Saint-Jean-de-Losne RETURN
Since the 17th century, Burgundy has been shaping the biggest network of magnificent waterways in France. Enjoy a gentle pace of life along these historic canals, in and amongst quiet French villages, and delight in world-class cuisine and wine. This 7 night break gives you a great feel of the very best that this region has to offer.
Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Arrive at base
2pm - 5pm
After you have arrived and checked-in, we'll show you to your boat as quickly as possible. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will familiarise you with the boat’s domestic systems and give you a hands-on demonstration of the boat controls and how to operate it. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.
Explore Saint-Jean-de-Losne
5pm - 6:30pm
This popular small tourist town has fantastic supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, wine shops and more... All you could need to stock up on before you start your journey!
One of the best bakeries in the area, Boulangerie Jaye, is a mere five minute walk from the base: +33 (0)960 1023 44
Dinner at Le Bouchons Losnais, Saint-Jean-de-Losne
7pm - 9:30pm
Enjoy a fabulous dinner at Le Bouchons Losnais, just a ten minute walk from the Le Boat base. This popular local restaurant offers simple, fuss-free food, located right next to the Saône river. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy dinner on the terrace with a beautiful view of the river.
For bookings: +33 (0)667 1178 36
Overnight in Saint-Jean-de-Losne
DAY 2: Saint-Jean-de-Losne > Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Explore Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
5:10pm - 7pm
Take a stroll in the Île du Château Park, accessible by a footbridge, then stop by the Bread & Wheat Museum and learn about the many centuries of harvesting wheat and bread-making.
+33 (0)385 9157 09 | verdunsurledoubs.fr
Dinner at Le Caveau de Verdun, Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
7pm - 9:30pm
This restaurant serves generous portion sizes of traditional local food. Make sure you try the region’s specialty dish, ‘Pôchouse’, which is a mix of freshwater fish in a delicious wine sauce.
For bookings: +33 3 85 91 82 50 | lecaveaudeverdun.fr
Overnight in Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
DAY 3: Verdun-sur-le-Doubs > Chalon-sur-Saône
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Lunch at L'Émile Brochettes, Chalon-sur-Saône
12:30pm - 2pm
Take a ten minute walk from the port at Saint Laurent Island, to enjoy lunch at L'Emile Brochettes. Since 2003, this restaurant has been renowned for their delicious grilled meat skewers, but the menu has something for everyone. Sit outside on their beautiful patio and enjoy a relaxing meal.
For bookings: +33 3 85 48 29 05 | emile-brochettes-chalon.fr
Explore Chalon-sur-Saône
2pm - 5:30pm
Take a stroll to the town centre, where you will see quaint half-timbered houses, towers and turrets, fortifications and bastions from the 16th century. Must-see attractions for the day include the Saint Laurent Island Hospital and its 19th Century chapel, and the 15th Century episcopal palace.
If you are looking for an activity to do indoors if the weather isn't good, visit the fascinating museum dedicated to the inventor of photography, Nicéphoré Nièpce, which displays some of the earliest cameras and colour photographs to be produced.
For more information: museeniepce.com
Dinner at Chez Jules, Chalon-sur-Saône
7pm - 9:30pm
Enjoy full-flavored, hearty dishes with a homely, comforting 'twist', inspired by the chef's love of international cuisine. In addition to their classic menu, the restaurant also offers 'wine dinners', which are usually five courses with tailored wine parings.
A bonus: this fantastic restaurant is only a three minute walk from the mooring!
For bookings: +33 (0)385 48 08 34 | chezjules.restaurant
For families with younger children
Chalon-sur-Saône: For a fun family activity, head to the patisserie L’Ambroisie, where you can learn how to make your own choux pastry and macaroons. Advance booking is required: +33 (0) 385 4809 88. You can taste your creations at the end of the class and also get to take home the delicious treats you’ve made!
DAY 4: Chalon-sur-Saône > Chagny > Chalon-sur-Saône
Lunch at Pierre et Jean, Chagny
12noon - 2pm
Enjoy good quality food at good value for money at this unpretentious fine-dining establishment.
