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Petite-Saone 

Rent a boat to sail in Franche-Comté on the Petite-Saône

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Boat rental on the Saône. Discover the highlights of this river cruise on the Petite Saône.


From Saint-Jean-De-Losne, there are many routes available to you. You can leave in the direction of Mâcon for a river cruise on a wild river with few locks or in the direction of Epinal to sail in the heart of the Burgundy marshes. It is in this direction that we propose to take you.

 

Let's go for 35 km of waterways. In this navigation area you have 6 departure bases: Saint-Jean-De-Losne, Pontailler, Dôle, Scey-Sur-Saône, Port-Sur-Saône and Fontenoy-Le-Château. Here are some of the towns and villages you can discover during your cruise in Franche-Comté. You will find a towpath all along your route so don't forget your bikes to enjoy it!

Cities and villages to discover during your cruise

See the current offers
The Auxonne needle dam: Auxonne has a wooden needle dam 220 metres long. It was one of the last needle weirs to operate in France, and is now doubled by an automated pneumatic dam.
The Auxonne needle dam: Auxonne has a wooden needle dam 220 metres long. It was one of the last needle weirs to operate in France, and is now doubled by an automated pneumatic dam.
The Saint-Albin tunnel: The 681-metre long Saint-Albin tunnel was built in the 19th century under the orders of Napoleon III. This underground canal is classified as a Historic Monument and offers pleasant walks between land, stone and water, on foot or by boat.
The Saint-Albin tunnel: The 681-metre long Saint-Albin tunnel was built in the 19th century under the orders of Napoleon III. This underground canal is classified as a Historic Monument and offers pleasant walks between land, stone and water, on foot or by boat.
Château de Ray-Sur-Saône: The Château de Ray-Sur-Saône, a former 10th century fortified castle, is nestled in the heart of a 6-hectare wooded park. The site offers an exceptional panorama of the village of Ray-Sur-Saône and the Saône valley. Guided tours are available upon reservation.
Château de Ray-Sur-Saône: The Château de Ray-Sur-Saône, a former 10th century fortified castle, is nestled in the heart of a 6-hectare wooded park. The site offers an exceptional panorama of the village of Ray-Sur-Saône and the Saône valley. Guided tours are available upon reservation.

Renting a licence-free boat on the Petite Saône


The Petite Saône is a calm and welcoming river. During your river cruise, you will navigate sometimes on a wild river, sometimes on a canalized part. Its 19 locks, all automated, allow for smooth navigation, even for beginners. The Petite Saône has a large number of stopping places (ports, pontoons). If you wish to navigate on the Doubs, we recommend that you have some experience.

 

You can start your cruise on the Petite Saône in Dôle, Saint-Jean-De-Losne, Pontailler, Scey-Sur-Saône, Port-Sur-Saône or Fontenoy-Le-Château. Before leaving the departure base, you will receive a short 1-hour training session to introduce you to the river code, the principle of navigation and to familiarise you with the steering of your boat.

6 possible starting bases

The locks are automatic or electric, most of them manned by lock keepers. The locks close the 1st may and the 14th july. Except on the Canal du Center where some are manual.

Recommended experience for navigation on the Doubs.

Between Saint Jean de Losne and Mâcon, docking at a pontoon or in a mandatory port. Otherwise you can moor on the banks, in the countryside.

The Petite-Saône - our suggested cruises

Pontailler
Louhans

Cruise 7 of nights
Gastronomy Gastronomy
Swimming Swimming
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities
River constructions River constructions
Nature Nature
Monument Monument
Vineyard Vineyard

Dôle
Port/Saône

Cruise 7 of nights
Monument Monument
River constructions River constructions
Swimming Swimming
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities

Port/Saône
Dôle

Cruise 7 of nights
Monument Monument
River constructions River constructions
Swimming Swimming
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities

Also to be discovered


Current offers for cruising on the Petite Saône

Range Premium 6 0
Tarpon 42 TP
-50%

€3,662 €1,831

From €229 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Plancha Plancha
220 V converter 220 V converter
Air cooler Air cooler
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher Dishwasher
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 2 2
Estivale Quattro S
-50%

€2,523 €1,250

From €208 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 4 2
Tarpon 32
Tarpon 32
-50%

€2,185 €1,093

From €137 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bimini Top Bimini Top
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 6 0
Horizon 3
Horizon 3
-52%

€4,524 €2,194

From €313 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 7
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler Air cooler
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Standard 4 2
Crusader
Crusader
-54%

€2,279 €1,059

From €176 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions Two steering positions
220 V converter 220 V converter
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 4 0
Estivale Quattro B+
-30%

€2,523 €1,766

From €294 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 2 0
Estivale Duo
-30%

€1,735 €1,215

From €304 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 4
  • Cabins : 1
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 4 2
Estivale Sixto +
-30%

