Self-drive boats
An exciting choice of boats for hire,
routes and offers
We have a wide range of license-free, modern cruisers and traditional style canal boats to suit all group sizes and budgets. Relaxed fun for all ages whether cruising as a couple, a family or a group of friends.
Simply select a houseboat or self-drive fleet below, and click for full details including photos, floor plans, rental prices, reviews and special offers.
Boating with Hotels Afloat is as easy as child's play.
Locaboat
The Penichettes are traditional-style boats, which are provided with modern amenities for 2-12 guests.
For a more modern style, the Europas and Linssens are very comfortable boats for up to 7 guests.
A random selection of boats from Locaboat
Nicols
Nicols operates from 26 bases in four countries: France, Germany, Holland & Portugal.
With four classes to choose from, all the boats offer bright and spacious accommodations.
The new "C" boats include air-conditioning, 220v electricity during navigation plus a dishwasher!
A random selection of boats from Nicols
France Passion Plaisance
Celebrating 40 years of boating this year, FPP Les Canalous offers competitively priced rental boats throughout France, as well as in Germany and Italy.
A random selection of boats from France Passion Plaisance
Le Boat
With 40 different departure points in 8 countries, Le Boat offers a wide range of modern style cruisers.
A random selection of boats from Le Boat
France Afloat
Discover a selection from the France Afloat fleet with 1st-class self-drive boats for comfortable cruising in Burgundy plus the Canal du Midi and Camargue in the south of France.
A random selection of boats from France Afloat
With the ever-increasing popularity of activity-based holidays, our self-drive vacations allow you to enjoy a variety of pursuits guaranteeing a truly memorable trip, regardless of age and interests. Driving a boat is child's play, and after a short induction course, you will be ready to cast off on a beautiful journey.
For historians and those that love architecture, explore ancient monuments, chateaux, abbeys, and museums.
Sporty? Hire a canoe, a stand-up paddle-board or bicycles. Or how about horse-riding, rock-climbing, tree climbing, golf, fishing or swimming?
Naturalists? The rivers and canals are natural habitats for a wide range of fauna and flora: Coypu, kingfishers, herons, birds of prey, majestic swans, flamingo, beautiful weeping willows, stunning water lilies and more.
Epicureans love our holidays! Visit the vineyards to see how wines are produced, take tastings in wine cellars and explore new cuisine and delicious, fresh food in cosy waterside bistros or Michelin-starred restaurants. On all the self-drive boats, the onboard galleys are well equipped should you prefer to cook. Many lock-keepers sell their homemade produce while local markets ensure that you will be spoilt for choice.
Total relaxation? Bring your sketchbooks and Kindles, card games and favourite CDs. The peaceful waterways provide the perfect backdrop for some 'me' time.
With so much choice each day, this is undoubtedly the ideal family holiday.
Whichever one of the 12 countries you choose to cruise in, and whichever region, you will find plenty to see and do to keep you all happy.
Our team of experts are always pleased to help you choose the perfect destination to suit your particular interests.
