The Very Heart of France - Cruiser Boats Route Map
Suggested Cruises from our 4 cruiser bases
in Burgundy East
One week one-way cruise from Fontenoy-le-Chateau
or St Jean-de-Losne or from Gray or Branges
 Fontenoy-le-Chateau
- St Jean-de-Losne or vice versa one way trip
(coloured red
on map)
River Saone
The River Saone meanders gently from pretty Fontenoy
through Jussey, noted for its fountains and
Spanish style houses, to Port-sur-Saone,
a bustling market town where there are many colourful festivals
over the summer and to Scey-sur-Saone.
From Ray-sur-Saone, a lovely
chateau village, the river reaches Gray with
its Saturday market and once one of the leading river ports
for the wine, wheat and iron trade.
Cruising southwards discover the small walled
city of Auxonne, with half-timbered houses
and a museum in honour of Napoleon who was once garrisoned
there. St Jean-de-Losne is a famous boating
town where waterways meet. From here you can take a local
train to Dijon.
160km 33 locks 32hr one-way cruising time
 Gray
- Branges or vice versa one way trip
(coloured red
and purple
on map)
River Saone and River Seille
Continue the above route from St Jean-de-Losne
through the lively port of Seurre to Chalon-sur-Saone,
birthplace of Nicephore Niepce, who invented photography,
and its fabulous museum of cameras.
Tournus, further south on the
Saone, marks the beginning of more Mediterranean country.
Climb its narrow picturesque streets, visit the abbey or explore
the art galleries and antique shops.
Onto the River Seille, one of the prettiest
small rivers in France, continue upstream to Branges,
surrounded by reeds and waterlilies and Louhans,
the capital of the Bresse region with its arcades and lively
Monday market.
193km 12 locks
One week round trip from Fontenoy-le-Chateau
Fontenoy le Chateau
- Gray round trip (coloured
orange
on map)
Cruise as described above (Fontenoy-le-Chateau
- St Jean-de-Losne) as far as Gray then
return to Fontenoy le Chateau
200km 30 locks 35hr round trip cruising time
 Fontenoy
le Chateau - Charmes round trip (coloured
blue on map)
Canal de l'Est
From Fontenoy cruise north through beautiful wooded countryside.
Epinal, the capital of Vosges, is known as
the city of flowers, and is especially stunning in spring
and summer. Then follow the beautiful Moselle valley as far
as Charmes.
130km 130 locks 43hr round trip cruising time
One week round trip
from St Jean de Losne
Saint Jean de
Losne - Louhans round trip (coloured purple
on map)
River Saone and River Seille
Cruise as described above (Gray - Branges)
from St Jean-de-Losne
293km 16 locks 38hr round trip cruising time
Saint Jean de
Losne - Chagny round trip (coloured green
on map)
River Saone - Canal du Centre
St Jean de Losne is at the crossing of the waterways where
the Saone widens out. From Seurre to Verdun sur les Doubs
discover exceptional fauna; at Chalon, a charming town, visit
the Nicephore Niepce Museum, followd by a tasting at the vineyards
of Chagny. On the way back you must not miss the vineyards
of Beaune, Pommard, Nuits St Georges and Meursault
175km 28 locks 35hr round trip cruising time
Saint Jean de Losne - Pont
D'Ouche round trip (coloured blue
on map)
River Saone - Canal du Bourgogne
Go slowly up to Dijon, capital of the Grand Dukes, where you
will enjoy wandering around the narrow streets and squares.
Canon Kir was the mayor who gave his name to the famous aperitif.
Then on to Fleuire and Pont D'Ouche. Unload the bikes and
pedal up the steep slope towards Chateauneuf. To restore your
strength, lunch in a charming local restaurant. The paved
streets all lead to a fortress with a superb view over the
surrounding Burgundian hills.
140km 110 locks 38hr round trip cruising time
 Saint
Jean de Losnes - Besancon round trip (coloured
pink on map)
River Doubs - Canal du Rhone au Rhin
From Saint Jean de Losne - where the Bargees Festival is held
in June - to Dole, you take the canal and then the river Doubs
between the cliffs and wooded slopes. Dole, Pasteur's birthplace,
spreads along the hillside. The arrival at Besancon is impressive
- the Citadel and its fortifications built by Vauban, stand
out from afar and the town is truly encircled by
the loop of the Doubs.
150km 48 locks 32hr round trip cruising time
One week round trip from Gray
Gray - Port sur Saone - Corre
round trip
200km 30 locks
Gray - St Jean de Losne -
Dole round trip
160km 44 locks
 One
week round trip from Branges
Branges - Tournus - Chalon
sur Saone - Chagny round trip
176km 36 locks
Two weeks from Branges
Branges - Chagny - Montceau
les Mines round trip
268km 90 locks
Other two-week routes are obtained by combining suitable
one-week routes.
Please note that hours suggested above are approximate
Boating Holidays
in Burgundy East
Barge Holidays
in Burgundy East
Boating Holidays
in Burgundy West
Central France
boat bases and routes
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