Auxonne - Chalon-sur-Saône

City of character

Weekend

I begin / Family

From the Petite Saône to the Grande Saône

Explore the secrets of the Petite Saône and the Grande Saône on this 100% nature-based outing. On the programme: charming riverside towns, restful landscapes, bathing spots and boating. Really enjoy the invigorating outdoors!

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Day 1: Auxonne - Les Maillys: 12km

To start your day, rent a canoe! There are different trails to choose from and thanks to the app Balades en Bourgogne you can paddle along discovering the local flora and fauna. After this outdoor adventure, stop at one of the many restaurants in town; there’s a wide variety! At Le Corbeau, for instance, with its unbeatable view of the church, you can try many local and regional specialities.

After lunch, take your time wandering around the historic centre. A former frontier town, Auxonne boasts many vestiges from the time of Vauban, Louis XIV’s great military engineer. Do consider climbing to the top of the tower of Notre-Dame Church. Perched at 40 metres in height, the views are breathtaking, while your guide can point out the town’s iconic buildings and explain their history.

Back on your bike, it’s back to the banks of the Saône and its parallel Canal de Dérivation, following towpaths. Just before Saint-Seine-en-Bâche, leave La Voie Bleue to head towards Les Maillys. La Maison du Parc is an accredited Accueil Vélo B&B just three kilometres away, providing facilities for cyclists as well as a bed for the night.

Day 2: Saint-Seine-en-Bâche - Saint-Jean-de-Losne: 17km

Rejoin La Voie Bleue at the level of Saint-Seine-en-Bâche. In contrast to the first part of this cycling trip, now you have to ride along small roads, passing through villages. You come to Saint-Symphorien-sur-Saône, marking the junction with EuroVélo 6 Nantes-Budapest at the confluence of the Saône and the southern branch of the Canal du Rhône au Rhin (or Rhône-Rhine Canal). The track along the towpath, reserved for non-motorized traffic, leads as far as Losne.

To reach the quays at Saint-Jean-de-Losne, cross the bridge. Choose a restaurant with terrace for lunch. After your meal, what about learning about the life of the river boatmen here in times past? Follow the signposts and download the app to discover more about the history of France’s most important inland waterways port. Perhaps you might even like to try a little tour out on the water in an electric boat? Then head to the refuelling station (or station avitailleur) to hire one!

After another lovely day, it’s time for a bit of a pampering in the evening. L’Ile Rollet is an island that makes a nice place to stay on. After a relaxing dinner, enjoy a good night’s sleep here. To make sure your bike is well catered for, seek out a B&B with Accueil Vélo accreditation.

Day 3: Saint-Jean-de-Losne to Seurre (24km)

Before getting back on your bike, perhaps you’d like to make a short detour to the beach to recharge your batteries further. Well then, make for Chour Lake for a bit of sunbathing, a quick dip, games with the family even. After a light lunch, it’s back to the cycle route. Direction Seurre. Reaching this town, you have a rendez-vous with history! First, at the Hôtel-Dieu, an historic hospital, where you can visit the former men’s dormitory, the kitchens, the chapel and the pharmacy. Continue your travels back in time by heading over to L’Etang Rouge, a village consisting of typical historic Saône Valley houses that have been brought back to life here, the feel mid-19th century. Lots of activities, games with clues and more will help you explore this unusual place in more depth, while it’s also a nice spot to relax. To bring you firmly back into the present, head to one of the restaurants in town, then spend the night at the Camping de la Plage, an Accueil Vélo accredited campsite.BFC

Day 5: Verdun-sur-le-Doubs to Chalon-sur-Saône (25km)

Head off from Verdun-sur-le-Doubs after a restorative night’s sleep. As the Saône widens, La Voie Bleue immerses you in the picturesque riverside atmosphere.

You only have to cycle some 20km to arrive at Chalon-sur-Saône. This town has been designated a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire given its rich culture and makes a good place to halt. Among its sights, head for Place Saint-Vincent (a square) and the Musée Nicéphore Niépce (on photography, and the man from here credited with taking the first-ever photograph). For the most energetic, make for the vineyards close by. As to advice on dinner and accommodation, the Tourist Office can provide you with addresses that cater well to cyclists, as guaranteed by their Accueil Vélo accreditation.