Houseboat adventure in Burgundy: Experience freedom and nature up close!

Houseboat adventure in Burgundy: Experience freedom and nature up close!

A houseboat vacation offers travelers the opportunity to become a captain and explore the picturesque waterways of Burgundy. This unique form of vacation is currently being popularized by the provider Le Boat, which offers the freedom of traveling without a boat license. A recent trip on the Saône with a Horizon 4 boat in particular showed how relaxing and at the same time active this form of travel can be. Holidaymakers not only enjoy individual freedom to decide where to moor and how long they stay, but also the opportunity to buy fresh local products such as fish and grill them on the boat.

The experience on board a houseboat is fundamentally different from classic cruises. Travelers are responsible for their “crew” and do not have cabin stewards or excursion teams to look after them. Instead, houseboating is described as a kind of meditation, where the emphasis is on driving slowly and concentrating on steering.

Comfort and equipment of the boats

During the four-day stay on the boat, which has a length of 13.50 meters and a width of 4.35 meters, guests have access to two double cabins and two side cabins, which are equipped with private heads. To avoid space issues, it is recommended to choose a larger boat as the cabins are relatively narrow. The boats offer a fully equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor steering positions, but no air conditioning. Ventilation and heating ensure a pleasant atmosphere.

Mooring is only permitted in approved marinas or marinas, where fees of around 20 euros per night are charged. During the trip, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per passenger are significantly lower than cruise ships, making houseboat travel a more environmentally friendly alternative. However, additional costs for final cleaning, mooring fees, fuel and food must be taken into account.

Le Boat sustainability initiatives

Beyond individual freedom and the relaxing experience, Le Boat also places great emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. The company's goal is to offer sustainable travel experiences and to actively contribute to preserving the environment for future generations. In collaboration with the Blue Marine Foundation, Le Boat plans to donate at least £1,000,000 to the conservation of 7,000 hectares of marine ecosystems over the next three years. These measures span various regions, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Kenya and Indonesia.

Le Boat also supports the training and employment of local communities in marine conservation and creates jobs in Europe. By working closely with suppliers, the company ensures that sustainability standards are met. Customers are educated about environmentally conscious travel, including the “10 Golden Rules for Environmentally Conscious Boaters,” which emphasize promoting local shopping and protecting waterways.

In addition, Le Boat is investing in modern, low-emission engines for new boats and is planning tests with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to further reduce CO2 emissions. Irrigation and drinking water conservation projects demonstrate the company's commitment to the efficient use of natural resources.

Houseboating not only offers an active and relaxing form of travel, but also shows that traveling in harmony with nature is possible. With a focus on sustainability and eco-conscious travel, travelers have the chance to intentionally and responsibly experience the beauties of nature.