Your boating holiday starts here: rent a no-licence houseboat in France and Europe.
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.
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…
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!
Whether you enjoy sunbathing on the deck of your boat, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or taking part in water activities, renting a boat gives you the freedom to plan the perfect vacation.
During your river cruise, you can:
– Swim in rivers and lakes
– Sunbathe on natural beaches
– Visit water parks with pools and slides
– Enjoy activities at watersport centers
– Swim directly from your Riverly boat
From rivers to canals, nature reveals itself along the water. From the deck of your boat, flora and fauna are all around you. On board, let yourself be soothed by the peaceful surroundings. A landscape or animal catches your eye? You’re free to stop wherever you like and explore the area.
By choosing a boat rental with Riverly, you can:
– Moor along untouched riverbanks
– Spot herons and kingfishers right from your boat
– Discover wild landscapes along the water
– Learn more about local wildlife from lock keepers
– Enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities in natural settings
What if your next city break… was by boat? No license needed—just the desire to discover cities from a new perspective. On board, there’s no stress, no schedule to follow: you move at your own pace, enjoying the scenery and stopovers as they come.
From our base in Bram, you can reach Toulouse via the Canal du Midi in just half a day of cruising. Once moored, landmarks like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin or the Capitole are just a short walk away. Further north, set off from Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune and follow the Saône River to Lyon: stroll along the riverbanks, enjoy a drink in the Old Town, then return to your boat for a peaceful night on board.
And it’s not just in France. Take Venice, for example, you can arrive by boat, moor near St. Mark’s Square, and experience *la dolce vita* with your feet practically in the water. In Amsterdam too, everything feels different when you’re navigating through the heart of the canals.
With Riverly, big cities become intimate stopovers, accessible without a car, free from constraints, and always offering the freedom to pause whenever you feel like it.
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.
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.