Discover the best houseboat rental offers in Burgundy
Burgundy is one of the most picturesque regions from France with its medieval villages, majestic castles and lush landscapes.
Renting a licence-free houseboat is the best way to discover the hidden treasures of this region. You can cruise at your own pace through the vineyards, admiring the hilly landscapes and historical monuments. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the castles, taste the local wines and discover the medieval towns and villages such as Beaune, Auxerre or Dijon.
Rent your river boat now and explore this region at your own pace while enjoying the comfort and elegance of a modern river boat.
Selected for you by Cris Boat
48 boats available
From €160 / pers
Week of the 5/12/25 to 5/19/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €251 / pers
Week of the 6/6/25 to 6/13/25
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €133 / pers
Week of the 5/17/25 to 5/24/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €265 / pers
Week of the 5/17/25 to 5/24/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €251 / pers
Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €141 / pers
Week of the 5/16/25 to 5/23/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €228 / pers
Week of the 5/16/25 to 5/23/25
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3


From €173 / pers
Week of the 5/5/25 to 5/12/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €168 / pers
Week of the 5/2/25 to 5/9/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €170 / pers
Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €212 / pers
Week of the 8/9/25 to 8/16/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €186 / pers
Week of the 6/14/25 to 6/21/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €377 / pers
Week of the 8/9/25 to 8/16/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €191 / pers
Week of the 8/23/25 to 8/30/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €350 / pers
Week of the 8/23/25 to 8/30/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €197 / pers
Week of the 8/23/25 to 8/30/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €218 / pers
Week of the 7/21/25 to 7/28/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €188 / pers
Week of the 8/25/25 to 9/1/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €401 / pers
Week of the 7/26/25 to 8/2/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €220 / pers
Week of the 9/19/25 to 9/26/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €372 / pers
Week of the 8/23/25 to 8/30/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €193 / pers
Week of the 5/19/25 to 5/26/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €294 / pers
Week of the 7/25/25 to 8/1/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €320 / pers
Week of the 9/15/25 to 9/22/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €273 / pers
Week of the 7/7/25 to 7/14/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €376 / pers
Week of the 8/15/25 to 8/22/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €223 / pers
Week of the 7/5/25 to 7/12/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €360 / pers
Week of the 8/30/25 to 9/6/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €186 / pers
Week of the 9/20/25 to 9/27/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €241 / pers
Week of the 8/11/25 to 8/18/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €362 / pers
Week of the 8/29/25 to 9/5/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €248 / pers
Week of the 7/12/25 to 7/19/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €230 / pers
Week of the 7/7/25 to 7/14/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €290 / pers
Week of the 7/11/25 to 7/18/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €392 / pers
Week of the 8/11/25 to 8/18/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €397 / pers
Week of the 7/11/25 to 7/18/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €264 / pers
Week of the 7/5/25 to 7/12/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €309 / pers
Week of the 9/22/25 to 9/29/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €369 / pers
Week of the 8/25/25 to 9/1/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €295 / pers
Week of the 5/5/25 to 5/12/25
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €326 / pers
Week of the 9/5/25 to 9/12/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €244 / pers
Week of the 7/11/25 to 7/18/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €204 / pers
Week of the 9/1/25 to 9/8/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €229 / pers
Week of the 6/2/25 to 6/9/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €214 / pers
Week of the 6/23/25 to 6/30/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €371 / pers
Week of the 6/27/25 to 7/4/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €150 / pers
Week of the 9/29/25 to 10/6/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Everything you need to know about barge hire without a licence in Burgundy
Renting a barge in Burgundy is an exceptional experience that combines the adventure of river cruising with the discovery of the history and natural beauty of this emblematic region of central-eastern France. Hire a barge in Burgundy and discover the region at your own pace! You'll be able to explore historic villages, pass through locks and savour the delights of the local cuisine, while enjoying the peace and quiet of the canals. Whether you're a novice or an experienced sailor, this cruise will allow you to discover the rich culture and beauty of this region, while enjoying the peaceful pace of life on the river.
If you hire a houseboat in Burgundy with CrisBoat, you can benefit from a wide choice of available boats. You would choose the houseboat you want to rent in Burgundy according to your preferences and needs. To help you, we have divided the houseboats for hire in Burgundy into different ranges:
- The Essential Range: The barges in the Essential Range are of traditional and fairly old design, offering the opportunity to discover river cruising in Burgundy at a moderate price. They are equipped with electric toilets and a 220V socket for those connected to a quay. Some also have an outside steering position and a terrace to enjoy the Burgundy scenery.
- The Standard range: The boats in the Standard range for hire in Burgundy are old but equipped with all the essential comforts. They have several bathrooms and most have an outside terrace with a steering position, offering beautiful views over the Burgundy canals and allowing you to bask in the sun. Some unlicensed barges make cruising easier thanks to their bow thrusters.
