canal boat trips europe

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Best European Canal Boat Trips

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Slow travel is the only way to really appreciate a destination. Because we rush around too much in our daily life, when we finally are “Out of Office,” “Gone Fishing,” or simply away, we should relax. Not only is slowly exploring a region much more sustainable, but it is also good for the soul.

As the old wisdom goes, we need to allow our souls to catch up with our bodies sometimes. In today’s world, our body can travel so much faster than our soul, so that often we have already returned home before our soul has a chance to catch up with us — let alone enjoy the break. Slow and soulful are the buzzwords when it comes to canal or riverboat trips.

Europe is crisscrossed with magical waterways and perfectly set up to hire a boat and travel through a canal, enjoying the sights along the way, hopping off occasionally to explore, or otherwise, sit back with a book and allow the world to slowly move by. Whether you take the helm yourself or opt for a small cruising boat where others play captain, really doesn’t matter, because a canal boat trip is guaranteed to allow you to exhale and breathe deeply.

I have selected a few of my personal favorites in France, the UK, Germany, and Italy. Each one has a special appeal to me, and no two are the same, so I hope you will find one or two that inspire you for your next Europe trip.

1. Canal Du Midi, France

The Canal du Midi is not only a scenic canal but also a historic engineering marvel. Commissioned in 1666 by the progressive King Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, an overall 225 miles of waterways connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Strictly speaking, the Canal du Midi is only the part between the Mediterranean and Toulouse but is often used for the entire stretch.

It is probably the most popular canal to self-navigate, despite its 328 structures, comprising bridges, locks, aqueducts, and tunnels, and is superbly set up for visitors either hiring a narrow boat themselves or choosing one with a captain. The difficult thing is to decide whether you are going to sail the entire stretch, which direction to take, and how much time to spend because in addition to Toulouse, there are countless beautiful rural villages and historic sites to explore along the canal.

Pro Tip: The true Canal du Midi is my personal favorite, boating between Toulouse, past cute Bram, imposing Carcassonne , and ending up in the stunning Camargue region, from where you can extend your vacation to Montpellier , Avignon , and Provence .

2. Canal Saint-Martin, Paris, France

Not all canal trips meander through quiet countryside, some even take place right in the center of a bustling city, in this case, Paris. This four-day, part-on, part off-board trip through the Canal St.-Martin, the Villette Basin, and Canal St.-Denis allows you to see Paris from a whole new perspective. You probably know that there are canals right in the center of Paris, formerly used to transport cargo, and today lined with trendy cafes, restaurants, and houseboats, but the chance of actually traveling along them, through the locks, under the bridges, and even through the tunnel linking the Seine with Bastille, is very rare, indeed. Backwater Cruises offer various cruises in France, but only this one-off special , rare opportunity of cruising through the canals of Paris, in September 2022.

Pro Tip: You will not only sail through Paris, but also have half-day excursions and sightseeing trips around the city, so this is a great opportunity for both, those knowing Paris well already but wanting something a little different, as well as newcomers.

3. The River Thames, England

You start your Thames barge vacation with afternoon tea in London, stepping aboard a luxury canal boat complete with a crew of four looking after you, and then sail down the Thames. Stops along the way include visits to the palaces and castles of Hampton Court and Windsor, taking chauffeur-driven cars to historic sites such as Cliveden and Oxford , and ending up at Henley-on-Thames. These are four days spent in luxury, enjoying English history, beautiful waterways, gourmet dining on board, and being pampered all the way.

Pro Tip: The Magna Carta barge has four cabins, making it perfect for a barge vacation with friends, taking over the entire boat rather than sharing it with other parties. That said, the boat’s amenities are superb, the lounge large, and day trips take place in private cars, so it is more like a floating luxury hotel than a cramped narrow boat, even if you don’t know your fellow travelers.

4. Kennet And Avon Canal, England

If you liked the Thames route, and the trip whetted your appetite for navigating along a canal yourself, then why not continue westward along the Kennet and Avon Canal? The canal connects the river Kennet, which in turn joins the Thames, with the River Avon and meanders through the gorgeous southwest English countryside following the rough route of the Great West Way between London and Bristol . Narrow boat hire is so popular here, that you can either go the entire 87 miles or choose your favorite shorter distance route for a day or two, such as between Devizes and Bath Spa .

Pro Tip: You can also walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal, along the towpath, so you could opt to take a boat trip one way and walk back the other. My favorite route is between Bath and Bradford on Avon, which takes around three hours of walking, but longer if you stop at the pubs along the way. Do plan those pubs into your itinerary, be it from the boat or while on foot because they are fabulous, especially the Cross Guns Avoncliff with its beer garden overlooking the weir.

5. Canals In And Around Berlin, Germany

The region of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommen stretching between Germany’s capital city Berlin and the Baltic Sea in the north is not only beautiful but also honeycombed with lakes, rivers, and canals. It is simply crying out to be explored by boat. Hiring not a narrow canal boat, but instead, a rather sleek but not too overwhelming motor yacht, you can take your time exploring the lakes, the historic towns such as Potsdam and Furstenberg along the way, mooring alongside lake shores for a coffee, or simply sail in and out of canals and rivers, finding quiet spots to moor and read a book.

Pro Tip: This company also hires out small, license-free boats all across Europe. Have a look at the brochure for further inspiration.

6. River Po And The Bianco Canal, Italy

Please forgive me for including a canal boat trip that is more like a small cruise , but the route taken is so nice that I wanted to include it. Picture Italy at its finest: starting off in Venice, then being welcomed with Prosecco on board the Bella Vita , the Good Life, and staying overnight on board for a bit more Venice in the morning. Then you’ll be sailing off past small historic fishing villages, taking in the odd wine cellar, looking at Renaissance art in Ferrara, also famous for its marble. You’ll be sailing along the River Po and the scenic Bianco Canal, also known as the Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante, before being transferred back to Venice after five days. Bella Vita indeed!

Pro Tip: There are some options to get off the boat to delve into the surroundings by bicycle, maybe working off some of the calories provided by the scrumptious Italian gourmet food on board.

7. Champagne Region, France

Yes, France again. But really, you can’t go wrong with France, right? Especially not with a luxury canal boat tour through the French Champagne region, quite literally from champagne house to champagne house. Setting off from Châlons-en-Champagne, for six days and five nights, you putter through the Marne Valley, visiting the two main centers of Champagne, and champagne, Reims and Epernay, while in between visiting vineyards, exploring the nicely flat countryside by bicycle if you so wish, and always returning to the luxury boat Hirondelle , the Swallow, for gourmet food, a glass — or two or three — of champagne on the shiny teak deck, while allowing the French countryside to slowly move past you. This is a luxury boat trip, curated by Belmond, with four cabins on board, available for private hire, or per cabin.

Pro Tip: This boat trip includes transfers from and back to Paris, so you could easily combine it with the Paris Canal St.-Martin tour.

River cruises are an excellent way to explore destinations:

• My Experience Cruising On A Luxury Barge In Bordeaux And Why You Should Try It
• Considering A European River Cruise? 7 Things To Know
• Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube: How To Make The Most Of Every Stop

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

European Barge Cruises

Barge cruises in France on the canals

Intimate with all home comforts, cruises on the french canals aboard some of the most modern barges in europe., oise valley cruise, full details on our itinerary on the oise valley.

The Oise Valley on a Cruise

CRUISES IN PROVENCE

Full details on our itineraries on the provence canal..

From Arles to Sète

Itinerary also available in reverse.

CRUISES IN THE MARNE

Full details on our itineraries on the canal of the marne..

