H2olidays

France Passion Plaisance

Burgundy Franche-Comte

Burgundy - Bresse
The Seille river, an affluent of the Saône, a superb river, which runs in the middle of the Burgundian Bresse, the poultry-yard of the famous corn-fed “Poulet de Bresse”. You will discover the quiet charm of its water-sodden hedge farmlands, dotted with half-timbered houses, a real natural preserve of wildfowl. From La Truchère, you will sail through a wildlife sanctuary created in 1980, offering you a mosaic of different natural settings (marshy ponds, peat bogs, and dunes covered with lichens and moss). Finally, go to Louhans, a brisk and picturesque city with its main street lined with 157 arcades, and XVIth century frontages which, on Mondays shelter its famous farm market. From La Truchère, you also can reach the Saône river, then the Santenay or Macon vineyards.

Burgundy - Franche Comté
There are so many routes from Pontailler-sur-Saône, either on the Saône river or the “Petite Saône”. With only a few locks on the way, you will enjoy a trouble-free trip. But also on the Canal de Bourgogne, the canalized Doubs river or the Canal from the Marne to the Saone. In this historical land famous for its food, discover another kind of environment with its rivers and canals shaded by reeds, oaks and willows, a paradise for herons, kingfishers and wild ducks. Discover also the traditional food like the « pôchouze » from the Bresse region (a kind of fresh water fish bouillabaisse) typical Burgundian dishes with famous wines from the region.

Canal de Bourgogne
The Canal de Bourgogne, an important point of canal navigation, created at the end of XVIIIth century, makes the junction between the Seine and the Saône.
Parallel to the Armançon, you’ll discover along the waterway, the Tonnerrois area, region of rocks, waters, forests and vineyards. From Tonnerre, a gastronomy and history-laden region you will admire a rich and varied heritage, which is the memory of our history, churches, abbeys, castles, wash-houses, fortified farms...
In Pouilly en Auxois, a small market town of 2000 people, you will also get the opportunity of sailing through a 3.333 km long tunnel. Let yourself be charmed by local products : cheeses, “gougères” and white, rosé, red or slightly sparkling wines (Chablis,Epineuil, Quincy, Béru,..) If you are looking for well-being, you will find it in the countryside of the Tonnerrois area and by eating its delicious dishes. .

Pontailler sur Saône
Located at the confluence of the Saone, the Marne-Saône Canal, the rivers Albane, Bèze, Vingeanne and Ognon, and based at the foot of the Mount Ardoux, Pontailler sur Saône offers spectatular views and is perfect for fishermen. 

Ognon is an ideal place to take a small canoeing trip. This city, which is found between the Burgundy and the Franche County, is also one of the best places to enjoying bathing in the the river.
The water is of good quality and during the summertime the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. A true delight for lovers of nature, or those who enjoy the peace and quiet.

To see : house of fishing, house of arts, the farm in the forest (tasting), the fortified village of Pesmes, the forest of Châlonnais (2nd place of hunting in France, Gallic vestiges, resurgences), the Mount Ardoux, local markets with local product.

To taste : pôchouse (fresh water fish bouillabaisse), spotted ham, mustard of Dijon.

To kno w : In Maxilly on the Saone, a professional fisherman gives lessons on fly fishing, fishing with catfish, etc… He is one of the last professional fishermen to supply a restaurant with his catches.

Most Important : village and caves of Bèzes, with remains of Bèze and galleries of craftsmen.

Navigation on the Saône :
The Saone slips between the hills of the famous vineyards of the Chalonnaise coast, Mâcon and Beaujolais, then passes lawily through the fortified cities. A true paradise for fishermen, the low slope and regular flow make this a calm and gentle waterway.

Channel from the Marne to the Saône :
This beautiful canal allows one to relax and enjoy the absolute calm that comes with a boating holiday. Open your eyes and look around you, you will see a multitude of birds such as a heron, or a blue tit. At its Southern end, the canal is lined with magnificent castles.

From Pontailler sur Saône :

Mini week
Pontailler s/Saône - Savoyeux - Pontailler s/Saône : 124 km - 8 locks - 15 hours
Pontailler s/Saône - Dôle - Pontailler s/Saône : 102 km - 22 locks - 18 hours

One week
Pontailler s/Saône - Dijon - Pontailler s/Saône : 130 km - 48 locks - 24 hours
Pontailler s/Saône - Châlon s/Saône - Pontailler s/Saône : 210 km - 8 locks - 28 hours
Pontailler s/Saône - Scey s/Saône - Pontailler s/Saône : 206 km - 24 locks - 30 hours
Pontailler s/Saône - Besançon - Pontailler s/Saône : 222 km - 56 locks - 37 hours
One way Pontailler s/Saône - La Truchère : 146 km - 6 locks - 24 hours

Two weeks
Pontailler s/Saône - Louhans - Pontailler sur Saône : 366 km - 28 locks - 50 hours
Pontailler s/Saône - St Léger sur Dheune - Pontailler s/Saône : 274 km - 40 locks - 41 hours
Pontailler s/Saône - Corre - Pontailler s/Saône : 312 km - 38 locks - 46 hours 

Louhans

Louhans, in the heart of "Bresse Bourguignonne", its street lined with arches, its famous market in the poultry on Mondays.

To see : Cuisery, village of the book, The center EDE, The vineyards of Mâconnais

To Taste : Chickens of Bresse, frogs.

To know : the Seille : A network of ponds, dunes and peat bogs britant a large number of migratory birds, among which of the threatened species and rare botanical species.

Most important : The architecture of bressanes farms.

From Louhans :

Week-end
Louhans, La Truchère, Louhans : 76 km, 6 locks, 12 hours

Mini week
Louhans, Châlon‐sur‐Saône, Verdun sur Doubs, Louhans : 200 km, 10 locks, 22 hours
Louhans, Mâcon, Tournus, Châlon sur Saône, Louhans : 196 km, 10 locks, 21 hours

One week
Louhans, Châlon‐sur‐Saône, Santenay, Saint Léger sur Dheune, Louhans : 22 km, 42 locks, 35 hours
Louhans, St Jean de Losne, Louhans : 270 km, 14 locks, 28 hours

One week one way
Louhans, Pontailler sur Saône : 172 km, 9 locks, 18 hours
Louhans, Chagny, Pontailler sur Saône : 213 km, 33 locks, 31 hours

Two weeks
Louhans, Digoin, Louhans : 384 km, 132 locks, 69 hours