Soft adventure on a canal boat, discover the Unexpected

Time flies by, punctuated by the lapping of the water and the passing scenery...
With Nicols, the unlicensed barge adventure invites you to experience something out of the ordinary: to become captain of your own boat and sail at your own pace.

Why rent a houseboat?

Take your time to enjoy

If cruising holidays are on the rise, it is because they meet a growing demand. All year round, we live at a frenetic pace, and we long for more peaceful moments, to take the time to recharge our batteries. Houseboat holidays offer the luxury of taking your time!. And with good reason: when you're cruising at 8 or 10 km/hour (limited speed on most canals), you take the time to do things, to navigate, to manoeuvre, to observe your surroundings... Even a short break is a unique experience, whether shared with friends, family or just the 2 of you. Want to be in total control of your holiday? Don't hesitate to choose a self-drive cruising holiday.

Stress-free holidays. No Licence Required.

You don't need a licence or any previous experience; our boats are easy to handle, and
gives you the opportunity to sail at your own pace. You'll be able to explore
canals and rivers, relax and share, and discover the real heritage: that of the terroir,
far from the tourist centers, far from the circuits, far from the crowds.

Freedom at your fingertips

On board, the trip is designed to be a gentle adventure in which you remain in control. Quiet, well-marked waterways let you savour every moment in total serenity. Far from the hustle and bustle, you're in control of your itinerary, with the freedom to choose your ports of call.

You'll get a taste of true freedom, whether you stop for a picnic in the Camargue, stroll through a summer market in Alsace, take a bike ride in the Charente or watch the sun set in the Midi.

Unforgettable memories for all

Choose a barge vacation with Nicols for an unforgettable experience

between relaxation and discovery, as a couple, with family or friends. Join the crew

to discover the inland waterways and taste the freedom of the open water

Need some inspiration for your barge vacation?

Choosing a Nicols cruise also means choosing a vacation that's just like you. Each cruise aboard one of our boats is unique, and your crew is free to choose not only your departure base, but also the itinerary and activities you'll enjoy along the way. But since it's not easy to choose your point of departure, don't hesitate to consult our thematic inspirations.

Here you'll find not only the starting point for your next adventure, but also a host of activities to satisfy every member of your crew:

Gastronomy & oenology
Immersion in nature
Culture & Heritage
Nautical activities
Sports activities
Relaxation & well-being
Culinary explorations
Adventure & Exploration

my inspiration

Preserving the ecosystem of our waterways

By choosing to rent a boat without a Sp. license, you've made the choice of a holiday in the heart of nature. in the heart of nature. The quality of the environment in which you'll be boating is a major factor in the success of your vacation. Let's protect nature together Our small gestures can have big effects!

Take the train to your nautical base. In France, more than half of our are located less than 10 km from a train station.
When mooring, be careful not to damage the plant life around you, and follow the instructions given by our teams during navigation training.
Don't leave a trace of your passage: collect your garbage, deposit it in the spaces provided for this purpose, and remember to selective sorting.
Navigate gently and carefully to avoid damaging the banks. Here too, during the training course, our teams will show you the speeds you need to respect to take care of the waterways you'll be surveying.
To take care of the boat and our environment, we offer you a welcome kit on the day of your embarkation, including biodegradable cleaning products. If you bring your own cleaning and hygiene products, please use biodegradable products too.

Water is a precious resource that must be shared for a variety of uses: drinking water, wildlife, agriculture, fishing, river tourism... To save this resource, we need to limit the number of individual boats passing through locks as much as possible: remember to group together with other boats during lockages.

our destinations

our boats

In harmony with nature

A houseboat vacation will open your eyes to the flora and fauna around you, and let you savor the colors of each season. It's a journey to the heart of nature.

image of a man relaxing on a nicols boat on the grande lago in portugal

Preserving the ecosystem of our waterways

By choosing to rent a boat without a license, you've made the choice of a vacation in the heart of nature. The quality of the environment in which you'll be sailing is a major factor in the success of your vacation. Let's protect nature together: our small gestures can have big effects. Water is a precious resource that must be shared for a variety of uses: drinking water, wildlife, agriculture, fishing, river tourism... To save this resource, we need to limit the number of single boats passing through locks as much as possible: remember to group together with other boats during lockages.

our destinations

our boats

Soft adventure on a barge

Cruising without a licence is easy

Home comforts

Your cruise from start to finish

Prepare your cruise
today

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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.