Houseboat rental

If you're looking for an unusual vacation to share with family or friends... Let yourself be seduced by an original holiday, and rent a houseboat without a permit!

Seductive assets

Why go on a houseboat vacation?

Simplicity : all Nicols boats, whatever their size, are easy to handle: a steering wheel and forward/reverse gear are all you need to maneuver them! They can all be driven without a license, in compliance with river navigation legislation and regulations.
Freedom : choosing river tourism means opting for a totally free vacation: stop where you want, when you want... in total independence...
Calm and serenity: away from the noise of the cities, far from the crowds and mass tourism, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of a green setting, sail to the slow rhythm of our rivers... rediscover the pleasure of taking your time!
In communion with nature: open your eyes to the flora and fauna that surround you, and savor the colors that each season brings. A river vacation is a journey to the heart of nature.
Discover heritage and gastronomy: each village has its own cultural treasures (castles, museums...) to visit during your cruise. Boating vacations also give you the chance to discover the region's gastronomy, whether by visiting local markets, enjoying fine cuisine or discovering vineyards!
Activities for young and old alike: swimming, fishing, picnics by the water's edge, walks or bike rides along the towpaths... not to mention the manoeuvres (moorings, locks) in which young and old alike take part: There's no time for boredom on a boating holiday.

Choose Nicols and its no-licence boats

If you're planning a houseboat vacation, you may have done some research on the Internet to find the right rental company to make it happen... But with so many offers out there, it's sometimes hard to know which rental company to choose, so you can be sure that you're getting the best quality.
So why choose NICOLS and its no-license houseboats? First of all, because nobody knows our boats better than we do: we build them!

Since 1986, we have built nearly 650 river barges at our shipyards in Cholet, Maine et Loire (49). Always inspired by feedback from our pleasure-boat customers, we are committed to constantly improving and renewing our fleet:

our aim is to provide our customers with the highest level of satisfaction, with a fleet of recent, well-maintained boats.
Our experience and know-how are now recognized both in France and internationally, and have made NICOLS a major player in river tourism: the proof is that every year more than 30,000 passengers trust us to organize their boating vacations without a license.

Backed by 35 years of experience, Nicols now offers you a range of the best boats and the most beautiful destinations available in River Tourism... We look forward to welcoming you aboard our riverboats, and to counting you among our next boaters!

The most beautiful cruise destinations

In France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal or Hungary: NICOLS offers you the most beautiful destinations for your boating vacations. Here are just a few examples of our most popular cruises:

Barge rental on the Canal du Midi: discover one of France's most famous canals: its 360 km of navigable waterways link the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. Built under Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cast off and rent a boat on the Canal de Bourgogne, where history, gastronomy and world-famous wines come together.
Come aboard your houseboat for a cruise in Brittany, the land of legends... at the crossroads of several waterways (Canal de Nantes in Brest, Vilaine, Erdre...), there are numerous possibilities for a cruise. The region's listed villages, its many craftsmen, its historical heritage and its gastronomic delights attract many boaters for their barge holidays.
For an unusual vacation, choose a cruise on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin: the boat elevator at Arzviller (the only one of its kind in France), the tunnels at Niderviller and the lock at Réchicourt are just some of the local sights that make Alsace such a unique destination!

Nicols offers houseboat rentals in France and Europe, from one of its 25 nautical bases. Each of these bases offers a variety of itineraries, in short or long-stay formulas, one-way, loop or round-trip... In all, over 150 different itineraries await you. It's up to you to choose the destination for your next barge vacation!

Nicols' advantages for a barge holiday

Today, Nicols is renowned for the quality of its boats and services, and its main assets include :

Boats 100% made in France.
Over 35 years' experience.
Elegant, luminous riverboats.
Family-friendly boats with maximum safety.
The heated swimming pool, ideal for young and old alike!
Nearly 25 nautical bases throughout France and Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Hungary).

And also...

Nautical bases on a human scale.
A welcome gift as you board the NICOLS boat.
Your loyalty is rewarded: the more you sail with Nicols, the more you benefit from price advantages!

Prepare your cruise
today

Newsletter

Discover all our destinations, good addresses and current offers.

Our brochure

Receive the brochure

Contact an advisor

By phone

02 41 56 46 56 +49(0)7612073780 +33(0)241564656

UK : +442392401320

By message

send a message

Since 1986

Our philosophy

Committed to your comfort and to preserving the environment. You'll enjoy a unique living environment where you can reconnect with loved ones and nature.