Burgundy: Franche Comté

Branges RETURN via Tournus

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Overview

The boat moves gently on the River Seille toward beautiful Tournus, where you plan to stop for the night, dine in a café and explore. A Burgundy boat rent in France turns out to be exactly what you envisioned, a unique and relaxing way to see medieval cathedrals and small towns amidst a pastoral paradise of vineyards and forests.

Top highlights:

• The beautiful Middle Ages arcades of Louhans
• The sixteenth century gothic Church of Notre Dam in Cuisery
• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Branges: Welcome to Branges, a calm and peaceful town. Take the opportunity to cycle along the canal banks, and explore the area. Downtown, you can have a drink on the terrace of a French village bar.
• Cuisery: Cuisery is one of the four famous Book Villages of France. There are more than a dozen book shops selling collectors’ items in gravure, lithography, illuminated text, early comics, etc. You will surely enjoy this cultural visit. The Church of Notre Dame is also pleasant to visit.
• Tournus: Welcome to Tournus, a wonderful city filled with medieval monuments and vestiges. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful Saint-Philibert church, with its high medieval tower covered in green ivy. The well-preserved abbey palace is also wonderful to observe. A great place to go for a walk.

 Branges RETURN via Chagny

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Overview

You’ll start your cruise in Branges, a calm and peaceful town. Take the opportunity while you are here to cycle along the canal banks, and explore the area. Downtown, you can have a drink on the terrace of a French village bar. You’ll then cruise to Chagny, taking in the picturesque villages of Cuisery, Tornus Chlaon-Sur-Saône along the way. Chagny itself is a pretty town, with plenty of restaurants, including the famous Lameloise. Among the numerous shops, the 18th century apothecary is always interesting. If you have time, visit the contemporary art gallery.

Top highlights:

• The beautiful Middle Ages arcades of Louhans
• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus
• The architectural heritage route in Chalon-sur-Saône (don’t miss St. Vincent’s Cathedral)
• French wines in Chagny

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Branges: Welcome to Branges, a calm and peaceful town. Take the opportunity to cycle along the canal banks, and explore the area. Downtown, you can have a drink on the terrace of a French village bar.
• Cuisery: Cuisery is one of the four famous Book Villages of France. There are more than a dozen book shops selling collectors’ items in gravure, lithography, illuminated text, early comics, etc. You will surely enjoy this cultural visit. The Church of Notre Dame is also pleasant to visit.
• Tournus: Welcome to Tournus, a wonderful city filled with medieval monuments and vestiges. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful Saint-Philibert church, with its high medieval tower covered in green ivy. The well-preserved abbey palace is also wonderful to observe. A great place to go for a walk.
• Chalon-sur-Saône: Along the Saône, influenced by the history of the Burgundian kingdoms, is Chlaon-Sur-Saône. Discover its long and complex history and its beautiful monuments. The market place, with the Saint-Vincent cathedral, is magnificent to see. A truly beautiful city.
• Chagny: Chagny is a pretty town, with plenty of restaurants, including the famous Lameloise. Among the numerous shops, the 18th century apothecary is always interesting. If you have time, visit the contemporary art gallery.

Branges RETURN via Mâcon & Chalon-sur-Saône

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Overview

France barge vacations in the Maconnais-Beaujolais wine region of Macon indulge your palate with the local white wines. As you approach the city, which dates back 2,000 years, you can just taste the light and dry wine crafted from chardonnay and pinot blanc grapes. Another local favorite is Macon supérieur, a white wine with higher alcohol content. You’re up for that too!

Top highlights:

