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+44 333 057 0739
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+44 333 057 0739
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Open on Saturdays: 9am - 6pm
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Riverly by Locaboat & Nicols
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

2027 SEASON

The 2027 season is now open!
30%* off your 2027 holidays

Book Early, Save More.

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LAST MINUTE

Last Minute weekend getaway
Up to 30%* off

September & October departures

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Locaboat and Nicols
become Riverly

Your boating holiday starts here: rent a no-licence houseboat in France and Europe.

Adults 18 to 64 years
4
Adults +65 years
0
Children 0 to 17 years
0
Total (max. 12) 4
Adults 18 to 64 years
4
Adults +65 years
0
Children 0 to 17 years
0
Total (max. 12) 4

No-licence canal boat hire - your river cruise with Riverly.

Discover Europe’s most beautiful regions at your own pace, on the water, with those who matter most. Become the captain of a fully equipped houseboat with no licence required: a unique experience accessible to everyone (no prior experience needed), ideal for a getaway with family or friends for 2 to 12 people.

No licence required

Really no licence needed? Absolutely. On the day of your departure, our team gives you a complete introduction to boating: handling the boat, maneuvering, going through locks, and essential rules on the water. In just a few minutes, you’ll be ready to cast off with complete peace of mind. And if any questions pop up along the way, we’re right here! Our team is always on hand to assist our captains, whether it’s your first time at the helm or you’re a seasoned boater. More than 550 Riverly boats are waiting for you for a memorable boating holiday tailor-made for you. Everything is provided on board: comfortable cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, heating, bed linen supplied… All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery. The hardest part? Deciding which picturesque village to stop in for lunch… or who takes the wheel today!

Set off on a boating holiday in France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, the Netherlands, or Hungary. With 39 departure bases and hundreds of miles of navigable waterways, the possibilities are endless. Vineyards, châteaux, charming villages, unspoilt nature… every route reveals a region’s hidden gems, far from mass tourism. Here, you leave the clock behind. The only rhythm that matters is the river’s flow.

A no-licence houseboating holiday is one of those rare trips where everyone finds their rhythm. Kids turn into explorers, parents truly unwind, and friends stay up talking on deck. Our boats comfortably accommodate 2 to 12 people, featuring cosy cabins and living areas designed for sharing great moments. No experience necessary, just the desire to spend quality time together. On board, your days shape up naturally: passing through a lock, exploring a local market, enjoying lunch on deck…

Our current special offers

All our special offers
Early Booking: Book Early, Save More

30% off your 2027 vacation

Book Early, Save More.

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Last Minute 30%* off

Up to 30%* off September & October holidays

Valid on all departures for the end of the season.

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All our special offers

Our destinations for your next boating holidays

All our destinations

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
Map of Europe Showing Our River Cruise Destinations

Canal boat hire, the Riverly experience

Travelling with Riverly means experiencing authentic river cruising at its best. When you rent a boat with no licence required, you become the captain of your own holiday, with no set schedules or fixed itineraries. Whether with family, friends, or as a couple, enjoy the simple moments that make the best memories: a sunset drink on deck, a barbecue on the riverbank, a lock successfully navigated together, a hidden village discovered by chance… or a spontaneous pause just because the scenery is too beautiful to leave behind. The only traffic jam you might encounter? A family of ducks taking their sweet time!

A river cruise with Riverly is an invitation to explore the rich culture of a region at your own pace. With your no-licence houseboat hire, discover charming villages, historical landmarks, renowned wine regions, local markets, and unspoilt landscapes straight from the water. To complete your holiday, bring bikes along on board! Ride down the towpaths along the canals, discover architectural gems, and uncover local secrets along your route. Our team is here to help you craft the perfect boating holiday that suits your style: gourmet trips, wine tours, cultural discoveries, peaceful nature retreats, or a summer cruise packed with refreshing swim stops. With Riverly, you don't follow a pre-set holiday itinerary. You write your own story on the water. And the best stories are often the ones you never planned!

A woman and a child blowing soap bubbles aboard a licence-free boat

Holiday ideas

Golf

Want to learn or improve your golf skills? Choose a river cruise and combine the joy of a boating holiday with your favourite sport. Discover our getaway ideas for a golf-filled weekend.

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Fishing

What a joy it is to fish from the deck of your boat as you cruise along! Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply curious to enjoy fishing with your family, explore our getaway ideas for a fishing weekend.

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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.

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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.

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They travelled with Riverly

Trustpilot rating: 4.4 out of 5 – Excellent
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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 licence to rent a boat with Riverly. 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.

Check out the FAQ