Weekend on the water
24/48 hours on the Seille
The Seille is the smallest of Burgundy's waterways. But even with a length of just 40 km, it still has so much to offer!
Day 1
The morning
Visiting La Truchère by bike
Boats and bikes go hand-in-hand in Burgundy. And rightly so, as most of the canals have a towpath running alongside them, which were once used by horses to pull the floating cargo along the canal. The rural nature of Burgundy also means that there are so many safe cycle routes to follow, along the greenways and "voie bleue" that have been prepared just for you!
So what are you waiting for, come and explore these paths by bicycle, departing from La Truchère river port, and get a taster of what you can expect aboard your boat.
Late morning
La Truchère Natural Reserve
Now you've had your warm up before taking the helm of your boat, there's just one thing left to do before you set sail: explore La Truchère Natural Reserve! On the menu (well, we don't mean the actual menu, as these are protected species), dozens of birds and insects are hiding in the long grasses and aquatic plants, in an environment that is entirely devoted to preserving species.
La Truchère-Ratenelle Natural Reserve
The afternoon
Set sail for several kilometres down the river
Once you have got used to the controls of your boat, you can really leave your daily routine behind you and just drift along to the soft humming of the engine and the sound of the waters lapping up against the hull.
We recommend making your first stop in Cuisery, a small typical village of Saône-et-Loire, known as "book town". For a bite to eat when you arrive, the place to be is the Hostellerie Bressane (where you can expect a warm welcome!).
Weekend on the Seille
Testimony
Last Tuesday, Rémi (my husband) and I asked ourselves an important question... When was the last time we had a real family weekend away, just the girls (we have 2 daughters) and us?
First step, choosing the destination... If possible, not too far from Paris (we didn't fancy spending half of the weekend in the car!). We took a quick look at the map... The choice was clear: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté! Not too far, easy to get to... The perfect choice!
Then it was time to choose the theme of our getaway... Visits... with 2 children under 5 years old, no thanks! Bike rides... oh no! Sailing... yes, an original idea that is sure to please everyone! We just had to choose the location because in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, we are spoilt for choice with the waterways! Back to our search... And then, we came across the Seille... Not too long (less than 40 km, perfect for a weekend), flows through Louhans (with the poultry market... a charming place), at the heart of the wild natural environment of La Truchère Natural Reserve... We were looking for a change of scenery... We had found our destination!
Day 2
In the morning
Arrive in Bresse Bourguignonne...
After a night aboard your boat, or if you chose the more comfortable alternative at a hotel near the water's edge (there are many to choose from), it's time to head towards Branges, where you can expect to enjoy a lunch that is full of the flavours and scents of local products, especially the famous Bresse poultry that has put the whole region firmly on the map!
Lunchtime
In search of a restaurant
When you arrive in Louhans, it's time to get off the boat!
And to ensure this last stop leaves an impression, what could be better than a restaurant with the famous Poularde de Bresse PDO on the menu. We can recommend one restaurant that really stands out: La Poularde! They serve traditional dishes of Burgundy, fresh fish from the river and delicious desserts. You can explore the region without even leaving the table.
The afternoon
Explore Louhans
Louhans is a typical town of Burgundy. Not only just because it happens to be situated in Burgundy, but because this town is a representation in itself of the Burgundian culture and art-de-vivre. A green and peaceful town where the waters are never far away. A welcoming town with an interesting history. We recommend you visit the Fine Arts Museum and the Hôtel-Dieu
And if you're visiting in the right season, the poultry market is not-to-be-missed! A symbolic place for the locals!
Discover Louhans
Other adventures on the water
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Explore the Saône in Burgundy
The southern route Along Roanne Canal in Digoin
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1 night
1 night
Weekend Along Burgundy Canal
5 days
4 nights
4 nights
Drift along at your own pace A 5-day boat trip along Nivernais Canal