From Paris to Epernay

CRUISES IN ALSACE

Full details on our itineraries on the marne-rhine canal..

From Strasbourg to Lagarde

CRUISES IN THE VALLEY OF DOUBS

Full details on our itineraries in the valley of doubs..

From Montbéliard to Besançon

CRUISES IN BURGUNDY

Full details on our itineraries on the rhône-rhine canal..

From Besançon to Dijon

CRUISES ON THE SAINT-MARTIN CANAL

Full details on our itinerary on the Saint-Martin Canal.

Cruise in the heart of Paris

European barge cruises

Embark one of our 6 luxury barges for a cruise on France’s Canals in 2024 . These canal cruisers are the most modern in Europe, and designed for intimate, relaxing cruising. Relax on the terrace, with it’s jacuzzi and deckchairs, while you comfortably admire the most beautiful landscapes of France . 

Paris and the Canal Saint-Martin, the canals of Burgundy, the canals of Alsace, Provence and Camargue... embark for cruises that will immerse you in the cultural, culinary and scenic destinations. During stopovers, take advantage of the bicycles available on board - cycling along the towpaths or into town, or set off to discover the many hiking trails. On board, enjoy a traditional and refined cuisine , prepared by our chefs under the direction of Alain Bohn, a member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. 

To make you enjoy a comfortable and all-inclusive cruise, the cabins of our barges are equipped with all the necessary amenities to guarantee you an exceptional stay, in the trend of " slow tourism ".

Inquire about private cruising - each barge holds a maximum of 22 passengers , perfect for friends and families.

Discover the cruises, their program, the excursions they offer, and book your trip online!

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Boating Europe

Popular routes for holidays.

Explore the rivers and canals of France on a cruiser or Penichette Boat. Cruise the famous Canal du Midi, the wine areas of Burgundy, or sample the French regions.

Biggest choice of French boat holidays.

Enjoy Ireland's culture and life by boat. Travel the River Shannon or scenic Erne waterways and stop off to explore the villages and sights of historic Ireland.

Cruiser Boats and Penichette Boats available for hire in Ireland.

Cruise the famous Dutch canals on one of our many boat holidays in Holland. Explore scenic towns and villages or travel to cosmopolitan Amsterdam.

Penichette boats and cruiser boats available in Holland.

Steer your boat to historic Venice from our cruiser boat and Penichette Boat bases nearby.

Moor in the very heart of this unique city, see the ancient sights, the canals, and the fascinating lagoon islands.

Cruise the lakes region of eastern Germany and around the Berlin area. This unspoilt region has some of the purest air and water in Europe.

Choose from cruiser boats or Penichette Boats in a range of sizes.

Take a route from near the Belgian coast to the canal city of Bruges, or perhaps take a circular tour around the scenic areas of Belgium.

We offer a range of cruiser boats for Belgian holidays afloat.

Take a unique canal narrowboat holiday along the canals of England, Wales and Scotland.

Or cruise the River Thames, Loch Ness or Norfolk Broads on a cruiser boat. Thousands of holiday options.

2020 cruising season starts in March! Save by booking your 2020 Europe boating holiday now with Exclusive Discounts plus Loyalty Bonus for previous customers.

Check out the special offers on europe boating holidays and get great deals. Use the search opposite to get our discounted prices. Call us for Independent Advice .

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There are special Family Discounts and other all-season offers. These include reductions for longer holidays and certain times of the year.

Check out boating holiday boat types

Check out our huge range of cruiser hire-boats available in the UK, Ireland, France, Holland, Italy, Belgium, Germany and the Caribbean. Many have inside and outside steering positions.

The distinctive Penichette Boats sleep from 2-12 people, and many have inside and outside steering. They are available in Ireland, France, Holland, Germany and Italy.

We offer a huge choice of traditional canal boat holidays in the UK. Take your narrowboat through locks and cruise through tunnels and over aqueducts.

Take a river cruise ship on the Rhine through Holland and Germany, or the Danube to Vienna, Budapest and the Black Sea. Cruise to Venice, the Seine in Paris, Rhone at Avignon or Douro in Portugal.

We offer luxury 6-12 berth crewed hotel barges in the most scenic areas of France, England, Scotland and Ireland, plus narrowboat hotel cruises on the canals of England and Wales.

Boating Europe, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

As of January 1, 2017, canalbargecruises.com is now a  Barge Lady Cruises   company.

New barges, cruise regions, and better access to the hidden corners of europe  let us show you the way..., browse all cruises, half board meal plans delight foodies and reduce price.

SAVOIR VIVRE

A Typical Day on a Barge Cruise and other videos to whet your appetite for a barge cruise.

 "Our best vacation ever." Those are the words we hear over and over again when people experience a canal or river barge cruise along the meandering waterways of France and Europe. Whether you are individuals on a hotel barge or on a private charter barge trip with friends or family, a barge cruise offers the perfect balance of relaxation and style. You can sit back and soak up the local culture while sampling fine wines and gourmet delicacies on your all-inclusive barge cruise. And for the active types, there's plenty of walking and biking on towpaths and through picturesque villages. Ideal for those special occasions, barge cruises on French and European waterways provide a great opportunity to gather friends and families together to celebrate life and your special occasions. Multi-generational family vacations, cooking cruises, barge and bike cruises, wine cruises and girlfriend getaways are just some of the popular theme cruises with activities for all ages. Custom barge cruises are available too!

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Most Popular Canal Barge Cruise Destinations

Top 5 european barge cruise destinations.

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Top 5 barge trips in france.

Southern Burgundy Barge Cruises

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Upper Loire Barge Cruises

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How do you select the best barge cruise for me.

Selecting the right canal or river barge cruise vacation can be daunting. It's our goal to help you choose the best barge trip for your interests, style and budget. As barge cruise specialists and authorized agent for over 40 barges, we're here to provide information, give expert advice, help you compare and book the ideal barge cruise for you, your friends and families. We'll listen to what YOU want.

The Barge Lady is ready to help!

Contact ​us: 1-800-880-0071 or email

Why Your Next Trip to Europe Should Be on the Canals

A growing number of travelers are choosing tranquil, intimate, historic canal barges over big boat river cruising. wondering where to begin we sat down with stephanie sack, a barge cruise expert, for her tips on how to find the right one for you..

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Barge cruises through the wine regions of France and other Europen countrysides give travelers a chance to savor life—and the destination—in the slow lane.

Courtesy of Barge Lady Cruises

Compared to urban vacations, which can rush through countries at the pace of an Instagram scroll, a European canal cruise is the definition of slow travel . The historic barges keep to a leisurely pace of four miles an hour, following man-made canals dug for transporting everything from wine casks to royal entourages. With just a handful of cabins, most boats offer many of the luxury perks of a boutique hotel and become a moving home base for a week of exploring some of the continent’s most unspoiled landscapes.

It’s no wonder barge trips are starting to become a popular alternative to river cruises . But with dozens of options in areas as different as the Scottish Highlands and the Loire Valley, choosing your first canal cruise can be bewildering. Enter Chicago-based Stephanie Sack, a self-described “barge cruise matchmaker,” who found her calling pairing would-be cruisers with the right canal, captain, and crew through Barge Lady Cruises , a company founded by Sack’s mother in 1985.

Choose to cruise slowly

First, she says, it’s important to decide whether canal cruising is the right choice at all. Topped with flat roofs that double as sun decks, long, narrow canal barges were designed more for shipping than speed. “You could drive in an hour the entire route that a barge cruises in a week,” Sack explains. If you’re hoping to cover lots of ground or tick off a list of specific sites, canal cruising might not be for you. “It’s really [about] the pace, the intimacy—it’s the relaxation that comes from the travel being so slow by design.”

