Is exploring iconic cities and great cultural sites your idea of a great holiday? A waterways cruise on a cultural route promises the perfect city break.

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Where urban life meets the waterways.

Your city break on board a self-drive boat is a gentle, stress-free affair where you can do whatever you want, and here are five reasons why. You don’t need to worry about finding a place to park. ‘Parking’ your Pénichette® has never been quicker or easier and you can moor your boat in just a few minutes. If you’ve promised yourself no more crowds this year – but you don’t want to miss out on the great cultural sites – don’t panic. When you cruise the canals you can catch every moment of the spectacle unfolding in front of you, without setting foot on dry land. Maybe you’re fed up of your holiday snaps always looking like your friends’ pictures. This year, dazzle them with shots that can only be taken from the water… Do you love trying new foods but hate crowded restaurants? Buy take-away food to enjoy in peace on your boat, to the soundtrack of the lapping water. Finally, if you like to move on every couple of days, no problem – you’re the boss on a self-drive boat!

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discover our selection of the best waterways city breaks

Each cruise brings its own surprises but cultural routes offer great stopovers. Here are our top three routes that showcase the best of European cities.

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A cruise on a self-drive boat takes your city break to a new level

Traditional city breaks encourage you to visit the top sites in the shortest possible time. But cruises are the city break’s new best friend, allowing you to do things at your own pace. Travel from Bram along the Canal du Midi and you’ll reach the Pink City of Toulouse so quickly that you’ll have all the time you need to explore the famous Romanesque basilica of Saint-Sernin.

And it’s child’s play to cruise from Saint Léger-sur-Dheune along the Saône, spending a weekend at lively quaysides, finally reaching the beautiful heart of Lyon. While France teems with exceptional city breaks, the largest European cities in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands can also be visited by boat… That unforgettable moment when you moor your Pénichette® alongside St Mark’s Square gives new meaning to the expression la dolce vita.  And some cities, such as Amsterdam, famous for having its toes in the water, can be better understood when glimpsed from their canals.

Our current Offers

Early Booking 2025

For the first time ever, we’re offering you exceptional Early Booking conditions.

Until November 30, 2024 -30%

Two days free on your cruise

Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to unwind and explore the beauty of autumn!

Benefit from our special offer 5=7

One-ways

Take a one-way trip to discover even more.

From 679€
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Why choose Locaboat?

Locaboat Holidays has been the industry specialist for boating holidays and waterways cruises since 1977. Inventor of the Pénichette®, Locaboat is as famous for the friendliness and quality of its customer service as for the comfort and easy handling of its boats. When you rent a boat from Locaboat, you’ll benefit from the advice of local experts who are passionate about boating and will do their utmost to make sure you enjoy a wonderful holiday.

More than 200 routes throughout Europe

1.4 million customers since 1977

97% of our customers would recommend us

More than 40 years of expertise to draw on

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