The east of France, up to Burgundy in particular, is served by an impressive number of canals, rivers and streams that allowed, in the heyday of river navigation, to transport people, goods and animals between regional capitals on the occasion of fairs or markets.
The Seille river crosses Burgundy for about forty kilometers, bringing you to Tournus, Louhans or Cuisery, one of the villages listed in the "Livre en France".
A river for the whole family
The Seille is a peaceful river, totally adapted to contemplation. One would think that it was created for river navigation as its waters are so soft and limpid. The bends are wide and gentle. And even if its Freycinet gauge remains impressive, the calmness of the current presents little danger if you take it easy in your maneuvers.
The canalized portion of the Seille is summarily arranged, but well enough to welcome, all along its 39 kilometers, tourists, strollers, cyclists and walkers.
The Seille in practice
Author of local tourist guides and boater, Philippe Costeur regularly frequents the waters of this river, he knows how to deliver the secrets and places unknown to most tourists euros in a hurry!
" The Seille river flows into the Saône at km 106 at the place called La Corne de Vachons "explains Philippe. " The canalized section starts at La Truchère, via the eponymous lock. It is a recently renovated lock, with Freycinet gauge. There is a nautical base with a river stop. On the spot, water and electricity are available for the boaters, it is enough to inquire at the nautical base for the conditions of use. "The first stop is a very pleasant one, with a few shops nearby.
The second lock, of Cuisery, is at kilometer fourteen. It is manual and can be passed in complete autonomy, without any difficulty. " There is a pontoon upstream and downstream of the lock "explains Philippe.
After the lock, at about 200 meters " pass under a bridge to reach a nautical halt joined to the campsite where you will find water and electricity at your disposal. "
Four kilometers further, the lock of Loisy. The Locaboat pontoon is located on the right bank, where it is possible to moor to reach the very typical village. The nautical stop is located in the village of Niorde.
After the Locaboat stop, " turn left to see the stone mill and anchor for the night in the water reservoir of the mill which is no longer in activity, it is very calm and relaxing "says Philippe.
A totally free pontoon is located at mile 23." Pass under a bridge, the pontoon is a few meters further. On the spot, in Rancy, there are some shops and a lot of restaurants, the stop is worth it. "
euros Branges, at kilometer 35 " or you can go straight ahead to pass the second Le Boat base and reach, at the very end, the nautical stop in the city center. Pontoons, electricity, water, sanitary facilities, everything is available for boaters. "
By taking to the right, we go towards the lock of Somay.
Two kilometers further on, we reach Louhan. " It is the great destination on the Seille " explains the guide. " There is a nautical stop Saone Plaisance and a rental base Les Canalous. On the edge of the river, a Freycinet barge has been transported, cut into sections. It has been reassembled on the spot to become a nautical mechanics workshop, the place is worth a look! "he adds.
Local tips and tricks
" euros the lock of the Truchère, the amateurs of frogs' legs can stop without hesitating at the restaurant L'Embarcadère, it is a local reference "explains the gourmet boater.
" Cuisery is not only one of the villages of the " It is the city of 157 arcades . The main street is made up of stores with arched fronts, it is very pretty. Every Monday morning there is a market in town with live animals, from quails to bulls, it is an event not to be missed under any circumstances ", it is also a Mecca of gastronomy recommends Philippe.
Louhan deserves a real stop; " the charm of the Seille is that it has remained as it was 100 years ago. No factories, few constructions, it has remained wild. The river is winding and you will never get bored while navigating, while being rocked by the calm current. There are no factories or large constructions along the river. There is vegetation everywhere and all the time, it is restful and soothing "he concludes.
The Seille in brief
- Length 39 kilometers
- Locks : 4
- Speed limit: 6 km/h
- Border crossing : No
- Vignette / navigation tax : No
- Managing institution: VNF
- Renters : Le Boat, Locaboat, Les Canalous
- Departments: Ain, Jura and Saône-et-Loire
- Minimum air draft : 3,50 m
- Minimum draught : 0,80 m
- Period of unemployment: None (navigation forbidden during flooding)
- Smartphone application : No
