{"id":28278,"date":"2026-07-28T08:22:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T08:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riverly.com\/?p=28278"},"modified":"2026-09-16T13:40:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T13:40:31","slug":"camargue-by-boat-without-a-licence-routes-prices-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.riverly.com\/en\/camargue-by-boat-without-a-licence-routes-prices-and-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Camargue by boat without a licence: routes, prices and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Looking for a different way to discover the Camargue? Set off on a self-drive boat holiday and explore the unique landscapes of the Camargue from the water. Along canals, waterways and lagoons, you can spot flamingos, Camargue horses and black bulls, discover the medieval walls of Aigues-Mortes and stop off in charming traditional villages.<\/p>

With Riverly, you can hire a self-drive boat in the Camargue without a boating licence for a short break of a few nights or a week-long boating holiday. Depending on your route, you can set off from Lattes or Bellegarde and discover famous places such as Aigues-Mortes, Saint-Gilles, Gallician and Franquevaux.<\/p>

\"Camargue<\/figure>

Can you drive a boat in the Camargue without a licence?<\/h2>

Yes, you can hire and drive a self-drive boat in the Camargue without a boating licence.<\/strong> Riverly’s boats can be operated without a boating licence. Before setting off, you will receive a full briefing to familiarise yourself with the boat and the basic manoeuvres.<\/p>

The advantage? You don’t need to be an experienced boater to enjoy a boating holiday in the Camargue. You set your own pace, stop along the way and explore the landscape from the water.<\/p>

Depending on the model, Riverly boats can accommodate between 2 and 12 people<\/strong>. They are therefore suitable for couples, families and groups of friends.<\/p>

Good to know:<\/strong> You do not need a boating licence or previous boating experience to enjoy a self-drive boat holiday in the Camargue. A boat-handling briefing is provided before departure.<\/p><\/blockquote>

R\u00e9servez vos vacances<\/a><\/div><\/div>

How many days do you need for a boating holiday in the Camargue?<\/h2>

How long you should stay depends mainly on how many places you want to visit and how much time you want to spend at each stop.<\/p>

3 nights on a boat<\/h3>

A 3-night boating holiday<\/strong> is ideal for discovering the Camargue for the first time. It gives you enough time to experience life on board while visiting some of the region’s key attractions.<\/p>

From Bellegarde, for example, a 3-night return route takes you via Saint-Gilles, Franquevaux and Gallician to Aigues-Mortes<\/strong>, before returning to Bellegarde.<\/p>

Riverly also offers 3-night return routes from Lattes on the Canal du Rh\u00f4ne \u00e0 S\u00e8te.<\/p>

5 nights on a boat<\/h3>

With 5 nights on board<\/strong>, you have more time to make several stops and explore the Camargue at a relaxed pace.<\/p>

This length of stay is particularly suitable if you want to spend more time around Aigues-Mortes and combine nature, culture and local food during your trip.<\/p>

A week or longer<\/h3>

If you want to discover more of the Camargue, consider spending 7 nights or more<\/strong> on board.<\/p>

Depending on your departure base, longer routes allow you to explore different landscapes and villages in the Camargue or continue towards the \u00c9tang de Thau and the Languedoc region.<\/p>

Our tip:<\/strong> Don’t plan your trip around navigation time alone. One of the great things about a self-drive boat holiday is being able to stop along the way, go ashore and explore at your own pace.<\/p>

Which route should you take in the Camargue by boat?<\/h2>

There is no single route for exploring the Camargue by boat. The best route depends on the length of your holiday, your departure base and the places you want to visit.<\/p>

3-night route: Bellegarde \u2013 Aigues-Mortes \u2013 Bellegarde<\/h3>

For a short boating holiday, you can start from Bellegarde<\/strong>, travel through several stops to Aigues-Mortes and then return to Bellegarde.<\/p>

The route includes:<\/p>

Bellegarde \u2192 Saint-Gilles \u2192 Franquevaux \u2192 Gallician \u2192 Aigues-Mortes \u2192 Bellegarde<\/strong><\/p>

This route is a great way to combine nature and culture during a short break.<\/p>

In Saint-Gilles<\/strong>, you can discover the Romanesque abbey church, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Franquevaux<\/strong> offers an insight into traditional Camargue cattle and horse breeding, while Gallician<\/strong> is surrounded by the characteristic landscapes of the Petite Camargue.<\/p>

One of the highlights of the route is Aigues-Mortes<\/strong>, with its impressive medieval walls, Tour de Constance and nearby salt marshes.<\/p>

A week by boat: discover nature and culture<\/h3>

With a week on board, you can choose a longer route and take more time at each stop.<\/p>

From Bellegarde, several 7-night routes allow you to discover the landscapes, villages and sights of the Camargue. Some routes also continue towards the \u00c9tang de Thau and the Languedoc region.<\/p>

