Menu
If you are looking to rent a boat in France, here are the frequently asked questions.
Article from the 16/01/26
No. Many inland waters have charters that can hire a boat without any license needed.
Most self drive boat company will ask the driver to be 18+ years old, an ID, and a second crew member of 16+ years old.
Yes. Althought some areas are not advised for beginner because of a dense traffic or navigation hazard (Canal du Midi, Lot, etc …). It is advised to start with an easy area such as Anjou, Charentes, etc …
No. Make sure to have a valid ID with you. We advise to make sure the company you choose can offer a training in English (for example : look if their website is in English as well).
Between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your need and the charter’s policies. We advise to make sure you choose a company that is beginner friendly and advertise the time they take for instructions and/or online training.
Depending on the charter : most of them will offer you documents in English. We advise you to check beforehand and contact the company and/or check if their website is translated.
Most charter will include all security equipment and the training. Depending on the region and the company, some will include more. Anjou Navigation, for example, will include bed sheets and linens, towels, the locks and the water will also be free.
Fuel and extras. Most charter will charge the fuel depending on the number of hours you use the engine during the cruise. Some company will charge additionnal fees (like contract fees). Check accordingly. With Anjou Navigation, the only mandatory extra you will have to pay will be fuel, but you can also pay a prepaid fuel package to make sure you have no surprise when returning the boat.
Yes. Most company will offer weekend rentals.
Use the charter’s website and/or direct contact through email or phone. You can also use your local specialized agency but you will most likely pay extra commission. If you wish to book directly, simply check their postal adress and make sure it is situated on the river.
No. Some area of the biggest rivers are not accessible (Loire, Rhin, Seine, etc …) or will only be allowed for people owning a boat license.
Anjou, Lot, Brittany, Charente are often discussed as the best regions for a houseboat vacation.
Yes. Depending on the area : most canals are limited to 6 or 8 kilometers per hour and most rivers around 10 kilometers per hour.
No. Most river boat are not equipped with GPS and mostly use maps. Choose a beginner-friendly area if using a map is difficult for you (Anjou, Charente, etc …).
Both, depending on the region. You will find different kind and size. Some region will also have lock keepers during high season to help you (such as Anjou or Canal du Midi).
Most rental boats come with heating to allow rental in lower season.
Air conditioning can be present in some region and/or range of boat. But keep in mind that the power needed from air conditioning means the boat will come with a generator. Apart from the ecological question this would raise (especially in protected areas where most boats tend to travel to), it is also a source of noise and disturbance for you.
This would depend on the company you hire the boat. Most of them come with an assistance phone number. It is recommended to choose a company that does its own assistance wether than through a third party.
Anjou Navigation, for example, has a 24/7 assistance emergency number reachinga member of its own staff, equiped to meet you if necessary.
Mostly yes. French law makes access alongside river mandatory, so docking/mooring is allowed almost everywhere. Just make sure not to dock on a private mooring (look for licence plates). On natural river, it is recommended to take time to make sure the topogragphy is adapted to mooring. That means avoiding rocky river beds, shallow areas and dangerous inclines.
Swimming will depend on the area you are in : it is recommended to reach the company you are hiring to to ask them. Most local laws in France are forbidding swimming for legal reasons even though they tolerate it.
Fishing is allowed as long as you follow a few simple rules. First, make sure to have a fishing licence (take it in a local shop or through internet). Then, make sure to fish when the boat is stopped and that your lines do not disturb navigation. Finally, make sure to follow standard fishing rules that come with lthe licence. For example : it is forbidden to fish at night or too close from a dam.
It will depend on the region where you are navigating, and most importantly if it is a river or canal network. Canals mostly where used to transport goods and do not necessarily cross a lot of villages/town. If you are looking for restaurants and/or shops along the way, it is recommended to choose a river region, such as Anjou, Lot, Charente, etc …
Author : Guillaume GUERIN
A decade of experience in inland water navigation and self-drive boating.
Receive promotions and new products in preview with the Anjou Navigation Newsletter
Quai National
72300 Sablé-sur-Sarthe
+33 2 43 95 14 42
(abroad) : (+ 33) 243 95 14 42
contact@anjou-navigation.fr
Find us on THE MAP
