+44 333 057 0739

Do you have a question?

Our team of advisors is here to listen to you.
+44 333 057 0739
Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm
Open on Saturdays: 9am - 6pm

Do you have a question?

Our team of advisors is here to listen to you.
+44 333 057 0739
Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm
Open on Saturdays: 9am - 6pm

Canal boat hire with Riverly.

Discover the cultural richness of the regions alongside those who matter.
Riverly is much more than a cruise, it’s an experience.

License-free.

No license? No problem. Our qualified teams will introduce you to handling the boat: equipment, maneuvers, and the essential rules of river navigation. You’ll be ready in no time to set off with complete peace of mind. And don’t worry, we’re always available to support our captains on the water, whether first-timers or seasoned skippers!

7 countries, 39 departure bases, and countless landscapes to discover. From vineyards, castles, and windmills to rolling green hills, your journey immerses you in the very soul of each region. Here, there’s no rushed sightseeing—take your time, savor the moment, and let nature be your most beautiful stopover.

Sporty cruiser or authentic Pénichette? Everyone has their style. With over 550 boats waiting for you, the choice is yours to design a tailor-made holiday. Comfortable cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, inviting living spaces—everything is here to share moments out of time and enjoy the simple pleasure of life together on the water.

Our current special offers

Launch Offer

Up to -110€ per night

Valid on all stays of 3 nights until April 20th.

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Launch Offer

Up to -800€ per week

Valid on all stays of 7 nights until April 20th.

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Our destinations for your next boating holidays

Boating Holiday in France
Boating Holiday in Germany
Boating Holiday in Netherlands
Boating Holiday in Portugal
Boating Holiday in Italy
Boating Holiday in Ireland
Boating Holiday in Hungary
Boating Holiday in

Canal boat hire, the Riverly experience

Travelling with Riverly gives you a genuine travel experience. The keywords are closeness, discovery and independence. When you hire your boat, you are the captain, the one in charge of your holiday.
Opt for the closeness of a family holiday or traveling with a group of friends or your partner and explore unspoilt countryside. You will also discover regions that differ in their natural surroundings, history, vineyards and their local population.

A holiday with Riverly is a different way to get to know an area as you go with the flow. Your life aboard will be friendly and fun. If you hire bikes, you can set off in search of historic or architectural sites. We will help you to design a route that suits you to find what you want in terms of food and wine, urban or cultural visits, historical interest, nature and swimming. Enjoy your holidays to the full by stepping on board one of our Pénichette® barges and exploring our finest destinations.

Preview

Holiday ideas

Bicycle

In addition to your boat, Riverly offers bike rentals you can take on board. Use them to stretch your legs along the towpaths, ride on dedicated cycling trails to explore nearby villages and attractions, or simply run errands during your cruise. Here are some getaway ideas for a cycling-themed holiday or weekend.

For Beginners

To help you prepare for your cruise and feel confident that this is the perfect holiday for you, here are a few common questions, answered to ease any concerns. First of all, no prior experience? No problem. Our boats require no licence, are easy to handle, and allow for smooth, gentle manoeuvring. If your top holiday priority is relaxation, rest assured: you won’t be standing at the helm all day. Every boat model is designed with comfort, practicality, and full onboard equipment to make your life easier.

When it comes to piloting, it’s truly a breeze, leaving you plenty of time to unwind and enjoy. And what about safety? Everything on board is under control: handrails along wide walkways, spacious and stable decks, and even life jackets provided. When it’s time for a stopover, simply lock your boat and head out to explore the area freely. Still have questions? Take advantage of the handover at your departure base: our team will guide you through the boat and give you a short introduction—just enough to put your mind at ease before you set off.

Wine & Food

Discover the finest vineyards and savour the richness of their aromas: aboard your license-free boat, enjoy a river cruise along the Wine Route as you explore the scenic slopes of renowned wine estates.

Heritage

Canal boat rental cruise: Perfect for History Lovers

A canal boat rental cruise is ideal for history lovers, offering deep immersion in heritage and culture. As you navigate aboard your boat, you’ll have the chance to explore iconic regions that can only be accessed via waterways. Along canals, rivers, and lakes, you can visit grand medieval castles, ancient abbeys, architecturally distinctive villages, and heritage-listed monuments.

Each stop immerses you in a world where time seems to stand still, with cobbled streets, historic churches, local museums, and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. Beyond architectural discoveries, you can also enjoy the local culture by visiting markets, tasting regional products, or exploring UNESCO-listed sites on a river cruise through France.

Our favorites itineraries

Castles and Towns of the Saale
Germany / Saale Valley

Castles and Towns of the Saale

Departure : Bernburg
Arrival : Bernburg
Round trip
5 nights
Discover the itinerary from €*
History, Nature and Heritage
Germany / Saale Valley

History, Nature and Heritage

Departure : Bernburg
Arrival : Bernburg
Round trip
10 nights
Discover the itinerary from €*
History and Nature in the Heart of the Saale
Germany / Saale Valley

History and Nature in the Heart of the Saale

Departure : Bernburg
Arrival : Bernburg
Round trip
7 nights
Discover the itinerary from €*

They travelled with Riverly

4,4

Excellent sur
Trustpilot
  Trustpilot

Discover our license-free boats

Frequently Asked Questions

How to rent a boat with Riverly ?

To rent a boat with Riverly, follow these steps :

Choose your destination : Select the region where you’d like to sail from the many available, such as the Canal du Midi, Brittany or the Venetian Lagoon.
Book your boat : Check availability and rates directly on the website. You can book online or contact Riverly by phone for advice and to finalize your choice.
Prepare your departure and embark : Before your cruise, you’ll receive all the information you need about the itinerary and navigation. On the day of departure, meet us at the Locaboat base to get acquainted with the boat before starting your river adventure.

No, you don’t need a license to rent a boat with Locaboat. Before departure, you will receive a theoretical and practical introduction to boating at the base. At the end of this training, you will be issued with a license valid for the duration of your stay.

Prices vary according to duration, season and type of boat. Rentals start at around €1,120 for a week in low season. For an exact price, visit the Riverly website or contact our customer service department.

The boats are fully equipped for passenger comfort: cabins with storage space, bathroom with hot water, heating, full galley with fridge, oven, crockery and utensils. Linen (sheets, towels, tea towels) is also provided.