The banks of the Seille
A route to savour slowly, with pauses to take in the scenery.
Burgundy • Licence-free boating
Boat hire in Louhans
From Louhans, follow the Seille through Burgundy’s Bresse countryside. Enjoy local food, village walks and gentle days afloat, with the Saône offering further possibilities on a longer holiday.
No licence requiredIntroduction before departure
At your own paceTime afloat and time ashore
Short break or longer escapeSubject to boat and availability
Your starting point
Why start in Louhans ?
Louhans and its arcades
Set aside time before boarding for a walk around town.
A taste of Bresse
Discover local produce along the way, with Cuisery and La Truchère among the places to explore.
Enjoy the journey
Ideas for your cruise
La Truchère
Louhans → La Truchère → Louhans
76 km · 6 locks · ≈ 12 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Chalon-sur-Saône → Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
Louhans → Chalon-sur-Saône → Verdun-sur-le-Doubs → Louhans
200 km · 10 locks · ≈ 22 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Louhans → Saint-Jean-de-Losne → Louhans
270 km · 14 locks · ≈ 28 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Before you board
Make the holiday your own
Choose your pace
Distance is only part of the journey: locks and stops take time too. Leave room to enjoy each place and adapt your route to navigation conditions.
Find your boat
Consider cabin numbers, your crew and preferred comfort level to choose a boat that suits your holiday.
Prepare for arrival
Your holiday documents confirm the meeting point and arrival times. Before departure, the team introduces the boat, handling and navigation instructions.
Find your bearings
Your cruise on the map
Your questions
Planning your cruise
Do I need a boating licence?
No, the boats offered can be hired without a boating licence. An introduction helps you get familiar with the boat before starting your cruise.
How long should I go for?
A short break offers a first taste of the area around your base. A week leaves more time for stops. Duration and route depend on availability and your preferred pace.
Are the suggested routes guaranteed?
Routes are suggestions. Waterway conditions and operating hours may require changes; the team can help you plan before departure.
Looking for another starting point?
Other bases in the region
Digoin
Canal du Centre · Canal latéral à la Loire · Canal de Roanne à Digoin
Discover the base
Briare
Canal de Briare · Canal latéral à la Loire
Discover the base
Mailly-le-Château
Canal du Nivernais · Yonne
Discover the base
Pontailler-sur-Saône
Saône · Petite Saône
Discover the base
Châtillon-en-Bazois
Canal du Nivernais
Discover the base