Connoisseur Afloat

Burgundy

Spectularly beautiful, this cultural and gastronomic region in the heart of France is perfect for tranquil cruising and re-discovering the natural beauty of unspoilt countryside. With its rich and varied history there are many fine examples of Renaissance architecture, magnificent chateaux, Roman ruins and ancient sites to explore.

The rivers Saone and Seille, and the surrounding network of canals from this idyllic cruising region, served by our bases at Gray and Brange.

To the north, the river Saone meanders gently though scenic valleys from Corre, an old Roman encampment, past the pretty little town of Jussey with Spanish style houses, and Conflandey with its Chateau on an island mid stream.

Suggested Cruises in Burgundy

Week Breaks

Duration:
7 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
36

Distance:
176 km

Branges - Chagny - Branges

Cruise the rivers Saône and Seille and the Canal latéral à la Loire on this spectacular cruise past the vineyards of the Côtes 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:
7 days

Cruise Type:
One Way

Locks:
12

Distance:
193 km

Gray - Branges

Explore the best of three regions - Franche Comté, Burgundy and La Bresse - using the Petite Saône, the Grand Saône, and the Seille rivers. A gastronomic delight, some notable wines, abundant wildlife, excellent fishing and only twelve locks (ten of which are either automated or permanently manned!) await you. All beneath wide, ever changing skies which have inspired generations of artists. This is a one week cruise.
Duration:
7 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
30

Distance:
200 km

Gray - Corre - Gray

A cruise on the Petite Saône, so called because it is close to the source of the river, takes you through beautiful, unspoilt countryside and bustling port towns, full of character and charm.
Duration:
7 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
30

Distance:
160 km

Gray - Dole - Gray

An easy trip for lovers of gastronomy and ancient architecture. From the Basilique of Gray to the Cathedral of Dole, the River Saône and the Canal du Rhône-au-Rhin lead you through forests and fields, with some notable restaurants en route.
Duration:
7 days

Cruise Type:
One Way

Locks:
27

Distance:
144 km

Gray - Fontenoy le Château

A seven day cruise on the meandering River Saône and the Canal de l'Est, stopping at lovely waterside towns to explore local chateaux and markets and bustling port towns full of character and charm.

Longer Breaks

Duration:
14 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
32

Distance:
310 km

Branges - Dole - Branges
Enjoy peaceful cruising on the rivers Seille, Saône and Canal du Rhône-au-Rhin to the lovely old town of Dole which overlooks the valley. The delights of the Burgundian countryside are yours to be enjoyed.
Duration:
14 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
90

Distance:
268 km

Branges - Montceau-les-Mines - Branges
This is a real hill-climb in a boat, from the vally of the Saône over the watershed of the Canal Latéral à la Loire (one of France's oldest) into the Charolais countryside. The canal is technically interesting, with its ingenious system of electric locks and glimpses of the old Schneider industrial empire, now an historic monument. You pass through wine country on the way, and Montchanin has an excellent golf course. Swim and have a meal in the Etang de Montaubry.
Duration:
10 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
52

Distance:
194 km

Gray - Dijon - Gray
A ten day round trip cruise to take in the sights of the region's attractive capital, Dijon, where modern day living sits alongside ancient abbeys, churches and decorated roofs. Visit the famous museum of mustard, the Palais des Ducs and the Jacquemart clock.
Duration:
10 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
54

Distance:
288 km

Gray - Fontenoy le Château - Gray
Climb the meandering Petite Saône, reminiscent of upper reaches of the Thames, past Corre with its new marina, into the foothills of the Vosges, with picture-postcard views around every bend. Châteaux, cloches and church spires everywhere, with little shops and restaurants within walking distance of your boat.
Duration:
14 days

Cruise Type:
Round Trip

Locks:
92

Distance:
204 km

Gray - Langres - Gray
Leave the Saône valley at Heuilley and climb the Valley of the Vingeanne on the old Canal de la Marne à la Saône (recently renamed the Canal de Champagne-à-Bourgogne). Rustic, uncommercialised and beautiful, this canal has become the focus of tourist development in recent years. Friendly lock-keepers, an excellent cycle-path along most of its length, and if you are really adventurous, the 5km Tunnel de Balesmes will take you up to the ancient ramparts of the City of Langres - the view from the top is breathtaking.

Bases in this Region

Branges: Base manager Colin Farrow welcomes you to Branges. From the base, on the banks of the river Seille, you can wind your way through the meadowlands and fields to the splendid town of Louhans, famous for its poultry fair. Or perhaps you’ll choose to follow the majestic Soane river south towards Macon, famous for its rich red wines or head north towards Verdun where the Canal du Centre and the Canal du Rhone au Rhin open up your choice of cruising routes and destinations still further.
Fontenoy le Château: Base manager Didier Ketterle welcomes you to Fontenoy le Château. Fontenoy- le-Chateau is a small market town, divided by the River Coney, with bags of character. It used to be a large town during the Middle Ages, but has since shrunk. The atmosphere though has remained the same and walking around the town’s cobbled streets is a very pleasant experience indeed.
Gray: Base Manager Ian Lambert welcomes you to Gray. We’re sure you will never tire of cruising these beautiful waterways – there’s so many places to visit, wines to taste and sights to see. Your base at Gray on the River Soane was once a thriving port for the wine, wheat and iron trades and evidence of the region’s rich cultural and trading heritage is plain to see in the surrounding towns, villages and countryside. Medieval and Renaissance-era homes, churches and monasteries – many topped by the region’s distinctive multihued tiles roofs – line your route in every direction and are sure to add to your lasting memories of this beautiful region.