The calm and tranquil waters of the Saône offer a perfect setting for a peaceful cruise, punctuated by visits to charming villages and towns and with opportunities to relax and enjoy swimming, fishing and water sports.
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
Velet: Swimming in the Saône at the unsupervised small beach area
Gray-la-ville: Church (classified historic monument)
Arc-les-Gray: Parc Lamugnière with greenhouses and orangery planted with fruit trees and remarkable species, wine cellar
Gray: The Basilica Notre Dame, the old town, Musée Baron Martin (museum of art and archeology)
Ray-sur-Saône: Château de Ray-sur-Saône
When you have explored Ray sur Saône it is time to make the return leg of your journey, perhaps revisiting some of your favourite places as you cruise back to the Nicols base at Dole where you will return your boat.
Bathing in the Saône
The landscapes are varied and colourful, we had a very nice welcome and helpful introduction to boating from the Nicols staff and the lock keepers we met on route were very pleasant. Possibility of. We had a great time, with so many sites to visit throughout the cruise and the pleasure of course swimming in the Saône.
Anne, Leudeville