A holiday on a houseboat offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. You can sail freely through idyllic river and lake landscapes and usually don’t even need a driver’s license or certain previous knowledge.
Especially in France, this way of going on vacation is very popular. Thanks to its many shipping routes, it is considered a land of water tourism. Numerous areas such as the Burgundy region, Alsace or the Canal du Midi are perfect for a successful houseboat holiday and offer their visitors not only perfect infrastructure, but also cultural and culinary highlights. That’s why the 4 most beautiful areas for a houseboat holiday in France are presented below.
1. Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy
A classic is a holiday with a houseboat in Burgundy. In particular, the former trade canal “Canal du Nivernais” with its many flower-filled locks is one of the most beautiful waterways in France. It stretches from Decize in the south to Auxerre in the north and is nestled in a beautiful landscape with many small villages, green meadows and vineyards. It also passes some medieval cathedrals and fairytale castles. For swimming enthusiasts, there are many suitable swimming spots on the Yonne river, which accompanies the Canal du Nivernais almost to its highest point. The Nivernais region also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. In addition to the delicious white wines, there are some small inns with delicious regional dishes.
2. Canal du Midi in the South of France
The Canal du Midi connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea in the south of France and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the most famous and established houseboat areas. Here you can not only experience the incomparable nature of southern France up close. There are also some medieval towns around the canal, where there are unique sights to visit. Popular tourist destinations are, for example, the “Cité de Carcassonne” or the basilicas in Toulouse.
3. Boat tour of Alsace Lorraine
Another popular houseboat holiday destination is Alsace Lorraine. Typical for the region are the very special houses and of course the famous hearty delicacies such as Quiche Lorraine or tarte flambée. Here, for example, you can head west along the Canal de la Marne au Rhin to Nancy, the capital of Art Nouveau. The city is most famous for its many glassblowing factories, as well as fascinating palaces and churches. Another popular houseboat tour is the one heading east to Strasbourg. There you can visit the European Quarter or the famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg.
4. Mediterranean climate in the Camargue
In the south of France, you can also experience the Mediterranean way of life of the Camargue on the Canal du Rhône à Sète. In the heart of a nature reserve, you drive across the Étang de Thau and see the famous pink flamingos or the white Camargue horses. In addition, the region is best known for rice cultivation and livestock farming, which is also reflected in the cuisine of the Camargue. Since the Canal du Rhône à Sète runs directly along the Mediterranean Sea, there are some bathing opportunities in the region to cool off in between.
