Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat

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 Saône valley. In recent times this trade has all but vanished, giving way to light industry and tourism.

Seveux

Three to four hours from Gray, after passing through the tunnel of Savoyeux, this is your first opportunity to explore a village and re-stock the boat.

Ray-sur-saone

A very pretty little village in a backwater, ideal for picnics, fishing and swimming.

Soing

Another photogenic little village in a backwater, with shops and a restaurant, also a play area for children and a campsite.

Rupt-sur-saone

A charming little village steeped in history, this was one of a chain of military outposts which protected the Saône valley from invaders in the middle ages.

Traves

This is another village on a branch of river which has been by-passed. It is rural and peaceful, yet all facilites are available at the waterside development of Saône-Valley residential park & leisure centre.

Port-sur-saône

This is a very busy little town, once a regional centre of commerce for cargo barges & the surrounding farming communities.

Conflandey

Possibility of dining 'alfresco' on their very pleasant terrace ; and part of the surrounding gardens has been furnished with childrens' playground equipment.

Fouchecourt

Here is a miniscule but immaculate boatyard , the last place of any note before Jussey & Corre. The proprietors are a charming Swiss couple Heidi & Stephan Werndli, who are dedicated to looking after boaters.

Montureux-les-baulay

Jussey

Jussey is a pretty little town with everything a tourist might need: Full range of shops, banks, hairdresser, patisserie, hotel - restaurant, police-station, tourist information office, etc.

Corre

If you need water or fuel before you climb the Canal des Vosges, this is the moment to stop.