Most barge cruises, like this one on the Canal du Midi in France, take place aboard converted historic vessels, but the boats still have many of the same amenities as a boutique hotel.

Courtsy of Barge Lady Cruises

Since many barges work the same short stretch of canal season after season, shore excursions are enriched by close relationships with local people and a deep knowledge of the landscape. Back on board, high crew-to-guest ratios translate to extremely personal service and often casual conversations about life beyond the canal. “All barge cruises have a dedicated crew,” says Sack, “and people love that they get the chance to hang out, talk to them, learn about their culture.” Sound perfect for you? Read on. France: Oui ou non?

Before you start comparing boats and booking companies, you’ll need to decide on a region to cruise. The most popular and long-standing destination for barge cruises is France , where canals wind among towering chateaux, vineyards, and rural landscapes throughout the country. It’s a favorite for a reason. If wine is what makes packing your bags worthwhile, Sack says that France has the oenophile dream on lock—a cruise past southern Burgundy’s UNESCO-listed vineyards is her top recommendation for a week of wine tasting.

World-class cycling and deep history are other draws in France. She sends avid cyclists to the Upper Loire , where hundreds of miles of bike trails wrap around canals just an afternoon’s drive from Paris; you can spend the day on two wheels, then meet up with the barge in time for dinner. For travelers who spend their transatlantic flights buried in history books, she recommends the 17th-century Canal du Midi in southern France, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a jumping-off place for visiting medieval castles and villages in the wine region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

While a relatively unknown cruising destination now, the Caledonian Canal in Scotland is fast gaining popularity.

Courtesy of European Waterways

But if you’re looking for a more up-and-coming destination—one that will give you bragging rights when it blows up in 10 years—there are plenty to choose from. Tracing a fault line that splits the region in two, Scotland’s Caledonian Canal passes whiskey distilleries and the bald dome of Ben Nevis, but it’s still barely known in the barge-cruising world. Another offbeat choice, the River Po and Canal Bianco link Venice and Mantua on a route that’s lined with vineyards and Renaissance palaces, so Sack recommends an Italian barge for a week of powerful sunshine quenched by equally powerful reds.

Wherever you choose, you’ll spend much of your time deep in rural landscapes a world away from Europe’s busy tourist trails. Canals might once have been Europe’s highways, but the golden era of barge transport has long since passed, leaving quiet the waterways and their surrounding vineyards, forests, and far-flung villages. Dial in your budget

With your destination settled, it’s time to decide whether to book a cabin or the entire boat; if you can convince a few friends to join you, a private cruise is the same price as a single room (around 70 percent of Sack’s customers choose to reserve their own boat).

Built for shipping goods, not people, the canals of Europe are narrow, forcing barges to maintain a slow and relaxing pace.

When selecting the barge itself, Sack says that most offer a similar level of service, including a top-tier chef and tour guides with deep local knowledge. They diverge in cabin size and amenities: a weeklong cruise in a barge with 100-square-foot cabins starts at $4,000 per person, while $7,500 will get you king-sized beds, bigger rooms, and onboard hot tubs.

Although barge cruising will never be a budget option, there are deals to be found, especially for travelers with flexible schedules. May through September are the most sought-after months, and prices can drop on the margins of the season. Sack recommends spending April exploring the canals of southern France, where rolling hills are padded with a brief explosion of wildflowers; or head to north Burgundy in October to partake in the celebratory daze that follows the grape harvest. Another option for budget-conscious cruisers, says Sack, is a boat with half-board . Because the crew won’t prepare every single meal, you’ll save on the booking and enjoy a little more freedom—whether you use it for canal-side picnics or Michelin-starred restaurants is between you and your wallet.

(It is possible to rent a canal boat without crew and drive it yourself—these vessels are usually compact motorboats or the slender narrowboats that ply canals in the United Kingdom. But you won’t get the same kind of luxury experience or access to local knowledge on a self-drive cruise that you do on a hotel barge cruise.)

Once the highways of Europe, the canals carved through such countries as France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom are now a way to explore their peaceful, less-traveled areas.

Start planning now Even as barge cruising grows, it remains a small world. There are fewer than 100 barge canal cruises operating, and the most popular routes are booked far in advance. For groups of six or more, Sack suggests booking a year ahead, but says that smaller parties are generally safe if they start looking eight months before their travel dates. A handful of companies handle most bookings on European canals, either providing their own boats or coordinating with owner-operated barges. Here’s where to start:

• Barge Lady Cruises represents 50 owner-operated barge cruises in eight countries—France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Ireland, England, and Scotland.
• Based in the United Kingdom, European Waterways has a private fleet of eight vessels and can organize bookings for nine additional owner-operated barges.
• While most barge cruises are aboard converted historic vessels, the river cruising company CroisiEurope now has a fleet of five purpose-built barge cruise boats.
• Long a name in luxury hotels and train travel, Belmond has a fleet of seven barges for four to eight passengers that are available exclusively for private bookings.
• The travel agency Abercrombie & Kent has also joined the barge game, with 34 boats available for private bookings and shared cruises.

Booking a European barge cruise might take some planning, but that investment pays off with a vacation that’s blissfully free of hotel reservations and train schedules. By the time you’re floating through Europe with wine glass in hand—swap in a bike helmet or history book as required—you’ll have no more reviews left to read, no tables to book, and no plans to make. All you’ll need to do is slow down to the stately pace of barge life. >>Next: A Cycling Cruise Will Change the Way You Experience Europe

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This Luxury Tour Operator Is Launching Over-the-top Canal Cruises in Europe

Cruise Europe's most picturesque waterways on luxe canal barges in 2022 — it's called "barging," duh.

If you're a fan of river cruising and slow travel , you'll love the latest travel-by-water trend to resurface: canal barges. Smaller than river cruise ships and often carrying just two passengers (though some can carry as many as 20), canal barges are all about exploring small towns and European villages along the waterways. And while the concept is far from new, canal barge cruising is getting a facelift — and a fast-track ticket into the travel zeitgeist — in 2022, when Abercrombie & Kent launches luxury canal barge cruises in Europe.

Abercrombie & Kent's take on canal barging taps into travelers' interest in slowing down and taking in quieter, European destinations outside of the major cities . That's why their canal barges will sail through the Loire Valley and the canals of Burgundy and Champagne . Beyond France, these barges will also take travelers on luxe adventures in Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, and Scotland. Instead of road tripping, and constantly bouncing to new hotel rooms, canal barge cruising gives you a consistent home base as you travel through under-the-radar villages and dock right outside must-visit pubs, wineries, and restaurants.

In terms of what you'll get on the A & K canal barges when they launch next year, here's the rundown. These barges come with gourmet meals, prepared by onboard chefs who source local ingredients as much as possible. They'll curate wine pairings for lunch and dinner, and all food and beverage are included in the trips. Any entry fees to local attractions are also covered in your charter costs.

Bargers (yes, that's the term we're going with) can charter the entire vessel; For example, traveling in Strasbourg's Roi Soleil along the Canal du Midi requires a six-person barge and charters start at $33,900 for seven days. On a more grandiose scale, you can charter a 20-guest canal barge in Venice starting at $79,000 for seven days. However, you don't have to rent out an entire barge — travelers can instead book on an intimate, curated trip instead. There are options to sail the Burgundy canal with only 11 other guests for $5,590 per person.

Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

Easy Guide to Canal Barge Cruises in Europe

Barge cruising is a lovely way to vacation and a unique experience. A canal barge cruise is complete with gourmet meals and fine wines, visits to small cities, and daily relaxing sailing experiences.

