Departure: Pont de la République, Besançon 06 64 48 66 80

Private charter and events

Mariage, anniversaire, séminaire ou soirée d'entreprise : le bateau pour vous seuls.

Le Battant illuminé de nuit pour une soirée privatisée
  • Jusqu'à 100 personnes
  • Terrasse panoramique et jeux de lumière
  • Bateau à quai possible, en supplément horaire

A reception venue that sails: that is what Le Battant becomes when you privatise it. Weddings, birthdays, seminars, team building days, dinner parties: the boat hosts up to 100 guests for an event they will remember, on the Doubs river beneath the Vauban Citadel.

Why hire a private boat for your event in Besançon?

Because an event on the water is like no other. Your guests board in the very centre of Besançon, at the Pont de la République pier, and the setting does the rest: the loop of the Doubs, the facades of the old town, the UNESCO listed fortifications. The boat is fitted out for entertaining: a sound system for speeches, music or entertainment, light displays to set the mood, a cabin that is heated and air-conditioned for year-round comfort, and a rooftop panoramic terrace for fresh air between courses. The family team that runs the boat, captain Aziz at the helm since 1990, Carole and their son William, works with you on the preparation.

Cruising on the Doubs or moored at the dock: two formulas

Depending on your event, two options are available. Under way, the boat cruises the Doubs during your reception: the formula of choice for gala dinners, weddings and special evenings. Dockside, at 250 € per hour, Le Battant becomes an unusual reception room moored in the city centre: practical for a cocktail party, a meeting or a presentation, with the duration adjustable by the hour. On the catering side, meals can be served on board, from breakfast to a full dinner, with a choice of menus and extras such as champagne for celebrations. For international guests, note that on-board announcements are in French.

How to get a quote for your private event

Describe your project, a date, a guest count and the atmosphere you have in mind, and you will receive a quote within 48 hours. Call +33 6 64 48 66 80 or use the contact form. A company seminar with a difference, a surprise birthday, a product launch or a proposal inside the illuminated tunnel beneath the Citadel: on the Doubs, your event already has a story to tell.

Captain Aziz in uniform aboard Le Battant during an evening event lit in blue
Captain Aziz during an evening dinner event on board, with @piavvio.

The full contents of each menu are listed in our brochure: Group brochure 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can you hire a private boat in Besançon for a wedding?

Yes, Le Battant can be privatised for weddings and hosts up to 100 guests. The reception can take place while cruising the Doubs or moored at the dock, and meals can be served on board. A quote is sent within 48 hours.

How many guests can the boat hold for a private event?

Le Battant accommodates up to 100 people. It features a heated and air-conditioned cabin, a sound system, light displays and a rooftop panoramic terrace.

How much does it cost to hire the boat at the dock?

Dockside hire is charged at 250 € per hour. This formula suits cocktail parties, meetings and receptions that do not require sailing.

Can we organise a seminar or team building event on the boat?

Yes, Le Battant hosts seminars, team building days and corporate events for up to 100 participants, either cruising or dockside. The on-board sound system makes speeches and presentations easy.

Can dinner be served during a private evening on board?

Yes, dinner parties are organised on board with a choice of menus. Extras such as champagne (50 € per bottle) are available for celebrations. Catering is defined when the quote is prepared.

Does the boat sail during a private reception?

That is your choice: the event can take place while cruising the Doubs or with the boat moored in central Besançon. Both formulas are priced in the quote.

How quickly will we receive a quote for a private hire?

Quotes are sent within 48 hours. Call +33 6 64 48 66 80 with your planned date, guest count and type of event.

Can we hold a private event on the boat in winter?

The cabin is heated and air-conditioned, so receptions stay comfortable in any season. Call +33 6 64 48 66 80 to check availability for your date.

Can we play music or make speeches on board?

Yes, the boat is equipped with a sound system and light displays, ideal for dancing, wedding speeches or seminar sessions.

Can the panoramic bus also be privatised for an event?

Yes, the 30 seat convertible bus can be privatised for groups of 20 or more. It pairs well with a boat hire, for example to show Besançon to your guests before the reception.

Where do guests board for a private evening?

Boarding is at the Pont de la République pier, on the tramway side, in the heart of Besançon. The République tram stop is adjacent and the Cusenier, Saint-Paul and Beaux-Arts car parks are nearby.

You may also like

Besançon awaits you on the water

A 1h15 guided cruise, several departures a day in season, instant online booking.

Book online