Burgundy Canal Cruise | France | On Water Expeditions

Burgundy by barge and bicycle

Panorama of Besançon

Sunset over the vineyards in Burgundy | Shutterstock

Saline Royale (Royal Saltworks) at Arc-et-Senans, France

Cycling along the canals in Burgundy | Jaclyn Lofts

Burgundy is renowned for the regions excellent wine | Gabriella Dean

Panorama of Besançon

Sunset over the vineyards in Burgundy | Shutterstock

Saline Royale (Royal Saltworks) at Arc-et-Senans, France

Cycling along the canals in Burgundy | Jaclyn Lofts

Burgundy is renowned for the regions excellent wine | Gabriella Dean

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7 Days$3050USD

View Inclusions

Activities

6 nights canal cruise with optional self guided cycling

Accommodation

6 nights aboard MS Daniele

Meals

6 Dinners
5 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Trip highlights

Cruise Burgundy’s Doubs Valley along peaceful rivers and historic canals
Cycle scenic towpaths alongside the cruising barge or relax onboard
Discover charming canal towns, riverside villages and fortified citadels
Enjoy slow travel through vineyard landscapes and pastoral countryside

Cruise the tranquil waterways of Burgundy’s Doubs Valley aboard a comfortable hotel barge, where slow travel, scenic landscapes and gentle exploration define the journey. Winding through peaceful countryside, historic canal towns and vineyard-lined valleys, this experience blends relaxed cruising with the freedom to explore by bicycle along the region’s picturesque towpaths. As the vessel glides through locks and quiet waterways, days unfold at an unhurried pace. Step ashore to cycle alongside the barge, following flat, well-maintained towpaths through forests, villages and pastoral landscapes, or remain onboard to enjoy the passing scenery from the sun deck. Daily excursions introduce the architectural and cultural highlights of the region, from fortified towns and riverside citadels to local producers and traditional Burgundian flavours. Life onboard centres on comfort and simplicity — generous cabins, attentive service and regionally inspired meals enjoyed as the countryside drifts by. Afternoons invite a balance of activity and relaxation, whether cycling between locks, strolling through historic centres, or simply watching the rhythm of canal life from the deck. Blending active exploration with the serenity of river cruising, this journey through the Doubs Valley offers a distinctive way to experience Burgundy — moving gently through the landscape, immersed in its waterways, and always at ease with the pace of life on the canal.

Day 1
Arrive Besancon, embark ship in the early evening

Arrive in Besançon and board your hotel barge in the early evening. Settle into your cabin before meeting the crew over a welcome drink, followed by dinner onboard. Time permitting, take a short stroll through this historic riverside city, beautifully framed by the looping Doubs River.

Meals: D

Day 2
Besançon to Ranchot

This morning, travel by coach to Arc-et-Senans to visit the UNESCO-listed Saline Royale, an 18th-century architectural masterpiece and former royal saltworks. Return to the barge for lunch before beginning your cruise through the Doubs Valley. As the vessel makes its way toward Ranchot, enjoy your first opportunity to cycle along the towpaths or relax on deck as the countryside drifts by.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Ranchot to Dole

Cruise gently toward the charming town of Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur. Those wishing to be active can cycle beside the barge along peaceful canal paths, while others remain onboard to enjoy the scenery. In the afternoon, explore Dole on a guided walk inspired by the literary world of Marcel Aymé, whose childhood here shaped his storytelling.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Dole to Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Continue cruising downstream to Saint-Jean-de-Losne, France’s first river port and a town deeply connected to inland navigation. This afternoon, join a guided visit to the town and the Batellerie Museum, followed by a tasting of local products. The evening is spent onboard as the barge remains moored in this historic port.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Saint-Jean-de-Losne to Petit-Ouges