- The Comfort Range: Hire a Comfort Range barge in Burgundy for a great family holiday. Most of the boats available are of recent design and offer optimum comfort. Each cabin has a private bathroom, and there are plenty of facilities for your comfort, such as a bimini, microwave, air freshener and TV with DVD player. So you can enjoy a pleasant stay in Burgundy.
- The Premium Range: We offer Premium barges for hire in Burgundy, which are elegant, spacious and very comfortable. Each cabin has a private bathroom and toilet. Most of the barges have air conditioning, bow and stern propulsion, an integrated plancha and an internal 220 V circuit. This means you can always have an electrical socket on board.
Are you preparing for your first houseboat rental in Burgundy? Here are some tips to have a smooth cruise:
- Choosing the Houseboat to Rent in Burgundy: When renting a houseboat in Burgundy, it's essential to select one that suits your expectations and needs. Our fleet offers different models for groups of 2 to 12 people, with various options. It's crucial to define your crew and requirements before proceeding with the rental.
- Planning Your Houseboat Trip in Burgundy: To rent a houseboat in Burgundy, it's important to choose a starting base. CrisBoat offers several departure options if you rent your houseboat with them :Chatillon-En-Bazois, Corbigny, Decize, Joigny, Mailly-Le-Château, Migennes,Tannay, Briare, Dompierre, Plagny, Digoin, Saint-Léger, Venarey
- Houseboat Rental Itinerary in Burgundy: You have the freedom to choose your houseboat rental itinerary in Burgundy. We recommend planning your route in advance, and you can order the Burgundy river guide from us. Otherwise, the guide will be available on your houseboat to help you plan your route upon arrival at the departure base.
- Operating the Houseboat in Burgundy: Before your departure, you will receive about an hour of training to learn the rules of river navigation and familiarize yourself with your no-license boat's controls.
- Exploring the Burgundy Region at Your Own Pace: Renting a houseboat in Burgundy offers several advantages, including the opportunity to discover picturesque villages, admire vineyards, and savor local cuisine. It's also a chance to taste locally produced wines.
- Environmental Respect in Burgundy: When renting a houseboat in Burgundy, it's important to take care of the environment. Follow navigation rules and ensure you leave no waste behind.
By following these tips for renting a houseboat in Burgundy for the first time, you're guaranteed to have a memorable experience.
If you rent a houseboat in Burgundy, you will likely have to pass through locks, an essential part of your navigation. Here's how it generally works:
- Preparing the Crew: Explain safety rules to everyone on board, designate adults for each role (helmsman, moorers, etc.) to ensure everyone's safety.
- Signaling to the Lock Keeper: Before entering a lock, it's important to inform the lock keeper of your intention to pass.
- Entering Slowly: It's recommended to maneuver carefully to enter the lock to avoid any damage to the boat.
- Positioning Well: Leave enough space for other boats when entering the lock. If you're alone, position yourself in the center.
- Mooring in the Lock without Knots: Secure the houseboat to the lock bollards at the front and back without tying knots.
- Beware of Eddies: During the filling or emptying of the lock, pay attention to eddies, especially near the gates, to ensure everyone's safety.
- Let the Mooring Lines Slip While Holding Firmly: It's important to hold the boat in place with the mooring lines during the lock's ascent or descent, taking care not to tie knots on the cleat.
- Do Not Touch with Hands: To avoid any risk, it's advised not to touch the mooring lines or cleat directly with your hands or feet. It's better to use equipment such as boat hooks to handle the lines.
- Wait for the Gates to Be Fully Open: It's recommended to wait until the lock gates are fully open before departing to prevent any potential issues.
Lock personnel are there to assist boaters and ensure safe navigation. It's important to follow priority rules and pay attention to the staff's instructions if necessary.
To choose the best time for renting a houseboat in Burgundy, several factors need to be considered, including your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- High Tourist Season: The busiest tourist period in Burgundy runs from late June to late August. During this time, it's possible to rent a houseboat as it's a highly sought-after period due to the good weather and school holidays. However, there are often more people on the canals at this time.
- Low Season: To enjoy a quieter environment and lower rental rates, it may be wise to rent a houseboat in Burgundy outside the high season, such as in spring or autumn. The landscapes in autumn are particularly beautiful.
- Local Events: If you are interested in renting a houseboat in Burgundy, inquire about local events such as festivals and markets. These events mainly take place during the tourist season and can make your stay more interesting.
- Weather: Take into account the weather conditions and temperatures when planning your trip. The months of May and September are an excellent time to avoid overcrowding and enjoy pleasant weather.
In Burgundy, you can rent a houseboat and follow various popular cruise itineraries. You have a choice of several navigation areas, including those listed below.
- The Nivernais Canal: It stretches for 180km from Decize to the Auxerrois vineyards. This canal has 116 automatic locks operated by lock keepers, making navigation easier and less tiring.
- The Canal Latéral à la Loire: This canal is calm and offers pleasant and uncomplicated houseboat navigation. There are a total of 37 automatic locks and 26 ports that provide numerous mooring points.
- The Canal du Centre: This 112 km long canal is narrow and winding, but navigation is simple and enjoyable. The canal has 61 automatic locks.
- The Burgundy Canal: This is a less frequented canal, and navigation is very smooth and enjoyable. The canal has a total of 189 locks: 113 are located on the Yonne side and 76 on the Saône side. The locks are manual, and some are managed by lock keepers.
- Round Trip Itineraries: You can choose a round trip houseboat rental in Burgundy, allowing you to return to your starting point, providing a more comprehensive experience of the region.
- By Car: To reach your houseboat in Burgundy, you have two options: take the highway and park your car near your starting point or reserve a parking spot.
- By Train: To reach your houseboat rental in Burgundy, you can take the train to the nearest train station to your starting point.
- By Plane: Taking a flight can be an efficient solution if you want to save time in reaching your houseboat rental in Burgundy. Simply choose the nearest airport and continue by car or public transport to reach your destination.
Customer testimonials


