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Burgundy - Franche Comte and Vosges

Your choice of bases
Branges River Seille
Fontenoy le chateau Canal de l'Est
Gray River Saône
St Jean de Losne River Saône

Discover the natural beauty of this region rich with history, magnificent chateaux and unspoilt countryside. From St Jean-de-Losne in the heart of Burgundy, gently cruise amongst richly cultivated valleys. Lush pastures dotted with grazing Charolais cattle. Stop awhile at the many attractive towns with there distinctive multi coulored glazed roofs and sample fine wine and cuisine in this gastronomically rich region. Maybe visit Epinal, the capital of Vosges, known as the city of flowers, relax in one of the pavement cafe and take in the sights and sounds of the blooms.

River SeilleAnother spectacular area, served by three bases; Gray, Branges and St Jean-de-Losne. Branges is on the River Seille, one of the prettiest small rivers in France and with long stretches fringed by water lilies. From here you can visit the capital of the Bresse region, Louhans, or cruise south towards the wine areas around Tournus and Mâcon where the countryside becomes noticeably more Mediterranean.

River Saône
Travelling south along the gently meandering River Saône you can stop to explore the walled town of Auxonne or change direction in the historic town of St Jean de Losne, where several waterways converge.

Canal de Bourgogne
Accessible from either Gray, Branges or St Jean de Losne, Canal de Bourgogne cuts a majestic swathe through the heart of the Burgundy countryside, and runs through the regional capital, Dijon. Stop awhile and visit the Ducal palace, art galleries and museums, and if you find yourself here in October, savour the delights of the Gastronomic festival.

Canal de l'Est
The Canal de L'est is full of character. Fontenoy le Chateau your start point on the canal used to be a large town during the Middle Ages. Walking around the town's cobbled streets is a very pleasant experience indeed. The canal meanders through delightful countryside.

Regional food and drink
Superb food and wine can be found in this region where enjoying the good things in life has been brought to perfection. Find time to step ashore to enjoy a spot of wine tasting at villages such as Macon and Nuits St Georges, names that you associate with some of the finest vintages. Treat yourself to some renowned Burgundian cheeses, such as Chaource or Epoisses. Visit Dijon which is not only the capital of mustard making, but also the birthplace of a Canon Kir who gave his name to a local drink consisting of white Burgundy and a splash of creme de cassis, a sweet liquer made from the local blackcurrants.