A full day of relaxed cruising through Burgundy’s pastoral landscapes. With flat, scenic towpaths running alongside the canal, today offers excellent cycling opportunities, allowing you to ride at your own pace and rejoin the barge along the way. Arrive in the charming village of Petit-Ouges in the afternoon, with time to wander independently and discover its traditional washhouses.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Petit-Ouges to Dijon

Cruise to Dijon this morning, arriving late morning. Enjoy free time to explore the city, including the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin. In the afternoon, venture into the surrounding countryside on an excursion along Burgundy’s famed Grands Crus Wine Route. This evening, celebrate the journey with a gala dinner onboard.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Trip concludes in Dijon after breakfast

After breakfast, disembark in Dijon and conclude your journey through Burgundy and the Doubs Valley.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Dijon, embark ship in the early evening

Arrive in Dijon and board your hotel barge in the early evening. Settle into your cabin before meeting the crew over a welcome drink, followed by dinner onboard.

Meals: D

Day 2
Dijon to Petit-Ouges

Begin the day with an excursion along Burgundy’s famed Grands Crus Wine Route, travelling through some of the region’s most prestigious vineyards and enjoying a wine tasting along the way. Return to the barge and cruise toward Petit-Ouges, passing through lush countryside and canal landscapes. On arrival, enjoy time to explore the village’s traditional washhouses on foot.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Petit-Ouges to Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Spend the day cruising toward Saint-Jean-de-Losne, with the pace set firmly to slow travel. Flat towpaths run alongside the canal, offering excellent opportunities to cycle at your own pace, while those remaining onboard can relax on deck and enjoy the scenery. Arrive in Saint-Jean-de-Losne late in the afternoon.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Saint-Jean-de-Losne to Dole

This morning, explore Saint-Jean-de-Losne, France’s first river port and the heart of the country’s inland waterway network. Learn about its long association with canal barging before returning to the vessel. The afternoon is spent cruising toward Dole, with time to unwind onboard as the landscape gently unfolds.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Dole to Ranchot

Discover Dole on a guided walk inspired by the literary world of Marcel Aymé, whose childhood here gave rise to the famous “Chat Perché” tales. After the visit, return to the barge and cruise toward Ranchot. With a dedicated bike path following the canal, today is ideal for cycling alongside the vessel before rejoining it further along the route.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Ranchot to Besançon

Cruise through the Doubs Valley this morning before travelling by coach to Arc-et-Senans to visit the UNESCO-listed Saline Royale, an extraordinary 18th-century royal saltworks. Return to the barge and continue cruising toward Besançon. This evening, enjoy a festive gala dinner onboard as the journey draws to a close.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Trip concludes in Besançon after breakfast

After breakfast, disembark in Besançon and conclude your journey through Burgundy and the Doubs Valley.

Meals: B

Map

Inclusions

What's included

All meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
6 nights comfortable cabin accommodation
Onboard drinks included with meals and at the bar
All excursions listed in the itinerary
Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
Refined French cuisine, Gala dinner and evening and a Welcome cocktail
All port fees included
Use of bicycles and helmets while onboard (e-bikes are not available on this trip)

What's not included

Transport to and from the ship
Drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and phone calls
All other services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

What to Know Before You Join Us

Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These river cruises are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Shore landings and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and watch life on the river at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?

Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.

Vessel

MS Daniele

The MS Danièle is a superb Premium canal barge, measuring 38,50 meters long and 5,07 meters wide. It can accommodate 22 passengers, in 11 cabins offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest detail with crew members to guarantee a personalized service. The decoration creates a particularly soft and welcoming atmosphere. Located on the upper deck are the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, the lounge bar and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.

Cabins

MS Daniele

Double

Cabin equipped with double bed, private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high window, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.

Cabin size for information : 9 m²

MS Daniele

Twin

Cabin equipped with two beds, private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high window, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.

Cabin size for information : 9 m²

Departure dates

Notes

Itinerary runs from Besancon to Dijon

Itinerary runs from Dijon to Besancon

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$3050USD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Burgundy and the Doubs Valley by Barge trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

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