Winding between châteux this short break cruising on the Saône also takes you to charming villages and countryside stopovers. Particularly popular with fishermen, the river also offers opportunities for swimming, hiking and cycling to make the most of the delightful Franche-Comté region.
Dole, renowned as a city of art and history, is the location for Nicols first boat rental base -opened in 1991. It is a remarkable setting from which to embark on your boating holiday, cruising the waterways of the Franche-Comté region and being seduced by its many charms.
Dole: The ‘little Venice’ of the Franche-Comté region, collegiate Notre-Dame (16th century basilica), birthplace of Louis Pasteur, La Fontaine aux Lepreux
Auxonne: 13th century church - Eglise Notre-Dame, Fortifications, Château Louis XI with Bonaparte’s museum
Pantallier-sur-Saône: Château de talmay, 18th century Saint-Maurice church, the statue of Our Lady of Mount Ardoux with panoramic views of the plain of the Saone and the mountains of Jura
Heuilley-sur-Saône: Maison de l'eau, de la pêche et de la nature – learn more about the flora and fauna of the Saône river.
Essertenne et Cecey: 18th century Echalonges forge, chateau, Church of St Julien
Mantoche: Château de Mantoche
With you’ve finished exploring Mantoche, it’s time to make the return leg of your boating trip, perhaps revisiting some of your favourite discoveries before returning your canal boat to the Nicols base at Dole
A fantastic first cruise
We had a great time on a fantastic boat, sailing up and down the Saone. This was our first cruise but it will certainly not be the last!
Barbara, Hilden (Germany)