Aerial view of the river stop at Mantoche, where people are parked In the background, we see the village of Mantoche with its beautiful stone buildings - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Mantoche|Maxime Naegely

The Saône, in slowtourism mode

At Corre, the waters of the Canal des Vosges mingle with those of the Saône as cyclists and boaters cross the département. Heritage and nature are revealed along the way. Ready to switch to slowtourism mode? Follow the guide to discover this pearl of the Haute-Saône.

Getting there

A peaceful river for a family cruise

From the foot of the Vosges to the gateway to Burgundy, where it is joined by the Doubs, the “Petite Saône” stretches its peaceful course over 130km, offering ideal sailing conditions. Hire your own boat for a family adventure and enjoy quiet nights on the water.

The Saône is particularly popular with river tourists, offering the chance to discover varied, unspoilt landscapes. The many ports and stopping places along the way provide well-deserved breaks to enjoy the small villages and their authentic charm.

Sailing on the Saône

A family having lunch along the Saône, watching a passing boat - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Port-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely

Browse cycling along the banks of the Saône

Cycling enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the towpaths along the Saône have been developed for cycling, and form part of the route of the Voie Bleue cycle route, which is 700 km long in total. It links Luxembourg to Lyon via the Haute-Saône, and is a great way to get away from it all for a day, or to spend several days touring.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a more sporting challenge, you’ll find what you’re looking for on this cycle route. Cyclists can also take advantage of the dedicated services along the route: accommodation, restaurants and bike repair workshops.

Cycling on the Voie Bleue

A cyclist on the Voie Bleue at Rupt-sur-Saône, along the Saône, while a pleasure boat sails on the Saône - Vesoul-Val de Saône - Haute-Saône — ©The Voie Bleue and river tourism on the Saône

Aerial view of the Château de Ray-sur-Saône, the river Saône, the village and the surrounding area - View of the Voie Bleue - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Xavier Spertini

Aerial view of Port-sur-Saône. You can see the Saône, boats and Eurosérum - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Port-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely

Locaboat barge sailing at Rupt-sur-Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©River tourism on the Saône|Locaboat

Whether you’re cruising or cycling along the Saône, you’ll have plenty of surprises in store for you. Along the way, you’ll discover a wealth of heritage treasures that we promise you’ll never forget! To mention just a few of them, and to preserve some of the mystery for your discovery on the spot, here’s a glimpse of what you’ll be able to see:

The Château de Ray-sur-Saône, a majestic historic residence with panoramic views over the valley
The Saint Albin tunnel, for an unusual navigation experience
The Seveux tunnel, another fascinating underground passage for yachtsmen
Rupt-sur-Saône castle, an architectural treasure not to be missed
Character towns such as Scey-sur-Saône, Port-sur-Saône and Gray, each with its own unique charm and history

Spotlights not to be missed

Canoeing, a bucolic adventure

The Petite Saône, with its wild, unspoilt landscapes, is also a great place for canoeing, for a bucolic, 100% unplugged adventure. From Bourbévelle to Corre, canoeing allows you to discover the Saône from a different angle, gliding silently along the water and observing the flora and fauna that line its banks. It’s an immersive experience that will delight nature lovers and adventurers in search of tranquillity.

Get paddling!

Hiking at the water's edge

The banks of the Saône can also be explored on foot. If you want to enjoy your stay at your own pace, the hiking trails will help you discover the natural and cultural wealth of the region. From leisurely strolls to longer hikes, there’s something for everyone.