"Genial"

"comme attendu !"

"Une bonne expérience"

"Découverte de la région, du patrimoine Français"

"Répondant attentes"

"L'équipe est très accueillante et à l'écoute"

"Un moment hors du temps"

"Very good."

"Very well organised."

"It was perfect."

"I will do it again."

"Good price and quality. Good locations for week trips."

"Nothing but good things!"

"A superb week along the canal."

"Very good river experience."

"It lived up to our expectations."

"It lived up to our expectations."

"Just perfect."

"Very good."

"Excellent."

"Top-notch customer service."

"Very competent, available and friendly professionals."

"A very good memory."

"A very warm welcome and good support during our stay."

"Very pleasant."

"Everything was great with the exception of the route, which on the whole lacked charm. We would have liked to cruise south, but technically that wasn't possible."

"Very friendly staff, great advice, very nice trip."

"No problem."

"A superb cruise aboard the Tarpon 32, which we've hired out several times - you don't change a winning team!"

"3 superb days, just wandering around, no stress, I recommend it."

"Good advice from the sales team on the choice of boat, simple and efficient return."

"auto-translation :''Very pleasant''"

"This is my second experience of river cruising with my family and CrisBoat is a great booking platform, responsive and pleasant to deal with."

"Very enjoyable. A great family experience.The children loved it. We really enjoyed meeting the lock-keepers on the Nivernais Canal."

"Highly recommended."

"Listens to customers, gives good advice."

"CrisBoat agents and harbour reception very satisfactory."

"Good customer service, good experience but prices a bit high."

"Interesting discovery. We hope to repeat this experience."

"Competent and efficient staff."

"Perfect."

"To be repeated on a longer cruise with friends."

"Perfect."

"Great welcome, very good and well maintained equipment, great team."

"Good experience overall. We really enjoyed this style of holiday."

"Pleasant and helpful reception"

"Excellent! Very good commercial and administrative follow-up and reception at the base"

"auto-translation :''A relaxing and enjoyable holiday with friends.''"

"auto-translation :''Everything great''"

"auto-translation :''Good service and a very good sense of service, especially when dealing with technical problems''"

"auto-translation :''pleasant and relaxing''"

"auto-translation :''We were all delighted with our stay despite the gloomy weather.''"

"auto-translation :''Good times sharing as a family''"

"auto-translation :''Very nice experience''"

"auto-translation :''Nice and relaxing''"

"auto-translation :''Relaxing, pleasant''"

"auto-translation :''Competent sales department with clear and effective communication''"

"auto-translation :''Good welcome at the base, good boat, good weather''"

"Bon bateau et super service"

"auto-translation :''Welcome, good boat''"

"auto-translation :''Very good value for money, very good staff''"

"auto-translation :''Reassuring because well framed''"

"auto-translation :''For our first experience, we were satisfied''"

"auto-translation :''To try it is to adopt it!!!''"

