Our base in Branges
About Branges
Branges is situated on the pretty River Seille, bursting with wildlife and beauty. Be sure to stop for a walk (or hike) through the nature reserve at La Trunchère (4hrs from Branges) where the Seille intersects with the River Saône. South lies historic Mâcon (7.5hrs from Branges), one of the oldest cities in France or head north to explore Burgundy’s premium Cru vineyards from Chagny (13.5 hrs from Branges).
From Branges it is:
- 49hrs (38 locks) to our base in Fontenoy-le-Château
- 17hrs (6 locks) to our base in St. Jean-de-Losne
What you get on the base
Facilities
- Showers
- Toilets
- Wifi
- Fridge
Extras & options for your cruise
The following extras are available to prebook or purchase locally at this base. A reduced fee will apply to items that are prebooked. Please see 'Vacation Extras' for more details about each extra. Restrictions apply.
Practical Extras
Early check-in & late check-out
Boat cleaning
Parking - (see 'Travel info' tab)
Car transfer (see 'Travel info' tab)
Eco cleaning pack
L.E.D. lantern
Top-deck cushions
Grocery packs
Wifi packs
Fun Extras
- Bike hire
- Special occasion gift baskets
- Gas barbecues
- Angling dinghy and outboard
Opening hours
Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat: 9am – 5pm. Tue, Thu and Sun: 10am – 4pm | If there is no one at the base at a specific time during these hours, the phone number below will be diverted and an alternative number will also be displayed at the base.
Address
Le Boat Branges
870 Rue Du Bourg
F - 71500 Branges
FranceTelephone
+33 (0)3 58 18 80 74
Travel to Branges
By Train
Closest train station(s):
- Louhans: 4 km
- Chalon sur Saone: 35km
By Road
Be prepared
It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with local road rules and abide by them. Most European countries have a list of compulsory equipment that you must take with you. For example, there is a new legal requirement in France to carry a breathalyser, triangle & florescent jacket in your car. For driving advice and a list of the equipment you’ll need, please visit https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe
Directions from Calais
From Calais take A26 to Reims, then A4 to Châlon-sur-Marne, then A26 direction to Troyes follow onto A5/A31 to Dijon and then A39 direction Lons-le-Saunier - Louhans. Leave A39 at exit No 8 Lons-le-Saunier, Montmorot, Louhans. Follow N78 for 12km to Louhans then N78 for 4km, D13 3km, D413 for 3km and D280 for 2km to Branges and Port de Plaisance. Road distance approximately 676 kms 6 hrs 10 mins.
Directions from Paris
From Paris take the Auto route du Soleil A6. Leave at junction signposted Châlon Sud. Shortly after the toll booth, turn right onto N80 towards Châlon-sur-Saone. Follow signs for Lons-le-Saunier. Turn right onto D978 towards Epervans. Follow D978 for approximately 28 kms, and then opposite Agricultural Machinery Agency turn right onto D460 signposted Branges le Bourg. After 400mtrs turn left onto D160 and after 900mtrs you will see the Port de Plaisance on your right. Road distance approximately 370 kms 4 hrs.
Parking
- Pre-bookable closed parking 300 meters away.
- Unsecured parking available close by.
Car rental
Sixt location: 32 Av. Victor Hugo, 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône (34 km)
By Air
Closest airport(s):
- Lyon: 137 km (E21)
- Geneve: 166 km (E62/A39
To book a taxi to or from the base you can contact the numbers below.
Taxi Bonin (0033 385 760 303)
Taxi Brizet (0033 699 739 127)
Approximate price (4 passengers) from:
- Lyon airport (LYS) 220€
- Geneve airport (GVA) 300€
- Louhans Train Station 10€
- Chalon-sur-Saône Train Station 60€
Arrival at Branges
For more details about:
- when to arrive at our bases
- what to expect when you arrive
- how to prepare for check-in
- what happens on your final day when you return your boat
visit our 'arrivals' page.
Local info
Payment Means
Please note that your security deposit, engine hours deposit (see compulsory costs) & any extras added at the base and are required to be paid in local currency by card. Our bases accept Visa & Mastercard, but not American Express.
Hotels
De Cheval Rouge - Louhans - Tel: +33 (0) 385 752 142
Moulin de Bourgchateau - Louhans - Tel: +33 (0) 385 753 712
Hôtel du Jura - Tel: +33 (0) 385 751 419
Terminus - Tournus - Tel: +33 (0) 385 510 554
Aux Terrasses - Tournus Tel: +33 (0) 385 510 174
Le Rempart - Tournus - Tel: +33 (0) 385 511 056
Restaurants
De Jura - Louhans - Tel: +33 (0) 385 751 419
Moulin de Bourgchateau - Louhans - Tel: +33 (0) 385 753 712
Terminus - Tournus - Tel: +33 (0)3 85 51 05 54
Aux Terrasses - Tournus - Tel: +33 (0)3 85 51 01 74
Le Rempart - Tournus - Tel: +33 (0)3 85 51 10 56
Shops
In Branges, 300m from the base you will find bakeries, butchers, a patisserie, a chemist, a general store, etc. In Louhans (4.6km from the base) you will find all shops and facilities.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed throughout the season. A fishing permit is required and is available from the local Epicerie (300m) or online at www.cartedepeche.fr. Approx. cost is 30 Euros for two weeks (prices can change).
Local Market
Monday mornings
Tourist Info
Electric car charging points
In Louhans (5Km) at the Leclerc supermarket for fast charging.