Prices are highest during the summer and don't include fuel. Because summer is the peak rental period, on some of the more popular canals you may have to wait your turn for an hour before you can work the locks to navigate your boat through. You also may have to wait for an open spot to dock or moor. Some firms rent boats year-round, but during the late fall and winter some waterways may be closed. Your Boat Canal rentals range from rustic tugboat-like vessels to sleek luxury craft that can sleep from two to 12 people with compact but comfy quarters that include a shower and kitchen.
People often reserve a slot on a particular boat a year ahead.
N.M. He retired last year at age 60 and now spends most of his time in Europe writing a monthly newsletter called EuroCanals . Last May, he and his wife, Carol, rented a boat from Burgundy Cruisers and traveled the length of the Canal du Nivernais in France, which winds from Paris along vineyards and farms of Burgundy to the Loire River. On a self-drive boat, you fuel and dock the boat and cook your own food. When you want to see the local sights or dine out, you have to plan it yourself and either walk, bike or hire a cab. But whatever your pleasure on the canals of Europe, you do it at your own pace.