Savoyeux from the air, with a pleasure boat and cycling on the Voie Bleue - V50 - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Savoyeux|Un monde à Vélo

As the water flows in Haute-Saône

On the Saône and Ognon rivers, and on the lakes and ponds of Haute-Saône, it’s time to switch to slowtourism mode! Slow tourism means travelling differently, in search of authenticity and discovery through immersion. It’s about taking your time to connect with the places you visit and the riches they have to offer. It’s also about using an eco-responsible way of travelling, being mindful of preserving the environment and respecting the areas you visit. So adopt a cruising pace and travel along the water in Haute-Saône.

The Saône

The Saône is France’s second-busiest waterway in terms of the number of people who enjoy river-based leisure activities, and its indolent course lends itself to a journey rich in nature escapes and heritage discoveries. Carried by a river with a peaceful course, enhanced by bucolic meanders, itineraries are a gentle way to share the pleasures with family and friends.

View of the boat l'Audacieux sailing on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©River tourism on the Saône|Office de tourisme des 4 Rivières

Let yourself go by water

If you don’t feel like taking the helm, let yourself be guided and discover the Saône on board the Audacieux, an electro-solar boat that combines comfort with respect for the environment. From April to October, take a guided cruise or a cruise with a meal, departing from Gray.

Discover l'Audacieux

Canoeing on the Petite Saône

Discover the Petite Saône, a wild stretch of river ideal for a canoe trip. Glide gently over its calm waters and let yourself be enchanted by the natural beauty of this unspoilt environment.

Discover

Children canoeing on the Ognon. They are making a descent - Vallée de l'Ognon — ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Woka - Loisirs

Canoeing down the Ognon, along the river

Paddle on the river Ognon

On the Ognon, it’s time to take to the water in light craft for more sporting activities: get out your paddles and canoe down the river to tackle its white waters.

Live the adventure over several days

Want to extend your experience on the Ognon beyond just one day? This river offers an ideal playground for those who love challenges and immersion in the great outdoors. Embark on a journey lasting several days, as you wish!

In autumn, a woman canoes down the River Ognon with a cow watching in the background - Ognon Valley — ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Refuse To Hibernate

Canoeing: a multi-day adventure

Fishing and water sports in Haute-Saône

Anglers will also find plenty to enjoy in Haute-Saône. The varied fauna of the Ognon makes it ideal for all types of fishing. Whether on the Saône, in the many rivers that meander through the département or in the lakes and ponds dotted around the area, fishing enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding their ideal spot.

If you prefer water sports, you’ll be delighted with the many activities on offer in Haute-Saône. The region’s water sports centres offer paddleboats, pedalos and other equipment for hire, for days of fun on the water. You can also take advantage of the swimming spots and outdoor pools to cool off on hot summer days.

An angler fishes with lures in a pond - Vosges du Sud — ©Fishing|Etienne Kopp

Fishing in Haute-Saône

Aerial view of the Vesoul-Vaivre lake, showing small sailing boats in operation - behind them, the Motte de Vesoul - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Lake Vesoul-Vaivre

Water sports in Haute-Saône