Everyone wants a sunshine holiday and boating in France usually delivers – somehow the beauty of France makes it all seem sunny wherever you are! From north to south and east to west summer temperatures climb from March onwards but the geography of the various regions offers differences in climate, and especially levels of sunshine.
| City | Sunshine hours | Strong sunshine | Weaker sunshine |
| Brest (north) | 1530 | 41 | 159 |
| Paris (central) | 1662 | 51 | 152 |
| Lyon (mid) | 2002 | 81 | 128 |
| Lattes (south) | 2668 | 148 | 74 |
| Bordeaux (west) | 2035 | 80 | 112 |
| Strasbourg (east) | 1693 | 60 | 160 |
But there is a price to pay for lots of sunshine – high temperatures, which some love, some hate. Either way, there will be times when one needs a little respite in order to keep up energy levels and enjoy your cruise to the full. So, how can you keep your cool afloat?
Fortunately, water has a cooling effect, keeping the hull at least at water temperature, and, coupled with a fan or two, a water cooling system or air-conditioning on board, you’ll manage nicely. Here is our run-down of the coolest (literally) boats for you to consider.
With Air Cooling
A system whereby cooler air is circulated on board by fans blowing over a reservoir of water, causing evaporation and a gentle, cooling breeze in the process.
The Royal Classique:
See https://dev.french-waterways.com/boats/royal-classique for more details about this boat and its cruising regions.
The Elegance:
See https://dev.french-waterways.com/boats/elegance/ for more details about this boat and its cruising regions.
The Horizon series:
See https://dev.french-waterways.com/boats/le-boat-horizon-5/ for more details about this boat and its cruising regions. There are many sizes of the Horizon model and each has an air cooling system.
Choose your self-drive cruise in your favourite region
With Air-Conditioning
Boats with air-conditioning cost a little more but many people prefer this option. It works in the same way as at home and the warmer the ambient air temperature the harder it has to work.
The Octo Fly C
See https://dev.french-waterways.com/boats/nicols-estivale-octo-fly/ for more details about this boat and its cruising regions.
The Sixto Prestige C
See https://dev.french-waterways.com/boats/estivale-sixto-prestige-c/ for more details about this boat and its cruising regions.
The Confort 1350 VIP
See https://dev.french-waterways.com/boats/confort-1350-VIP/ for more details about this boat and its cruising regions.
The Euroclassic series
See https://dev.french-waterways.com/boating-holidays-vacations/hire-boats-barges// for more details about this boat and its cruising regions. There are many sizes of the Euroclassic model and each has an air-conditioning system.
Other things that will help you keep cool on board:
- Only use air-conditioning with all windows and doors closed – otherwise, it won’t be effective and the power you are using is wasted
- Choose a boat that has a Bimini or parasol.
- Keep curtains / blinds closed and cover hatches
- White material / clothing reflects light and heat
- Pour water from the canal (not fresh water) over the deck from time to time – evaporation will remove some heat (close all windows first!)
- Wear a hat, sun cream and sun-glasses
- Drink lots of water