There are only a few passengers on a barge boat with few amenities. But like most small ship cruising, the sailing and destination are the exciting parts of the adventure. 

Disclosure: This post may have affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We thank European Waterways for hosting us. We truly only recommend cruises, hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What is a Canal Barge Cruise? 

Let's break it down. The word “canal” is accurate as that's what these vessels sail on. “Cruise” is accurate too, because you're cruising on the canal. But the name “barge” is a little misleading.

You would think the boat is literally an old, dingy vessel that takes you to a few stops on a waterway. Historically, barges were used to move goods along a canal from the 16th through the 19th centuries.

But today, a barge cruise is a luxury experience.

As soon as you board your first barge cruise, you'll realize you'll be well taken care of. Expect your onboard host to serve drinks when you want them, a chef to create delicious cuisine that will wow you, and the excursions on your itinerary to offer a glimpse into the area's unique history.

Barge Cruise Itineraries and Lifestyle

You'll get off the beaten track and away from larger cities. Perhaps chateau visits (depending on where you are) are on your cruise itinerary, or visiting local markets and wineries is on the agenda.

Or, maybe you'll have exclusive restaurant experiences on land for a change of scenery from the boat one evening as we did on our European Waterways experience. Or perhaps you'll be granted plenty of time to discover a town on your own once your crew tour guide delivers you and the other guests to an old town center for an afternoon of exploring.

The precise activities onboard a barge cruise vary depending on the company and location, but overall it's a relaxing, slow-travel adventure that will revive and rejuvenate you. If you truly want time for rest and relaxation during your vacation, a barge cruise could be your ticket to happiness.

How Big is a Barge Cruise?

When you board a barge cruise vessel, you'll get onto a boat approximately 100 feet (30.5m) in length. It has a very specific maximum length (as most ships do depending on where they sail, including river cruise ships), so it fits in the locks that move it up and down the differing heights of the canal along its journey. 

Barge cruises usually accommodate 12 people or less and will sail with a minimum of four passengers. Often, the boats have a max capacity of just six or eight passengers. In some instances, like in Italy, the boat may accommodate 20 passengers.

There is not much to do on the boat when you embark on a barge cruise. That is, except enjoy the scenery and canals your captain navigates. You will surely enjoy a wonderful week filled with lovely scenery. Relaxation is definitely on order for a barge cruise experience. 

You will also eat delicious food onboard, tour small cities and villages you may not otherwise visit in your lifetime, and enjoy connecting with other passengers. Perhaps taking a dip in the spa or hot tub onboard (if there is one) will be a highlight for you like it was for us. 

There are often bicycles onboard these floating hotel barges for guest use while in port. Additionally, you may find a library of books you can read and board games you can play onboard. (You can always bring portable travel games with you as well.)

Who is Barge Cruising Good For? 

Barge cruising is for some – but not for everyone. Here is who it is good for: 

Barge Cruises are for People who Enjoy Slow Travel

Slow travel in the destination.

Barge cruises go less than 4 mph (6 kph), so if you’re looking to cover a lot of ground and countries in a small amount of time, perhaps like a cruise with Celebrity does, this is not the cruise for you. However, it's a great idea if you want to hone in on a small area of one country.

Someone who wants to cruise in France may think of visiting face(r)-paced Paris for a cruise on the Seine. This is, of course, France's largest and most popular city. On the other hand, if you want to visit slower-paced areas of France and explore villages and cities whose population may only be a few thousand people, you will enjoy a barge cruise.

We cruised the South of France on Canal du Midi with European Waterways. It's a lesser-known waterway than the Seine but has a fascinating history. This allowed us to visit less frequented cities of France, like Narbonne and Pézenas, and get to know the local culture more than we have in Paris.

(Let's face it: Paris is filled with tons of tourists and transplants and has a bad reputation for rude people. On the other hand, we found every local and tourist in the South of France to be friendly and delightful.)

We sailed along the canal and docked at towns we have never heard of, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was especially nice to feel like we were gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country that piggybacked on our Bordeaux River Cruise with Viking two weeks earlier.

The more you sail in a country, whether on a river cruise or barge cruise and the more you get to reach these “hidden gem” cities, the more intimately you get to know and understand an area. It's a beautiful thing!

Slow Travel on the Boat

You will experience slow travel onboard. You'll have plenty of quality time to simply relax on the top deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge area. Be sure to add a book or your favorite music playlist to your barge cruise packing list , which you'll have plenty of time to dive into.

Canal Barge Cruises are for People Who Don’t Want the Fuss of a Complex Cruise Embarkation or Debarkation

One of the things we love about barge cruises is that you step onto the ship, and voila, you're checked in.

You’re welcomed onboard with champagne and a snack, like canapés. Your first onboard experience isn’t waiting in a line to check into your cabin (even if it is a short line, like on river cruises). 

With our European Waterways experience, we walked onboard, where the crew of four was awaiting our arrival. Within mere seconds, we were toasting to a great journey and eating tiny eggs Benedict canapés with poached quail eggs and caviar faster than you could say, “Bon journey!” 

You don’t need keys to get in and out of your room, and you don’t need a key to check into or out of the boat. You simply step onboard and enjoy the experience…without any delays, red tape for paperwork, or lines.  

There are few people on a barge cruise. As such, all you need to do to be accounted for is see the captain or a crew member before sailing away to the next port. In contrast, an ocean cruise or river cruise must digitally check in each guest.

One day on our barge cruise on the vessel Anjodi with European Waterways, the captain wasn’t sure if we had returned from walking around town. He simply knocked on our cabin door, and we said, “We’re here!” before he confidently sailed away. That was it! Easy peasy and fuss-free.

A Canal Barge Cruise is for People who Don’t Like Tendering to Ports

If there is one thing we dislike in ports, it’s wasting time waiting for a tender . Furthermore, getting from the boat to the land takes more time once you are on the tender. It sucks.

Barge cruises are like river cruises in this sense: there is no tendering involved. You simply step off the ship, and you’re on land. 

People who are Fascinated by Engineering will love Barge Cruising

This less obvious point is one of the things that most struck us about a canal cruise or barge cruise is the engineering feats we experienced.

You go through many locks during a barge cruise as you continue along the waterway. A cruise along the Canal du Midi (a historic man-made canal) even goes through a very famous series of 9 locks at one point. 

It was amazing to sail the “9 Fonseranes Locks” in Beziers. We cruised through the locks like they were a set of orchestrated dominos, moving from one lock to the next. Nowhere else, even on river cruises where we've gone through various locks, have we experienced such an engineering marvel in this way.

You're much, much closer to the locks on a small boat than you are on a bigger boat, like a river cruise ship. And that is super cool! You also go through the locks during the day on a canal barge cruise, not at night like many river cruise ships.

The Arzviller Boat Lift is another amazing engineering feat that a barge cruise may experience. For example, Panache, a European Waterways barge boat, travels this lift on a cruise in eastern France's Alsace and Lorraine regions.

This “boat elevator” allows the vessel to traverse over 350 feet; it's an engineering marvel that replaced 17 locks that took hours to complete.

If You’re a Foodie, Barge Cruises are For You

One of the most impressive things about barge cruises is the caliber of food. The cuisine is truly outstanding. 

Even after the first day of our barge cruise and having just one meal, Dan and I discussed how amazing the food was. After the cruise was over, we echoed that sentiment and confirmed it was the best food we’ve had on any cruise. (Bravo to our European Waterways chef, Toby!)

