Franche-Comte Boating Holidays. The convergence of four waterways gives you a diverse choice of routes to enjoy on your cruise. The France Comté region in the east of the country is a nature paradise. It shares a border with Switzerland and has some exceptional landscapes to discover including the mountain ranges of the Jura and Vosges, its wild forests and many lakes. The Saone has few locks and is perfect for fishing.

Port-sur-Saone is a charming little town. It’s a great base to start your cruise – heading north towards Epinal on the Canal des Vosges. This waterway has a breathtaking scenery through gorges and forests stretching down to the waterside. The little medieval village of Fontenoy-le-Chateau is definitely worth a moment to discover. Bains-les-Bains is a short stroll from the canal and a great stop for a bite to eat. The beautiful town of Epinal with its cobbled streets sits either side of the Moselle river. There’s museums, monuments, great shopping and loads of bars and restaurants to enjoy. If you choose to head south, the village of Gray is on the water’s edge where there’s a medieval castle and Basilica to discover.

Dole is a great starting point for your cruise. Its marina is located at the foot of the old town where you can visit the Notre-Dame Collegiate. This 16th century Basilica dominates the skyline. The town is the birthplace of Louis Pasteur and there’s a museum in his canalside house. The Doubs river leads to the Rhone & Rhine canal and is considered one of the most beautiful waterways of France. It meanders through winding river bends, steep valleys that are rich with fauna, flora and wildlife. On route visit The Osselles caves, oldest caves open to the public in France, Besançon and its Vauban citadel, Baume les Dames and many other villages and towns that provide many stops worth visiting.

We recommend that you have previous boating experience is you choose the river Doubs routes.

Local tourist office

The region’s tourist office website is worth visiting when you are preparing your holiday with some great local advice, tips and useful information – follow this link