Are you looking for an unusual family vacation with your dog? Opt for a river cruise with a Pénichette® without a license. Here is a 100% practical guide to find out everything about these unique and dog-friendly holidays. 

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Today, Musher and I are introducing you to a new and unusual experience that you can enjoy with your dog: rent a Pénichette® without a license and go on a river cruise. You have always dreamed of being captain of a green and white boat, of rare elegance and stronger than ebony for bad weather (as Diane Tell sang, for those who do not have the ref' ) ? Good news, thanks to the rental company Locaboat, you can easily become captain of a Pénichette®! Did you know ? There is no need for a license to pilot a Pénichette®! It is thanks to the training that you will have at the start of the stay and to restricted engines (12km/h max), that you will be able to navigate without a license.

Imagine yourself sailing peacefully on a river or canal, with your dog at your side, the wind in your hair and magnificent landscapes as far as the eye can see. Tempting, right? So embark with Musher and me, my faithful labrador, to discover this unusual and family adventure. 

Before booking a cruise, I have listed here all the practical questions that you are probably asking yourself: what should I do about my dog's pee/poop? How does my dog ​​get on board? Can it fall into the water? … In this article, here are all my answers and much more! 

Why choose Locaboat for a river cruise with your dog?

Yes, there are other boat rental companies that accept dogs on board, but Locaboat intends to stand out! We have recently been collaborating with this rental company since the team contacted us for support in implementing a better dog-friendly experience on board their Pénichette®. They want to understand how to better welcome families and their dogs so as not to limit themselves to displaying “dogs allowed”. 

One of the first actions taken: the introduction of a free welcome kit specifically for dogs, available now on all dog-friendly boats that don't require a boating license. A great way to start your cruise off on the right foot… or rather, with the right paw! ;)

The team understands that your dog is not an option that you check when booking but a full member of your family and therefore of the cruise crew. 

The second action taken? This item ! The team asked us to prepare a 100% practical guide “how to sail with a dog” so that your cruise is an unforgettable memory! So I asked them all the questions I would ask myself if I had to sail to write this practical guide for you!

You're probably wondering why you should choose Locaboat, professionals in boat rentals without a license?

Here are some answers:

  • Adapted boats: The Pénichettes®, like the Terrasse model, are designed to be comfortable for you and your dog. They have spacious and secure decks, perfect for your pooch to relax in complete safety. The covered and protected outdoor space opens directly onto the living room, which allows you to always keep an eye out. And they are practically on one level: no stairs or upper deck, which is safer!
  • Ease of navigation: No need for a license to navigate! Getting started with the Pénichettes® is easy and Locaboat offers quick training before departure. 
  • Varied destinations: Whether you dream of discovering the Canals du Midi, the Camargue, Burgundy Nivernais-Loire, Burgundy Saône – Franche-Comté, Brittany, Charente, Alsace, the Ardennes, the South-West or the Lot Valley, there is bound to be a destination that will appeal to you. The brand also offers cruises in Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland and Germany.

Oh before moving on to the practical guide, here is the third action undertaken to better welcome animals on their boats. In addition to the guide, the Locaboat team asked us to prepare a one-week vacation itinerary for 2 adults, 2 children and 1 dog! Soon, you will be able to discover a complete one-week program in Brittany between Bain-sur-Oust and Josselin on the Nantes-Brest canal. Every day, you will find 1-2 activities to share as a family with your dog along the route. Enough to enjoy a week Too W'ouf. Other itineraries will surely arrive very soon in other destinations so that you can fully enjoy your family and boat vacation with your dog.

Special cruise guide: what is a cruise like with your dog?

Like me, I suppose you ask yourself a thousand questions before going on a cruise with your dog, especially if it's a first for you. Don't panic, I'm here to answer all your questions! This practical cruise guide is made for that.

  • How does my dog ​​get on board?

