A rare arsenal designed by Louis XIV’s military engineer Vauban, preserved in its entirety
Enter the Port Royal here and plunge into some of French history’s high dramas. This former sentinel on the Saône provides an exceptional rundown of regional military history, with its château dating back to Louis XI’s day, its Vauban-designed arsenal and its Church of Notre-Dame. In fact, two great figures really made its name - not just Vauban, but also Napoleon Bonaparte.
Map
Map
13 Pontailler-sur-Saône / Auxonne
Leaving Pontailler-sur-Saône, this La Voie Bleue stage alternates between the banks of the Saône and small country roads. Enjoy a stop at Vielverge or Soissons-sur-Nacey to discover the local flora and fauna. After Flammerans, the route rejoins the banks of the Saône. Revel in the majestic arrival at the port of Auxonne, surrounded by fortifications designed by Louis XIV’s great military engineer, Vauban, and looking onto the Saône.
14 Auxonne / Saint-Jean-de-Losne
La Voie Bleue cycle route leaves Auxonne’s fortifications behind, taking you via quiet little roads through the Burgundy countryside. You now encounter the EuroVelo 6 cycle route, and the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, which leads you gently back to the banks of the Saône. Following the east bank, as you come up to St-Jean-de-Losne, you get a wonderful view onto this port with its fine riverside quays. This makes for an unmissable stop along the route.