The confluence of the Canal des Vosges and the Saône takes place at Corre: downstream, the one hundred and fifty-nine kilometre navigable stretch between Corre and Verdun-sur-le-Doubs in the Saône-et-Loire is known as the Petite Saône. It is upstream of Selles that the nautical Haute-Saône has its source. The surrounding environment is rather intimate and forested. It invites you to get away from it all and observe the wild flora and fauna. On arrival at Corre, river navigation takes on a whole new dimension. The local port has undergone radical change in recent years.
Two women on the bow of a boat sailing on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneSpotlightsWhat to see along the Saône
The adventure beginsin Corre
Aerial view of a boat without a licence sailing on the Saône, in a setting of unspoilt nature, surrounded by greenery - Vesoul-Val de Saône
View of the Corre river stop, in the foreground people canoeing on the Saône - Vesoul-Val de Saône
A family visits Jussey using the Baludik app - A fountain with a statue of a woman can be seen - Vesoul - Val de SaôneTake a diversionPar Jussey
Jussey may not be on the banks of the Saône or along the route of the Voie Bleue, but it’s not far from it and well worth a visit. A former medieval stronghold, the town boasts eighteen fountains, each with its own history and anecdotes, such as the one in Place de la Libération, which is the oldest public representation of the Republic in France. For a breath of fresh air, climb towards Mont des Capucins to enjoy the view.
Port-sur-Saône
Port-sur-Saône, as its name suggests, has a harbour, making it an ideal starting point for your self-guided cruises. Located just a few kilometres from Vesoul, this “Station Verte” offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Take advantage of the hiking trails, cycle touring on the Voie Bleue or boat trips on the Saône. Culture is also on the agenda, with events such as the International Folklore Festival, which celebrates music and dance from all over the world.
Two young girls are sitting on a pontoon alongside the Saône at Port sur Saône. They are enjoying the scenery - Vesoul - Val de SaôneScey-sur-Saône-et-Saint-Albin
Visit Scey-sur-Saône-et-Saint-Albin, a Cité de Caractère in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, located on the banks of the River Saône. Its rich historical heritage can be seen in the remains of its 16th-century château, stables and church. The Saône, with its peaceful waters, is ideal for lovers of water sports and boat trips. Take advantage of the marina to hire a boat.
A cyclist stops at Scey-sur-Saône, on the Voie Bleue (V50), on the banks of the Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône
From the Larie fountain, you can see the church of Saint-Martin in Scey sur Saône - Cité de caractère - Vesoul - Val de Saône
A cyclist stops at Scey-sur-Saône, on the Voie Bleue (V50), on the banks of the Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneThe tunnelsDe Saint-Albin and de Savoyeux
When you cruise the Saône, don’t miss the Saint-Albin and Savoyeux tunnels. These impressive structures, once used to transport goods, are now open to pleasure boating. Whether you choose to hire a boat without a licence or take part in a guided cruise, these tunnels offer a unique sailing experience. An adventure not to be missed!
A boat prepares to pass through the Seveux-Savoyeux tunnel on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône
Cyclist observing a boat sailing on the Saône, at the exit of the Seveux tunnel, on the Voie Bleue - Vesoul-Val de SaôneThe village and the castleFrom Rupt-sur-Saône
Locaboat barge sailing at Rupt-sur-Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneTaking in the sights: in the past, vision was strategic, nowadays it’s… panoramic. A visit to Rupt-sur-Saône castle is a great opportunity. The place is remarkable for the variety of its finery. Take a journey through its history: a 13th-century medieval tower, a small 16th-century castle, a 19th-century gentleman’s residence and farmhouse in the Lombard style, plus a number of other outbuildings to discover in situ.
The village is also well worth a visit! Discover the 18th-century church, old houses, calvaries and wash-houses.
Ray-sur-Saône
You won’t want to miss Ray-sur-Saône. The silhouette of the castle, perched on its hill, dominates the Saône. The village, which has been awarded the Cité de Caractère de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté label, invites you to stroll through its narrow streets steeped in history. As you stroll along, you’ll reach the château grounds. Don’t miss the guided tour of the interior of the château and admire the remarkable architecture of this emblematic Haute-Saône building.
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 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
Ray-sur-Saône castle with the Saône in the background - Vesoul-Val de SaôneA walk in the park
The grounds of the château are open to visitors free of charge all year round, making for a pleasant stroll in any season.
Aerial view of Plage d'Autet - People swimming in the Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneThe beach at Autet
Take a break at Autet beach, an ideal place to cool off on hot days. Situated between Ray-sur-Saône and Gray, this beach covers four hectares. You’ll find a safe swimming area, a camping area and a restaurant-bar guinguette where you can relax after your activities.
This natural site offers a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the pleasures of the water and outdoor leisure activities. Come and discover this friendly place where nature and relaxation meet!
The town ofGray
Pedal, sail, hike or simply stroll, all roads lead to Gray. Including the roads that put the Haut-Saône town within easy reach of the prefectures and sub-prefectures of Vesoul, Dijon, Dole, Langres and Besançon. The Voie Bleue enters from the north from Ray-sur-Saône. The port and its eighteen hundred metres of quay are evidence of intense river activity. A visit to the upper part of the town is a tribute to a flourishing past, marked by a rich heritage: remains of fortifications, the Gothic-style basilica of Notre-Dame de Gray, the Baron-Martin museum housed in the château of the Comte de Provence and devoted to the arts and archaeology, the Esperanto museum, etc.
Every year in May, the Rolling Saône Festival hosts concerts from the national and international scene, as well as local artists.
Aerial view of the town of Gray - You can see the Saône, the bridge and the church - Vesoul - Val de SaôneStopover inMantoche
At Mantoche, the Saône is about to leave the Haute-Saône. The stopover here is very popular with pleasure boaters. Recently upgraded, it has been housed in the former boys’ school on one bank of the waterway. The idea was to relocate the village’s former grocery shop, which, while remaining accessible to local residents, offers a wide range of services designed for itinerants: café, small restaurant, terrace, grocery shop, documentation. As well as offering better parking facilities, the stopover is right next to the Voie Bleue, ideal for exploring the area by bike.
