Best trips for Beginner Cruisers with Le Boat
For families dreaming of a holiday with a difference, where the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination, a boating trip with Le Boat is the perfect introduction to slow travel. With no necessary experience, first-time cruisers can take the helm easily, thanks to Le Boat’s user-friendly controls, in-depth briefings, and dedicated support team. The welcoming boating community is always ready to offer tips, share local insights, and make the journey even more enjoyable—whether it’s a friendly wave from another boat or a recommendation for the best family-friendly picnic spots.
Le Boat’s boats are designed with families in mind, featuring simple throttle and steering systems, spacious decks, and comfortable living areas. Every trip begins with a full handover, ensuring confidence before setting off. With easy-to-navigate routes and plenty of fun stops along the way, these destinations are perfect for first-time cruisers and their families.
Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi in southern France is an ideal starting point for families. This UNESCO-listed waterway is not only one of the most scenic in Europe but also beginner-friendly, offering a relaxed introduction to boating. The route is dotted with villages, where families can moor up for a bike ride along the towpaths, stopping in Argens-Minervois for great views or exploring the ancient city of Carcassonne, where kids can walk through a real-life fairy-tale fortress. Fonserannes Locks near Béziers is another highlight—a fascinating staircase of seven locks.
There are plenty of places for outdoor fun, including Jouarres Lake near Homps and for a taste of local culture, Trèbes is a great stop to visit the olive oil farms or try delicious fresh produce from the Sunday market.
A seven-night self-catered stay in the Canal du Midi region, starting and finishing at Le Boat’s base in Homps, on board a Cirrus A, sleeping four, arriving 16 April 2025, is priced from £909 per boat / £220 pp. No experience necessary. Transport to and from the base is not included.
Burgundy France-Comté
For families who love food, Burgundy Franche-Comté offers an irresistible mix of gastronomy and relaxation. A round-trip from St-Jean-de-Losne unveils a world of canals, villages, and delicious local produce. The 117.8km route has only four locks to navigate, making it a great choice for first-time cruisers. Stop at local markets in towns like Chagny and Seurre to pick up fresh ingredients for an onboard feast. Kids will love sampling regional treats like Gougères (cheesy choux pastries), while parents can savour world-famous wines from the Côte de Beaune region.
Off the water, there’s plenty to keep little explorers entertained. In Scey-sur-Saône, they can visit a mini-farm with goats, and rabbits, or take a pony ride through the castle grounds. In Gray, the whole family can enjoy activities like go-karting, horse riding, and canoeing, or take a refreshing dip in the town’s swimming pool.
A seven-night self-catered stay in the Burgundy France-Comté region, starting and finishing at Le Boat’s base in Branges, on board a Cirrus B, sleeping four, arriving 25 April 2025, is priced from £919 per boat / £230 pp. No experience necessary. Transport to and from the base is not included.
Camargue
Further west, the Camargue region offers an exciting option for families, with its vast open waters and unique wildlife. With just two locks along the 135.9km route, this journey is stress-free for beginner boaters. Families can spot pink flamingos, visit the famous white horses of Camargue, and explore Aigues-Mortes, a medieval walled city with impressive ramparts and a town square.
Beyond the waterways, the nearby pink salt flats provide a fascinating detour, while the Mediterranean coast is within easy reach for a family beach day. Horseback riding is a great way to explore the beach, with excursions available from Le Grau-du-Roi ranch near Aigues-Mortes.
A seven-night self-catered stay in the Camargue region, starting and finishing at Le Boat’s base in Port-Cassafières, on board a Countess sleeping six, arriving 5 May 2025, is priced from £1,449 per boat / £241 pp. No experience necessary. Transport to and from the base is not included.
Thames
For families wanting to stay closer to home, the River Thames offers a fantastic introduction to boating, with countryside, towns, traditional English pubs and plenty of family-friendly attractions. With no locks to navigate for the first stretch from Benson, it’s an easy, stress-free option for beginners.
Families can explore Windsor Castle, enjoy a day at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, or visit Hampton Court Palace, where kids can get lost in the famous maze. In Henley-on-Thames, the Wind in the Willows exhibit at the River & Rowing Museum is a hit with younger children, while Marlow is a great stop for a riverside picnic. For adventure-seekers, Thorpe Park is just minutes from Le Boat’s Chertsey base.
A seven-night self-catered stay on the River Thames, starting and finishing at Le Boat’s base in Benson, on board a Consul sleeping four, arriving 26 May 2025, is priced from £1,109 per boat / £277 pp. No experience necessary. Transport to and from the base is not included.
Our top tips for first-time boaters
For those new to boating, a few simple tips can make all the difference. When mooring, take it slow and approach at a gentle angle, having a crew member ready with a rope helps secure the boat smoothly. Follow basic boating etiquette by keeping to the right, reducing speed near moored boats, and giving way to larger vessels. If navigating locks, be patient and use the ropes provided to keep the boat steady. Finally, take advantage of local markets along the route to stock up on fresh produce for onboard dining. For more tips, visit Le Boat’s blog.
For more information, visit www.leboat.com/en or call 020 3608 6043.
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