If you're curious, we agreed that our second best overall food experience on a cruise was on our Maine Windjammer cruise on American Eagle . (We have had a lot of food on many amazing cruise lines, so our vote counts for something!)

Though they were two incredibly different dining experiences, they both stood out. American Eagle's food on a Maine Windjammer schooner was buffet style for each meal (it’s incredible food, even buffet style), and on our barge cruise, we had sit-down meals.

As foodies, we’re tough food critics. And hands down, our canal barge cruise cuisine was the best.

Another thing you may enjoy as part of your canal barge cruise experience is wine tasting. Wine is served with lunch and dinner, so you'll inevitably try new wines in the dining room.

Some nights we had red and white wines to pair with each course. (A barge cruise has an open bar, so if you're not in the mood for wine you can always ask for a different drink.)

Those who Enjoy Being a Part of a Small Group will Appreciate Barge Cruises

There are pros and cons of being part of a small group on a small ship. You don’t have autonomy as you may on a river cruise ship of 190 people, for example, but you can always retreat to your cabin if you wish, like on any cruise. 

You'll enjoy a barge cruise if you like connecting with fellow passengers. This is because you’re one of only a few guests, and you talk to each other repeatedly – for meals, excursions, drinks after dinner on the sun deck, and the like. Every day.

I found that I missed the variety of people on a river cruise ship and seeing more people than the same additional three guests that Dan and I sailed with. They were lovely, but sometimes we simply missed the option of connecting with more people.

That said, the barge cruise was only six days, so this wasn't a huge factor for us.

Barge Cruisers are for Travelers with a Substantial Budget

Because of the “exclusivity” of barge cruising, it costs a fair amount of money. (High demand with a small “supply” or space for guests onboard equals exclusivity. The crew-to-guest ratio is nearly 1:2.)

Granted, all things with costs and money are relative. That said, you can expect starting prices for a one-week barge cruise to begin at $7,000 or more for two people. 

We should mention, though, that barge cruises are inclusive of costs. Like river cruises, which include a lot for the cost (mostly everything), canal barge cruise pricing includes tours, alcohol, and meals.

The only additional expenses are:

• Flights/transportation to the port of embarkation
• Travel insurance (we use Travel Insurance Master )

We had to fly to France and then take a train to get to Narbonne for our barge cruise, where the ship's captain picked us up to drive us to the ship. (Pick-up from the cruise company was included in the cost; the train and flights weren't.)

Additionally, we purchased travel insurance for our trip. Thankfully so, because we had to use it when our flight to France was canceled (which had nothing to do with the barge cruise company – it was the airlines' fault).

This is also a good time to note that you should fly to the country of embarkation early, not on the day of your cruise. This will ensure you don't miss anything if flights are delayed or canceled.

Couples, Singles, and Families (of Older Multi-Generational Cruisers) will Enjoy Barge Cruises

If you want to sail as a couple or cruise solo, you’ll enjoy the intimacy of the small guest count on barge cruises. Additionally, if you want to sail with other couples and book four cabins onboard, you’ll essentially have a cruise to yourselves! 

In the same vein, we can envision a canal barge cruise scenario where a couple in their 50s signs up for a cruise, then bring along their parents in their 70s or 80s. A barge cruise may be the ideal vacation for a multi-generational family who wants to experience slow travel. 

And again, if there are only four to six cabins onboard the barge and you take up three or four of them, you’ve essentially booked the ship. You’ll know most of the people onboard! 

People who Get Motion Sickness will Appreciate Canal Barge Cruises (because you Will NOT Experience Motion Sickness)

If one of your concerns about cruising is the motion of the ocean, fear not: you will not experience anything of the like on barge cruises.

In fact, the sailing is so smooth and relaxing that you hardly even notice the vessel's movement. Gone is the need for anti-nausea medication for sea sickness. 

The only times we felt the boat moving was when it entered a lock and bumped the concrete wall. Our onboard host of Anjodi joked, “That’s why they’re barges: they barge into things, like this lock!” 

She was being funny, of course. But barges are made for that sort of thing. Besides, the “bump” was a slight and quick tap more than it was a cause for concern.

Barge Cruises are Appropriate for People with a Passport Who are Not Afraid to Fly

You’ll likely need a passport to get to the country the barge cruise sails from. You will also likely have to fly to that country. If you live in Europe, you may be able to take a train to the port of embarkation, depending on where you live. 

For us Americans, we had to fly to France for our South of France trip. After a flight to Lyon, we boarded a train to reach the destination, where the barge cruise van picked us up to get to the port.  

If you need a passport to reach your barge cruise, be sure that it has enough validity to clear the country’s or region’s requirements.

For example, traveling to Europe with a US passport requires at least three months of validity until your passport expiration date. Customs count this from the day your return flight leaves Europe. 

People who Don't Need a Deep-Dive into a Single City in a Destination will Like a Canal Barge Cruise

Luxury barges participate in shore excursions. However, a tour guide on the ship is usually part of the crew, bringing you to a nearby destination and touring you around.

This is someone who has some prior knowledge of the area because he or she has been trained. However, it is not a local tour guide who has a deep understanding and extensive knowledge of a city or historical site you're visiting.

For example, our French barge cruise took us to Carcasonne as our first stop. This is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our guide was two weeks into his job, and though he knew more than us and it was great to hear the information he shared about this famous, double-fortified city, it wasn't a substitute for a tour with a local operator who intimately knows about Carcassonne.

However, seeing as we were only there for two hours – one hour with our guide and an hour to freely walk around on our own – this was the perfect introduction to the historic medieval city.

Our guide's overview gave us the information we needed to know and could retain after the trip. (Who really remembers all the nuances and details anyway, unless you write them down, like us?)

Guests who are Pleased with Small Cabins will be Comfy on a Canal Barge

Though a week-long barge cruise may be considered a luxury hotel barge, small boats call for small-size cabins. The square footage of the few cabins onboard is minimal because the ship has to be a certain size to pass through locks and travel on the canal.

As such, cabins are small. Yet, they have everything you need to enjoy cruising in the lap of “luxury.” This means a full bathroom with a toilet, sink, and standing shower. It also means storage in your cabin and room to walk around, even if not much.

Our cabin also had an air conditioning unit, which was incredibly welcomed during a summer heatwave in August. European Waterways has 17 vessels, each with air conditioning, but not all barge cruises have it with other companies; inquire before you book if that's important to you (or simply book with European Waterways!).

Barge Cruise Itineraries and Where they Sail

Barge cruises are typically one week or one day shy of a full week.

Expect to focus on Western Europe if you’re interested in barge cruises. You'll likely be sailing on canals (like the historic Canal du Midi) and in areas with a cruise route that takes you to ports in charming small towns (perhaps even a wine region like Southern Burgundy or the Loire Valley).

For example, European Waterways has itineraries available in the following countries: 

• Italy 

When do Barge Cruises Sail? 

You can expect barge cruises (depending on the location of the itinerary) to be readily available between May and November. A high concentration of available itineraries peak in summer. 

Tipping on a Luxury Barge Cruise

As we mentioned earlier, gratuities/tips are not included in the cost of your barge cruise. As a general rule, aim to tip the crew 5-10% of the total cost of your cruise in cash.

What Companies Offer Luxury Canal Barge Cruises? 

Only a few companies offer luxury canal cruising on a barge. In other cases, a boat is owned by an individual (who is likely the captain) and has cruises to sign up for.

Here are a few reputable companies to consider: 

• European Waterways
• French Country Waterways 
• Croisi Europe

Barge Cruise Travel Agents

There are also a few notable companies whose travel agents specialize in barge cruises. This includes:

• Barge Lady Cruises
• French Waterways
• Abercrombie & Kent

If you want to enjoy less-touristy towns, eat superb food, and love slow travel, consider a canal barge cruise for your next vacation and experience an ultra-relaxing getaway. 

