About Nicols – French boat builder and rental specialist since 1986

Boat builder and license-free rental specialist since 1986, Nicols is a French company that combines nautical expertise, innovation, and a passion for river tourism. With nearly 40 years of experience, the brand has established itself as a European reference by offering comfortable liveaboard boats—designed and built in France—available for rent from over 20 bases across France and Europe. At Nicols, every cruise is an invitation to discover the waterways in complete freedom, at the rhythm of the water.

The Origins of Nicols and the Inventiveness of Jean Ollivier

From Industrial Roots to a Passion for the Waterways

The story of Nicols began in 1986, driven by Jean Ollivier, a visionary industrialist. Combining his technical expertise with a deep love for Europe’s waterways, he set out to create a new range of liveaboard boats. This bold venture marked the founding of Nicols, a company that quickly stood out for its innovative spirit and the high quality of its builds. From the very start, Nicols established itself as a key player in the world of boat rentals for individuals seeking adventure on the water.

A Constant Evolution in Service of River Tourism

Since its inception, Nicols has continuously evolved to meet the expectations of holidaymakers. New models have been introduced—more comfortable, more spacious, and tailored to families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
For lovers of river cruising in France, this means access to iconic destinations such as Anjou, Alsace, Aquitaine, and the Saône. Through this expansion, the company reaffirms its commitment to high-quality river tourism, blending technical innovation, onboard comfort, and a respect for natural landscapes.

The Nicols Fleet: Innovation, Comfort, and 100% French Manufacturing

Boats Designed and Built in Our Cholet Shipyard

Every Nicols boat is designed and handcrafted in our shipyard in Cholet, founded in 1986. With complete control over the design and production process, customer feedback is quickly integrated into continuous improvements—ensuring each boat is robust, comfortable, and perfectly suited for canal boat rental.

Boat Ranges for Every Need: Sedan, Confort, Estivale, Fly

Nicols offers a variety of ranges to suit all preferences: Sedan, with its “mini yacht” aesthetic; Confort, designed especially for couples; and the newer, more modern Estivale and Fly ranges. This diversity ensures that everyone can find the perfect boat for a river cruise in France—whether with family, friends, or as a couple.

A Modern, Regularly Renewed Fleet

Nicols maintains a modern and well-kept fleet. The shipyard even relaunched the iconic Pénichette® line, with the new Pénichette Neo® debuting in 2025. This allows Nicols to offer river holidays aboard modern boats that blend tradition with innovation.

25 Bases Across France and Europe—Cruise Where You Want

Nicols now operates from 25 bases across France, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Hungary. Clients enjoy a wide selection of destinations for their river cruise in France or Europe, with flexible options like round trips, one-way routes, or custom stays.

Why Choose Nicols for Your Boating Holiday?

Proven Expertise and In-House Boatbuilding

Nicols stands out with its dual expertise as both a boatbuilder and licence-free boat rental provider since 1986. Every model is born in the Cholet workshop—100% Made in France, from mold to furniture—ensuring a reliable, comfortable boat designed specifically for river tourism.

Human and Personalized Support

From booking to your return, Nicols offers attentive, friendly support. At each of the 25 bases, local, passionate teams provide a warm welcome and training—even if you’ve never driven a boat before. A full briefing before departure ensures you feel confident at the helm. This personalized service makes all the difference, creating a relaxed and safe environment for your river holiday.

An Innovative Fleet Designed for Comfort

Each Nicols boat is built in France, with a focus on artisanal quality and detail. Recent models like the Estivale Sixto Green and the Quattro Fly C Green feature electric or hybrid engines, offering quiet, eco-friendly cruising. The Quattro Fly C Green also includes onboard air conditioning—even while cruising—and 220V sockets, ensuring optimal comfort throughout your journey.

Nicols’ Commitment to Sustainable River Tourism

Durable Boats, Designed for Long-Term Use and Maintenance

Nicols designs robust, easy-to-maintain boats built to last. Each one is crafted using materials chosen for their durability and repairability, ensuring a long life span. This approach helps reduce the environmental impact of production while delivering a reliable and comfortable river cruise experience.

Short Supply Chains: From Design to Rental

All Nicols boats are 100% French-made at the Cholet shipyard—an essential part of Nicols’ sustainability commitment. By overseeing every step from design to maintenance, Nicols promotes short supply chains, minimizes unnecessary transport, and supports the local economy. This model ensures high quality and optimal availability for a successful river cruise in France.

Gentle Cruising That Respects Local Environments

Nicols is committed to promoting river tourism that respects ecosystems and local communities. Its fleet includes electric and HVO biofuel-powered boats, reducing harmful emissions. The proposed itineraries encourage peaceful exploration of natural landscapes and heritage sites, all in harmony with the environment. Choosing Nicols means choosing a sustainable river cruise in France, where comfort and ecology go hand in hand.

Nicols in the Media & Award Recognition

Nicols continues to receive strong recognition in both the general and specialist press, thanks to the quality of its boats and services. The brand has also earned multiple prestigious awards for innovation, craftsmanship, and its dedication to sustainable river tourism.

In 2025: Nicols Merges with Locaboat to Become Riverly

In 2025, a new chapter began in the history of river tourism: Locaboat and Nicols, two major and complementary players, joined forces to create Riverly. This merger brought together the best of both worlds, with a shared goal: to offer the finest river cruising experience in Europe. Riverly draws on the expertise of two pioneering brands, with over 45 years of combined know-how, and an even broader, more innovative fleet. The name has changed, but the spirit remains: accessible, comfortable, and authentic licence-free cruises through the most beautiful regions of France and Europe.

Canal du Midi & Camargue

Bourgogne & Environs

Lacs du Mecklembourg

Lagune de Venise

Grande Lago

Shannon & Erne

Venice Lagoon

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