Take some time this summer to enjoy the water; a cool river is the perfect tonic when the weather turns hot!

You can pilot your way though a network of 375 km of navigable rivers to satiate your desire for aquatic adventure. You can glide down rivers completely surrounded by nature and untamed countryside. It’s easy to hire a boat for two, for a family or a group of friends. You don’t even need a license.

Before taking the helm: The first thing to do is to identify a houseboat rental base. A team of professionals will take you through the essentials of river navigation. Then you’ll be shown around the boat and told how it operates. They’ll also teach you how to navigate, go through the locks with the help of the lock-keepers (the kids will have fun lending a hand), and how to moor overnight at your chosen villages.

Home comforts on the river: Make yourself at home! You’re the captain of a handsome boat with all the amenities of a holiday home: spacious cabins; sheets and duvets provided; bathroom with toilet and shower; fully equipped kitchenette and much more. Everything is designed for your comfort on board – not to mention the sun deck and sliding sunroof so you can enjoy the scenery whilst topping up your tan!

Hiring a boat: Boats sleep from 2 to 12 people and are specially equipped for your safety on board. There are 5 boat-hire companies who offer their services so that you can navigate as you wish along the various Pays de la Loire waterways. Three are located on the Sarthe, Mayenne, Oudon and Maine rivers and two on the Erdre river and the Nantes to Brest Canal.

Where to rent?
On the Erdre and the Canal from Nantes to Brest:

Bretagne Fluviale (Sucé-sur-Erdre): www.bretagne-fluviale.com

Leboat (Nort-sur-Erdre): www.leboat.fr

On the Sarthe, the Mayenne, the Oudon and the Maine:

Anjou Navigation (Sablé-sur-Sarthe): www.anjou-navigation.fr

Les Canalous (Daon): www.canalous-plaisance.fr

Maine Anjou Rivières (Chenillé-Changé): www.maine-anjou-rivieres.com