A houseboat holiday on the Canal du Midi is a wonderful way to discover southern France at your own pace. Cruise through sun-drenched landscapes, navigate historic locks and stop in charming villages along the way — all without needing a boat licence or any previous boating experience.
But how much should you budget for a houseboat holiday on the Canal du Midi? And what is included in the rental price?
As a general guide, you can expect to pay around €1,500 to €4,500 for a week’s houseboat rental for four people. This is an indicative price range for the boat rental only, excluding fuel, gas, optional services and other extras. The actual price depends on several factors, including the time of year, the type of boat and the number of people travelling.
In this article, discover how to plan your budget, what is included in a Riverly houseboat rental and which additional costs you should allow for.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Houseboat on the Canal du Midi?
The cost of renting a houseboat on the Canal du Midi depends on several factors. Alongside the length of your stay, the season, the boat’s comfort level and the number of people on board all influence the price.
Indicative prices for a week on the Canal du Midi
For a week-long holiday with four people, you can use the following price range as a guide:
€1,500 to €4,500 for the boat rental, depending on the season, boat category and availability.
Additional costs may include fuel and gas, optional services, meals, excursions and other personal expenses.
This is an indicative range, not a guaranteed quote. To find the exact price for your trip, check the boats available for your preferred dates.
What factors affect the rental price?
The time of year
The season has a significant impact on rental prices. Demand is generally higher in summer, particularly in July and August. If your dates are flexible, travelling in spring or autumn may be worth considering.
These months offer a different way to experience the Canal du Midi. The scenery changes with the seasons, some destinations are quieter, and you may be able to enjoy a more relaxed pace. Check availability and the conditions for your preferred travel dates before booking.
The type of boat and level of comfort
Not all houseboats offer the same facilities. Depending on the model, boats vary in the number of berths, layout, cabins and overall comfort.
When choosing your boat, consider more than just the rental price. Think about how much space you need and which facilities will make your holiday more enjoyable.
Riverly offers a range of houseboats to suit different group sizes and holiday preferences. Explore the options on our houseboat range page.
The number of people travelling
A houseboat holiday can be particularly good value when you share the cost with family or friends. For example, if the total rental price is €2,400, four people would each pay €600 for the boat. With six people, the cost would work out at €400 per person, provided the boat has enough berths.
When comparing boats, look at both the total rental price and the cost per person, while making sure the boat is suitable for your group.
The length of your stay
The longer you stay, the more time you have to explore the Canal du Midi and its surroundings. However, your overall budget will generally increase with the length of your trip.
The following durations can help you plan your holiday:
| Length of stay | Who is it best for? |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 nights | Ideal for a short break and a first experience on the water |
| 4 to 5 nights | A great option for a relaxed getaway with several stops along the way |
| 7 nights | Enough time to discover different villages and landscapes |
| 10 to 14 nights | Ideal for those who want to travel further and enjoy greater flexibility |
Prices vary depending on your travel dates, the boat and availability. Always check the specific offers for your chosen period.
How Much Does a Houseboat Holiday Cost per Person?
The cost per person mainly depends on how many people share the boat rental. You will also need to budget for the costs of cruising and activities on shore.
For a week-long rental costing between €1,500 and €4,500 for four people, the indicative cost per person would be:
€375 per person for a total rental price of €1,500.
€1,125 per person for a total rental price of €4,500.
These amounts cover each person’s share of the boat rental only. Additional expenses are not included.
Example budget for four people
Imagine you are planning a week on the Canal du Midi with three other people. Your budget might look like this:
| Expense | Example amount |
|---|---|
| Boat rental | €2,400 |
| Fuel and gas | €400 |
| Other expenses, such as food and activities | €400 |
| Total budget | €3,200 |
| Cost per person for four people | €800 |
This is an illustrative budget, not a guaranteed Riverly price. Actual costs for fuel, gas, food and activities can vary significantly depending on the boat, how you use it and your personal preferences.
To plan your budget more accurately, it helps to separate the boat rental cost from your spending during the holiday.
What Is Included in a Houseboat Rental?
When planning your houseboat holiday, it is worth checking which services are included in the rental price and which incur additional charges.
With Riverly, the rental includes the following, depending on the offer and boat selected:
The houseboat
You will have the houseboat you booked, equipped according to the specifications of your chosen model. Depending on the boat, facilities may include berths, a kitchen, a living area and other amenities designed to make your stay comfortable.