Locaboat® Pénichettes in France are equipped with gangways designed to facilitate boarding and disembarking for your dog, and indeed for all passengers. Musher is afraid of heights, so I think I should carry her to avoid panic on the gangway, but for most dogs, it's child's play!

  • Where will my dog ​​go to pee?

Easy question: going on vacation by boat without a license is like renting a gîte or vacation rental but the view changes every day! So like at home, doggie peeing happens outside. During stops, you can easily get off the platform so that your dog can relieve himself. The canals are lined with towpaths perfect for walks.

For your information: it's possible to moor your boat anywhere on a canal. In France, Pénichettes® are even equipped with mooring posts for securing them to the banks. On a river, you'll need to moor in a port or at a designated mooring bollard. However, these are fairly common.

  • Can my dog ​​fall?

Safety first ! Boat decks are secured by guardrails to protect against falls. However, your dog can act curious and want to say hello to everything that passes on the banks (dogs, passers-by, ducks, etc.). Keep an eye on him to prevent him from jumping off the boat.

  • Is he going to get seasick?

Good news: there are no waves on rivers and canals! So it's highly unlikely your dog will get seasick. Furthermore, the Pénichettes® have a flat bottom, so there's no rolling.

  • Stops to relax your paws

The stops are the ideal opportunity to discover the picturesque villages and green landscapes, but also for your dog to stretch his legs. Get ready for some beautiful walks in the great outdoors! The canals are often lined with towpaths, offering miles of strolls as far as the eye can see.

penichette locaboat
dog river cruise

To tell you the truth, this is the first question I asked the Locaboat team to prepare this little practical guide... Like a good Labrador, Musher loves swimming. Spending a vacation on the water without swimming seems to me to be sweet torture for her... But be careful, I don't recommend swimming directly from the boat. First, it's high and your dog risks hurting himself by jumping, second, it's almost impossible to bring your dog on board from the sides of the boat, and finally: check the quality of the water before jumping into the water... If the water is swimmable: it is better to start from the edge, from a place where your dog can go up alone, otherwise you will have to jump into the water to retrieve him. Bring a towel to dry your pooch!

  • Focus: passing through the locks

Ah, the locks! A moment that may seem impressive at first, but which quickly becomes a pleasant routine. Your dog will be safe on board while you maneuver. Like your children! One episode of PAW Patrol should be enough to get you through the locks safely.

FYI: the locks are generally open from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m. with a break at lunchtime, so you don't sail "when you want" but it's quite free. Moreover, it is recommended a navigation time of around 4/5 hours per day to be able to enjoy the activities nearby. A fair balance between rest time and walks so that your dog and the whole family can fully enjoy their stay!

  • How many dogs are allowed on board a Pénichette®?

It all depends on the size of the dogs and the size of the Pénichette®! Just like in an apartment, 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs in a 30m² apartment is complicated, whereas 3 Chihuahuas are simpler! But there's no limit per se, it's based on common sense.

To make your dog as comfortable as you, consider bringing:

– His favorite basket or rug

– Non-slip bowls: to prevent them from moving around if the boat moves a little when passing through the locks, for example…

– A leash and harness for walks and visits during your stay

– Poop bags

– Toys to entertain him

As for life on board, I would like to draw your attention to summer and extreme heat. Make sure that your dog does not stay in direct sunlight to avoid heatstroke, sunburn or even sunstroke.

One last piece of information: please note that you will be charged a dog fee so that your furry or feathered companion can be part of the crew. Around €50 in France. 

 

Going on a river cruise with your dog is the guarantee of exploring nooks and crannies far from the river that are often unexpected because our doggies will always sniff out places we never think of going! It's also an opportunity to meet locals because our doggies always have a knack for greeting strangers. It is therefore the certainty of experiencing an unusual and memorable vacation. We thank Locaboat once again for wanting to develop the welcome for our doggies on the Pénichette®. The team understood our needs and is now looking to better accommodate us.
Thanks to them, you can navigate with complete peace of mind and offer your dog a unique adventure. So, are you ready to embark?