At the confluence of the Saône, the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal Rhin-Rhône, Saint-Jean-de-Losne can be explored through its river history. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the town was an important centre of inland navigation. Historic quays, a museum, a cultural barge and themed walks reveal different aspects of this heritage. If you are interested in architectural history and the history of work on the water, you will find a range of ways to explore here.
River heritage on the quays and aboard
The Péniche ASTER is the last wooden péniche built in France. It is listed as a Monument historique and a Bateau d’Intérêt patrimonial. Guided tours introduce visitors to the work carried out at the unique shipyard and the voluntary efforts to preserve maritime heritage. Check the dates before your trip. As well as seeing the historic vessel, you will gain insight into the work involved in preserving this heritage.
The Musée de la batellerie is housed in a 15th-century building. Its three exhibition rooms present two centuries of inland navigation history. On the right bank of the Saône are the stepped quays, with seven steps dating from 1837 to 1842. Today, they are designed as a landing stage for river navigation. The museum and the quay offer different perspectives: the history presented in exhibition rooms, and a historic structure on the river that still serves a purpose today.
Church, organ and historic townhouses
The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste also offers specific architectural and art-historical details. Its roof is covered with glazed tiles dating from the 16th century. The church also has an organ built by Bénigne Boillot in 1768, which is classified as a Monument historique and is in a state of preservation that is almost original. The date of the roof tiles and the year the organ was built refer to different features of the building.
On a guided tour of Saint-Jean-de-Losne, you can also discover the Monument de la Délibération and the town hall, in addition to the church. The town hall is housed in a former 18th-century hôtel particulier. Group bookings are required for this guided tour. The route therefore takes in a religious building, a monument and a historic townhouse, rather than focusing on a single building.
Walking tours and a cycle route
The Balade des mariniers comprises three walks on different themes: inland navigation, the lives of the mariniers, river navigation activities and skills, and the town’s cultural heritage. Information panels and games for children are also included. The walk is accessible year-round. It offers a themed way to explore local heritage that differs from visiting the museum or individual buildings.
For a longer ride, the Voie Verte du canal de Bourgogne runs 29 kilometres from the port of Saint-Jean-de-Losne to the port on the Canal de Dijon. The route is fully secured, flat and easy to access. Check the route conditions before setting out. The themed focus of the Balade des mariniers and the stated length of the cycle route can help you choose between a walk exploring river history and a longer bike ride.
Boat options at the port
Licence-free pénichettes are available to rent at the port of Saint-Jean-de-Losne. A simple technical briefing is provided before departure, and a personalised route is also prepared. This combines boat rental with an introduction to the vessel’s operation and a personal route plan. If you would prefer to launch a boat yourself, there is a slipway at Port Bernard for free access to the water, or for launching boats. Check local conditions before launching.
Discover more destinations: Sainte-Marie-La-Blanche, Corgengoux, Pouilly-En-Auxois, Laignes, Baubigny, Seurre, Semezanges, Essey.
Back to the main travel guide: Cote-Dor.
