Creator of the finest canal boatsNicols

The Nicols boatyard opened in 1986 and was part of a group of French industrial companies specialising in the transformation of plastics. Then in 1990 the first Nicols base was opened at Dole in the Franche Comte region and the following year a reservation centre was set up to manage holiday rentals. Today Nicols, on a much larger scale, is still successfully managing the full process – from building the boats, promoting the boats for holidays and then providing support for those holidays via our bases.

Over the years generations of boats have followed one another. After the initial Marina and Riviera ranges was the Sedan range with the distinctive shaping of sea-going yachts and a rear terrace a living area that was all on one level – something not seen before. Then came the Confort range of canal boats that were designed to suit couples and groups of couples travelling together before finally the new generation Estivale canal boats that we see leaving the boatyard today.

In total there have been 5 different ranges, 25 different models and total of over 650 canal boats that have left the Nicols boatyard for the rivers and canals of Europe!

On Nicols boats both comfort and safety are equally important. Most of our canal boat models have large and bright living rooms with windows giving a 360 degree view. Home-from-home equipment including a well equipped kitchen with 200-litre fridge with freezer compartment and stove and small oven make onboard dining a breeze while some boats even have things such as a microwave and air-conditioning, TV with satellite, a safe or even a dressing room!

With the exception of the Riviera range (our first canal barges) all boats have sliding doors that provide access to the rear terrace – perfect for lunch in the sun. On the roof deck many boats have a second outside steering position.

Safety on the waterways is important so all Nicols boats are equipped with a handrail and double railing on all deck areas making moving around the boat easy and safe for both adults and children alike. All boats built since 1998 are also equipped with a swimming ladder so it’s easy to get back onboard after a swim – whether voluntary or not!