Local Living France: Burgundy Canal Boat

Meet in Dijon then transfer to beautiful green Pontailler-sur-Saône in the Burgundy region where you board our 49-ft canal boat. The boat has 4 cabins with attached bathrooms plus a cabin for your CEO. A shared lounge and kitchen round off the inside space with the outside boasting wooden garden furniture and an electric barbecue. Opt to rent a bicycle during your tour and store it on board, space permitting.

Dig into the included starter kit of breakfast essentials and local delicacies to start your day off right, then cruise 4-5 hours a day along the Saône River. Take your turn driving your boat if you'd like to give it a go.

All of our overnight stops are great starting off points for walks along the water. Some of our overnight stays coincide with weekly markets that are great for picking up fresh produce, local cheeses and other other homemade goods.

Visit Auxonne, a town with a strong historical and architectural background surrounded by forest. Opt to go hiking or check out the town's castle and other medieval buildings.

Enjoy the day's cruise through the region's lush greenery before arriving to this important river port town surrounded by water due to the crossroads of the Saône River and the Burgundy Canal. Be sure to sample the town's specialties of marble hams and cheese puffs.

Once you've arrived, further explore the area with an optional kayak rental to take in more of the greenery while getting a bit of exercise. Fishing equipment is also available to hire.

Hike the trails along the water and through the greenery of the Saône Valley, walk through town to see its beautiful vintage buildings or try your hand at fishing in the river. Enjoy a dinner of regional specialities with some local friends.

After you've docked in the port, check out the hiking trails, opt to try out the eco-paddling course by kayak or visit a museum about the Saône.

Float down the river to this old settlement that dates back to prehistoric times. Stroll along the river, cycle along the roads and don't miss trying the local specialty of pôchouse, which is river fish in a white wine cream sauce.

Be sure to check out the Ile du Château, an island accessible by footbridge. The island consists of several different areas full of greenery and birds. Historically, the island was comprised of agricultural land and a garden around a villa.

Opt to visit the culture-rich town of Beaune either by train or by cycling along beautiful vineyard-lined paths and roads en route. Explore the extensive underground wine cellars of Beaune and be sure to sample some of the gastronomical delights the town is famous for while you're there.

If you'd prefer to stay in Chalon-sur-Saône, the local market and cathedral square are both highlights. The nearby Chateau du Pommard boasts an interesting museum, impressive sculptures and well-manicured gardens.

Explore the alleyways, old buildings and cafes of this town on the southern tip of Burgundy. Sample the artisanal chocolates and the best of the region's cheeses while you're here—they'll go great with the wine you picked up in Beaune.

The small town is home to the St. Filibert Abbey, which has impressive mosaic work and is a great example of Romanesque architecture. If you'd prefer to visit neighbouring areas, consider exploring nearby Brancion, a small medieval village with a castle and covered market that are surrounded by typical Burgundy countryside—fields, vineyards and charm.

Today's boating is some of the most impressive as you cruise through a canal surrounded by vineyards and quintessential Burgundy countryside. Soak it in while you can.

Sample some of the rich culinary specialties from the ancient walled city of Louhans such as the Bresse chicken before tranferring back to Dijon in the afternoon.