River boat holidays in France
Wind your way along one of France’s river routes to take in beautiful countryside, bustling towns and quintessential villages, not to mention delicious food and drink. After your short journey with Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais in only 35 minutes, take your car to one of the many places where you can hire a boat and set sail.
The rivers of France connect some of the most exciting regions and provide you with a whole new perspective to travelling by car. Both the river Seine and Garonne weave through a mix of landscapes and provide unique stops and destinations. The Rhone flows all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, with Alpine features and mountains close by.
Excited to get started? Let us show you some of the stunning places where you can take a river boating holiday in France, as well as things to see and do as you explore.
Bordeaux, Dordogne & wine country
Sampling delicious wines and soaking up some fascinating history is par for the course in these stunning parts of France.
Take a voyage on the river Garonne through the Aran Valley to Bordeaux, the well-known capital of the wine region, filled with exciting locations such as the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, an opera house that has to be seen to be believed. You can also discover France’s largest independent bookshop here.
History lovers will be in their element in the department of Dordogne. It’s one of the oldest in the country, filled with rolling hills and plenty of green spaces. The architecture in the pretty towns and villages is like something straight out of a fairytale, including the medieval Château de Castelnaud and Château des Milandes.
Paris & the River Seine
The river Seine at sunset is a sight not to be missed
Paris is always a good idea, especially by boat. Take a slower pace as you float along the Seine, which passes through some of Normandy’s best spots including the Normandy landing beaches and the home and gardens of artists Claude Monet. Côte Fleurie (the flower coast) can also be found by the Seine’s banks, lined with chic towns and romantic beaches.
The River Rhône
Beginning its journey in the Swiss Alps, the River Rhone flows through the south of France, with key stops in Lyon, known as the food capital of France, Mâcon in Burgundy (a key wine producing region), and Avignon where the grand Palace of the Popes was the seat of Catholicism in the 14th century. If you love art, you can also plan a visit to Arles, the city that inspired Van Gogh’s oil paintings, watercolours, and sketches of The Langlois Bridge at Arles.
Canal holidays in France
Canal St Martin offers a different view of Paris
Possibly one of the most authentic ways to travel through France is by its relaxed canal waterways. Meander through towns filled with Gothic architecture, sample local dishes or experience new cultures. Set the pace as you explore all France has to offer by boat, stopping at unique places and making new memories.
Even if you’re a regular traveller to France, a canal holiday will give you a brand-new perspective on your favourite places, and help you discover new ones.
Ready to plan a trip? Here’s our top ideas for canal cruising in France to get you started.
Boating holidays on the French lakes
The impressive Hautcombe Abbey sits on the banks of Lac Du Bourget
France is home to some of the prettiest lakes in Europe, allowing for a host of activities including boating, watersports and even wild swimming. Take Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes, then it’s just a relaxing drive to one of these tranquil spots. Gathered around the lakes of France are campsites of all shapes and sizes, or quintessential French towns to stay in. Either way you’ll be amongst friendly locals, inspirational scenery and exciting new places to relax and regenerate.
Lac D’Annecy
The serenity of Lac d'Annecy is in stark contrast to the mountains and forest that surround it. It’s the third largest lake in France, so naturally offers a wealth of activities for those that choose to stop or stay. Even if you decide to just sit back and relax, this is a tranquil place, meaning you can make the most of a quieter atmosphere and real thinking space, especially at dawn or sunset when the lake is at its most lovely. We recommend stopping by Acacias Bellevue, where you can dine outside with panoramic views of the lake to truly appreciate it.
Lac Du Bourget
Tucked into the department of Savoie and to the south of the imposing Jura Mountains, this lake also goes by the name Lac Gris (grey lake). It is incredibly popular during the summer months thanks to beaches that offer every water-based activity you can think of, plus its most-famous town, Aix-les-Bains is filled with vibrant nightlife opportunities.
Lac D’Aiguebelette
Also located in Savoie, this natural lake is best-known for its unique blue-green shade waters and its hot springs (there are seven to choose from). This is a great spot for those looking for a quieter break, as motorboats are prohibited to prevent sound pollution and to protect the local wildlife. You can hike trails around the pretty shoreline or even try your hand at paragliding over the water.