You can enjoy the freedom of travelling on the water while making the most of your floating home.
Bed linen and towels
Bed linen and towels are included in the rental price, so you do not necessarily need to bring your own. Check the details of your chosen boat when booking.
Canal locks
The lock passages required for your trip are included in the rental price. You do not need to pay separately for each lock you pass through.
Locks are one of the distinctive experiences of a houseboat holiday. Before departure, you will receive an introduction to help you understand the process and the basic procedures to follow when navigating through them.
Pre-departure navigation briefing
You do not need a boat licence or previous boating experience to enjoy a Riverly houseboat holiday. Before departure, you will receive a navigation briefing covering the basics of handling the boat and the main manoeuvres, as well as essential boating rules.
This gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat before setting off.
Important: Included services may vary depending on the offer and the boat selected. Check the details of your booking before confirming your holiday.
4. What Additional Costs Should You Budget For?
Alongside the rental price, there are several expenses to consider when planning your houseboat holiday. These mainly include fuel and gas, optional services, food and activities during your stops.
Fuel and gas
Fuel and gas are not automatically included in the basic rental price. With Riverly, they are charged according to actual consumption under the Pack Éco-Navigation.
The cost depends on several factors, including how long you run the engine, the distance you travel and how you use the boat. Longer journeys or more extensive cruising may affect your consumption.
Allow for these expenses in your budget. It is not possible to give one fixed amount for every trip, as consumption varies according to your route and how the boat is used.
Optional services and extras
Depending on your needs, you can book additional services to make your stay on board even more comfortable. These options are not automatically included in the basic rental price and may increase your overall budget.
Explore the available services on our Services and Extras page.
The optional Sérénité package
If you would prefer to plan certain expenses in advance, you may be able to choose the optional Sérénité package, depending on the offer.
This package includes fuel, end-of-stay cleaning, bicycle rental and a security deposit waiver or reduction, subject to the applicable offer terms.
The Sérénité package is optional. When booking, check which services are included in the specific offer and what conditions apply.
The security deposit
A security deposit is required before departure. Depending on the size and category of the boat, it generally ranges from €2,500 to €4,500.
The deposit is usually taken as a pre-authorisation on your credit card. It is therefore not automatically an expense that you will be charged. The exact conditions depend on the boat selected and the applicable rental terms.
Before departure, make sure you understand the deposit amount and the conditions for its release.
Food, restaurants and activities
During your trip, you can choose whether to cook on board, visit local markets or eat at restaurants.
Remember to allow for expenses such as:
Food and drinks for your time on board;
Restaurant meals and local specialities;
Entrance fees for attractions and museums;
Cycling trips and other activities;
Parking or certain harbour services, where applicable.
These costs depend largely on how you choose to spend your holiday. Preparing your own meals and choosing free or low-cost stops can help you manage your budget.
Example: How to Plan Your Budget for a Week
To get a clearer idea of your expenses, it is useful to prepare a simple budget before departure.
| Budget item | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Boat rental | Depends on the season, boat and availability |
| Fuel and gas | Charged according to actual consumption under Pack Éco-Navigation |
| Optional services | Depends on the extras and packages selected |
| Security deposit | Generally €2,500 to €4,500, depending on the boat; usually taken as a pre-authorisation |
| Food and drinks | Groceries, drinks and restaurant meals |
| Excursions | Attractions, museums and activities |
| Other expenses | Parking and certain harbour services, where applicable |
The boat rental is generally the main expense. You can adjust your other spending according to your preferences and how you plan to travel.
When comparing offers, do not look at the basic rental price alone. Check which services are included, which extras you may need and what your overall holiday budget is likely to be.
How Can You Save Money on a Canal du Midi Houseboat Holiday?
With a little planning, you can keep your budget under control without compromising on the experience.
Consider travelling outside peak season
Prices and availability depend on the time of year. If you are not tied to the summer holidays, compare different dates to see what works best for your budget.
The experience can also vary depending on the season. Check the conditions for your preferred dates before booking.
Choose the right boat for your group
Your boat should suit the size of your group and your comfort requirements. You may not need a particularly large model if you are travelling with only a few people.
Think about how many berths you need and which facilities matter most to you. This will help you find a suitable boat more easily.
Share the cost with your fellow travellers
If you are travelling with friends or family, you can split the rental cost between several people. Compare both the total price and the cost per person.
