Nicols has the third largest fleet of self-drive cruisers on France’s waterways and is part of Nadia, a multi-disciplinary industrial group. Nicols is a proud and innovative boat builder, having manufactured over 600 boats for hire over the past 30 years at its factory in Cholet, Brittany, which is also the current headquarters and sales office for its hire-boat fleet. Of distinctive design, its range includes the first electrically powered boat, the Sixto Green, designed and built by Nicols and launched in 2018 in the Alsace region where the company has installed charging points along the route.
Nicols provides excellent boating holidays throughout France and is a highly valued French Waterways partner. We have complete confidence in their innovative design, manufacture and maintenance of their boats and service to customers.
Our colleagues at Nicols will help you choose your ideal boat,
in your perfect location
Key Features:
- Boats are 100% made in France
- High quality, well-maintained fleet
- Exclusive heated pool annexe
- Innovative electrically powered Sixto Green boat (shown above)
- Family friendly with safety paramount
- Well-trained English speaking staff at bases
- Bicycles, barbecue and other extras on board
Nicols (Nichols) is a proud and innovative boat builder, having manufactured over 600 boats for hire over the past 30 years at its factory in Cholet, Brittany, which is also the current headquarters and sales office for its hire-boat fleet. Of distinctive design, its range includes the first electrically powered boat, the Sixto Green, designed and built by Nicols and launched in 2018 in the Alsace region where the company has installed charging points along the route.
Nicols has the third largest fleet of self-drive cruisers on France’s waterways and is part of Nadia, a multi-disciplinary industrial group.
Routes
All regions within France are served by Nicols from 19 hire-boat bases: 5 in west in Brittany and Anjou, 8 in Burgundy and Alsace in northern France and 7 in south west France and the Canal du Midi. Each base has a selection of models to offer, with cruises available between adjacent bases or out-and-back. The cruising season is from late-March to mid-November.
Vessels
There are currently 4 ranges in the Nicols fleet: Riviera, Sedan, Confort and Estivale, ranging in length from 7.5m to 13.5m. Most of models have a large living area with a 360° panoramic view, a practical fitted kitchen with a 200 litre fridge with freezer compartment, a hob and mini oven and sometimes a microwave. With the exception of the Riviera range all the boats feature sliding French windows with access onto the aft terrace; there is often a second steering position up on the sun-deck of larger models.
For safety, Nicols has equipped all boats with a double railing and a hand rail and most models have a bathing ladder. Uniquely, Nicols also provides a floating fun pool annexe that can be towed behind the smaller boats.
Pricing
Rental periods vary from a 2-3 day short breaks to 3 weeks+ with prices ranging from 330 EUR up to 4,500 EUR per week for the largest luxury models in peak season. Prices include all equipment on board, to which must be added a consumables charge and optional extras such as a charge for a WIFI connection, bicycle hire, a barbecue or to have a pet on board. Nicols boats are competitively prices and many discounts are available year round for couples, families, seniors, groups, long cruises and early booking. Payment is always in EUR regardless of where customers reside.