"auto-translation :''Very good service''"

"Very good"

"auto-translation :''Very good for everyone on board.''"

"auto-translation :''Good commercial approach-very friendly welcome''"

"auto-translation :''Nice stay''"

"auto-translation :''Very good''"

"auto-translation :''Stay full of discovery, quiet and silent, relaxing.''"

"auto-translation :''Very pleasant stay (1st experience)''"

"auto-translation :''Serious company.''"

"auto-translation :''As usual very well''"

"auto-translation :''Well organized stay, lovely region''"

"auto-translation :''Efficient, in line with our expectations. The choice of the boat is very important for the people a little old (small freeboard''"

"auto-translation :''Nothing to complain about, impeccable stay''"

"auto-translation :''Very good''"

"We were very happy with Cris Boats - we have already told our friends about it. The staff member at the boat yard was great with advice about the boat and where to go."

"auto-translation :''Quick repair, no worries''"

"auto-translation :''Very good reception on the bases compared to your competitors''"

"auto-translation :''Excellent stay as much by the comfort of the boat as by the reception on the commercial service and the base''"

"auto-translation :''Very Good ''"

"auto-translation :''Super awesome''"

"auto-translation :''Meet all our expectations''"

"auto-translation :''Very good, difficult to find better and more beautiful weather all week …''"

"auto-translation :''Very good, I think we will refer a cruise''"

"auto-translation :''We loved everything!''"

"auto-translation :''First satisfying and original experience''"

"auto-translation : ''Easy, practical, experience worth repeating''"

"auto-translation : ''Great''"

"auto-translation : ''Very exotic''"

"auto-translation : ''Wonderful''"

"Lovely, very quiet."

"auto-translation : ''Good contact, nice, too short (WE).''"

"auto-translation : ''Very happy with our stay''"

"auto-translation : ''Perfect stay''"

"Responsive, Value"

"auto-translation : ''I searched, but I find no point of improvement to give''"

"auto-translation : ''Very good stay''"

"auto-translation : ''Aside from the cramped cabins, everything was perfect''"

"auto-translation : ''Great !! Very pleased with our stay with Cris Boat''"

"auto-translation : ''Happy with our stay, cruise, boat and friendly staff''"

"auto-translation : ''Great stay, wonderful cruise''"

"It was ok, very good stay in Burgundy"

"auto-translation : ''Okay, carefree.''"

"auto-translation : ''Good stay but somewhat tempered by the passage locks system that is not more evident on the Canal Borugogne''"

"auto-translation : ''Friendly and nice, an exotic holiday.''"

"auto-translation : ''Okay, exotic and we appreciated being able to settle here to sleep in nature, particularly in the pond-sod''"

"auto-translation : ''Everything went well during our river cruise, no snags to report''"

"auto-translation : ''Great holidays on river boat ''"

"auto-translation : ''Okay, can be home based Chatillon, a little cold''"

"auto-translation : ''The provision corresponds to what was planned''"

"I want to do this again and bring friends with me next time"

"auto-translation : ''Good''"

"auto-translation : ''Well, despite problems with the rented bikes''"

"auto-translation : ''Unusual holidays to redo''"

"auto-translation : ''Great''"

"auto-translation : ''Very good company to stay again as soon as possible''"

"auto-translation : ''++ I would recommend this kind of cruise''"

"auto-translation : ''satisfactory cruise''"

"auto-translation : ''A remake absolutely''"

"auto-translation : ''Very good, to remake''"

"auto-translation : ''A remake soon as possible''"

"auto-translation : ''The team of Châtillon is really on top. Troubleshooting the day of Easter.''"

"auto-translation : ''Great experience that I recommend''"

"auto-translation : ''Very friendly and accomodating Home''"

"auto-translation : ''Many locks to pass on the Canal du Nivernais''"

"auto-translation : ''We would like to repeat a longer stay. It's very nice to discover the rivers from another angle''"

"auto-translation : ''We know for 10 years and we come back''"

"auto-translation : ''Good organization and very comfortable boat''"

"Loved experience, but the boat was a bit old. Everything worked but France needs to clear up its laws on holding tanks. Disgusting to expel waste water into canal in 2015. If it was better, the canals would be sparkling."

"auto-translation : ''Nice river cruise on the Nivernais''"
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"Facile, adapté à ma demande"