Read this next:

• European Waterways Review: 20 Surprising Things About Our Barge Cruise
• Barge Cruise Packing List (with a Printable): Summer Edition
• European River Cruises Info: Where they Sail, Cruise Lines to Consider, and More

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Best canals in Europe: Top 10 for a cruise or a stroll

• May 1, 2021
• by Caroline Beslin
• 5 minutes read

Europe has a lot of romantic and gorgeous canals ! You can find these artificial waterways inside cities or in the countryside . Either way, walking along the canals or even taking a cruise on them is a great and unique way to discover a region! Enjoy these top 10 best canals in Europe and start planning your trip!

#1: Canal du Midi , France

The Canal du Midi is in Southern France , and runs for 240 kilometers , connecting the Garonne and the Étang de Thau. The construction began in 1667 and ended in 1681, and the canal is now known as one of the greatest construction works of the 17th century . If you have the opportunity to take a cruise on this canal or take a walk by it, you will be able to admire the beautiful vegetated banks , with willows and irises for example. 

#2 Best canals in Europe: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The city of Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals in total . However, the three main ones are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. Their construction took place in the 17th century, which was the Dutch Golden Age . You will have much to see while following these canals. Indeed, alongside the main ones, you will find 1,550 monumental buildings . In addition, you will learn some intriguing facts about the vicinity of the canals. For example, the painter Rembrandt as well as the philosopher Spinoza both lived along the canal Zwanenburgwal. 

#3: Grand Canal of Venice, Italia

The Grand Canal is one of the major water-traffic paths in the city. This waterway connects the lagoon near the Santa Lucia railway to the basin at San Marco. If you have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the Grand Canal, you will see more than 170 buildings from the 13th to the 18th century . Noble Venetians built these palaces in order to show off their wealth. Amongst all of these palaces, you will find Palazzi Barbaro, Palazzo Dario, and Ca’ Rezzonico.

#4: Best canals in Europe: Nivernais, France

You will find this canal in France, linking the Loire with the Seine . Nowadays, the Canal du Nivernais is reserved for recreational navigation , so it is very peaceful. When following the canal, you will see many interesting sights. Indeed, there are a lot of charming and picturesque villages in the countryside. On your path, there will also be châteaux and wine villages. 

#5: Canals of Bruges , Belgium

The small historic city in Belgium has a lot to offer. Among all are its canals, crossed by the many gorgeous bridges. The entire city of Bruges is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and it proves the beauty of Bruges. Go and see for yourself and you will fall in love with the atmosphere of this authentic Belgian city .

#6 Best canals in Europe: Hamburg , Germany

Hamburg in Germany is another destination that we do not immediately think of when we look for beautiful canals. However, it is a truly gorgeous city, and it even has more bridges than Venice ! In Hamburg, which is the largest port of Germany, the canals run in straight lines , going through the mix of old and modern buildings. This forms unique and symmetrical walkways by the water. Hamburg is definitely a romantic and peaceful destination!

#7: Canal de Bourgogne, France

The Canal de Bourgogne or “Burgundy Canal” is in east-central France , connecting the Yonne with the Saône. This canal was completed nearly two centuries ago. The scenery along the canal is so beautiful that it is very popular for its hotel barges . However, you can also choose to walk by it instead of taking a boat ride. In that case, you will be able to enjoy 240 kilometers of flat and easy walking , with rural landscapes and historical sights. 

#8: Canals of St. Petersburg, Russia

There are many canals and rivers that run through the city of St. Petersburg in Russia. These waterways allow us to discover the city from a unique perspective. Indeed, you will be able to admire many monuments and architectural gems . In addition, you will see the brightly colored buildings , the bridges , the palaces , gardens , and more! Griboedov Canal, Kryukov Canal, and the Winter Canal are some examples of canals to navigate. St. Petersburg is not usually the main destination people think of when they want to visit a European city, but you should not miss out on it!

#9 Best canals in Europe: Stockholm, Sweden

People who have already experienced it agree to say that taking a boat ride on the canals of Stockholm is the best way to discover the city for your first visit . There are many different tours available, some rather short, and other going in-depth into the history of the city. Indeed, sightseeing from a ferry will allow you to take note of the monuments that pique your interest the most. That way, you will know which ones you want to visit in person and the ones you just want to see from afar. 

#10: Oudegracht, The Netherlands

The Oudegracht means “old canal” and runs through the center of Utrecht , a city in the Netherlands. Walking along the canals in Utrecht is very enjoyable, especially in summer when the bars’ and restaurants’ terraces are out by the water. This creates a convivial atmosphere in the city. However, you should also admire the city from the water and not just from beside it. Indeed, don’t hesitate to take a canoe or a waterbike to visit this beautiful city and sightsee at your heart’s content!

Don’t stop now and continue reading by clicking here to learn about some tips to visit Madrid!

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Canal and river boat holidays in Europe: readers’ travel tips

From navigating quiet forest rivers in Germany to chugging along France’s canals fuelled by cheese and wine, our tipsters explore idyllic waterways

Winning tip: Burgundy Canal, France This waterway winds past chateaux and vineyards that will tempt you to stop everywhere. Pick up a barge at Chagny and follow the canal south – stock up with cheese, bread and wine for lunch as many locks close from noon to 2pm. Waking to dawn sunlight on the water and sitting on deck with a glass of Chablis (but not necessarily at dawn!) are pleasures we quickly got used to. Several companies rent boats at Chagny from about €1,300 a week and sleeping 10, including Locaboat and Happy Charter Nigel

Charente river, France

Western France’s beautiful Charente river proved perfect for us as boating beginners. Over a week we sailed from Sireuil near Angoulême west to Chaniers near Royan and back, which was 132km at a manageable Wind In The Willows pace. There was plenty of opportunity for us to spot wildlife, for our children to cycle along the towpath beside the boat and for us to moor and explore. In Jarnac, Courvoisier’s HQ is a waterfront chateau where you can tie up and hop on a tour. Boat hire from €1,410 a week, sleeps seven, boat-renting-nicols.co.uk David

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Canal du Midi, France

Starting from Narbonne we meandered along sections of the 240km Canal du Midi through beautiful villages such as Le Somail, Paraza, Homps and on to magical Carcassonne. We made memorable stops at the little écluse (lock) houses that sell perfectly chilled bottles of rosé. I have owned a narrowboat in the UK but this was my most memorable experience. Several companies offer boat hire on the Canal du Midi, including Locaboat and Le Boat , from about €1,200, sleeps five Susie Pratt

The Camargue, France

Until we took a canal-cruising holiday down the Camargue canals I hadn’t realised just how wild the south of France was. As well as the indigenous Camargue horses we saw wild bulls, flamingos and many migratory bird species on the surrounding wetland. It wasn’t all wildlife though, as we stopped at fortress seaports like Aigues-Mortes which hides a lively little town of shops and bars behind it’s imposing medieval walls. I was surprised at how few locks there were, so this route would be perfect for novice boat users. From about €1,400 for a week, sleeps up to eight, from leboat.com Fiona

Mecklenburg Lake District, Germany

Between Berlin and the Baltic coast is a network of peaceful canals and emerald lakes . Boaters cruise among including Eurasian cranes, sea eagles and otters. The water is clean and anyone can find a secluded spot for a refreshing dip. Moor up and wander through timber villages that feel forgotten in time. Supermarkets are cheap and well-stocked for picnics. Inns serve the local speciality of smoked fish (pike, trout and sometimes eel) and locals will happily recommend a favourite beer. Perfect. Companies such as Locaboat and Le Boat hire out boats from about €1,300 a week and sleeping six Kirbs

