in Francia there are more than 8,500 kilometers of navigable canals, so the river tourism in France it is the first option of fluvial trip for the Spaniards. 

France is so close to Spain that planning a river cruise on any of its navigable rivers will be as easy as choosing the destination. 

As a couple, with family or with friends, enjoy sailing on a boat without a license to discover the corners of fluvial France.

The main rivers navigable with a boat without a permit are: 

• The Canal du Midi
• The lateral channel to the Loire
• The Garonne
• the river lot 
• Burgundy Canal

Ideal destinations for river tourism France

France offers you the Europe's largest river network.

The fact that there are so many navigable kilometers gives us infinite options and river itineraries. 

There are multiple options for river tourism in France Y In this post we want to tell you what they are. 

Alsace-Lorraine

Alsace has something to offer everyone, from tranquil golden meadows of hops to deep forests and enchanted castles. It is a land of contrasts: picturesque villages and large multicultural cities.

In the heart of Alsace you will find Strasbourg, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Yes or yes:  

We encourage you to taste local specialties such as sauerkraut, the flammeküchen or the kouglof, the pretzels, the Strasbourg sausage and cheeses (Munster), as well as the famous Riesling wine.

Aquitaine

River tourism in Aquitaine allows you to discover historic cities such as Agen, Casseneuil or Castelmoron. 

Very varied landscapes that unite the serenity of the channel of the two seas and the wild charm of the Baïse, the beauties of the Lot and the greatness of the Garonne. 

You can not miss: visit the markets located in medieval alleys and buy the fresh «Foie Gras».

Anjou

In it lower Loire valley, west of France is Anjou. 

This tour takes you to historic cities like Laval, Angers or Le Mans.

Villages, castles, hanging mills...

You can not miss: Stroll through the vineyards of Anjou, from La Varenne to Saumur, passing through magnificent landscapes and stopping to taste their good wine.

Ardennes

Ardennes, is presented as a cultural region with large natural spaces and that also has several towns with the distinctive “City of Art and History”.

The forest of the Ardennes contains a very rich and diverse flora. A Europe's great oxygen reserve, with a variety of animal species (roe deer, deer, wild boar, and rare birds). 

Unmissable appointment for: wine lovers, since here we find the cellars and vineyards of the famous Champagne.

Brittany

region rich in Celtic and medieval history.

Granite fortresses and castles can be seen rising in the distance, surrounded by quaint villages of tiled-roof houses. traditional blackboard 

This ancestral land has generated a multitude of myths that are recreated at local festivals throughout the year. 

You can not miss: Disembark ashore to experience the magic of this stimulating and seductive landscape and take part in these seasonal celebrations.

BURGUNDY channel

The Burgundy region is made up of several waterways, all of which have a unique charm for a boat cruise. The canals and rivers of Burgundy are:

• The Loire Valley, located in the heart of France, stands as the perfect destination to enjoy a vacation.

Thanks to the natural wealth of this route and the construction of the well-known Loire Castles, this region has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• The Burgundy Nivernais-Yonne Canal, is one of the most beautiful in France, letting you discover its medieval cities and its important vineyards. This area is listed as the third most important wine region in France.

Camargue

Protected natural area and one of the most beautiful fauna and flora in all of Europe.

The Camargue, cWith almost 150,000 hectares of marshes, dunes, infinite pastures and salt flats, it will excite you. You can see herons fly and galloping white horses. 

Here you have beaches parallel to the navigable channel, where you can swim and sunbathe.

don't leave here without: Mediterranean cuisine and wines such as the Costières de Nîmes or the Muscat de Frontignan aperitif.

Canal du Midi

One of ours favorite destinations is he Canal du Midi by boat. 

The canal du midi links Toulouse with Sète and is the oldest waterway in Europe. For us, one of the paradises of river tourism in France. 

Discover, during the crossing, the slopes of the Minervois or the sunflower fields of the Aude and Beziers region. And of course do not miss Carcassonne, famous for its medieval architecture. 

Charente

Sheltered from the main tourist destinations, the clear and sparkling waters will take you meandering through vineyards and forests. Being a river you can bathe and enjoy a swim in its waters.

Charming cities such as Rochefort, Saintes, Saint-Savinien, Anguleme... Most of them offer guided tours to discover their heritage.

Yes or yes: make stops to visit some of the cognac cellars and taste some of its contents or visit beautiful castles and cognac distilleries.

Find out more about Charente in our article about the region. 

Franche Comté

The Saône river and the region Franche Comté it is the region with the most forests in France, rich in Celtic and medieval history, fortresses and castles.

This ancestral land has generated a multitude of myths that are recreated in local festivals throughout the year. Go ashore to experience the magic of this place. 

The Franche-Comté region offers you a wide range of routes: the canal from the Ródana to the Rhine with the city of Besançon and its citadel of Vauban, Baume les Dames, and all the picturesque villages along each river.

Lot

In the Quercy region, hidden between tobacco fields and walnut groves, are the wide valleys and dramatic gorges of the River Lot. 

Its waters are clean and there are many places where you can bathe.

There are not many locks and the landscapes and towns are incredible. Do not miss the visit of St Cirq Lapopie or Cahors.

Due to the currents in this river, these cruises are recommended to people who have had some previous sailing experience.

Yes or yes: The venison sausage and the white veal stews, such as the "daube de bœuf", will especially catch your attention, together with a good Cahors wine and the delicious Quercy melon for dessert.

You can find all these destinations and boats available on our website in the section on Destinations.