No licence required
The boats are designed for beginners. A full introduction is provided at the base before you set off.
Mayenne, Anjou and Brittany
Licence-free boat hire in Mayenne, Anjou and Brittany
Set off with Les Canalous for a peaceful boating holiday in western France. From Chenillé-Changé, Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe, Redon or Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux, cruise at your own pace on the Mayenne, the Sarthe, the Vilaine and the Nantes to Brest Canal.
- Licence-free houseboats
- Mayenne, Anjou and Brittany
- Day trip, weekend or week
- Peaceful rivers and canals
Plan your boating holiday
What would you like to do?
Find the useful pages quickly: book online, request advice, compare prices or hire a boat for the day.
Current offers
Deals and ideas for your next boating holiday
Take advantage of the offers currently available and plan your trip according to the season, the boat and the departure base.
Why choose Les Canalous?
A gentle boating holiday through nature, heritage and quiet waterways
Hiring a licence-free houseboat is a relaxed way to discover western France: no rush, no fixed programme, just your crew, your boat and your chosen stops.
Easy cruising areas
The Mayenne, Sarthe, Vilaine and inland Brittany routes are ideal for a relaxed first boating holiday.
Several departure bases
Choose Chenillé-Changé, Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe, Redon or Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux according to the route you want.
Short or long breaks
Hire a boat for the day, a weekend, a short week or a full week depending on your travel plans.
Mayenne or Brittany
Two peaceful ways to discover western France by boat
Follow the green landscapes of the Mayenne and Anjou, or head towards Brittany for canals, rivers and characterful inland villages.
Mayenne and Anjou
Ideal for a calm cruise through green countryside, riverside villages, towpaths and easy family stops.
Brittany
From Redon or Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux, enjoy the Vilaine, the Nantes to Brest Canal and inland Brittany at a gentle pace.
Day hire or a longer cruise
Try boating for a day or set off for several days
Day boat hire is a simple way to try licence-free boating with family or friends. For a real break, choose a weekend, short week or full week aboard a houseboat.
Day boat hire in Mayenne
Set off from Chenillé-Changé for a relaxed day on the water, with no licence required.
Day boat hire in Brittany
From Redon, enjoy an easy boating experience in Brittany for a few hours or a full day.
Departure bases
Where can you hire your boat?
Les Canalous welcomes you at several departure bases for boating holidays in Mayenne, Anjou and Brittany. Each base offers a different atmosphere, from quiet river landscapes to canal-side villages and inland Brittany.
Choose your base according to the route, the length of your stay and the type of holiday you want: a first discovery, a family break, a slow cruise or a simple day on the water.
Choose your boat
Licence-free boats for a simple and relaxed cruise
Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, choose your boat according to the number of passengers, the duration of your trip and your budget.
The Classic and Simply ranges are designed for straightforward, practical and enjoyable licence-free cruising.
Compare our boats
Classic
Simply
Prices and advice
Need help choosing your route or boat?
Prices vary according to the season, the duration, the departure base and the boat selected. The easiest option is to check availability or ask for a personalised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Before hiring a licence-free boat in Mayenne or Brittany
Do I need a licence to hire a boat?
No. The boats are suitable for licence-free cruising. You will receive an introduction before departure, with the key manoeuvres and safety instructions.
Which departure base should I choose?
Choose Chenillé-Changé for the Mayenne and day hire, Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe for Anjou and the Sarthe, Redon for the Vilaine and Brittany waterways, or Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux for the Nantes to Brest Canal and inland Brittany.
Can I hire a boat for just one day?
Yes. Day boat hire is a good way to try boating without committing to a full week. It is ideal for families, friends or a first experience on the water.
Is this area suitable for a first boating holiday?
Yes. The Mayenne, Anjou and inland Brittany routes are well suited to beginners, with peaceful waterways, pleasant stops and a relaxed cruising rhythm.
Ready to plan your boating holiday?
Choose your departure base, compare the offers or ask for a personalised quote.