For bookings: +33 (0)385 870 867 | pierrejean-restaurant.fr
Explore Chagny
2pm - 6pm
Chagny marks the border between two wine growing areas, and is the ideal starting point for sampling all the vineyards have to offer, from the prestigious Côte de Beaune AOC grands crus, to the sparkling Burgundy cremants. We recommend the vineyard Domaine de la Folie, which is located about 1.5km south of the Canal.
For bookings: +33 (0)385 87 18 59 | domainedelafolie.fr
Dinner at Les Gourmants Disent, Chalon-sur-Saône
8pm - 9:30pm
Enjoy well-presented, unique dishes with a balanced mix of flavours, made using fresh seasonal produce.
Be sure to book in advance: +33 (0)385 48 75 21 | les-gourmands-disent-restaurant.fr
DAY 5: Chalon-sur-Saône > Gergy
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Lunch on board
12pm - 2pm
Explore Gergy
2pm - 6pm
For a relaxing afternoon, take the short walk to the Saint-Germain church; its Gothic architecture and detailed sculptures are a real treat! Afterwards, enjoy shopping at the Meix Lantin Cheese Factory for divine goat cheese.
If you're looking for someting a bit more active, Bourgogne Jeep Découverte offers a unique sightseeing experience; get the chance to drive a vintage Jeep through the vineyards, accompanied by a guide who will tell you all about the beautiful landscape. The recommended duration of a Jeep tour is about 2 hours and operating hours are between 9am and 7pm every day of the week.
For bookings: +33 (0)6 81 27 69 40 | bourgognejeepdecouverte.com
Physical address: 5 rue de Saone, 71590, Gergy
Dinner at Restaurant Beau Rivage, Gergy
7pm - 9:30pm
Enjoy laidback, fresh fare at this popular local, complete with a beautiful view of the river.
For bookings: +33 (0)385 9187 45 | beaurivage.fr
Overnight in Gergy
DAY 6: Gergy > Seurre
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Explore Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
10:30am - 11:30am
Get the fishing rods out and practice your hand at catching some local carp, pike perch, pike, catfish, roach or bream. Alternatively, hop on bicycles and take time to shop for wine and food in the town, and prepare a nice lunch to enjoy back on your boat.
Explore Seurre
3pm - 6pm
Enjoy a discovery tour of the heritage of the historic centre of Seurre. Twelve panels representing the main buildings or remarkable places in Seurre, have been installed in the town centre. Children can also enjoy the visit as the little Jacquemart (bell striker) asks them a fun question or riddle on each panel. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful walk or bicycle ride along the lush green canals and stretch your legs.
Dinner at L'Orée des Charmes
7pm - 9:30pm
This hotel-restaurant offers great local cuisine with special attention to the presentation.
For bookings: +33 (0)380 33 03 03 | oreedescharmes.fr
Overnight in Seurre
DAY 7: Seurre > St-Jean-de-Losne
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Lunch at Le Sauconna, Saint-Jean-de-Losne
12noon - 2pm
The Sauconna is a popular spot thats sees regular locals every week. This restaurant offers the tastiest local cuisine, home-made with fresh and seasonal products.
For bookings: +33 (0)3 80 71 50 31 | hotel-restaurant-sauconna.fr
Explore Saint-Jean-de-Losne
2pm - 6pm
This popular small town offers lots of possibilities. Visit the Barge Museum, located in a restored 15th Century house near the Le Boat base, or walk to the Baptiste church, which is covered with glazed tiles in classic Burgundy tradition.If you prefer to end your journey by savoring more wine, head about twenty kilometers by car from the base to the vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Dinner at La Barge Gourmande, St-Jean-de-Losne
7pm - 9:30pm
For your final evening of your holiday, enjoy something a little different with this restaurant situated on a barge in "La Gare d'Eau", just a few meters from your boat at the base. The food is delicious and home-made, and you can enjoy a peaceful view of the water. The kitchen is also open plan to allow you to watch the chef at work.
For bookings: +33 (0) 660 7000 93
Overnight in Saint-Jean-de-Losne
DAY 8: Depart St-Jean-de-Losne
Breakfast on board
7:30am - 8:30am
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before tidying and vacating your boat by 9am (unless you have booked and paid for a late-checkout)
Depart St-Jean-de-Losne
9am