The Three Regions Cruise

Gray <=> Branges (via St Jean de Losne)

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.

Distance: 210 km
Cruising Time: 31 hrs
Locks: 10
One Way - Either Direction

Gray <=> Branges (via St Jean de Losne)

Gray

Gray is a major town on the Petite Saone, with a population of about 10,000. All services and commerces are here, plus the Connoisseur cruiser base. Razed by fire twice in the middle ages, Gray was rebuilt into a major centre of commerce & industry by the 17th century, and reached the heights of its prosperity in the 19th century when it was the head of navigation for the barges which plied their cargoes up and down the Sa�ne valley. In recent times this trade has all but vanished, giving way to light industry and tourism.

Mantoche

Just one hour South of Gray base, this makes a welcome stop for your first night. Mantoche is a peaceful, very pretty rural village with a modest auberge open most days of the week. Fresh water is available, and a bread van calls in the mornings ( listen for the horn beep!)

Pontailler

This is the first town of notable size going South from Gray, lying about three hours downriver. An attractive little community, with shops & restaurants and an unusual church

Auxonne

Sometimes referred to as " the jewel of the Saone valley", and " the second capital of Haute-Sa�ne", Auxonne was a strategically important fortified town in the middle ages. It is nowadays a market town, but still houses the barracks of the 512th. Regt. du Train.

St Jean De Losne

Located at the junction of the Burgundy Canal and the Sa�ne River, St Jean de Losne has become the most important centre for inland boating activities in France . You will find modern moorings with water and electricity and a range of shops conveniently situated close to the port. Near to the water point there is a launderette with washers and driers

Seurre

La maison Bossuet, l'Etang rouge which is a reconstruction of a Bourguignon village, l'eglise Saint Martin with its carillon of 47 bells; also the historic, rustic town centre; and the museum of objects which have been recovered from the Sa�ne.

Verdun Sur Le Doubs

All services and toilet/ shower facilites available. However, the number of places is limited and the port fills up quickly - don't arrive too late!

Chalon Sur Sa�ne

It is situated quite near to the town centre and there is a vast shopping complex close by. There is a footbridge linking the port to the old qurter of town.

Gigny-sur-sa�ne

A small village typical of rural France. Not much in the way of restaurants and shops; but this is a very pleasant little place to dine aboard your boat and watch a Sa�ne- Valley sunset, indulge in a little fishing, and relax.

Tournus

Tournus is a town steeped in history, and down the centuries it has been an important religious centre.

La Truch�re

La Truch�re offers a rustic charm in peaceful green countryside, next to a wetland nature reserve.

Cuisery

If you need to go shopping, or if you want a restaurant meal on your first night, we recommend you to stop at Cuisery.

Loisy

On arriving at the lock at Loisy, you will find Michel who sells local products, regional specialities and Burgundy wines . He also sells bread, and will even help you pass through the lock, if help is needed.

Branges

For your last evening, you can stop here if you want to start to pack and then we suggest that you take your car to Louhans if you want a restaurant for that evening, Please note that there are no restaurants in Branges, so if you don't have a car you will need a taxi to go to the restaurant, which we can organise for you