From March 2025, the shipyard-fresh "Pénichette Neo" boats will be available for charter guests. The latest generation of the boat type specially designed for Locaboat will have three double cabins, a summer kitchen on the upper deck and numerous amenities. They will be based in selected regions of France, including the Midi, Camargue, Burgundy and Alsace.
The "Neo" is a mixture of tradition and innovation
With the Pénichette, Locaboat created a type of boat in 1977 that is particularly popular with couples, families and houseboat novices due to its easy handling. The design of the houseboats, which are designed and built at the French shipyard in Cholet, also pays homage to traditional French barges. Just like the four current Pénichettes in the "Classic", "Terrasse", "Panoramic" and "Evolution" lines, the "Neo" will also be steerable without a licence. It offers newly designed outdoor areas, a large sunbed on the foredeck and a bench seat in the bow. It also has air conditioning, double helm stations, a bimini, bow and stern thrusters and a powerful 50 hp diesel and hydraulic engine.
Locaboat expands fleet in the Netherlands and on the Saale
The charter company is also expanding its fleet of so-called "Europa houseboats" in one of the most popular houseboat areas in the Netherlands. Additional E400 and E600 Europa-class houseboats will be stationed at the base in Loosdrecht, south-east of Amsterdam. Additional houseboats will also be stationed at the Locaboat base in Bernburg an der Saale, which will open in 2024. From next season, six boats will be available here to explore the region between Calbe and Merseburg. The Locaboat harbour in Négra on the Canal du Midi in the south of France will be reopened after being temporarily closed.
Discount campaign: 30 per cent discount for early bookers
Anyone planning a licence-free holiday on the water next year should be quick: If you book by 30 November 2024, Locaboat is now offering a 30 instead of 20 percent early booking discount. Further discounts are available for "regular customers" from the second trip. All discounts can be combined up to a total of 35 per cent. All information on sustainable houseboat holidays, the different boat types and all sailing areas can be found in Locaboat's new catalogue, which can be ordered free of charge on +49 761 207370 or by email (info@locaboat.de).
Locaboat has been one of the leading providers of licence-free houseboat trips on rivers, canals and lakes in Europe for over 45 years. Hobby captains can choose from around 200 routes from 21 departure ports and travel along the most beautiful waterways in Germany, France, Holland, Italy and Ireland. With the Pénichette, Locaboat has developed its own type of boat for holidays on the water with space for two to twelve travellers.
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Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel
