Discover France’s finest vineyards and sample the wines they produce: enjoy a holiday on a self-drive boat following a trail through some of France’s most famous and picturesque wine regions.
Boating holidays that mix wine and water
Wake up your taste buds and go on a journey through a thousand flavours! Whether you’re a connoisseur or just interested in wine, a self-drive boat is a practical and pleasant way to get to the vineyards. Follow a wine trail in a Pénichette® through the wine-growing landscapes and learn about the techniques used in wine making. Take time to admire the regular geometry of the rows of vines that stretch as far as the eye can see and produce some of the finest wines you’ll ever taste. Also on the itinerary are stop-offs at wine estates to meet the growers. It’s easy to moor your boat near some of the most highly-regarded vineyards, where you can treat your palate by discovering new wines or just indulge in your favourite tipple. A wine tour by boat also makes it easier to discover new wine producers, names that may be less well-known but whose wines have just as much character as the most famous labels.
Culture & gourmet treats compromise is not on the menu
Relaxing journeys through the finest vineyards with stop-offs for wine tasting: our top 4 cruises for food and wine lovers
Joigny
At Joigny, the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal du Nivernais will take you to villages that are home to the famous names of Tonnerre, Chablis and Irancy.
Bram
Starting at Bram, travel along the Canal du Midi stopping at the famous vineyards of Malepère and Corbières via Minervois.
Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune
Saint-Léger-on-Dheune is the gateway to prestigious Burgundy vineyards such as Santenay and Rully along the Canal du Centre.
Wine tours by boat: between vineyard and wine tastings
Each region has its own cuisine and local wines that complement it. Following a wine trail by self-drive boat is an original way to discover the local flavours and comes with the freedom to stop whenever you want. You can explore the Canal du Midi and nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites while stopping off for visits to the region’s most famous vineyards… a recipe for success! Certain routes, such as those in Burgundy, are also perfect for immersing yourself in history. Burgundy has the largest network of canals and rivers in France. A cruise through the region will take in cultural highlights and prestigious wines.
Visit the Château de Rully via the Canal du Centre and enjoy the authentic flavours. Or set off from Santenay and travel from village to village, discovering the powerful wines in the Burgundy subregion of Côte Châlonnaise. To the north, you could rent a boat on the Canal de Bourgogne to admire the elegant Renaissance-era Château de Tanlay before tasting a glass of Tonnerrois in a wine cellar close to the vineyard. Wine trails by boat offer calm and soothing surroundings that complement the spectacular wines on offer.
Our current Offers
BLOG Boating for foodies
Unique experiences in Burgundy from your canal boat
Whether you’re a connoisseur of Pinot Noir, the number one grape variety used in the wines of Burgundy, or whether you simply fancy exploring one of the most beautiful parts of France, choosing [...]
An expert on canal cruising advises beginners
It was back in 1996 that Denis Ravy discovered Locaboat on the Canal du Midi. Every year for almost 20 years, he has faithfully returned to Locaboat.
The gourmets great circle route
The inland waterways routes offered by Locaboat have always made it possible to discover landscapes and the pleasures of the table.
Why choose Locaboat?
Locaboat Holidays has been the industry specialist for boating holidays and waterways cruises since 1977. Inventor of the Pénichette®, Locaboat is as famous for the friendliness and quality of its customer service as for the comfort and easy handling of its boats. When you rent a boat from Locaboat, you’ll benefit from the advice of local experts who are passionate about boating and will do their utmost to make sure you enjoy a wonderful holiday.
More than 200 routes throughout Europe
1.4 million customers since 1977
97% of our customers would recommend us
More than 40 years of expertise to draw on