• The beautiful Middle Ages arcades of Louhans 
• The sixteenth century gothic Church of Notre Dam in Cuisery
• Fishing in Pont-de-Vaux
• The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Branges: Welcome to Branges, a calm and peaceful town. Take the opportunity to cycle along the canal banks, and explore the area. Downtown, you can have a drink on the terrace of a French village bar.
• Cuisery: Cuisery is one of the four famous Book Villages of France. There are more than a dozen book shops selling collectors’ items in gravure, lithography, illuminated text, early comics, etc. You will surely enjoy this cultural visit. The Church of Notre Dame is also pleasant to visit.
• Pont-de-Vaux: Take the 3.5km long canal which will lead you to Pont-de-Vaux town. The town hall houses a small museum with local artists’ paintings. Behind the harbour master’s office there’s the House of Water and Nature, with exhibitions dedicated to wildlife and the environment, with multimedia displays that children will love. Try your hand at fishing at the lake, south of the port – day fishing licences are available at the Tourist Office.
• Mâcon: Mâcon is one of the oldest cities in France, and the capital of southern Burgundy. Despite its age, it was badly damaged during the religious wars so few relics of its past remain. One of its marvels is the Maison de Bois, built between 1490 and 1510, and certainly the most famous house in the city. Its wooden façade is decorated with a multitude of statuettes of monkeys and men. Stroll through the city and you’ll see St. Pierre church. Stop to admire its elegant twin spires which dominate over the town.
• Tournus: Welcome to Tournus, a wonderful city filled with medieval monuments and vestiges. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful Saint-Philibert church, with its high medieval tower covered in green ivy. The well-preserved abbey palace is also wonderful to observe. A great place to go for a walk.
• Chalon-sur-Saône: Along the Saône, influenced by the history of the Burgundian kingdoms, is Chlaon-Sur-Saône. Discover its long and complex history and its beautiful monuments. The market place, with the Saint-Vincent cathedral, is magnificent to see. A truly beautiful city.

Branges ONEWAY to Saint-Jean-de-Losne

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Overview

The Jura wine region lies off the stern as you head out from Branges on the River Seille at the start of your Burgundy boat rent in France. As you travel, the magnificent vineyards of the Mâconnais and Chalonnais spread out before you! Cycling along the towpaths into Roman villages and larger towns brings you close to land and its people. Relax with wine at a pretty café!

Top highlights:

• The beautiful Middle Ages arcades of Louhans
• Views from St Jean bridge of the stunning houses of Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s Church in Saint Jean de Losne
• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Branges: Welcome to Branges, a calm and peaceful town. Take the opportunity to cycle along the canal banks, and explore the area. Downtown, you can have a drink on the terrace of a French village bar.
• Cuisery: Cuisery is one of the four famous Book Villages of France. There are more than a dozen book shops selling collectors’ items in gravure, lithography, illuminated text, early comics, etc. You will surely enjoy this cultural visit. The Church of Notre Dame is also pleasant to visit.
• Tournus: Welcome to Tournus, a wonderful city filled with medieval monuments and vestiges. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful Saint-Philibert church, with its high medieval tower covered in green ivy. The well-preserved abbey palace is also wonderful to observe. A great place to go for a walk.
• Chalon-sur-Saône: Along the Saône, influenced by the history of the Burgundian kingdoms, is Chlaon-Sur-Saône. Discover its long and complex history and its beautiful monuments. The market place, with the Saint-Vincent cathedral, is magnificent to see. A truly beautiful city.
• Verdun-sur-le-Doubs: This pretty and calm village is great for leisurely strolls. There are numerous houses just over the water that you can see when you cross the beautiful St Jean bridge. Verdun-sur-le-Doubs is a good place to stop and relax a bit.
• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history still remaining. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.

Fontenoy-le-Château RETURN via Ormoy

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Overview

You’ve discovered that boating in France offers you many pleasures! You’re travelling down the Canal des Vosges and meeting up with the River Saône, and all the way Burgundy’s stunning beauty surrounds you! After cruising awhile, you stop in Corre to eat at a waterside café and to explore the museum, and then it’s off again to Port-sur-Saône for a spot of cycling and tennis!

Top highlights:

• The old paved streets and alleyways of Fontenoy-le-Château 
• Cycling to Passavant-la-Rochère, for traditional glass blowing

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Fontenoy-le-Château: Fontenoy-le-château has an interesting history so be sure to visit the museum and numerous churches. Discover the old paved streets and alleyways where time seems to stand still, visit the Tower of the Lombards and maybe take a look at the château ruins.
• Selles: This small village is famous for its swing bridge, “Le Pont Tournant”, which dates from 1886. Moor close to the restaurant of the same name to visit the town’s historic washhouse, fountain and old church. Take the opportunity to stock up on delicious goats’ cheese at the Biodéal Rousey Cheese Factory, then cycle to visit the glassworks in nearby Passavant-la-Rochère, where the traditional art of glass blowing has been practiced since 1475.

