Following are brief descriptions of some of the towns that we visit in the Burgundy/Jura region of France. Here are some ways they may be combined for a one week cruise:
Vandenesse - Dijon
Dijon - St. Jean de Losne - Auxonne - Dole
Dijon - St. Jean de Losne- Chalon - Tournus
St. Jean de Losne - Chalon - St. Leger
Chalon - St. Jean de Losne - Dole
Dole - Besançon
(Note: trips may also be done in reverse order. Other combinations are available. Contact us for details)
Vandenesse
A small port town at the top of the Burgundy canal , Vandenesse offers a glimpse into village life. Lockkeepers in the area sell handmade jewelry, wine and art. The nearby hill town of Chateauneuf is a photographer's delight.
Dijon
This large city on the Burgundy canal, often referred to as "Petite Paris", is the capital of Burgundy. The harbor is situated in the center of town, next to a park. Waterfowl are abundant, including a beautiful black swan and many brightly colored ducks. Museums and churches are popular places to visit and the shopping can't be beat. Restaurants feature the traditional Burgundy cuisine and hotel accommodations are top-notch.
St. Jean de Losne
The barge capital of France, this small town is located on the Saone River, with access to six routes on canals or the river. This is a good town for shopping in local shops, visiting cafes and seeing the Barge Museum for information about barge history. Local restaurants feature Burgundy cuisine and the local specialty "pochouse", a river fish stew.
Auxonne
This small walled city, located on the Saone, is where Napoleon was first stationed in the army and a museum commemorates this. You can see ramparts, the thirteenth century church and half-timbered houses in the center of this historic town.
Dole
The former capitol of the Franche-Comte region, Dole, is a flower-filled town built on a hill overlooking the Doubs River. It is the birthplace of Louis Pasteur and his home is now a museum within walking distance of the harbor. Restaurants run the gamut from Michelin notables to a pizza boat that is moored in the harbor.
Besançon
Besancon is the capital of the Franche-Comte. Atop the city is the Vauban-designed Citadel, with a zoo and several museums: natural history, regional folklore, toys, and an impressive one devoted to the French Resistance during Nazi occupation. Sample the delicious cuisine of the region including the Montbéliard and Comte cheeses, and local delicacies such as chicken with morel mushrooms and Jura wines. Cruising in this area is a combination of the river Doubs and "lock cuts".
Chalon sur Saone
Located on the Saone River, this large city has a well-equipped harbor very close to the center of town. Within walking distance are several museums, including the Niepce Museum, dedicated to Nicephone Niepce, considered by many to be the father of photography. There is also excellent shopping and many fine restaurants.
St. Leger
After leaving the river Saone we cruise through the southern end of Burgundy right through several vineyards. Along the way
we moor to visit the wine towns of Santenay and Chagny. We'll
stop in Cheilly at the canal-side wine cave to taste some of the fine wines of Cheilly-les-Maranges. In Chagny we may dine at Le Grenier a Sel, a 16th century salt barn with an outstanding menu. For an unforgettable wine tasting lunch, we can visit the winery of Oliver Leflaive after a personal tour by Patrick Leflaive of their vineyards and production facilities.
Tournus
This riverside town on the Saone is full of charm. Shops and restaurants line the banks and the beautiful 15th Century Abbey is a short stroll from our mooring.