€3,358 €2,351

From €294 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 4 0
Estivale Quattro Fly C
-30%

€3,417 €2,392

From €399 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Dishwasher Dishwasher
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 8 0
Estivale Octo
-30%

€3,424 €2,397

From €240 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 10
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 6 0
Estivale Sixto Fly C
-30%

€4,110 €2,877

From €360 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Dishwasher Dishwasher
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 6 0
Tarpon 42 TP
-30%

€3,662 €2,563

From €320 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Plancha Plancha
220 V converter 220 V converter
Air cooler Air cooler
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher Dishwasher
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Standard 4 2
Sedan 1000
Sedan 1000
-30%

€1,655 €1,159

From €145 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Range Comfort 2 2
Estivale Quattro S
-30%

€2,523 €1,766

From €294 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 2 2
Europa 400
Europa 400
-25%

€3,087 €2,315

From €579 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 4
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
220 V converter 220 V converter
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 4 0
Tarpon 37 DP
-25%

€3,014 €2,261

From €377 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Plancha Plancha
220 V converter 220 V converter
Air cooler Air cooler
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher Dishwasher
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 4 2
Tarpon 32
Tarpon 32
-25%

€2,185 €1,639

From €205 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bimini Top Bimini Top
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Essential 4 1
Penichette 1107 W
-25%

€1,666 €1,250

From €179 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 7
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 2 2
Penichette 1020 FB
-25%

€2,695 €2,021

From €404 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 5
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Bimini Top Bimini Top
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 2 0
Penichette Evolution P950
-25%

€2,380 €1,785

From €446 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 4
  • Cabins : 1
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Microwave Microwave
Electric toilets Electric toilets

Customer testimonials

Average : 4.6 étoiles 4.6/5 (based on 47 opinion)
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 6, 2025, TangoCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"Sécurité, propreté."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 19, 2024, Peniche FCruise : Pontailler round trip
"Time passes too quickly."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 30, 2024, Tarpon 32Cruise : Pontailler round trip
"Very beautiful and relaxing, nature is beautiful."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 12, 2024, Salsa ACruise : between Fontenoy-le-Château and St Jean de Losne
"A very nice experience."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 10, 2024, Vision 4Cruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"It was a wonderful experience."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 8, 2024, Vision 3Cruise : between St Jean de Losne and Fontenoy-le-Château
"Beautiful scenery but not easy to shop for supplies."
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 1, 2024, Vision 3Cruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"Very relaxing, beautiful surroundings, and what was wonderful about our itinerary was that we could moor our boat in the wilderness."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 24, 2024, CalypsoCruise : between Fontenoy-le-Château and St Jean de Losne
"Everything was just perfect!"
 
2
Cruise carried out on May 8, 2024, Tarpon 49 QPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"Pleasant, relaxing and friendly."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 8, 2024, Tarpon 42Cruise : Pontailler round trip
"A successful change of scenery."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 14, 2023, TangoCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"Very pleasant, not very crowded at this time of year, easy lock passage with the remote control."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 30, 2023, ContinentaleCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"A great experience, halfway between a cruise and an adventure."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 16, 2023, Tarpon 32Cruise : Pontailler round trip
"Relaxing, a refreshing change of scenery; very nice contact with the flora and fauna and the birds."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 22, 2023, Penichette 1107 W ACruise : Pontailler round trip
"We discovered a magnificent river landscape. The locks were very well maintained and entertaining, and the two tunnels a real experience."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 10, 2023, Estivale SixtoCruise : Port/Saône round trip
"The Saône is a wonderful river, and we were even able to swim in it on several occasions."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 22, 2023, Grand ClassiqueCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"A beautiful itinerary for a 4-5-day cruise."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 26, 2023, TangoCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"It was a great experience, we'll do it again."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 26, 2022, Penichette 1020 FBCruise : Scey/Sâone round trip
"We loved it. However, navigation requires focus and watchfulness."
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 27, 2022, Sedan 1010Cruise : Dôle round trip
"auto-translation :''It is an experience to be had, it is very quiet and relaxing''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 3, 2021, Triton 1050Cruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Relaxed''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Aug 4, 2021, Corvette BCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"auto-translation :''Very pleasant but not much to do to the north''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 23, 2021, Cirrus BCruise : between Fontenoy-le-Château and St Jean de Losne
"auto-translation :''Exotic, relaxing, fun''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 14, 2020, Linssen GS 34.9Cruise : Scey/Sâone round trip
"auto-translation :''It was a very nice experience and beautiful scenery.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 14, 2020, ShebaCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"auto-translation :''Great, all the more so as the weather was favourable to us.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 7, 2019, Vision 3Cruise : Fontenoy-le-Château round trip
"auto-translation :''Great, we didn't see any other boats.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 14, 2019, Tarpon 32Cruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Everything went well and we had a lot of fun in this short river trip.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 31, 2019, Tarpon 32Cruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''From Pontailler to Port sur Saône, superb river, possibility of stops in full nature, wild.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 22, 2019, Penichette 1107 W ACruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Friendly''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 22, 2019, Penichette 1107 W ACruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Friendly''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 22, 2018, Tarpon 37 DPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''We have adored''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 25, 2018, Tarpon 37 DPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Relaxing''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 13, 2018, CountessCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"The route was very beautiful, calm. The locks were easy to operate"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 16, 2018, Triton 860 FlyCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Super very nice''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 8, 2018, EleganceCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"auto-translation :''A relaxing holiday, a slow pace of life and a stay in osmosis with nature and calm''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 29, 2018, Sedan 1160 NCruise : Dôle round trip
"auto-translation :''Good to change between the river and the canals => possibility to bathe''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jul 6, 2018, Triton 1050Cruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Rather nice weather view''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 16, 2018, Tarpon 49 QPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Relaxing cruise. Villages a bit far if not bicycles''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 23, 2018, Confort 1100Cruise : Port/Saône round trip
"auto-translation :''Exotic, relaxing and decompressing''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on May 5, 2018, Horizon 5Cruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"auto-translation :''Nice landscapes, calm. But problems with the locks, do not open, VNF not very fast !!!!!!!''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jul 22, 2017, Espade Concept FlyCruise : between Pontailler and Louhans
"auto-translation :''The small Saône and the Seille offered us unforgettable nights docked in the wilderness. Mooring in the center of Mâcon with a magnificent view of the city and the bridge lit by night.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 3, 2017, Triton 860 FlyCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Relaxing''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 2, 2017, Confort 1100Cruise : Port/Saône round trip
"auto-translation :''Soothing, rejuvenating, we saw nature from another angle''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Apr 3, 2017, Triton 860 FlyCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Well but for the first time, we should have chosen a course with fewer locks''"
 