Make sure the boat is suitable for everyone in your group and has enough berths.
Plan your route in advance
You do not need to cover as many kilometres as possible every day. Choose a route that suits the length of your stay and leave plenty of time for stops.
As fuel and gas are charged according to actual consumption, planning your cruising can help you manage your usage. Actual consumption will still depend on how you operate the boat and the conditions along the way.
Plan meals and activities ahead
Preparing some of your meals on board can reduce restaurant costs. Local markets are also a great way to discover regional produce.
Include free or low-cost activities in your itinerary, such as walks through villages or exploring the canal towpaths.
Check exactly what is included
Compare offers based on the overall cost, rather than just the advertised rental price. Check which services are included and which are charged separately.
This will help you choose the offer that best matches your expectations and budget.
Which Places Should You Visit on a Houseboat Holiday on the Canal du Midi?
The Canal du Midi is more than a waterway: it is an invitation to explore southern France at your own pace. Along the way, you can stop in small villages, visit historic sites and discover local cuisine.
Le Somail: a charming village by the water
Le Somail is a popular stop on the Canal du Midi. This small village is a lovely place to moor, wander through the streets and enjoy the atmosphere beside the water.
Take the opportunity to go for a walk or stop at a café.
Argens-Minervois: a peaceful stop along the canal
Argens-Minervois is set in an attractive landscape and makes a pleasant stop along your route.
It is a great place to experience a quieter side of the Canal du Midi and explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
Carcassonne: history and heritage
Carcassonne is particularly famous for its medieval fortified city. If your route and schedule allow, it is well worth a visit to wander through the historic streets and admire the impressive architecture.
Allow enough time for this stop so that you can enjoy the city rather than simply passing through.
Béziers and the Fonseranes locks
Béziers is one of the best-known destinations along the Canal du Midi. One of its main attractions is the Fonseranes lock staircase, one of the canal’s most impressive engineering features.
Passing through the locks is also an interesting part of the boating experience. Your pre-departure briefing will prepare you for the basic procedures involved.
Your actual stops will depend on the length of your stay, your chosen route and conditions along the way. Plan your journey to leave enough time for sightseeing and relaxation.
How Do You Book Your Canal du Midi Houseboat Holiday?
When planning your houseboat holiday, start by deciding on your travel dates, the number of people in your group and the length of your stay.
You can then compare the available boats and check which models suit your group and budget.
When choosing your boat, pay particular attention to:
The total price for your chosen dates;
The number of berths and the onboard facilities;
The services included in the rental;
The cost of fuel, gas and optional extras;
The security deposit and applicable rental conditions.
If your dates are flexible, comparing different travel periods may help you find an offer that suits your needs.
Explore the available options for your next boating holiday on the Riverly Canal du Midi page.
FAQ : About the Cost of a Canal du Midi Houseboat Holiday
How much does a week-long houseboat holiday on the Canal du Midi cost?
How much does a week-long houseboat holiday on the Canal du Midi cost?
As an indicative guide, a week for four people costs around €1,500 to €4,500 for the boat rental alone. The actual price depends on the season, boat type and availability. Fuel, gas, optional services and other expenses may be extra.
How much does a houseboat holiday cost per person?
How much does a houseboat holiday cost per person?
For a rental costing between €1,500 and €4,500 for four people, each person’s share of the boat rental would be around €375 to €1,125. Additional holiday expenses are not included.
Is fuel included in the rental price?
Is fuel included in the rental price?
Fuel and gas are not automatically included in the basic rental price. With Riverly, they are charged according to actual consumption under Pack Éco-Navigation.
Are canal lock passages included in the rental price?
Are canal lock passages included in the rental price?
Yes, the lock passages required for your trip are included in the rental price.
Do I need a boat licence to navigate the Canal du Midi?
Do I need a boat licence to navigate the Canal du Midi?
No. You do not need a boat licence or previous boating experience to enjoy a Riverly houseboat holiday. You will receive a pre-departure briefing covering navigation and the main manoeuvres.
Are bed linen and towels included?
Are bed linen and towels included?
Yes, bed linen and towels are included in the rental price. Check the specific conditions for your chosen boat when booking.
How much is the security deposit for a houseboat?
How much is the security deposit for a houseboat?
Depending on the size and category of the boat, the deposit generally ranges from €2,500 to €4,500. It is usually taken as a pre-authorisation on your credit card. The exact conditions depend on the boat booked and the rental terms.
