Canal boat rental

• Simplicity: whatever their size, all Nicols’ boats are easy to drive. Turning a steering wheel and controlling the forward and reverse lever are all the skills necessary to manoeuvre them! All can be driven without a licence, in accordance with the legislation and regulations of waterways navigation.
• Freedom: choosing a river or canal boating holiday gives you complete freedom. Stop wherever and whenever you want – you’re the captain!   
• Calm and serenity: far from the noise of the cities, far from crowds and mass tourism, you’ll be surrounded by the tranquillity of open green spaces as the slow rhythm of the waterways helps you rediscover the pleasure of taking your time
• Closeness to nature: open your eyes to the fauna and flora around you as you journey through the heart of nature and enjoy the sights and sounds that each season offers.
• Discovery of heritage and gastronomy: each village and town along your route is full of cultural treasures. Visit the many castles and museums of your chosen region and be sure to discover delicious local food and drink. You’re sure to find some gastronomic delights in the markets or at the table of a good restaurant. And, of course, don’t forget the vineyards!
• Activities for all ages: swimming, fishing, walking, cycling on the towpaths or enjoying picnics at the water's edge, there’s plenty to keep everyone active. Young or old, holidaymakers on a canal boat are never bored!

Throughout France, Germany and Portugal, Nicols offers the most beautiful destinations for your boating holiday. Here are some examples of the best cruises you can enjoy:

• Canal boat rental on the Canal du Midi lets you discover one of the most famous canals in France. With 360 navigable kilometres and spanning from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, the Canal du Midi was built under Louis XIV and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Set sail with canal boat rental on the Burgundy Canal where history, gastronomy and world-famous wines blend together for a fabulous holiday.
• Captain your canal boat on a cruise through Brittany and explore this land of legends where multiple waterways meet - Canal Nantes à Brest and the Vilaine and Erdre rivers. With so many route options, you can discover for yourself why explorers on the waterways are seduced by this region’s charming villages, numerous craftsmen, heritage and tempting gastronomy.
• For an unusual holiday, choose a cruise on the Marne-Rhine Canal. Here, France’s unique Arzviller boat lift, the Niderviller tunnels and the Réchicourt lock are just some of the local curiosities which make Alsace a one-of-a-kind destination.

In total, Nicols offers canal boating holidays from more than twenty bases throughout France, Germany, Portugal and Holland !