H2olidays

Le Boat

Burgundy Franche-Comte

Spectacularly beautiful, this cultural and gastronomic region in the heart of France is perfect for a tranquil boating holiday allowing you to discover the natural beauty of unspoilt countryside.

Regional Highlights

• World-famous vineyards within easy reach of the waterways near Branges; visit Santenay, Puligny-Montrachet and Mâcon for superb wine-tasting
• Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet cuisine
• Picturesque cruising on the Rivers Saône and Seille - perfect for nature lovers and fishermen
• Distinctive Burgundian architecture, old-world charm and quaint villages of character
• Dijon, the opulent ancient capital of Burgundy, renowned for its priceless art collections and architecture, as well as being the town of origin of Dijon mustard
• Louhans lively Monday market – a sight not to be missed!
• The landscape of the Franche-Comté region of Burgundy is rich with natural beauty; pine forests, waterfalls and mountain scenery sit alongside rolling pastures, meadows of flowers and fields of wheat.

Here are some cruising suggestions...

Week Breaks

The Medieval Markets Cruise
St Jean de Losne - Louhans - St Jean de Losne
Cruise the Rivers Saône and Seille on this tranquil and historic cruise to Louhans the capital of the Bresse region. En route visit Seurre and Tournus before arriving in medieval Louhans where houses on the Grand Rue have stone facades and 15th century timber surrounds and the Church ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 293 km
Locks: 14
Cruise Time: 38 hrs

The Côte de Beaune Cruise
Branges - Chagny - Branges
Cruise the River Saône and the Canal du Centre on this spectacular journey past vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. Legendary names such as Rully and Mercurey are only a short cycle-ride from the canal and Santenay offers a swimming pool and casino.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 176 km
Locks: 36
Cruise Time: 35 hrs

The Saône Cruise
Gray - Corre - Gray
This cruise on the pretty Petite Saône river takes you through beautiful unspoilt countryside and bustling port towns full of character and charm.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 200 km
Locks: 30
Cruise Time:38 hrs

The Vosges Cruise
Fontenoy le Chateau - Gray (or vice versa)
A classic cruise on the Canal de L’Est and the peaceful River Saône. Relax beside the ornamental fountains at Jussey. Enjoy the bustling market town of Port-sur-Saône and the lively Saturday market at Gray before returning to Fontenoy-le-Château with its cobbled streets and delightful old-world charm.
Duration: One Wee
kCruise Type: One Way
Distance: 137 km
Locks: 27
Cruise Time: 30 hrs

The Napoleon Cruise
Fontenoy le Chateau - St. Jean de Losne (or vice versa)
A gentle cruise along the River Saône to St. Jean-de-Losne in the heart of Burgundy. Notable villages worth visiting en route include Jussy, Port-Sur-Saône and Gray before reaching the historic city of Auxonne. Beaune - the wine growing centre of Burgundy is within easy reach of St. Jean-de-Losne.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 200 km
Locks: 32
Cruise Time: 40 hrs

The Three Regions Cruise
Gray - Branges (or vice versa)
Explore the best of three regions - Franche Comté, Burgundy and Bresse on the Petite Saône, the Grande Saône and Seille Rivers. A gastronomic delight, some notable wines, abundant wildlife, excellent fishing and only 12 locks (10 of which are automatic or permanently manned) await you.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 193 km
Locks: 12
Cruise Time: 34 hrs

The Gastronomy Cruise
St Jean de Losne - Chagny - Branges (or vice versa)
From bustling St. Jean-de-Losne in the heart of Burgundy, cruise the clear waters of the Saône stopping at the many attractive towns with their distinctive multi-coloured glazed roofs. Chagny is home to the Michelin starred Lameloise restaurant and at the heart of Côte de Beaune wine-making. Branges, on ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 159 km
Locks: 28
Cruise Time: 33 hrs

The Pasteur Cruise
St Jean de Losne – Besançon - St Jean de Losne
Follow the delightful bends of the picturesque River Doubs and on to the Canal du Rhône au Rhin. Explore the ancient lanes of the hilltop town of Dole and visit the home of Louis Pasteur. Besançon is set in a loop of the River Doubs and is surrounded by attractive ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 150 km
Locks: 48
Cruise Time: 32 hrs