Port of Dompierre-sur-Besbre (Locaboat Plaisance)

Tucked along a side channel of the Loire in the Allier department, this marina in Dompierre-sur-Besbre is a laid-back base for exploring the waterways of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It's a popular starting point for houseboat trips — companies like Locaboat operate here, so you can pick up a rental and cruise south toward Nevers or beyond. The pace is slow and the scenery rural, with the Besbre valley offering a quieter alternative to busier French waterways.