In response to the heightened interest in France following the recent Paris Olympic Games and shifts in travel preferences, Le Boat unveiled new experiences for 2025, showcasing the country's historic canals.
This destination embodies the growing trend towards experiential spending, as travellers increasingly prioritize meaningful experiences over material purchases.
A Shift Towards Experiential Travel
Recent research from Mastercard’s “Travel Trends 2024” report highlights a compelling trend: travelers are dedicating a larger portion of their budgets to experiences rather than shopping. In 2023, Americans allocated a record 13% of their travel expenditures to experiences, driven by a desire for personal fulfillment and deeper connections. This evolving trend is further supported by findings from the Mastercard Economics Institute and other industry surveys.
Le Boat trips allow people to try vacationing by boat- Travelers will experience life as if they are a locals and enjoying the waterways from their own private boat, making new friends at the docks in the evenings, and cruising to their next destination by day and getting a better understanding what it is like to vacation onboard houseboat. There is no license or experience required allowing everyone to give it a try!
Discover French Canal Holidays in Nine Stunning Regions
Fall in love with the French way of life through canal boat vacations in France, offered by Le Boat, Europe's leading boating rental company!
A Le Boat vacation in France provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery of French waterways from the comfort of your own private boat. Experience the country from the vantage of its romantic rivers, explore captivating sights, or pause to relax and savor fine French wines and delicious cuisine. Choose from Le Boat’s nine regions, each offering distinct scenery, gastronomy, culture, and charm, and explore them at your own pace aboard a private boat.
In alignment with this trend, the French Canals and Historical Waterways are set to be premier destinations in 2025 for those seeking extraordinary and unique travel experiences.
Why Experiences Matter
Sources such as Big Think and MoneySense emphasize that investing in experiences enhances personal happiness and satisfaction far more than material acquisitions. Experiences foster lasting memories and deepen personal connections, offering a profound sense of fulfillment. As travelers embrace this philosophy, destinations like the France Canals provide the perfect canvas for these enriching adventures.
Plan Your 2025 Adventure in France
Canal du Midi
Explore the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a 300-year history. Visit Carcassonne, a medieval city overlooking the Aude River, sip local French wines along the riverbanks, explore France’s largest outdoor market in Narbonne, and cruise through the unique Malpas tunnel, commissioned by Louis XIV. New for 2025, Le Boat will offer a Captain for Hire for the day, providing an enhanced and personalized boating experience.
The River Lot
One of France’s most scenic and longest canals, the River Lot is ideal for a leisurely, picturesque adventure. The scenic River Lot is lined with trees, leading to medieval villages, vineyards, limestone cliffs, and wilderness. It offers a unique venue for boating vacations, complemented by outdoor activities such as cycling, swimming, and fishing, as well as fine dining, market browsing, and château sightseeing.
Camargue
Home to breathtaking wildlife and beautiful beaches, the Camargue is a paradise for nature lovers. Experience the sunny Camargue region with its saltwater lagoons, beaches, and daily sightings of white horses grazing on the riverbanks. Learn to shuck oysters and see how the famous Sel de Camargue is harvested. Must-see stops include the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, a jewel of medieval military architecture, ideal for a leisurely stroll and shopping in the old town.
Alsace-Lorraine
One of the most unique aspects of traveling to Alsace-Lorraine is its rich history. The region border both France and Germany and its reflected in its cuisine, and traditions. Discover the region’s enchanting castles and unique architecture, reminiscent of a storybook.
Charente Valley
Located in south western France, the Charente Valley is famous for its rich heritage, wine, and Cognac, is a must-visit for any connoisseur seeing new experiences .
New for 2025!
Le Boat announced new moorings in Narbonne and Angoulême France, offering the perfect opportunities for cruisers to plan an overnight stop and explore these beautiful towns.
Narbonne is home to France’s largest outdoor food market and is a must-see when visiting the Canal du Midi. Les Halles, the market, features stalls selling local wines, olives, tapenades, cakes, and pastries. Narbonne also boasts grand and ancient buildings nestled among modern, lively streets. Highlights include the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral (the third tallest in France) and the Archbishop's Palace dating back to the Roman era.
Angoulême, located in the Charente Region, has seen many historical conflicts, evident in its numerous fortifications. Today, it is a charming area with restaurants and boutiques. Downtown, visitors can discover monuments such as the impressive City Hall, a former castle.
More information at www.leboat.ca
