Renting a houseboat for a river cruise with my Germany family has become a thing. Two years ago we traveled to Germany’s Mecklenburg Lake District and explored ancient towns and Prussian castles. This year we went to Burgundy.
We set this beautiful part of France as our destination, organized our number (7 plus the family dog) and how big a boat we would need, we again booked a houseboat with Locaboat. After driving the 6 plus hours to Macôn, France from our home in Germany, we boarded the Saint Leger Sur Dheune and the fun began.
For one week we cruised the beautiful Saône river. The boats are were rigged not to go very fast, so the drive was lazy forcing vacationers to slow down in every way.
While taking in the beautiful scenery and floating past stunning chateaus, we sunbathed, read, snacked, sipped cool beverages and listened to music.
Often we were accompanied by swans.
Every day we made a stop to explore a city or village.
While refilling the boat with fuel and water, we poked in and out of medieval churches, shopped the local boutiques and sampled the local food and wines.
We had a bicycle on the boat, so it was easy to get to a local bakery for daily fresh breakfast baguettes.
TheSaint Leger Sur Dheune had four cabins plus four bathrooms. There was a lounge inside as well as a full kitchen and spacious deck space both on top and in the front of the boat.
We made frequent stops to local supermarkets to stock up on supplies. Sometimes we would make and eat dinner on the boat. Sometimes we went out.
That’s the thing about houseboat travel. The options are endless. No check in, check out times. Make your own tour schedule. Go fast. Go slow.
We could go north or south, or just jump in the river for a swim or pull off to the side to run the Australian Shephard.
Although, there is a series of locks on the river and we had to be mindful that most closed at 7 pm so we needed to be tied up somewhere. Everything else was open.
Every place we stopped had its own charms and there was not one day of boredom, however, here were the 4 don’t miss stops on the Saône river in no particular order.
#1 Chalon-sur-Saône
The city has an island adjacent to the main city. The island has a street filled with international restaurants, Indian, Chinese, Moroccan are some of the choices. Walk over the beautiful bridge to the mainland. The view is lovely.
Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography is from Chalon-sur-Saône. Alongside the river, you will find a beautiful statue dedicated to him as well as a fascinating Museum of Photography to explore.
Save your euros for a shopping spree here. The collection of shops and restaurants is excellent. A perfect mix of high-end brands and artsy boutiques.
There is a small Galeries Lafayette in Chalon which had a lovely curated selection of clothing. However, I made a big sad face when I realized there was no food section in contrast to other branches I’ve visited in larger French Cities.
At this point, it is worth a peek into St. Vincent’s cathedral located in the beautiful main town square.
Just a word of warning, most restaurants are closed right after lunch and reopen at 7 PM. If you are looking for something to keep your hunger at bay until dinner time, there are a few bakeries open. Maybe. Probably not much else.
# 2 Louhans
Bresse Chickens are famous for their high quality. The birds are raised, free ranged and slaughtered under strict conditions. Bresse is a French province and Louhans is centrally located withing Bresse and is the site of a famous poultry market that takes place every Monday. Therefore, it’s basically chicken town.
Which explains the huge sculpture in the main roundabout standing guard over the entrance to the main street.
And more subtly illustrated literally by the chicken feet prints painted on sidewalks throughout the city.
Along with its chickens, thanks to Spanish occupation, Louhans is also famous for its 157 Arcades or arches within the main drag of the town.
Tucked under the arches are lovely shops, bakeries, a stunning art deco theater, gourmet food, and clothing boutiques.
Not far off of the main street is Saint-Pierre church, also worth a look just to gawk at the beautiful roof tiles.
We loved Louhans
#3 Tournus
When we pulled up to Tournus, there was a fair in full swing riverside.
Rides, games, fair food and fun family activities were all on display.
The local stunner is St. Philibus, an 11th-century Romanesque church with the added bonus of an especially marvelous crypt to explore.
The town itself is obviously charming.
Don’t let the folksy fool you. Tournus has had four Michelin starred restaurants. A local bakery is also famous for its world-class baguettes.
Some gorgeous baked goods and cheeses were on display in shops all over the city.
Take a stroll around the lovely, historic Hotel de Ville square particularly showcasing a small charming hotel and lovely cafes.
#4 Mâcon
Mâcon is where we started and ended our journey. While we arrived early to explore the city before our drive home, Unfortunately, most of the town’s businesses had not yet opened.
This did not stop us from breakfasting on chocolate croissants and coffee and also strolling the streets to explore the city.
Several were strung with colorful whimsical umbrella sculptures.
Among all the old buildings, this one especially stood out.
This doorway called Triumph of Neptune goes back to the Renaissance and was subsequently restored in the 19th century.
Believed to be part of a former hospital, its carvings depict mythological creatures on the Saône.
Finally, It was time for us non-mythological creatures to go back to Germany. We definitely would have rather stayed a week longer, exploring different parts of the region while feasting on more Bresse chickens, sipping beautiful wines, and tearing into fresh baguettes.
For that reason alone, we are all indeed looking forward to our next houseboat adventure.
Check out some of my other boat trips:
Cruising the Danube with Ama Waterways
Traveling Germany’s Mecklenburg Lakeland by Houseboat