Krutnyia river trail, Poland

Taking a five-day kayaking trip in north-east Poland’s Masurian Lake District is not as strenuous as it sounds. As you drift down the Krutnyia river trail , a peaceful stretch of undisturbed lakes and rivers, you can go the whole day without seeing anyone but the occasional lone fisherman. Wildlife, however, is abundant – the rivers are teeming with fish, and cuckoos provide the soundtrack to your day. While accommodation is basic, the company we used provided us with home-cooked Polish cuisine and the complication of keeping luggage dry is avoided with it being transported to the next destination for you. Kayak hire £8 a day, or about £150pp with food and accommodation, kajaki.pl Nick

Waterways of Stockholm

Boats were the transport of choice among the waterways of Stockholm and its archipelago for millennia, and they’re still a popular option for getting around for locals and tourists alike. Boat tours are a great way to see Stockholm’s museums, parks, shops and restaurants, as well as taking in the history of the city through its architecture. Thanks to right of access laws, private boats can anchor off any of the thousands of islands of the rest of the archipelago. 72-hour hop on-hop off boat pass around £ 22, stromma.com Declan

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Canal boat hire & Pénichette ®

Locaboat Holidays’ fleet provides consistent high quality across the board. Rental boats and Pénichettes ® , as well as the Europa and Linssen models, are all extremely comfortable, easy to handle and are perfect for boating holidays on a self-drive boat, with no licence required .

Can I really rent a boat with no licence as easily as it sounds?

Under European law, it is legal to rent a boat without a licence on certain waterways. The water conditions in such areas are generally calm and pleasant. Locaboat’s self-drive boats range from 9 and 15 metres in length but have been designed to be easy to handle and manoeuvre.

Finally, rest assured that we won’t let you set off before we’re certain you’re fully prepared. We are authorised to train our customers  to operate self-drive boats with no licence . At the start of your cruise, a technician will spend time explaining how your boat works and the necessary manoeuvres .  Once you’re completely confident, you can set off on your boating holiday – you’re the skipper, after all.

OUR RANGE of canal boats

You will know by now that after choosing one of our many destinations – perhaps France for its famous  Canal du Midi cruise  or Italy to visit Venice – you need to  choose a self-drive boat to match your budget, group size and crew . You can find out all about our different boat types below; if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Brochure price

per week (before discounts)

Where can I find the boats and Pénichettes® ?

For your next river cruise , you can choose among 330 Pénichettes® and licence-free boats available in France, Germany, Holland, Italy and Ireland. In order to find the boat that suits you best, Locaboat recommends you to have a look at the list of boats available at its 24 departure bases.

Maximum comfort: our canal boats equipped with biminis

During the whole season, Locaboat provides you with all the necessary equipment to ensure your comfort and well-being. During the Summer season, you can make the most of the good weather on the deck of your boat while protecting yourself from the sun’s rays by choosing one of our Pénichettes® equipped with biminis .

Canal boat and Pénichette ® : comfort and equipment?

Locaboat boats are as comfortable to live in as an apartment. You’ll find a kitchen (called a ‘galley’ in boating terminology) equipped with a fridge, hot plates, a worktop and usually an oven (all boats except the Linssen model). All necessary kitchenware and crockery can be found on board. We also provide sheets, duvets, bath towels and dishcloths. There’s almost nothing you have to bring yourself, but if you’re unsure take a look at the pre-departure checklist.

All our boats have a main room and one or more cabins. Except for the Pénichette Classique ® , all our rental boats have an outside deck where a table can be placed  for al-fresco dining .

Self-drive canal boats: what about children’s safety?

Safety is a primary concern for those with young children. Our boats are specially adapted and very safe, and problems are extremely rare on canals and lakes. For the most risk-averse parents, we recommend  Pénichette ® models rather than boats from the Europa or Linssen ranges because they come equipped with guard rails around the outside of the boat. Please also be aware that children tend to adapt more quickly than adults to conditions on board. For these reasons, ensuring child safety on a boat is no more difficult than on dry land.

Must-know rules & regulations Canal boat hire for travelling European waterways

Do you need a licence to drive european canal boats.

Before you set off on a holiday of a lifetime, boating across the many waterways of Europe, you may have a pang of fear about driving a boat. Although this task may seem like a daunting one, it can be far more accessible and, in turn, far more rewarding. In most European countries and on most European waterways, it is unnecessary to hold a boat’s license to drive a boat. Most of the canals and rivers you will be travelling down will be calm stretches of water and require little skill to manoeuvre or traverse. Locaboat’s boats range in length from nine to fifteen metres, yet they are simple to handle.

Although you may not need a boating license, you will need to learn how to control and drive the boat safely. To allow you to do this confidently, you and your fellow holidaymakers will be given a small moment of instruction by one of the Locaboat technicians. These instructional class will ensure you know how the boat works, what to look out for and how to perform important boating manoeuvres.

This short lesson and instructional time before you set out on canal boat holidays will ensure you have the confidence to travel by boat and enjoy your time on the water. Your instructor is also unlikely to abandon ship before you are confident in driving your canal barge . It is also advisable to instruct more than just one person in your holiday entourage – this means everyone will be capable of driving the boat in an emergency.

Make sure you can maneuver your canal boat rental

As already mentioned, you won’t need a professional boating license to boat across European waterways, but you do need to learn specific boating manoeuvers. These manoeuvres will not only ensure you and your fellow passengers are safe but also allow you to moor at different places along the many rivers and canals. This mooring manoeuvre is one of the most important and will guarantee safe stopping and stopping at will to any riverside or canalside port you wish. This manoeuver will be taught to you right before setting out on your barge boat trip, and you should not start before mastering it!

The actual process of manoeuvering and mooring your boat will all depend on the type of boat, the area you’re trying to moor at and the conditions of the river or canal. The first element you should consider is the speed at which you are travelling, ensuring it is appropriate for the surroundings. Next, make sure your mooring lines are free of tangle and knots, and they are also coiled and correctly stowed away. If there are multiple people on board the boat, then it is important to have them in position at either end of the boat. Preferably, they should be stood with one on the bow and another on the stern.

Choose the right boat hire to fit the environment

Before we move on to the intricacies of choosing the ideal boat for you and your holiday needs, it’s important to see what kind of boat fits this canal and river type of travel. As you are travelling along stretches of water that can be somewhat narrow, hiring a canal boat helps cut through the smaller stretches of the route. This type of boating is especially important when travelling through a series of locks on the Canal du Midi , for example, or winding sections of River Shannon cruises . These types of boats are both easy to drive and easy to manoeuvre, giving them far more credibility and reliability out on the water.

As you will also be using this boat as a home away from home, it is important to hire a narrowboat that has enough space to keep you in comfort throughout the journey. Alongside this relative comfort, you will also need a canal boat that has enough storage space to keep you going throughout your trip. A perfect balance of driveability, storage space, and comfort is exactly what you will get with a Locaboat canal barge rental . To understand these in a little more detail, it is important to break down particular boats and what they can offer when looking for a barge to rent .

Canal boat hire which is the right boat for me?

Will it be a europe boat or the linssen 349 gs.

Europa boats are the perfect modern boat for smaller groups seeking to rent a barge . The contemporary design creates a modern look that still harks back to older boat designs. Equipped with all the mod-cons you could hope for, a shower and also a refrigerator, the Europa is the perfect small boat to accommodate four to six people. The Europa boat comes in three different models, each one with small changes to capacities and add-ons. This is a great choice if you want a boat that is both small, manoeuvrable and has a modern flair.

