you'll have to pass through locks, a very important step when sailing. Here's how it usually works:

1. Preparing the crew: It is necessary to clarify the safety rules and designate who is responsible for each adult on board, such as the helmsman and mooring man, while guaranteeing the total protection of all crew members.
2. Inform the lock-keeper: Depending on the type of lock, inform the lock-keeper of your arrival in the lock.
3. Gentle entry: Be careful when entering the lock and avoid any haste that could cause damage to the barge.
4. Optimum positioning: When entering the lock, make sure you leave enough space for other boats. If you are the only boat, position yourself carefully in the centre.
5. Knot-free mooring lines: Attach the barge to the lock bollards at the bow and stern without tying any knots to make manoeuvring easier.
6. Watch out for eddies: It is important to pay attention to the movements of the water near the gates, when filling or emptying the lock, to ensure the safety of all the boat's occupants.
7. Controlled slackening of mooring lines: It is advisable for the barge to be well secured to the mooring lines when entering or leaving the lock. Take care not to tie the ropes on the cleat.
8. Avoid touching the mooring lines directly: To ensure your safety, it is essential not to touch the mooring lines or cleat directly with your hands or feet. Instead, use tools such as pike poles to carry out these manoeuvres safely and efficiently.
9. Waiting for the doors to open fully: It is imperative to wait until the lock gates are fully open before leaving, to avoid any risk.

Lock staff are there to help boaters pass through safely. It is important to respect the rules of priority and to follow the staff's instructions carefully.

The choice of the ideal period for renting a houseboat in the Ardennes depends on several factors, including your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
 

• Peak Tourist Season: The peak tourist season in the Ardennes generally falls between late June and late August. You can opt for a houseboat rental during this period because it is the most popular due to pleasant temperatures and school holidays. However, please note that the canals may be a bit busier during this time.
• Off-Peak Season: If you prefer quieter conditions and more affordable rental rates, consider renting a houseboat in the Ardennes outside of the peak season, for example, in the spring or autumn.
• Local Events: Feel free to inquire about local events such as festivals or markets, which could add a unique dimension to your houseboat rental in the Ardennes. Many of these events take place during the tourist season.

To access your rental houseboat in the Ardennes, you have several options at your disposal:

• By Car: You can take the highway and park your vehicle near your starting point. Some rental bases also offer parking spaces for added convenience.
• By Train: You can reach the starting base in the Ardennes by train, providing a convenient alternative for travelers.
• By Plane: For houseboat rentals in the Ardennes, you can choose to take a flight to the nearest airport to your destination, and then rent a car or use public transportation to reach your starting point.