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

Going down the Ognon Canoeing down the river

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  4. L’Ognon
  5. Canoeing down the Ognon, along the river

The Voie Bleue is an itinerary designed for exploring the countryside and architecture of the region. The 140km cycle route runs alongside the River Saône in Haute-Saône, offering a refreshing riverside getaway. The route’s low gradient and safe sections make it ideal for families to enjoy a complete change of scenery.

Logo for the Ognon Valley destination in Haute-Saône - Four-colour versionLogo for the Ognon Valley destination in Haute-Saône - Four-colour version
©Ognon Valley logo

An adventure Natural and authentic

In the heart of Haute-Saône, the Ognon traces its peaceful course for almost 150 kilometres. This ribbon of crystal-clear water invites you to take an unexpected break for a relaxing holiday on the water. Let yourself be seduced by a canoe trip along this secret and generous river.

Paddle the peaceful waters of the Ognon and let yourself be carried along by its gentle current. Aboard your canoe, savour every moment of freedom in the heart of lush green countryside.

Panoramic view of the River Ognon in an unspoilt natural setting, with many trees on the banks - Vallée de l'Ognon, Haute-SaônePanoramic view of the River Ognon in an unspoilt natural setting, with many trees on the banks - Vallée de l'Ognon, Haute-Saône
©The river Ognon|Office de tourisme du Val Marnaysien
    A couple canoeing on the Ognon. Swans come to meet them - Vallée de l'OgnonA couple canoeing on the Ognon. Swans come to meet them - Vallée de l'Ognon
    ©Canoeing on the Ognon|PAN Villersexel

      From the water, you can admire the landscapes and built heritage that dot its unspoilt banks. Canoeing gives you the chance to discover places from a whole new angle, such as the beautiful town of Pesmes, listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.

      The Ognon is a river that offers a perfect compromise between adventure, discovery and safety. So you can go on your own, with friends or, of course, as a family, to the delight of young and old alike. You’ll alternate between sporting sections and relaxing stages.

      On your descent, you’ll pass several “toboggans”. These little rapids add a touch of fun to your canoe trip, while remaining accessible to beginners. A fun way to spice up your river adventure!

      A moment out of time

      Embark on an extraordinary adventure. 6 water sports centres along the river offer canoe hire for half or full days. All you have to do is choose your starting point. Then, once you’ve got your canoes, lifejackets and paddles on board, off you go! For example, you can follow the river for over 13 km, from Villersexel to Bonnal. The routes are varied, and you’ll come across several water slides to add a touch of fun to your trip.

      A family canoeing on the Ognon. They are descending a channel - Vallée de l'OgnonA family canoeing on the Ognon. They are descending a channel - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Johann Marmier
      A group paddling a canoe on the river - Vallée de l'OgnonA group paddling a canoe on the river - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Nino Scherer - BFC Tourisme
      Canoeing on the river Ognon from the PAN water sports centre in VillersexelCanoeing on the river Ognon from the PAN water sports centre in Villersexel
      ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Charlotte Mosca
      A family canoeing on the Ognon. They are descending a channel - Vallée de l'OgnonA family canoeing on the Ognon. They are descending a channel - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Johann Marmier
      A group paddling a canoe on the river - Vallée de l'OgnonA group paddling a canoe on the river - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Nino Scherer - BFC Tourisme
      Canoeing on the river Ognon from the PAN water sports centre in VillersexelCanoeing on the river Ognon from the PAN water sports centre in Villersexel
      ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Charlotte Mosca
        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

          As you descend, take a good look around you. You might spot a multicoloured ballet of dragonflies, herons, kingfishers or birds of prey. You’ll pass meadows, and cows are sure to come close to the water in search of a bit of fresh air.

          The Ognon is lined with beaches where you can rest your canoe for a picnic or a siesta in the sun before setting off again.

          View of the canoes for hire at the PAN water sports centre in VillersexelView of the canoes for hire at the PAN water sports centre in Villersexel
          ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Charlotte Mosca

          Preparing your trip On the Ognon

          Experiences In Haute-Saône

          A cabin on stilts sits enthroned in the middle of a pond at Ecromagny - Plateau des 1000 Etangs, Vosges du SudA cabin on stilts sits enthroned in the middle of a pond at Ecromagny - Plateau des 1000 Etangs, Vosges du Sud
          ©Pond at Ecromagny| Jean-Guy Simonet
          The 1000 ponds
          General view of meadows, a pond, forest and the Ballons des Vosges in the background - Plateau des 1000 Etangs, Vosges du SudGeneral view of meadows, a pond, forest and the Ballons des Vosges in the background - Plateau des 1000 Etangs, Vosges du Sud
          ©Pond at Ecromagny|Nicolas Bonne
          The Echappée des 1000 Etangs and its landscape breaks
          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
          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
          A mountain biker surveys the forests of the 1000 Etangs - Vosges du SudA mountain biker surveys the forests of the 1000 Etangs - Vosges du Sud
          ©Mountain biking in the 1000 Etangs|Etienne Kopp
          The 1000 ponds, a mountain biker’s paradise
          Pilgrims walk the Via Francigena trail - Vesoul - Val de SaônePilgrims walk the Via Francigena trail - Vesoul - Val de Saône
          ©Via Francigena|Maxime Naegely
          The Via Francigena
          A pilgrim takes a break with his walking bag at his feet, showing the shell, the symbol of Compostela.A pilgrim takes a break with his walking bag at his feet, showing the shell, the symbol of Compostela.
          ©Compostelle|Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
          Santiago de Compostela
          A woman pilots a boat without a licence on the Saône, admiring the surrounding landscape, in the middle of unspoilt nature - Vesoul-Val de SaôneA woman pilots a boat without a licence on the Saône, admiring the surrounding landscape, in the middle of unspoilt nature - Vesoul-Val de Saône
          ©Sailing on the Saône|French Wanderers
          My cruise in complete autonomy
          Cyclists in the sky on the Trace du Courlis linking V50 and EV6 - Vesoul - Val de SaôneCyclists in the sky on the Trace du Courlis linking V50 and EV6 - Vesoul - Val de Saône
          ©Cyclist |Maxime Naegely
          The main roads of Haute-Saône
          A touring cyclist travels along the Voie Bleue, while a boat sails on the Saône. In the background, the village of Rupt-sur-Saône and its castle - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA touring cyclist travels along the Voie Bleue, while a boat sails on the Saône. In the background, the village of Rupt-sur-Saône and its castle - Vesoul - Val de Saône
          ©River tourism and cycling on the Saône|Maxime Naegely
          La Voie Bleue
          Hiking signs at Ballon d'Alsace - GR 59 - Vosges du SudHiking signs at Ballon d'Alsace - GR 59 - Vosges du Sud
          ©GR 59|Infra - Massif des Vosges
          The GR59
          A cyclist stops at Scey-sur-Saône, on the Voie Bleue (V50), on the banks of the Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA cyclist stops at Scey-sur-Saône, on the Voie Bleue (V50), on the banks of the Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône
          ©The Blue Way|Maxime Naegely
          Cycle loops