Fontenoy-le-Château RETURN via Ray-sur-Saône

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Overview

Varied and unique, France barge vacations in the heart of Burgundy have proven you made the right choice for a getaway! You leave the pretty town of Fontenoy-le-Châteaux and head out on the Canal des Vosges. You find yourself amidst beautiful scenery punctuated with pretty villages, each seeming to have its own palatial château! Relax and do some fishing on the River Saône!

Top highlights:

• The old paved streets and alleyways of Fontenoy-le-Château
• Cycling to Passavant-la-Rochère, for traditional glass blowing 
  
• Views from the eighteenth century 13 arch bridge in Port-sur-Saône
• Walking along the banks of the Saint-Albin canal in Scey-sur-Saône
• Touring the Ray-sur-Saône castle which dominates the valley

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Fontenoy-le-Château: Fontenoy-le-château has an interesting history so be sure to visit the museum and numerous churches. Discover the old paved streets and alleyways where time seems to stand still, visit the Tower of the Lombards and maybe take a look at the château ruins.
• Selles: This small village is famous for its swing bridge, “Le Pont Tournant”, which dates from 1886. Moor close to the restaurant of the same name to visit the town’s historic washhouse, fountain and old church. Take the opportunity to stock up on delicious goats’ cheese at the Biodéal Rousey Cheese Factory, then cycle to visit the glassworks in nearby Passavant-la-Rochère, where the traditional art of glass blowing has been practiced since 1475.
• Port-sur-Saône: A picturesque and welcoming town, Port-sur-saône has much to offer. Visit an old eighteenth century church, and discover the charm of the sixteenth century. You’ll also want to see the magnificent, eighteenth century bridge: 13 arches long, it spans across all of Saône, offering you wonderful landscape views.
• Scey-sur-Saône: With its tall tower houses, Scey-sur-saone welcomes you with many vestiges of the past. Visit the beautiful eighteenth century church, and walk along the banks of the Saint-Albin canal. The Scey-sur-saone castle cannot be toured but it remains a great sight to see.
• Ray-sur-Saône: For being so small, this town has a lot of history. Ray-sur-Saône has kept its soul over the centuries, as you will see. Discover the former wash basin of the village, and the beautiful Saint-Anne church. The expansive Ray-sur-Saône castle dominates the valley and is open for tours.
• Fontenoy-le-Château: Fontenoy-le-château has an interesting history so be sure to visit the museum and numerous churches. Discover the old paved streets and alleyways where time seems to stand still, visit the Tower of the Lombards and maybe take a look at the château ruins.

Saint-Jean-de-Losne to Fontenoy-le-Château ONEWAY

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Overview

You’re a fan of history, and in this part of Burgundy you can’t resist poking about the museum honouring Napoleon Bonaparte in Auxonne. He attended artillery school in this lovely city in 1788, prepping for his future escapades. As you head north, you stop in the old trading port of Gray for a bite to eat — beef bourgignon or smoked sausage with a glass of local Chassagne-Montrachet!

Top highlights:

• Learning about the history of Napoleon Bonaparte in Auxonne
• Touring the Ray-sur-Saône castle which dominates in the valley
• Views from the eighteenth century 13 arch bridge in Port-sur-Saône

