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Let yourself be inspired
Let yourself be inspired
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Our canal boats
Our canal boats
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River Trips the blog
Take a cruise on the wild side
With the waterways of Europe traversing miles of unspoilt countryside, there’s no better way to get back to nature than taking a canal boat cruise through exceptional landscapes and alongside nature preservation areas surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild.
You’re in the heart of nature
Along rivers and canals, nature reveals its many wonders to peaceful cruisers. From the deck of your hire boat, you’ll see the flora and fauna of your chosen boating region all around you. Fish swim through the freshwater beneath you, birds dart across blue skies from tree to tree and unseen creatures identify themselves with their calls. Sailing slowly through the nature is a calming experience and as captain of your cruise, when a stunning view or intriguing animal piques your curiosity, simply moor up and take a closer look and some memorable photographs
By choosing boat rental with Nicols, you will be able to:
- moor on the shores of preservation areas
- observe herons and kingfishers from your boat
- discover wild landscapes along the water
- learn more about fauna and flora from local lock keepers
- enjoy family relaxation or sports activities in the great outdoors
Get closer to nature
Step off your boat for some further exploration on foot. Whether you go hiking, bird watching, climbing, or simply strolling, you will discover natural treasures in abundance. Choose to enjoy your canal boat holiday in the Camargue, Alsace, the splendid Lot Valley or any of our other cruising regions – none of them will fail to delight you.
Cruise on the Rhone Canal in Sète and you can experience an incredible sight – flamingos! To find them, stop at the port of Gallician and visit the nearby Scamandre Nature Reserve. Binoculars in hand, enjoy stunning views of these famous birds!
Depart on your canal boating holiday from our base at Harskirchen and you are at the gateway to the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park, one of the most unspoiled regions in France. This is the perfect option for hikers. Just moor and explore!
The banks of Mayenne and Sarthe open up to lush green landscapes. From here you can take the family to visit Terra Botanica – a plant-themed amusement park in Angers or explore the Le Jardin Mosaïque – an ecological garden that overlooks the medieval village of Asnière-sur-Vègre.
Discover impressive scenery and enjoy outdoor activities at the confluence of the Nantes-Brest canal and the Oust river in Brittany. Here you’ll find a string of islets named after the birds that inhabit them - Île aux Pies (magpies), Île aux Geais (Jays) and Île aux Corbeaux (Crows). Between spectacular granite cliffs and gentle river banks, try fishing for carp, canoeing, climbing or walking the adventure trail
With its dozens of lakes, Germany’s Mecklenburg Lake District is a must-visit for all nature lovers.The nature reserve of Lake Plau boasts 150 species of birds and there are many more wildlife encounters to be had at Müritzeum Visitor Centre.
What our clients say
"From Lübz in Germany, we were able to discover the sumptuous landscapes of the Mecklenburg Lake District. The limpid blue of the water, the azure sky, the green of the surrounding nature. Such a treat for nature lovers like us!"
Simon and Joëlle – 43 years old
Europe's waterway get you closer to nature
Whether you choose to take your canal boating holiday in France, Germany or Portugal, you’ll never forget how their rivers, lakes and canals take you through breathtaking natural landscapes.
