The Very Heart of France - Cruiser Boats Route Map
Base Information
Suggested Cruises from our 5 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
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.
210km 32 locks 40hr one-way
Fontenoy le Chateau - Charmes round trip
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
One week round trip from St Jean de Losne
Saint Jean de Losne - Louhans round trip
River Saone and River Seille
Cruise as described above (Gray - Branges) from St Jean-de-Losne
293km 14 locks 38hr round trip
Saint Jean de Losne - Chagny round trip
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
Saint Jean de Losne - Pont D'Ouche round trip
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
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
One week round trip from Branges
Branges - Tournus - Chalon sur Saone - Chagny
176km 36 locks 35hrs round trip
Two weeks from Branges
Branges - Chagny - Montceau les Mines
268km 90 locks round trip
Other two-week routes are obtained by combining suitable one-week routes.
Please note that hours suggested above are approximate