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history still remaining. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.
• Auxonne: Sometimes referred to as the “jewel of the Saone valley”, or ” the second capital of Haute-Saône”, Auxonne was a strategically important fortified town in the middle ages. Nowadays, it is a market town.
• Gray: Gray is a bustling town, steeped in history with fascinating preserved buildings that you can visit. Most notably are the Eglise, and the fortified chateau of Baron St. Martin, which is now an art gallery & museum.
• Ray-sur-Saône: For being so small, this town has a lot of history. Ray-sur-Saône has kept its soul over the centuries, as you will see. Discover the former wash basin of the village, and the beautiful Saint-Anne church. The expansive Ray-sur-Saône castle dominates the valley and is open for tours.
• Scey-sur-Saône: With its tall tower houses, Scey-sur-saone welcomes you with many vestiges of the past. Visit the beautiful eighteenth century church, and walk along the banks of the Saint-Albin canal. The Scey-sur-saone castle cannot be toured but it remains a great sight to see.
• Port-sur-Saône: A picturesque and welcoming town, Port-sur-saône has much to offer. Visit an old eighteenth century church, and discover the charm of the sixteenth century. You’ll also want to see the magnificent, eighteenth century bridge: 13 arches long, it spans across all of Saône, offering you wonderful landscape views.
• Selles: This small village is famous for its swing bridge, “Le Pont Tournant”, which dates from 1886. Moor close to the restaurant of the same name to visit the town’s historic washhouse, fountain and old church. Take the opportunity to stock up on delicious goats’ cheese at the Biodéal Rousey Cheese Factory, then cycle to visit the glassworks in nearby Passavant-la-Rochère, where the traditional art of glass blowing has been practiced since 1475.
• Fontenoy-le-Château: Fontenoy-le-château has an interesting history so be sure to visit the museum and numerous churches. Discover the old paved streets and alleyways where time seems to stand still, visit the Tower of the Lombards and maybe take a look at the château ruins.

Saint-Jean-de-Losne RETURN via Gray

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Overview

Billed as France’s largest centre for inland boating, the busy and picturesque town of St. Jean-de-Losne is situated at the junction of the Burgundy Canal and the River Saône. Museums, art galleries, restaurants, and modern facilities make this an ideal place to start your Burgundy boat rent in France! Gray and Auxonne invite you to linger!

Top highlights:

• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus
• Learning about the history of Napoleon Bonparte in Auxonne 

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history still remaining. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.
• Auxonne: Sometimes referred to as the “jewel of the Saone valley”, or ” the second capital of Haute-Saône”, Auxonne was a strategically important fortified town in the middle ages. Nowadays, it is a market town.
• Gray: Gray is a bustling town, steeped in history with fascinating preserved buildings that you can visit. Most notably are the Eglise, and the fortified chateau of Baron St. Martin, which is now an art gallery & museum.
• Saint Jean-de-Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king. There are several downtown monuments about this. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.

Saint-Jean-de-Losne RETURN via Louhans

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Overview

The call of vendors in the weekly market every Monday in Louhans reminds you that the ritual has gone on since medieval times. You bargain with merchants, and buy a baguette, some cheese and a bottle of wine. Then you head out on the River Seille. France barge vacations in Burgundy combine rural charm with watersports, shopping and fine dining!

Top highlights:

• Tasting the popular local French dish ‘pochouse seurroise’ in Seurre
• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus
• Views from St Jean bridge of the stunning houses of Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
• The architectural heritage route Chalon-sur-Saône (don’t miss St. Vincent’s Cathedral)
• Cycling along the peaceful canals of Branges

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Seurre: A scenic town nestled next to a canal, Seurre is known for being the native village of the famous French writer, Bossuet. His house can still be visited and has been transformed into a little museum. In Seurre, you can enjoy a local popular dish, the ‘pochouse seurroise’, made from fish.
• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.
• Verdun-sur-le-Doubs: This pretty and calm village is great for leisurely strolls. There are numerous houses just over the water that you can see when you cross the beautiful St Jean bridge. Verdun-sur-le-Doubs is a good place to stop and relax a bit.
• Chalon-sur-Saône: Along the Saône, influenced by the history of the Burgundian kingdoms, is Chlaon-Sur-Saône. Discover its long and complex history and its beautiful monuments. The market place, with the Saint-Vincent cathedral, is magnificent to see. A truly beautiful city.
• Tournus: Welcome to Tournus, a wonderful city filled with medieval monuments and vestiges. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful Saint-Philibert church, with its high medieval tower covered in green ivy. The well-preserved abbey palace is also wonderful to observe. A great place to go for a walk.
• Cuisery: Cuisery is one of the four famous Book Villages of France. There are more than a dozen book shops selling collectors’ items in gravure, lithography, illuminated text, early comics, etc. You will surely enjoy this cultural visit. The Church of Notre Dame is also pleasant to visit.
• Branges: Welcome to Branges, a calm and peaceful town. Take the opportunity to cycle along the canal banks, and explore the area. Downtown, you can have a drink on the terrace of a French village bar.
• Louhans: Louhans is a pretty city where you can enjoy walking along the beautiful arcades, where there are many shops and beautiful old buildings to see. Church Saint-Pierre, with its burgundian roof, is beautiful. Try the local speciality chicken, called Poulet de Bresse.