3
Cruise carried out on Sep 30, 2016, Sedan 1310Cruise : Dôle round trip
"auto-translation :''Nice, we preferred navigation on the Saone that on the Doubs''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 2, 2016, Tarpon 49 QPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :"Very pleasant to virtually all points of view""
 
4
Cruise carried out on Apr 9, 2016, Tarpon 42 TPCruise : between Pontailler and Louhans
"auto-translation :"A little disappointed this cruise .""
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 29, 2015, Tarpon 42 TPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :"Very nice""

Travelling with CrisBoat

Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.

Who are we?
Customer
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
20 years of experience
Wide choice of boats and destinations
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The Petite-Saône

Auxonne

Napoleon studied in this city. There is a museum and a statue dedicated to him. Auxonne also has an old fortified castle, an old residence of the Dukes of Burgundy (now transformed into the town hall) as well as its Port Royal.

Gray-Sur-Saône

A stopover by barge in this important river port allows you to discover the Baron-Martin museum, the small museum of natural history or the admirable roof of the town hall.

Local market on Friday and Saturday morning

Ray-Sur-Saône

Don't miss a stop at Ray-Sur-Saône, a charming town of character, to visit its beautiful castle overlooking the dead arm of the Saône.

Port-Sur-Saône

This base is the departure point for one-way cruises on the Saône to Dôle. This small port is peaceful and very pleasant. Among the town's highlights are the old stone bridge and the bronze sculptures in the public garden.

Dôle

Dôle is the departure point for one-way cruises on the Sâone to Port sur Saône. Dôle, a town of art and history, will surprise you. Leave your barge behind and discover its natural heritage. What about a walk in the heart of the Jura plain?

Montbéliard

This former German province (for 400 years, until 1793) has a magnificent fortified castle and a very pleasant leisure park "Prè la Rose".

Local market on Saturday morning

What is included / not included

The price of your charter includes

  • The rental of the boat
  • Fittings: equipment necessary for navigation
  • Crockery: in sufficient quantity for the number of passengers on board
  • Bedding*: sheets, blankets or duvets, pillows and pillow cases
  • Boat insurance
  • Navigation instruction and delivery of the yacht's card
  • Breakdown assistance available 7/7 during the base's opening hours
  • The navigation toll
  • A 13 kg gas bottle

* Beds made up on certain boats in the 5 star range

 

The price of your rental does not include

  • Cancellation insurance
  • Navigation guide
  • One way supplement
  • Deposit redemption insurance
  • The cleaning package
  • Cleaning kits, kitchen linen, towels**.
  • Deposit of 780 € to 3 250 €, depending on the boat
  • The navigation package. This includes all consumables used during your stay (oil, diesel, gas, etc.). Depending on the category of the boat, the package varies from 7 € to 22 € per hour of navigation.

** Included on some boats