see also: PreOwned Barges for sale | New Barges for sale | Hotel Barges
Houseboat Barges
Houseboats and Liveaboard Barges for sale
Permanently moored houseboat barges (or pèniches) are an amazing feature of the Seine in and around Paris, but they are also to be found in other French cities such as Toulouse as well as in more rural locations. There is an established marketplace for these very attractive, uniquely converted, dwellings.
Our boat and barge sales broker partner Boatshed acts for many in and around Paris.
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Examples from Paris
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Please use this contact form to enquire about permanently moored (static) houseboat barges in France, Paris/Seine in particular.FAQ Information
Buying a houseboat in Paris (other French cities may have similar details)
For many, the idea of living in Paris is nothing more than a pipe dream due to the very high cost of property. However, there could actually be another option! Houseboats (or peniche) in Paris are around half the price of an apartment, but what do you need to know?
If I buy a houseboat in Paris, can I choose the mooring location?
Very few houseboats in Paris ever leave their location and there are currently no available moorings to rent in Paris or in fact for an 80 kilometre stretch around the city. You actually never own your mooring and it is only ever a long term rental with all moorings in Paris having a waiting list which can be anything from 15 years to 30 years. To guarantee a mooring in Paris you are better off buying a boat which already has a designated mooring. It is almost impossible to buy a boat elsewhere and then moor it in Paris or its suburbs.
You should be aware that the Temporary Occupation Permit which defines the location and the price is not sold with the boat as this is only in the owner’s name so you will need to apply to have this name changed.
Are there guarantees with my mooring site?
When you buy a houseboat the specialist agency will work with you and check with the authorities to make sure that everything is official and to make sure that there would never be a reason for your boat to be removed from the water. Since the Water Act of 31 December 2006 the mayor of Paris by law has to agree to any change of location.
Does my boat need to have a working engine?
Your boat does not need a working engine, in fact some boats have no engine at all!
Do I need a permit to buy a boat?
You do not need a permit to buy a boat if you do not plan on moving. However, you will need a barge permit and standard boating license for any moving boat up to 20 metres long.
see also: | Barge handling competence | Barge equipment |
What taxes do I pay on a houseboat?
There is no set rule for a peniche but normally property tax is payable even when the boat has no engine. Council tax is usually paid at the same time.
There is no tax payable when you purchase your houseboat.
What maintenance fees do I have to pay for a houseboat?
There are certain maintenance things that have to be undertaken on a houseboat.
Every ten years you have to show that the boat is water worthy. For all boats over 15 metres in length, the outside shell of the boat needs to be checked and you have to take the boat to a special site to complete these checks. You can remain living on the boat during this time and it shouldn’t take longer than 8 days.
For boats over 20 metres the ten year check also includes a check of the engine, electricity and security on the boat. In both cases you will end up with a Community Certificate to prove that the boat is water worthy.
For vessels without a motor and which do not move you can get a Certificate of Floating Establishment.
