Room to unwind on the river
The Saône offers a different experience from narrow canals, with lovely open stretches.
Burgundy • Licence-free boating
Boat hire in Pontailler-sur-Saône
At Pontailler-sur-Saône, the river opens up the horizon. Choose a short Saône escape or a longer journey onto connecting waterways, combining peaceful banks with characterful towns.
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 Pontailler-sur-Saône ?
Characterful places to stop
Saint-Jean-de-Losne or Dole can provide the focus for your holiday.
A choice of directions
Match the route to your time: Petite Saône, Canal du Rhône au Rhin or Canal de Bourgogne.
Enjoy the journey
Ideas for your cruise
Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Pontailler-sur-Saône → Saint-Jean-de-Losne → Pontailler-sur-Saône
74 km · 4 locks · ≈ 10 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Dole
Pontailler-sur-Saône → Dole → Pontailler-sur-Saône
104 km · 22 locks · ≈ 18 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Dijon
Pontailler-sur-Saône → Dijon → Pontailler-sur-Saône
136 km · 48 locks · ≈ 30 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
Louhans
Seille · Saône
Discover the base
Châtillon-en-Bazois
Canal du Nivernais
Discover the base