My first stay in a self drive barge
Discover the landscapes of Anjou, Mayenne and Sarthe in a new way! What could be more enjoyable than a vacation on a river self drive barge? All aboard for a touring holiday that flows along at a gentle pace in the largest network of navigable rivers in France.
Recreational boating on a river: it's child's play!
You dream of casting off, but you’ve never operated a boat? Let yourself be seduced by our licence-free river boat touring holidays! This is an ideal mode of travel for those wanting to peacefully navigate the waves of the Rivers of Western France.
Thanks to a speed limit for river navigation of 8 km/h (5 mph), vacationing on a licence-free self drive barge is available to everyone! The simplicity of the controls, which only consist of forward and reverse, means it’s easy to take charge of a riverboat.
Initial training provided by the rental company allows you to master the main manoeuvres, know the basic rules of river navigation and to prepare for lock crossings. You will be perfectly prepared before lifting anchor to set out on the Rivers of Western France!
Rent a licence-free self drive barge
All kinds of river adventures await you when renting a licence-free self drive barge. Comfort and enjoyment are combined for a trip aboard one of these safe vessels – whether it be for a day, a weekend, a week, or more!
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Lock crossings are special moments
The rhythm of river boating is determined by the passing of locks. This cultural heritage constructed along a river’s course allows boats to traverse changes in altitude. Lock crossings are carried out in two steps via a sluice located between two gates.
When approaching a lock, you will be able to moor your boat along the embankment at a reception pontoon. The lockmaster will then operate the sluice gates and guide you step-by-step. During this special moment you will be able to chat to the lockmaster or -mistress and to meet other boaters.
Even when there is no lockmaster present, a lock is nothing to be feared. The way they work will be explained to you, so that you and your crew will be able to use them calmly and independently.
Mooring at a port or a river stop
Vacationing on a self drive barge means a constant change of scenery along the trip. You will cruise along the calm waters of the rivers Sarthe, Mayenne, Maine or Oudon for 4 to 5 hours a day.
During the day you could put in at a port or a river stop. There you will find all the facilities required for welcoming riverboats.
Whether you are taking a few hours’ break to replenish your stocks, or are making a longer stopover to explore the surrounding area by bike, you will enjoy the uniqueness of a touring holiday by boat. In the evening you will enjoy the quiet nights in the countryside, moored at the pontoon of a river stop.
