No licence required
The boats are suitable for beginners. A full introduction is provided at the base before departure.
Lot, Charente and South-West France
Licence-free boat hire on the Lot and in Charente
Set off with Les Canalous for a peaceful river cruise in South-West France. From Luzech on the Lot or Cognac in Charente, cruise at your own pace between cliffs, vineyards, villages, heritage sites and local gastronomy.
- Licence-free houseboats
- Departures from Luzech and Cognac
- Weekend, week or day rental
- Lot, Charente, heritage and gastronomy
Plan your cruise
What would you like to do?
Quickly access the useful pages to book, ask for advice, compare prices or discover day boat hire from Cognac.
Current offers
Offers and ideas for your cruise on the Lot or in Charente
Use the available offers to plan your cruise at the right time, depending on dates, boats and availability.
Why cruise with Les Canalous?
A river cruise through nature, heritage and gastronomy
Hiring a licence-free houseboat is a different way to discover the Lot and Charente: quiet, flexible and at your own pace.
Two atmospheres
The Lot offers cliffs, villages and the Cahors vineyard; Charente offers a gentler cruise around Cognac.
Heritage and local food
Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Cognac, Jarnac and Angoulême add visits, markets and regional flavours to your cruise.
For every rhythm
Weekend, short break, full week or day rental: choose the format that suits your plans.
Departure bases
Where can you hire your boat on the Lot or in Charente?
Les Canalous welcomes you in Luzech to discover the Lot and the Cahors vineyards, or in Cognac to cruise the Charente between historic towns, Cognac houses, villages and green landscapes.
These two regions offer complementary experiences: a spectacular cruise below the cliffs of the Lot, and a gentler journey on the Charente, with heritage, fishing, gastronomy and Charente charm.
During your stay
What awaits you along the water
A cruise on the Lot or in Charente is a slower, freer and more intimate way to discover South-West France.
Cliffs of the Lot
Cruise below the cliffs, through wild landscapes, caves, villages and remarkable viewpoints.
Cahors and heritage
The Lot takes you to characterful stops including Cahors, the Valentré bridge and the villages of the Quercy.
Cognac and Charente
From Cognac, enjoy a gentle cruise between cellars, bridges, villages, markets and Charente heritage.
Day boat hire
From Cognac, set off for a full day or half day on the Charente with family or friends.
Choose your boat
Licence-free boats for a weekend, a week or a day
Couple, family or group of friends: choose your boat according to party size, comfort level and length of stay.
The Premium, Classic and Simply ranges help you find the right option, from a more comfortable boat to a simpler and more economical model.
Compare the boats
Premium
Classic
Simply
Prices and advice
Need help choosing your cruise?
Prices vary depending on the season, duration, departure base and boat chosen. For a day, weekend or full week, the easiest option is to check the current offers or ask for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Before hiring a licence-free boat
Do you need a licence to hire a boat on the Lot or in Charente?
No. The boats offered are designed to be driven without a licence. Before departure, you receive an introduction covering manoeuvres, navigation and the essential safety rules.
Which destination should you choose: the Lot or Charente?
Choose the Lot for cliffs, the Cahors vineyards, Quercy villages and a spectacular cruise. Choose Charente for a gentler journey around Cognac, Jarnac, Saintes or Angoulême.
Can you hire a boat just for the day?
Yes. Day boat hire is available in Charente from Cognac. It is a good way to try licence-free cruising without going away for several days.
Is a river cruise suitable for families?
Yes. River cruising works very well for families. Children enjoy life on board, locks, village stops and walks along the water.
Ready to plan your cruise on the Lot or in Charente?
Choose your departure base, compare current offers or ask for a personalised quote.