From Lattes<\/strong>, 7-night routes on the Canal du Rh\u00f4ne \u00e0 S\u00e8te can also take you towards Aigues-Mortes and the \u00c9tang de Thau.<\/p>

The right route therefore depends on what you want from your boating holiday: wildlife, culture, beaches, local food or a longer journey towards the Canal du Midi.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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What can you see during a boating holiday in the Camargue?<\/h2>

The Camargue is particularly well suited to exploring by boat. Between canals, wetlands, lagoons and historic towns, you can experience many different sides of this unique region.<\/p>

Aigues-Mortes and its medieval walls<\/h3>

Aigues-Mortes<\/strong> is one of the Camargue’s must-see destinations and should be high on your list during a boating holiday.<\/p>

This medieval fortified town is famous for its impressive ramparts. Walk through the historic streets, visit the Tour de Constance<\/strong> and enjoy the atmosphere of southern France from one of the town’s caf\u00e9s and terraces.<\/p>

Nearby, the Aigues-Mortes salt flats<\/strong> offer one of the region’s most distinctive landscapes, with vast salt pans and striking colours.<\/p>

Aigues-Mortes is also one of the key stops on several Riverly routes in the Camargue.<\/p>

Gallician and the Petite Camargue<\/h3>

In Gallician<\/strong>, you will find a particularly peaceful and natural atmosphere. The small port is a great base for exploring the landscapes of the Petite Camargue.<\/p>

Nearby, the Scamandre nature reserve<\/strong> is home to wetlands and numerous bird species. Walking trails allow visitors to explore this remarkable natural environment.<\/p>

Saint-Gilles and its heritage<\/h3>

Saint-Gilles<\/strong> is another interesting stop on routes departing from Bellegarde.<\/p>

The town is particularly known for its Romanesque abbey church<\/strong>, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>

It is an ideal place to leave the boat for a few hours and discover some of the region’s cultural heritage.<\/p>

Franquevaux and Camargue traditions<\/h3>

At Franquevaux<\/strong>, you can discover another important part of Camargue culture.<\/p>

The region’s traditional manades<\/strong> are cattle and horse farms that play an important role in the local identity. A visit can give you an insight into the work of the gardians<\/em> and the traditions surrounding Camargue horses and bulls.<\/p>

Flamingos, horses and wild landscapes<\/h3>

Nature is one of the biggest highlights of a boating holiday in the Camargue.<\/p>

From the water, you will pass through wetlands and alongside lagoons where, if you’re lucky, you may spot greater flamingos, herons and many other bird species<\/strong>. The region’s famous white Camargue horses and black bulls are also part of the landscape.<\/p>

This combination of boating and wildlife makes the Camargue a particularly special destination.<\/p>

How much does it cost to hire a boat without a licence in the Camargue?<\/h2>

The price of a boating holiday in the Camargue<\/strong> depends on several factors, including the length of your stay, travel dates, number of passengers and boat model.<\/p>

Availability can also affect the price. For example, Riverly currently offers some 3-night routes from Bellegarde from \u20ac271 for 2 to 4 people<\/strong> on selected dates in October 2026. Other dates, routes and boat models may have different prices.<\/p>

To find the price for your trip, simply select your travel dates, number of passengers and preferred boat<\/strong> and check the current availability.<\/p>

Good to know:<\/strong> Prices vary depending on the dates, route and boat. Always check the current price when booking.<\/p>

Where can you start a boating holiday in the Camargue?<\/h2>

Two particularly interesting departure bases for exploring the Camargue are Lattes and Bellegarde<\/strong>.<\/p>

Starting from Lattes<\/h3>

Located close to Montpellier, Lattes<\/strong> is a convenient starting point for heading along the Canal du Rh\u00f4ne \u00e0 S\u00e8te towards the Camargue.<\/p>

Depending on your route, you can visit Aigues-Mortes, Le Grau-du-Roi and the \u00c9tang de Thau. Some longer routes can also take you further towards the Canal du Midi.<\/p>

Starting from Bellegarde<\/h3>

The Bellegarde<\/strong> base is another gateway to the Camargue.<\/p>

From here, you can head towards Saint-Gilles, Franquevaux, Gallician and Aigues-Mortes.<\/p>

Which base should you choose?<\/strong> It mainly depends on the route you want to follow and the length of your boating holiday.<\/p>

Which boat is best for a boating holiday in the Camargue?<\/h2>

The right boat depends primarily on how many people are travelling with you and the level of comfort you are looking for<\/strong>.<\/p>

For a couple, a more compact boat may be enough. Families and groups of friends may prefer a boat with more sleeping capacity and a larger living area.<\/p>

Riverly’s boats are designed for multi-day holidays on board. Depending on the model, they include cabins, living areas, kitchens and outdoor spaces.<\/p>

Before booking, compare:<\/p>