Savoyeux from the air, with a pleasure boat and cycling on the Voie Bleue - V50 - Vesoul - Val de SaôneSavoyeux 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

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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.

Locaboat barge sailing on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneLocaboat barge sailing on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône
©River tourism on the Saône|Both Better
    View of the boat l'Audacieux sailing on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneView 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.

      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.

      Children canoeing on the Ognon. They are making a descent - Vallée de l'OgnonChildren 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 ValleyIn 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 SudAn 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 SaôneAerial view of the Vesoul-Vaivre lake showing small sailing boats - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Lake Vesoul-Vaivre
      Water sports in Haute-Saône

      Other desires

      A man savours a platter of goat's cheese and charcuterie from the chèvrerie des bois pâturés in Servance - Vosges du SudA man savours a platter of goat's cheese and charcuterie from the chèvrerie des bois pâturés in Servance - Vosges du Sud
      ©Chèvrerie des bois pâturés - Servance|Both Better
      Gastronomy
      Photo of an elaphe stag in autumn - Fougerolles Saint Valbert wildlife park - Vosges du SudPhoto of an elaphe stag in autumn - Fougerolles Saint Valbert wildlife park - Vosges du Sud
      ©Fougerolles Saint Valbert wildlife park|Etienne Kopp
      Gardens and wildlife parks
      A couple on the banks of the Saône looking at a map of the town of Gray - Behind them are boats and a bicycle - Gray - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA couple on the banks of the Saône looking at a map of the town of Gray - Behind them are boats and a bicycle - Gray - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Gray|Maxime Naegely
      Practical
      A family on the ramparts of Ray-sur-Saône castle - They are looking at the view -Vesoul - Val de SaôneA family on the ramparts of Ray-sur-Saône castle - They are looking at the view -Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely
      Les Châteaux
      A family in the driveway of the Château de Ray-sur-Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA family in the driveway of the Château de Ray-sur-Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely
      Visit
      Two women consulting a tourist map, leaning on a well, in a square in the town of Vesoul - Vesoul-Val de SaôneTwo women consulting a tourist map, leaning on a well, in a square in the town of Vesoul - Vesoul-Val de Saône
      ©Vesoul|Maxime Naegely
      City walks
      Hikers cross a pontoon bridge over a river in the middle of a forest - Haute-SaôneHikers cross a pontoon bridge over a river in the middle of a forest - Haute-Saône
      ©Forest walks| Régis Ravegnani
      On foot
      A family is in the grounds of Ray-sur-Saône castle. They are discovering the site thanks to the Sigéric - Vesoul - Val de Saône game.A family is in the grounds of Ray-sur-Saône castle. They are discovering the site thanks to the Sigéric - Vesoul - Val de Saône game.
      ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely
      Enjoy
      Aerial view of the ponds at Breurey-les-Faverney - Vesoul - Val de SaôneAerial view of the ponds at Breurey-les-Faverney - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Pond|Maxime Naegely
      Natural heritage
      Aerial view of Ray-sur-Saône showing the castle on its rocky outcrop - The Saône is in the foreground, 2 boats are moored - Vesoul - Val de SaôneAerial view of Ray-sur-Saône showing the castle on its rocky outcrop - The Saône is in the foreground, 2 boats are moored - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Ray-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely
      Vesoul-Val de Saône
      A couple on mountain bikes take a break beside a pond, with its autumn colours, on the Plateau des 1000 Etangs - Vosges du SudA couple on mountain bikes take a break beside a pond, with its autumn colours, on the Plateau des 1000 Etangs - Vosges du Sud
      ©Mountain biking at Les 1000 Etangs|Nicolas Gascard BFC Tourisme
      BY BIKE – IN
      A cyclist on the ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du SudA cyclist on the ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud
      ©Ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles|Eric Marguet
      Vosges du Sud