If a little more luxury is required from your boat, then opting for the Linssen 349 GS is a great option. These types of canal barge boats provide holidaymakers with high levels of comfort and elegance to their boating holiday. This boat provides two cabins, both of which have ensuite bathrooms, ensuring you are in comfort while travelling the European waterways. This model also allows you to drive from the comfort of a Bimini top shelter, keeping you sheltered from the sun.

What about a Pénichette ® ?

Arguably one of the most famous canal boats in the collection, Pénichette ®  boats have made a name for themselves throughout the world of canal and river boating. The classic model of Pénichette ® boat are some of the easiest to handle and are extremely popular with new drivers especially.

Accommodating two to seven passengers, the Pénichette ® Classique is a comfortable boat for the entire family, especially those in smaller groups. Equipped with a bed and galley, you will have all the comfort you could require. Although there is plenty of space for passengers to travel in comfort, the Pénichette ® series sometimes lacks the overall storage space. This is fine if you are simply using the boat as a mode of travel and not as your constant home during the canal or river cruise.

Perhaps the Pénichette ® Evolutions?

Keeping with the Pénichette ® brand, we can now take a look at the much more advanced models such as the Pénichette ® Evolution. This boat takes all the features you know and love and combines them with a few added modern extras. The Pénichette ® Evolution has far greater capacity compared to its older models, meaning groups of up to six can comfortably call this boat home. Aside from the extra space, this boat also has extra features such as the ability to drive from both the upper deck and inside the boat itself. This gives holidaymakers far more control over the boat and means multiple people are able to pitch in with the driving.

More modern additions that are found in the Pénichette ® Evolution include the bow and stern thrusters. This is enhanced even more by the easy manoeuvrability brought about by the smart joystick, ideal for both inexperienced and experienced boat drivers.

Let’s try out the Pénichette ® Flying Bridge

This range of boats are relatively new to the collection and are considered some of the best on the Pénichette ® range. Designed with a dual-helm system, the Pénichette ® Flying Bridge allows those who are choosing this as their barge hire to access the helm from both the deck and the inside of the boat. Apart from these modern features, the sheer capacity of the boat is another of its most celebrated features, with some models having the ability to hold up to twelve passengers conformably. This is the ideal boat for those travelling with large groups of people or an extended family holiday. The bow and stern thrusters are also present on the Flying Bridge; again, this makes controlling this large boat a far easier undertaking than it may have been on older models.

Maybe the Pénichette ® Aft Deck is the boat for you?

The final boat in the Pénichette ® range is the Pénichette ® Aft Deck; the perfect barge boat hire if you’re on holiday with big groups of people. Versions of the Aft Deck are capable of holding up to twelve guests and, with ease. The boat is made up of four cabins, both of which have their own ensuite bathrooms, ensuring fantastic comfort throughout your journey.

Each of the four cabins also has a double bed that can be expanded with an additional upper Pullman berth. There is also an added hand basin, wardrobe and set of hangers. A covered aft terrace deck makes relaxation out on the top of the boat a simple task and also allows you to enjoy the boating holiday with all of these added extras.

This is the giant of canal barge hire and will ensure you will travel the waterways in extreme comfort and luxury. Whether it is French canal holidays , boating through locks in Ireland or even the city-based canal trips of the Netherlands, the Pénichette ® Aft Deck is more than up for any challenge.

Where can I rent a barge from?

Explore stunning waterways in the south of france.

As the south of France is one of Europe’s most popular boating destinations, there are unsurprisingly numerous stops along its rivers and canals where you can hire this selection of Locaboat boats. As the Canal du Midi is one of the South of France’s most frequented waterways, you can start from a number of different spots. Where you start from in France and where you hire your canal boat from is a completely personal choice.

Taking Canal du Midi into consideration, there are three main places in which you can begin your boating holidays, and these three are also where you can hire your boat. Deciding which mooring site to start from is your own choice and will often depend on the route you plan to take. As the Canal du Midi runs from the Mediterranean sea to the city of Toulouse, you can start at either end and travel the entire route.

You can hire any of the boats listed above from the town of Négra, only half an hour’s drive south of Toulouse. Hiring your boat from here will allow you to travel the Canal du Midi route in its entirety. The second Locaboat location is halfway down the canal’s route at the town of Bram, fifty kilometres away from the town of Négra. Holidaymakers can start their canal journeys here and go in either direction, making it another popular place to rent barges and boats from. The final boat rental destination along the Canal du Midi is at Argens, closer to the Mediterranean side of the route. It is also possible to start the entire Canal du Midi journey from here and travel east to west.

Discover boat rental on the Emerald Isle

The Emerald Isle has quickly become a fantastic destination for canal holidays, and it is easy to see why. Locaboat have set up a number of different boating ports and canalside rental places, giving visitors to Ireland the chance to see many of its counties. Where you start can all depend on which of these countries you wish to visit. It can also depend on which waterway you want to travel down, be it the River Shannon, the Royal Canal or the Grand Canal.

If you are travelling down the River Shannon, there are two main locations in which you can rent a Locaboat boat. The River Shannon runs on a north-south route and depending on the direction you wish to travel, you can travel northwards, or you can travel southwards. Where you choose to start is a wholly unique choice and will often depend on where you are entering the country. Flying to its capital Dublin will mean you are in the middle of both starting points, and the choice is yours on which to choose.

There are two main places to rent boats along the Shannon River. The first of these is at the town of Carrick-on-Shannon in the northern county of County Leitrim. Hiring your boat from here will allow you to travel southwards through the county and onto the River Shannon’s many must-see sights. The second of these River Shannon boat rental spots are on the south section of the river, in the town of Banagher.

Renting a boat in the Low Countries

With a country whose water table is so low, most of the Netherlands is covered in numerous waterways, rivers and canals. This environment lends itself perfectly to boating holidays and Locaboat has set up a couple of boat renting sites. Both of these reside in the Holland area of the Netherlands and give holidaymakers the chance to travel through both the east and west sections of the Holland region.

If you are planning to travel throughout the western areas of the Holland region, then hiring your boat from the town of Alphen will be a huge help. The Locaboat headquarters here ensures you can travel all the way to The Hague in the south and even as far north as Amsterdam and beyond. Being in between these two major cities allows boaters to travel the length of the region with ease and even bring the boat back to where they started.

The second of these boat rental locations are located in the east of the region, in the town of Loosdrecht. The Loosdrecht canal base means you can travel northwards to Amsterdam within a few short miles and south to the town of Utrecht. Travelling this region can even be done in a complete loop, with the Loosdrecht canal base serving as both the starting and ending point. The increased connectivity of the canals in this region means you can travel distances in a very short amount of time, making hiring and returning boats a breeze.

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• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
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THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Submarine Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Kite School Kiteclass

8. SUP Center

9. Erwin. Reka

11. Easy Russia Tour Guide

12. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

14. Alfa Centr

15. Diving Club Divers

16. Sup Outdoor

17. MORE MOSCOW

19. Soho Sailing Style

20. Diving Center Crocodile

21. Mosparokhodstvo

22. Dive-Project

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

25. Kayak Moscow

26. DIVECLUB CHE

27. FLOW Moscow

28. Moswake

29. Morskiye Volki

30. S-cruises

What travelers are saying

• CheapRussia Tours
• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• Lovely Russia Tours
• MORE MOSCOW
• Insider Moscow Tours
• Flotilla Radisson Royal
• Moscow River Boat Tours
• Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre
• Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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