Explore the region in a rather original way, at your own pace, far from the crowds. Depart from Saint-Jean-de-Losne on the boat of your dreams, and choose which itinerary you would like to follow, depending on what you fancy seeing that day. The various boats available can accommodate a crew of between 2 and 12 people (maximum capacity authorised). They are between 9 and 15 metres long and you don’t need a boat permit.
You’ll find all the comforts you need aboard your boat: equipped kitchen, storage with all the essential dishes, a dining area, showers, etc. You’ll be setting off with enough fuel and gas for a whole week.
When you arrive at the river harbour “Le Boat”, you’ll find your boat ready for you. The owner will show you how to manoeuver the boat. It is extremely easy to sail. The boat rental prices depend on the size of the boat (sleeping capacity), the comfort and the rental dates. The boats are available from March to November.
> Share your photos of the mornings in the mist, and the sun-kissed landscapes along your journey, with the hashtag #RivesdeSaone. We will repost the best photos 😍.
The sailing conditions are ideal on the Saône. The level of water is satisfactory all year round, there are not many locks (3 locks in Rives de Saône), the river is wide and the natural environment is preserved. Sailing is authorised here all year round, except during periods when the water level is very high. The Saône is divided into 2 sections:
Most locks are automatic or semi-automatic. There are lights to regulate the different steps of manoeuvers. Make sure you ask someone to explain to you how the locks work and ask for the guide (please note that locks are closed on 01/05).
In Saint-Jean-de-Losne, go under the bridge to access the Canal de Bourgogne and sail to Dijon through around twenty locks, spread out over approximately thirty kilometres. This small canal allows you to sail from the waters of the Seine and Yonne, to those of the Saône and the Rhône.
On the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, the services are available for two periods in the year: high season (summer-time period) and low season (winter-time period). Sailing is not possible in between these periods. The sailing times vary depending on the period.
Plan for your trip depending on the size of your boat, and the time you would like to take based on the river itinerary calculation available on the website “Voies Navigables de France”. This service also provides real time information about closed sections.
A boat trip is a great way to explore the region for a few hours. The Vagabondo leaves from Saint-Jean-de-Losne, and offers boat trips with a meal, for between 2 and 7 hours, with prior booking. Throughout the season, there are also 1.5-hour commented cruises (for 20 people minimum).
> Find out about the services offered by the boat “Vagabondo”.
Gendarmerie River Brigade
9 rue Carnot
21170 Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Tel. +33 (0)3.80.29.66.30
Waterways of France
Rue de la perche à l’oiseau
21250 Seurre
Tél. +33 (0)3.80.20.84.40