Saint-Jean-de-Losne RETURN via Besançon

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Overview

On a Pasteur Cruise boat rent in Burgundy, you depart from the bustling port of St. Jean-de-Losne with its cobblestone streets and impressive architecture. You make your way to the old port of Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur, and you stroll the beautiful parks and wide boulevards of Besançon, where the majestic Citadel dominates the skyline.

Top highlights:

• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus 
• The house where famous scientist Louis Pasteur was born in Dôle
• Osselle Cave in Saint-Vit
• Magnificent views from The Citadel of Besançon, designed by the great military architect Vauban

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history still remaining. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.
• Dôle: A wonderful city. The port is situated in a very picturesque part of the old town, directly below the magnificent cathedral, less than 100 metres from the old quarter of tanneries. This part of Dole is made up of narrow cobbled streets, and very old houses. You can visit the house where the scientist Louis Pasteur was born, and numerous churches.
• Saint-Vit: A small town where you can fill up at the supermarket, and discover the Osselle Cave (3km from the mooring). Stroll along the pedestrian-friendly pathway to admire the variety of its crystallisations, exceptional colours, stalactites, stalagmites and other geological curiosities. Close to the Doubs River, there’s a lake with a sandy beach, water slide, children’s playground, and volleyball and petanque courts.
• Besançon: Besançon has many gems including its vast parks, wide boulevards and the Battant Quarter which was originally settled by wine-makers. You’ll see some beautiful architecture here including seventeenth century facades fronted by wrought-iron balconies. The Citadel was built by the great military architect, Vauban, and offers magnificent views over the city and the river Doubs.

Fontenoy-le-Château to Branges ONEWAY

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Overview

Following the River Saône, you will enjoy a picturesque cruising in a land of natural beauty, fine wines and gourmet cuisine. Discover the splendid châteaux near Scey-sur-Saône, visit the city of Châlon-sur-Saône and taste fine wines from the Côte de Beaune’s premier cru vineyards nearby, and stop for an historic walk in the roman town of Tournus or in the military town of Auxonne.

Top highlights:

• Cycling to Passavant-la-Rochère, for traditional glass blowing 
• Learning about the history of Napoleon Bonaparte in Auxonne 
• The architectural heritage route in Chalon-sur-Saône (don’t miss St. Vincent’s Cathedral)
• Dijon’s mix of architecturally beautiful museums 

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Fontenoy-le-Château: Fontenoy-le-château has an interesting history so be sure to visit the museum and numerous churches. Discover the old paved streets and alleyways where time seems to stand still, visit the Tower of the Lombards and maybe take a look at the château ruins.
• Selles: This small village is famous for its swing bridge, “Le Pont Tournant”, which dates from 1886. Moor close to the restaurant of the same name to visit the town’s historic washhouse, fountain and old church. Take the opportunity to stock up on delicious goats’ cheese at the Biodéal Rousey Cheese Factory, then cycle to visit the glassworks in nearby Passavant-la-Rochère, where the traditional art of glass blowing has been practiced since 1475.
• Port-sur-Saône: A picturesque and welcoming town, Port-sur-saône has much to offer. Visit an old eighteenth century church, and discover the charm of the sixteenth century. You’ll also want to see the magnificent, eighteenth century bridge: 13 arches long, it spans across all of Saône, offering you wonderful landscape views.
• Scey-sur-Saône: With its tall tower houses, Scey-sur-saone welcomes you with many vestiges of the past. Visit the beautiful eighteenth century church, and walk along the banks of the Saint-Albin canal. The Scey-sur-saone castle cannot be toured but it remains a great sight to see.
• Ray-sur-Saône: For being so small, this town has a lot of history. Ray-sur-Saône has kept its soul over the centuries, as you will see. Discover the former wash basin of the village, and the beautiful Saint-Anne church. The expansive Ray-sur-Saône castle dominates the valley and is open for tours.
• Gray: Gray is a bustling town, steeped in history with fascinating preserved buildings that you can visit. Most notably are the Eglise, and the fortified chateau of Baron St. Martin, which is now an art gallery & museum.
• Auxonne: Sometimes referred to as the “jewel of the Saone valley”, or ” the second capital of Haute-Saône”, Auxonne was a strategically important fortified town in the middle ages. Nowadays, it is a market town.
• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history still remaining. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.
• Verdun-sur-le-Doubs: This pretty and calm village is great for leisurely strolls. There are numerous houses just over the water that you can see when you cross the beautiful St Jean bridge. Verdun-sur-le-Doubs is a good place to stop and relax a bit.
• Chalon-sur-Saône: Along the Saône, influenced by the history of the Burgundian kingdoms, is Chlaon-Sur-Saône. Discover its long and complex history and its beautiful monuments. The market place, with the Saint-Vincent cathedral, is magnificent to see. A truly beautiful city.
• Tournus: Welcome to Tournus, a wonderful city filled with medieval monuments and vestiges. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful Saint-Philibert church, with its high medieval tower covered in green ivy. The well-preserved abbey palace is also wonderful to observe. A great place to go for a walk.
• Cuisery: Cuisery is one of the four famous Book Villages of France. There are more than a dozen book shops selling collectors’ items in gravure, lithography, illuminated text, early comics, etc. You will surely enjoy this cultural visit. The Church of Notre Dame is also pleasant to visit.
• Branges: Welcome to Branges, a calm and peaceful town. Take the opportunity to cycle along the canal banks, and explore the area. Downtown, you can have a drink on the terrace of a French village bar.

Saint-Jean-de-Losne RETURN via Dole

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Overview

From Saint Jean de Losne, follow the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, immerge yourself in a part of the history of France! Discover the medieval city of Dôle and its listed monuments like the Louis Pasteur Museum. Along your way, taste the local specialties: you are nearby world famous vineyards of Burgundy and of the Jura!

Top highlights:

• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus 
• The house of famous scientist Louis Pasteur in Dôle

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history still remaining. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.
• Dôle: A wonderful city. The port is situated in a very picturesque part of the old town, directly below the magnificent cathedral, less than 100 metres from the old quarter of tanneries. This part of Dole is made up of narrow cobbled streets, and very old houses. You can visit the house where the scientist Louis Pasteur was born, and numerous churches.

Saint-Jean-de-Losne RETURN via Chagny

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Overview

Follow down the River Saône up to the dynamic city of Châlon-sur-Saône then turn to the Canal du centre to reach the town of Chagny. You are now between 2 of the most famous vineyards of the World, the Mâconnais and the Côte de Beaune! Take the most of these fine wines by tasting them with some the local cheeses and gourmet cuisine! Just relax and make the most of the patrimoine and gastronomy of Burgundy!

Top highlights:

• The architectural heritage route in Chalon-sur-Saône (don’t miss St. Vincent’s Cathedral)
• Saint-Philibert Church in Tournus 
• French wines in Chagny

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Saint Jean de Losne: Saint-Jean-De-Losne has seen numerous wars during the last few centuries, and was named “Belle-Defense” by the king with several downtown monuments about its history still remaining. Walking through the streets, or over a beautiful bridge, you can also catch sight of Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s church.
• Verdun-sur-le-Doubs: This pretty and calm village is great for leisurely strolls. There are numerous houses just over the water that you can see when you cross the beautiful St Jean bridge. Verdun-sur-le-Doubs is a good place to stop and relax a bit.
• Chalon-sur-Saône: Along the Saône, influenced by the history of the Burgundian kingdoms, is Chlaon-Sur-Saône. Discover its long and complex history and its beautiful monuments. The market place, with the Saint-Vincent cathedral, is magnificent to see. A truly beautiful city.
• Chagny: Chagny is a pretty town, with plenty of restaurants, including the famous Lameloise. Among the numerous shops, the 18th century apothecary is always interesting. If you have time, visit the contemporary art gallery.